Patagonia
Granite towers, calving glaciers, and wind that rewrites your plans. The most dramatic trekking landscape on earth — and the most unforgiving.
The End of the World, On Foot
Patagonia occupies the southern tip of South America — a region of such geological violence and meteorological extremes that it has shaped a distinct trekking culture built around resilience, flexibility, and respect for conditions. The Andes here are young, sharp, and heavily glaciated. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field — the third largest body of ice outside the polar regions — feeds dozens of outlet glaciers that calve into lakes of impossible blue.
The trekking is split between two countries. Chilean Patagonia is anchored by Torres del Paine National Park — the W Trek and O Circuit are among the most celebrated multi-day routes on earth. Argentine Patagonia centres on El Chalten, a village at the foot of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre where trails radiate into the mountains with no permits required and no fees to pay.
The defining characteristic of Patagonia is the wind. Westerly gales funnel through the gaps in the Andes with nothing to slow them for thousands of kilometres of open ocean. Gusts exceeding 100 km/h are common on exposed ridges. Plan for it, dress for it, and build flexibility into your itinerary — the mountains will decide your schedule as much as you will.
- Key Parks
- Torres del Paine (CL), Los Glaciares (AR)
- Ice Field
- Southern Patagonian, 13,000 km²
- Highest Trek Point
- Paso John Gardner, 1,241 m
- Permit System
- CONAF / Vertice Patagonia (book early)
- Currency
- Chilean Peso (CL) / Argentine Peso (AR)
- Nearest Hub
- Punta Arenas (CL) / El Calafate (AR)
- Park Entry Fee
- Torres del Paine ~USD 35
The Patagonian Wind. Gusts regularly exceed 100 km/h on exposed sections of the W Trek and O Circuit. Trekking poles are not optional — they are structural. On the worst days, forward progress requires leaning into the gale at 45 degrees. Build at least two buffer days into any itinerary.
| Trail / Route | Distance | Elevation Gain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| W Trek | 80 km | 3,500 m | Challenging |
| O Circuit | 130 km | 5,800 m | Expert |
| Mirador Base Las Torres | 18 km return | 850 m | Moderate |
| Valle del Frances | 24 km return | 700 m | Moderate |
☀ Drier · ☂ Rain likely · 💨 High wind · Amber border = peak trekking season
Refugio and campsite reservations for the W Trek and O Circuit are mandatory and sell out months in advance. Book via CONAF or Vertice Patagonia as soon as dates are confirmed.
Patagonian wind is the defining hazard — gusts regularly exceed 100 km/h on exposed ridges. Never underestimate it. Trekking poles are essential; some sections require crawling.
Weather windows last 2–4 hours. Carry full waterproofs at all times regardless of morning conditions. Hypothermia risk is real even in summer.
Fires are strictly prohibited throughout Torres del Paine NP following the 2011 fire that burned 17,000 hectares. Gas stoves only; carry all fuel in.
Go With a Guide
We run the full Patagonia O Circuit each November and February — refugio reservations, park permits, and local logistics handled. Small groups of six to ten.