10 amazing outdoor activities in Patagonia

Few places on Earth can match Patagonia's incredible range of outdoor adventures—a vast, sparsely populated region in southern Chile and Argentina, characterized by the towering Andes mountains and winding glacial rivers.

Whether you seek thrilling white-water rafting, kayaking alongside floating icebergs, or paddling through stunning fjords, Patagonia has it all. You might wish to scale sheer granite cliffs or navigate glaciers, mountains, and endless steppe on foot. No matter your outdoor passion, Patagonia delivers. Here are the region's top offerings.

1. Kayak in lakes, through fjords, and among icebergs

Patagonia boasts exceptional kayaking spots, especially in the Chilean region, filled with numerous fjords, pristine rivers, and glacial lakes. In addition to international companies like Swoop Patagonia, which organize multi-day kayaking trips on Chile's Río Baker, Parque Nacional Pumalín, and Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, local operators also provide day excursions in popular areas.

In Puerto Río Tranquilo, you can kayak to the Capilla de Mármol; in Puerto Bertrand, Baker Patagonia offers white-water kayaking adventures on Río Baker; Kayak en Patagonia lets you paddle among massive icebergs on Lago Grey in Torres del Paine; and Kayak Santa Cruz provides guided kayaking tours past Glaciar Perito Moreno. For multi-day sea kayaking experiences, Alsur Expediciones and Ko Kayak can guide you through the fjords of Parque Nacional Pumalín. Various operators in Esquel, Argentina, organize gentler day trips on Lago Verde and other lakes in the Futaleufú valley.

2. Select from exceptional hiking opportunities

Patagonia's numerous national parks offer unmatched adventures for those eager to explore untouched wilderness on foot, whether you're seeking challenging multi-day treks past glacial lakes and over mountain passes or more leisurely day hikes under the towering alerce trees of Chile and Argentina or through the southern beech forests. You might opt for scenic day hikes from El Chaltén in Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins or in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego while based in Ushuaia; embark on multi-day hut-to-hut (or campsite-to-campsite) hikes in Parque Nacional Torres del Paine; or wild camp while trekking across Isla Navarino or along the Áviles river valley in Parque Nacional Patagonia.

Planning tips: Make sure to book accommodations in popular national parks well in advance, sometimes weeks or months ahead, especially for the December to February high season; specifically, Torres del Paine National Park requires hikers to have a pre-booked itinerary and lodging.

If you're hiking off the beaten path, ensure someone knows your planned route, prepare for all four seasons in a single day—even in the peak of summer—and make sure your tent can withstand the fierce Patagonian winds known as la Escoba de Dios (God's Broom).

3. Experience Patagonia's premier fly-fishing opportunities

Aysén in northern Chilean Patagonia is renowned for its exceptional fly-fishing, especially for rainbow and brown trout. Notable lodges like Cinco Rios Lodge, Patagonian BaseCamp, and Coyhaique River Lodge are situated in the wilderness along the Palena and Simpson rivers, accessible from Coyhaique. In Argentina, anglers flock to spots like Kau Tapen Lodge and Aurelia Lodge in Tierra del Fuego to fish the Rio Grande, known for the largest sea-run brown trout and golden dorado in the world.

Planning tip: A fishing license is required in Patagonia, but upscale lodges often arrange permits for their guests and provide all necessary gear. The prime fly-fishing season generally runs from October to April.

4. Experience gaucho life with a horseback ride in the pampas

Patagonia's vast pampas, synonymous with southern cowboys (gauchos in Argentina, huasos in Chile), make equestrian adventures readily accessible. Whether you're an experienced rider or a novice, reputable operators in popular spots like Puerto Natales (Chile) and El Calafate (Argentina) can arrange horseback rides and even overnight stays at traditional estancias (ranches) featuring local delicacies like cordero al palo (spit-roasted lamb). Estancias near El Calafate include Estancia Cristina, Estancia 25 de Mayo, and Estancia Nibepo Aike, while Puerto Natales offers access to Estancia La Peninsula and Estancia Bahía Esperanza.

For a day ride, you can choose from established operators like Cabalgatas del Glaciar in El Calafate or Baqueano Zamora in Puerto Natales, which offers rides in Torres del Paine National Park. If you seek the southernmost horseback riding experience with stunning mountain views, contact Ushuaia's Baqueanos de Tierra del Fuego.

5. Thrilling white water adventures await for all skill levels

During the southern summer, from December to March, the picturesque mountain town of Futaleufú in Chile's Aysén region (northern Patagonia) becomes a magnet for thrill-seekers looking for aquatic excitement. Renowned as one of the premier rivers for white water rafting, the Futaleufú features Class IV and V rapids that challenge even the most seasoned rafters. However, if you're new to rafting but are a strong swimmer, you can experience the exhilarating rapids under the guidance of skilled river instructors.

Reputable companies like Bochinche Expediciones and Patagonia Elements offer safety-first half-day rafting excursions on the river. You can also try cata-rafting, where you'll alternate between floating through stunning granite-walled canyons in crystal-clear waters and getting soaked as your raft crashes into massive waves. Get ready—the guide will encourage you to paddle as if your life depends on it. Safety gear is included, and while rafts may flip—this is a wild river—you'll learn how to handle falling out, making it an unmatched thrill. These operators also provide whitewater kayaking experiences for both novices and intermediate paddlers.

If this level of adventure feels too intense, head to the nearby town of Trevelin, just across the border from Futaleufú, for a more relaxed outing on the Corcovado River. Here, you'll encounter Class II, III, and IV rapids, offering a mix of serene floating through southern cypress forests and exciting white water action. Corcovado Rafting arranges exhilarating half-day adventures on this beautiful river.

6. Mountain biking is gaining popularity in the region

Mountain biking is gradually gaining traction in Patagonia, with its unspoiled dirt paths and challenging mountain trails offering great opportunities for cyclists. However, you'll often need to embark on a DIY adventure, as dedicated mountain biking services are relatively scarce. You can rent bikes from places like Patagonia Rent A Bike in Puerto Natales, Baft Travel in El Calafate, Ushuaia Extremo Rental in Ushuaia, and select guesthouses in Futaleufú and Esquel, among others.

International multi-activity companies like Swoop Patagonia can assist in organizing multiday mountain biking excursions in Torres del Paine National Park. While bikes aren't permitted on the 'W' trail, they can navigate the network of dirt roads connecting estancias on the park's perimeter, as well as the horseback riding paths.

7. Try your hand at ice climbing or embark on an ice hiking adventure

You might have glimpsed some of Patagonia's stunning glaciers from boats or scenic overlooks. However, nothing compares to the deeper appreciation you gain by experiencing these massive rivers of ice up close.

In Chile's Aysén region, the small town of Puerto Río Tranquilo serves as the gateway for half-day ice hikes on Glaciar Exploradores, guided by El Puesto Expediciones. Here, you'll navigate the icefield wearing crampons and wielding an ice axe. On the Argentine side, numerous tour operators in El Calafate offer multi-activity excursions to Glaciar Perito Moreno, known as Argentina's most accessible and arguably most spectacular glacier. These outings include a few hours of walking on the glacier, boat rides, and picnics with views of its impressive icy front. Chaltén Mountain Guides provides foundational skills training through two- and three-day ice climbing courses from January to April, complete with crampons, ice axes, and other safety gear. Meanwhile, Fitz Roy Expediciones organizes challenging yet rewarding day hikes on Glaciar Cagliero and intensive week-long treks across the Southern Ice Field, involving glacier trekking and camping on the ice.

8. Explore three fantastic rock climbing spots

Patagonia boasts three exceptional rock climbing destinations. Piedra Parada and Butreria Canyon, located about 85km (53 miles) northeast of Esquel in northern Patagonia (Argentina), rank among the top spots in Argentina for sports climbing, featuring over 300 climbing routes through volcanic tuff. Advanced climbers can tackle multipitch routes ascending the towering Piedra Parada itself, a 200m (656ft) rock formation standing alone in the steppe.

Further south, the quaint town of El Chaltén is famous as a premier climbing and bouldering hub, offering hundreds of routes suitable for climbers of all skill levels, from beginner sport climbing to epic multiday ascents of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Patagonia Ascent and Mountaineering Patagonia are two climbing companies providing instruction for beginners, with options ranging from half-day experiences to multiday courses. Experienced climbers must check in with park rangers upon arrival and obtain a free climbing permit to tackle routes like Mt Fitz Roy.

On the Chilean side, the granite spires of Las Torres in Parque Nacional Torres del Paine challenge even the most skilled climbers. Mastery is essential to ascend the sheer granite faces while contending with the fierce Patagonian winds and unpredictable weather. To attempt a climb of Las Torres, you'll need to secure permission from the Chilean foreign ministry—be sure to bring their written approval, your passport, and climbing insurance to obtain a free permit at the national park headquarters.

Planning tip: The climbing season in southern Patagonia runs from December to February, while Piedra Parada offers a longer window. Weather plays a crucial role, prompting climbers to spend weeks camping during the summer months, waiting for the perfect conditions.

9. The best skiing and snowboarding can be found on the Argentine side.

In contrast to Chile's Lake District, ski slopes are absent in Chilean Patagonia. However, the dry, continental climate in Argentina, east of the Andes, is ideal for significant snowfall during the downhill skiing season from June to September, extending into October for backcountry skiers and splitboarders.

Located near Esquel, La Hoya is named after the glacier it rests on and features 24 runs suitable for all skiing levels, along with nine chair and drag lifts. The area offers 26km (16 miles) of pistes that remain uncrowded, with incredible powder—especially appealing to expert off-piste and backcountry skiers.

For an unforgettable experience, travel to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Tierra del Fuego, and enjoy skiing at the world's southernmost ski resort, Cerro Castor. This resort boasts breathtaking views of the Beagle Channel, ten chair and surface lifts, and 28 ski runs for beginners, intermediates, and experts. Additionally, you can ski down Glacial Martial, which features one chair lift and three runs for intermediate, expert, and beginner skiers.

Although Bariloche is situated in Argentina's Lake District rather than Patagonia, it is worth mentioning for Cerro Catedral, arguably the finest ski resort in Argentina. It offers 120km (75 miles) of pistes accommodating all skill levels, 38 ski lifts, a dedicated area for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, and stunning views of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, along with a hut-to-hut backcountry skiing system.

Planning tip: Ski equipment rentals are available in outdoor gear shops within the ski towns, and during the ski season, regular minibuses connect the towns to the slopes.

10. Embark on a husky sledding adventure

Husky sledding is often linked to the far north, such as Scandinavia, Canada, and Alaska, but snow dogs can be found wherever there's snow. In the Valle de Lobos, located 18km (11 miles) northeast of Ushuaia, local operator Gato Curuchet offers short mushing experiences with his husky teams. For those seeking extended husky adventures, Aurora Austral near Villarica in Chile's Lake District features German operator Konrad Jacob, who provides everything from introductory day trips to multi-day husky-sledding tours through Araucanía, including an incredible crossing of the Andes, where you'll manage your own team of dogs.