What to do

Walking Holidays in Argentina

With hills and valleys galore the Argentines love the outdoors...

Probably one of Europe’s most popular activities for a holiday, the walking in Argentina may not be as famous as it is in some of the other countries of South America such as Peru or Chile, but it can certainly hold its head up. Due in part to the variety of the landscape and the range of altitudes and terrain, the walking in Argentina can be hard or easy, long or short.

There is interesting walking that can be done in around the Ibera wetlands or the Iguazu falls that we don’t feature in this section as they are not serious walks, but they are varied and will suit many who are not looking to do anything quite as active as some of the itineraries featured here.

The main region that people tend to gravitate towards, for walking in Argentina, is the southern Patagonian area around El Calafate, El Chalten and, in Chile, the Torres del Paine. Here the walking is stunning, through the indigenous Lenga forests and up the sides of majestic rock formations, where condors nest and soar. On top of this, for the more adventurous walkers, there are quite a few high peaks that will challenge even the most intrepid. Probably the most famous of these is the mighty Aconcagua, the western hemisphere’s highest peak, and located just outside Mendoza.

On the whole, as much of the walking in Argentina is high or in areas that are relatively sparse, it is important to consider the best times of year to head out and do some walking. In our experience the periods between the main busy seasons, such as February and March and August and September are really great times to walk as there are fewer people, the temperatures are more manageable and the winds (especially in the Patagonian regions) will have died down.

If you are looking to arrange a specialist climb then there are periods of acclimatization that are recommended. For example, to attempt Aconcagua, it is recommended that the entire itinerary take around 12-16 days.

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    The best regions for Argentina Walking:

    El Calafate and El Chalten - Monte Fitz Roy

    El Calafate and El Chalten

    Possibly the most famous area of Argentina, El Calafate, and the neighbouring El Chalten, sit right on the edge of the Southern Ice Field, the second largest body of ice on the planet. Recently the area has seen a huge surge in interest (... More...

    Our Top Five Walking Hotels in Argentina:

    1. Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel - Mountain view

      Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel

      Positioned atop a small hill, right in the centre of town, the Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel is, arguably, the best accommodation in El Chalten. At around 45 rooms, all with wide windows and comfortable furniture, it certainly offers a quiet haven to relax and unwind after one of the many walks in... More...

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    2. Peninsula Petit - Aerial View

      Peninsula Petit

      A haven of tranquillity and warm hospitality on the banks of Lago Nahuel Huapi, Peninsula Petit is a consistent favourite for us in the Lake District and for good reason! Nestled into the hillside on a tranquil peninsula between Bariloche and Llao Llao and less than an hour’s drive from the... More...

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    3. Hosteria El Pilar - Exterior

      Hosteria El Pilar

      The Hosteria El Pilar is the only accommodation around El Chalten that actually sits in the park itself and so has a leg up to start with as far as walking and views are concerned. It is around a 20 minute drive out of the main town to get to it, and the hosteria itself has been built as a replica... More...

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    4. Loi Suites Chapelco Hotel & Spa - Location

      Loi Suites Chapelco Hotel & Spa

      Located approximately 10 minutes drive to the north of St Martin de los Andes, the Loi Suites Chapelco Hotel offers outstanding views out across the fairways of the private golf club to which it is annexed. The hotel has been built to the highest standards offering, in addition to access to the... More...

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    5. Hosteria Senderos - The view

      Hosteria Senderos

      A great recent addition to our recommended hosterias portfolio, the Hosteria Senderos is one of a handful of properties that we strongly recommend in El Chalten. Well located in the centre of the village and offering views to the Fitz Roy, great service and great food, there is very little to fault... More...

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