Trekkingis an outdoor activity, hiking on all type of terrains, walking long distances along roads –trails- for several days, generally in the upper mountain.
This activity can be practiced by people of all ages, without considering their physical condition, because there are different levels of difficulty, from the easiest to the most difficult, depending on the type of terrain and the amount of hours.
During the Trekking journeys in Patagonia, you will be in contact with nature, as you will go along mountain trails, roads next to rivers or lakes, including forests.
Among the most important destinations to enjoy a trekking journey in Patagonia, we can highlight El Chaltén, considered the Argentine Capital of Trekking, the Torres del Paine National Park, world known mecca for trekking in Chile, and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field for expedition trips with a higher degree of difficulty.
Going trekking in Patagonia means doing an activity far away from populated areas, a journey along zones which can only be visited after a long walk and, in some cases, after a very strong effort, which always ends with an amazing and unforgettable view. That is always the objective!
Levels of difficulty:
EASY = walks along terrains with no decline or mild slopes, without difficulty. They are usually daily walks –from 3 to 8 hours- lodging at hotels, inns or ranches. There is no need for previous experience, anyone who is in good health and that is used to walking regularly, can do this type of trekking.
Physical demand: low.
MODERATE = walks along irregular terrains without important difficulties. They are usually daily walks –from 5 to 10 hours – lodging at inns and campsites. The activity is along pre-charted paths. People that are used to walking in the mountains or that do aerobic exercises regularly are fit for this type of trekking.
Physical demand: moderate
DEMANDING = walks along irregular terrains, going along paths which are not well pre-charted, or even walking away from them, crossing paths between mountains and going through snow or thick forests. They are usually daily walks -6 to 10 hours- lodging at inns and campsites. This type of trekking requires previous physical preparation or for the traveler to have a regular sports activity.
Physical demand: medium
DIFFICULT = walks along irregular terrains – moraines, crossing glaciers- with several stretches without trails, crossing rivers with strong current. They are usually daily walks –10 or more hours- lodging at campsites and shelters. This type of trekking requires previous experience and compulsory physical training.
Physical demand: high
VERY DIFFICULT = walks along very irregular terrains with ascending slopes. Climbing techniques are necessary and the journey is along snow, ice and rock. These are long treks -6 to 10 hours or more- lodging at campsites and shelters with basic comforts. Travelers are exposed to bad weather and will be far away from civilization. This type of trekking requires previous experience and compulsory physical training.
Physical demand: very high
What clothes to bring:
- Woolen hat to avoid the cold / sunhat
- Gloves to avoid the cold
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock and lip protector
- Trekking clothes
- Waterproof jacket and pants (GORETEX)
- Trekking shoes (this is IMPORTANT because they must adapt well to crampons)
- Camera, with enough memory cards and extra batteries
- Snack
- Water bottle (Nalgene)
- Ziploc bags or others (to keep and take your litter)
Important Comments:
It is necessary to look after the environment, keeping your litter in bags, to throw away in the proper place.
It is also necessary to be careful and avoid making fire in those regions which a predisposed to fires.
Trekking in Patagonia is not recommended for pregnant women or people who have heart and / or breathing problems.
