Outdoor Adventures in Patagonia

It’s hard to think of another place on the planet that offers as much scope for varied outdoor adventure as Patagonia—a vast, sparsely populated slice of southern Chile and Argentina bristling with the Andes mountain range and crisscrossed with sinuous ribbons of glacial rivers.

Maybe you want to experience world-class white-water rafting, kayak past bobbing icebergs, or paddle through fjords. You might be looking to climb sheer granite walls of ice or to hike across glaciers, mountains, and boundless steppe on foot. Whatever outdoor activity you’re looking for, Patagonia has it. Here are the region’s very best options.

1. Kayak in Lakes, Through Fjords, and Among Icebergs

There are superb kayaking destinations in Patagonia, particularly in the Chilean half, with its multitude of fjords, pristine rivers, and glacial lakes. In Puerto Río Tranquilo, you can kayak to the stunning Capilla de Mármol. In Puerto Bertrand, local operators run white-water kayak trips on Río Baker. Kayak Patagonia takes you paddling among house-sized icebergs on Lago Grey in Torres del Paine. If you’re looking for multi-day sea kayaking trips, Alsur Expediciones and Ko Kayak can help you explore the fjords of Parque Nacional Pumalín.

2. Choose from Unparalleled Hiking Options

Patagonia’s multitude of national parks provides unparalleled adventure for those coming to explore pristine wilderness on foot. Whether you’re looking for grueling multi-day treks past glacial lakes or prefer gentle day hikes beneath the towering trees, options abound.

Planning tips: Accommodations in popular national parks must be booked many weeks or even months in advance for the December to February high season, particularly in Torres del Paine National Park, which only allows hikers with a pre-booked itinerary.

If trekking off the beaten track, ensure someone knows your route, prepare for four seasons in one day, and make sure your tent withstands the fierce Patagonian wind—known as la Escoba de Dios (God’s Broom).

3. Experience World-Class Fly-Fishing

Aysén (north Chilean Patagonia) is famous for world-class fly-fishing, particularly for rainbow and brown trout. Fly-fishing lodges such as Cinco Rios Lodge and Coyhaique River Lodge dot the wilderness along the Palena and Simpson rivers. In Argentina, keen fishers head to Kau Tapen Lodge in Tierra del Fuego to try their hand at fly-fishing on the Rio Grande, known for gigantic sea-run brown trout.

Planning tip: You need a license to fish in Patagonia, which high-end lodges typically organize for their guests. Fly-fishing season is typically from October to April.

4. Horseback Riding in the Pampas

Given how Patagonia’s seemingly endless pampas (grasslands) stretch towards the horizon, equestrian adventures are easy to arrange, especially in destinations like Puerto Natales (Chile) and El Calafate (Argentina). Reputable operators can help arrange horseback riding for beginners and even overnight estancia (ranch) stays, complete with traditional Patagonian cordero al palo (spit-roasted lamb).

5. White Water Adventures for Any Level

Every southern summer, between December and March, the mountain town of Futaleufú attracts adventurers in search of watery thrills. The Futaleufú river offers Class IV and V rapids challenging even for expert river enthusiasts. Even if you’ve never rafted before, as long as you’re a confident swimmer, you can ride the river rapids under the guidance of expert river guides.

For a gentler experience, the Corcovado river, just across the border in Trevelin, offers Class II, III, and IV rapids and is perfect for those seeking milder adventures.

6. Mountain Biking in Patagonia

Mountain biking is slowly gaining popularity in Patagonia, with many traffic-free dirt tracks and rugged mountain trails ideally suited for two-wheelers. Rental options are available in several towns, although dedicated mountain biking operators are rare.

International multi-activity tours can organize biking adventures in Torres del Paine National Park, where you’ll navigate the network of dirt roads that connect various estancias and horseback riding trails.

7. Ice Climbing and Ice Hiking

You can get even closer to Patagonia’s impressive glaciers through ice climbing and ice hiking. In Chile’s Aysén region, you can embark on half-day ice hikes on Glaciar Exploradores, led by local guides. Meanwhile, several tour operators in Argentina organize multi-activity trips that include ice trekking on Glaciar Perito Moreno, one of the most accessible and stunning glaciers in the region.

8. Rock Climbing Destinations

Patagonia boasts three excellent rock climbing destinations. Piedra Parada and Butreria Canyon in Argentina offer over 300 climbing routes suitable for different skill levels. El Chaltén is a renowned climbing hub with hundreds of routes, and climbers must register with park rangers to tackle Mt. Fitz Roy and surrounding areas. In Chile, the granite peaks of Las Torres challenge the most experienced climbers, requiring special permission to climb.

9. Skiing and Snowboarding in Argentina

Unlike Chile’s Lake District, Chilean Patagonia lacks ski slopes. However, Argentina’s dry, continental climate provides ample snowfall for skiing from June to September, extending into October for backcountry enthusiasts. Notable ski resorts include La Hoya near Esquel and Cerro Castor, the world’s southernmost ski resort, located in Ushuaia.

10. Husky Sledding Adventures

While husky sledding is often associated with the Arctic, there are opportunities in Patagonia as well. Local operators like Gato Curuchet in Valle de Lobos near Ushuaia offer mushing outings, while Aurora Austral in Chile’s Lake District provides extended husky-sledding adventures.

Patagonia is a treasure trove of outdoor adventures, and with GoTravelDaily, you’re set to experience the very best of this spectacular region.