May 5, 2019

Epic Hikes Through Patagonia’s National Parks

By WT Staff Sunny Koh (with photos by Sunny, Mikayla Gemmell, and Mike Kuhl)

Exploring the wilds of Patagonia.

Patagonia is renowned for its dramatic wind-swept landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and breathtaking vistas. Many of our travelers rave that there is no place in the world like Patagonia, and no other company that explores the best of it like we do. One adventurer said, “Everything about this trip was top rate. What truly sets Wilderness Travel apart from other adventure outfitters we’ve used is the attention to detail…the small things and the welcomed surprises along the way.”

In honor of such a magnificent place, some WT adventurers put together this wonderful photo journal of their experiences from our In Patagonia journey. Enjoy!

A group of hikers in outdoor gear stands together in a clearing surrounded by trees, with a mountain visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky, ready to embark on one of Patagonia's epic hikes.

It was a thrill to join Wilderness Travel’s In Patagonia trip and embark on what I discovered to be a fantastic journey with a group of avid hikers and extremely knowledgeable Trip Leaders. Whether you are looking to visit some of the very best national parks in South America or enjoy some fine Malbec with incredible meals in the steak capital of the world, Patagonia is full of hiker’s delights.

A serene mountain landscape in Patagonia with a rocky stream in the foreground. Snow-capped peaks are illuminated by a golden sunset, reflecting in the still water, surrounded by lush green forest. This picturesque scene is perfect for epic hikes and exploring national parks.

While I had known that Patagonia is a mecca for outdoor adventure, what I quickly felt the most drawn to was the rich cultural scene and history behind the region. The dramatic peaks and remote lakes were epic, but it was the company we had on hikes and the intricate stories behind each place we visited that were the most unforgettable.

Two hikers smile and pose on a rocky trail in Patagonia, with towering, jagged snow-capped mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky, capturing the essence of epic hikes found in national parks.

From Buenos Aires, we made our way down to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where the sun sets at 10:00 pm. One of our Trip Leaders shared many local stories about the lay of the land as he led us through Tierra Del Fuego.

A group of hikers with backpacks walks along a dirt trail through a grassy landscape under a cloudy sky, showcasing one of Patagonia's epic hikes.

In El Chalten, we hiked right from our hotel to amazing vistas.

Snow-capped mountains and glaciers form a stunning backdrop to the rocky landscape and green shrubs in the foreground, embodying the epic hikes that Patagonia's national parks are renowned for.
Hikers tackle a rocky trail in a mountainous landscape, with green valleys and a distant river below under a clear sky, reminiscent of the epic hikes found in Patagonia's famed National Parks.


Back at the hotel, we enjoyed fantastic tapas…

A table is filled with various food items, including seafood, cheeses, crackers, sliced meats, fruits, vegetables, and assorted dips—presented in bowls, trays, and plates—perfect fuel for planning your next epic hike through Patagonia.

…and dessert, of course!

A cylindrical berry dessert and chocolate garnish on a plate, accompanied by a glass of white wine. A person wearing an "Epic Hikes" shirt is visible in the background.

During our stay at Helsingfors, a lodge we had all to ourselves, we relaxed near the lake, enjoying the peace and solitude.

Wooden sign on a grassy area near a lake with mountains in the background. Pine trees and bushes surround the area under a partly cloudy sky, reminiscent of Patagonia's epic hikes or vistas found in National Parks.

We explored Perito Moreno glacier, one of the world’s only advancing glaciers.

A panoramic view of a glacier in a mountainous landscape within Patagonia's renowned national parks, with a clear sky above and chunks of ice floating in the greenish water in the foreground—perfect for those who love hikes.
A group of people stands on a viewing platform with a glacier and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky, capturing the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia's national parks.

We then headed to Torres del Paine National Park.

A rural landscape features a house with a red roof and green fields in the foreground. In the background, a mountain range, reminiscent of Patagonia, is bathed in sunset light, complemented by a serene lake—ideal for epic hikes.

During our time exploring Paine, we stayed at incredibly beautiful lodges in remote locations, and set out for active hikes to iconic places like Mirador las Torres at the base of the spires.

Our adventures were absolutely unforgettable and something that we will cherish for years to come. The people we met and the places we explored were truly spectacular. If you ever have the opportunity to travel to this wild realm, do it! You won’t regret it!