Patagonia, lying between Chile and Argentina, is a dream destination for hiking with your closest friends. It is full of scenic trails surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
Your hiking expedition to Patagonia will take you to some towering mountain peaks past crystal-clear lakes. Indeed, this is the ultimate adventure to share with friends who are fellow hiking enthusiasts!
Ready for your adventure? Check out these destinations in Patagonia for hiking with friends!
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Bariloche
Bariloche is a picturesque city and a fantastic spot for a hiking adventure in Patagonia. It’s nestled in the Andes and surrounded by stunning lakes and mountains. Bariloche makes a great base for your hiking adventure with friends since there are a variety of trails in the area suitable for all levels of hikers.
Start with easy and relaxing hikes around scenic lakes like Lago Nahuel Huapi. The trails here boast amazing views, perfect for fun bonding with your group. But if you prefer to tackle more challenging trails, try those that take you towards Cerro Catedral or Cerro López. These require walking along rugged terrains with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes!
One of the reasons you’ll love hiking in Bariloche is because of the diversity of landscapes here. You could trek through dense forests and along dramatic ridges. Some trails will also take you across mountain meadows.
Another thing to love in Bariloche is its abundance of great accommodations. After a day spent hiking with friends, come home to your cozy lodge with modern amenities for a relaxing stay. You can also relax by the lake, discover the vibrant town life, indulge in local cuisine, or shop for souvenirs. Indeed, there’s plenty for you and your friends to enjoy in Bariloche beyond hiking!
Image by Gaston Gallardo from Pixabay
Torres del Paine National Park
When hiking in Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park often tops the list, and it’s easy to see why—it has some of the region’s most breathtaking landscapes. Imagine hiking by sparkling lakes and vast glaciers surrounded by towering granite peaks! It is an incredible experience, especially when shared with your closest friends!
Given the park’s varied terrain, hiking trails suit all levels of hikers. One of the most popular spots is the W trek, a multi-day hike passing along the park’s most iconic spots! Your journey will also include walking along the dramatic Torres del Paine towers and the breathtaking Grey Glacier. There are also scenic trails around the mountains and lakes for those who prefer a shorter hike.
Consider booking a luxury holiday to Chilean Patagonia to explore the Torres del Paine National Park with friends. These holidays include fancy accommodations, such as upscale lodges and eco-friendly hotels. You will surely love returning to these places after a tiring day of hiking. And the best part? These properties often feature stunning views of Torres del Paine!
Image by jmarti20 from Pixabay
El Chaltén
Dubbed the “Hiking Capital of Argentina”, El Chalten is a must-stop on your hiking expedition with friends. The small, charming town is surrounded by gorgeous mountain peaks. You can also start your hiking adventure here, as there are many scenic trails nearby to take you for a day of leisurely hiking.
The trail to Laguna de los Tres is one of the best trails in El Chalten, as it boasts incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy. It’s a moderate hike with incredibly stunning scenery along the way!
Those looking for a shorter hike can tackle the trail to Laguna Capri. It’s a lovely route featuring stunning views of the mountains and the lake. You and your friends should also explore the Cerro Torre trail that leads to the base of Cerro Torre peak.
Many of the trails in El Chalten begin right from the town, which is fantastic. This means you won’t have to travel far to start your hiking expedition. The charming town itself is a fun place to explore, home to cozy cafes and some of the region’s best restaurants.
Image by Chris Stenger from Pixabay
Los Glaciares
Another incredible destination for hiking with friends in Patagonia is the Los Glaciares National Park, renowned for its stunning glaciers. If you’re planning to come here, you may want to consider hiring a tour guide, if you decide to go on a Patagonia tour. The guide will help you navigate the trails with ease, while also providing insights into the area’s stunning natural beauty.
Los Glaciares National Park is home to the Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s one of the few glaciers in the world that is still growing. You and your friends will surely love the experience of hiking near this massive ice formation and even take a boat tour to get close to it! Seeing the glacier’s ice walls crashing into the water is truly mesmerizing!
Los Glaciares has trails to cater to all levels of hikers. So, even if some of your friends are beginners, there is a trail that’s perfect for you here! But regardless of which route you take, you can expect breathtaking landscapes, often consisting of towering mountains and clear blue lakes!
Image by LuisValiente from Pixabay
Patagonia National Park
Located in southern Chile, Patagonia National Park boasts untouched landscapes and stunning views, making it one of the best destinations for a group hiking adventure. The park is best known for its diverse terrain, with trails taking you through valleys and rivers, past towering mountains! There are easy trails for beginners, while some are best suited for experienced trekkers ready to take on the challenge.
Patagonia National Park’s views are incredibly breathtaking. Enjoy clear blue lakes, rugged peaks, and vast grasslands along the way. One place that truly stands out is the Chacabuco Valley, which is especially stunning and has sweeping views of the majestic mountains!
Aside from the views, another highlight of your trekking adventure is being able to see wildlife up close. While exploring this area, keep your eyes peeled on fascinating animals like condors, pumas, and guanacos!
But perhaps the best part about Patagonia National Park is that it’s more isolated and less crowded compared to the other hiking spots in the region. Therefore, you and your friends will have a great time here!
Image by Götz Friedrich from Pixabay
I hope that this article gave you a good overview of the best destinations in Patagonia for hiking with your friends. If you have any additional questions or comments, please let me know in the comment section below, and don’t hesitate to contact me.
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Thank you for reading,
Bilyana
*This post has been contributed to Owl Over The World
