Beyond Torres del Paine: 7 Breathtaking Spots in Patagonia Worth the Journey

If you're anything like me, Torres del Paine was the first name that lit the fire for Patagonia in your imagination. And it’s no wonder—the dramatic granite towers, turquoise lakes, and wild weather make it one of the most iconic trekking destinations on Earth. But after hiking the W Circuit and getting completely hooked on Patagonia trekking, I realized: Torres del Paine is just the beginning.

This vast region split between Chilean and Argentine Patagonia—is a land of raw adventure and staggering beauty. It’s full of glacier-fed lakes, jagged peaks, and untouched corners that feel like the end of the world. If you’re planning a Patagonia hiking trip and looking for the best hikes in Patagonia beyond Torres del Paine, here are seven unforgettable spots that will make you fall in love with the southern Andes all over again.

1. Mount Fitz Roy & Laguna de los Tres – El Chaltén, Argentina

If Torres del Paine is Patagonia's crown, then Fitz Roy is its jewel. Rising like a blade from the clouds above El Chaltén, this granite peak offers one of the best day hikes in all of South America. The trail to Laguna de los Tres is a classic, taking you through lenga forests, past glacier rivers, and finishing at an alpine lake with an insane front-row view of the mountain.

Pro tip: El Chaltén is Argentina's trekking capital, and it's perfect for self-guided hiking. Don’t miss Cerro Torre—a dramatic, spindly peak that's just as mesmerizing and far less crowded.

Mount Fitz Roy & Laguna de los Tres

2. Perito Moreno Glacier – Los Glaciares National Park

Most people admire it from the walkways, but to truly experience Perito Moreno Glacier, you need to step onto the ice. The mini-trekking or big ice hike lets you walk on this living, creaking giant in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, where the sound of cracking ice echoes like thunder across Lago Argentino.

Gear note: Wear waterproof hiking boots and thermal socks—Patagonia weather conditions are notoriously unpredictable, even in the summer months.

Los Glaciares National Park

3. Tierra del Fuego National Park – Ushuaia, Argentina

At the bottom of the world lies Tierra del Fuego, a wild and wind-beaten paradise. The hikes here are surreal—alpine meadows, sub-Antarctic forests, and bays where the Andes tumble into the sea. From Laguna Esmeralda to the coastal trails of Tierra del Fuego National Park, this is Patagonia trekking off the beaten path at its finest.

Travel tip: Combine trekking with a navigation tour through the Beagle Channel for a truly unique experience.

Tierra del Fuego National Park

4. Dientes de Navarino – Chile’s Southernmost Trail

This is real adventure. On Navarino Island, south of Tierra del Fuego, lies the Dientes de Navarino circuit—a five-day alpine trek through jagged peaks and silent valleys. It’s rugged, remote, and unlike anything else in Patagonia.

Preparation matters: Bring alpine trekking clothing including a reliable alpaca baselayer, waterproof gear, and gloves. You’ll feel the power of Patagonia’s weather here raw and unfiltered.

Dientes de Navarino

5. Lago Viedma & Viedma Glacier – Argentine Patagonia

Often overshadowed by Perito Moreno, Viedma Glacier is a hidden gem. You can kayak across Lago Viedma, hike along its shores, or strap on crampons for a glacier walk. The dramatic backdrop of Mount Fitz Roy adds magic to this lesser-known spot.

Bonus: The light at sunrise over Lago Viedma is something you’ll never forget.

Lago Viedma & Viedma Glacier

6. The Carretera Austral – Chilean Patagonia’s Road Less Traveled

If you're craving a deeper connection to nature, head north on the Ruta 7, also known as the Carretera Austral. This remote highway takes you through Chilean Patagonia’s wildest terrain—snowy peaks, hanging glaciers, fjords, and barely-touched national parks like Cerro Castillo and Queulat.

Suggested detour: Hike to the Ventisquero Colgante (Hanging Glacier)—one of the most jaw-dropping views in all Patagonia.

The Carretera Austral

7. Pali Aike National Park – Chilean Patagonia’s Forgotten Landscape

Patagonia isn’t just mountains and glaciers. Near the Argentine border, Pali Aike offers a surreal landscape of volcanic craters and lava fields. It’s like walking on another planet—an incredible contrast to the alpine scenes that dominate most Patagonia hikes.

Why go? Few people make it here, making it perfect for those who love Patagonia’s silence and solitude.

Pali Aike National Park

Clothing:

• Alpaca baselayer (top + bottom) – Soft, breathable, and surprisingly warm. Way better than synthetics.
• Alpaca hiking socks + thermal socks for hiking – Game-changer. Kept my feet warm and blister-free even after 20km days.
• Alpaca thermal gloves – Wind-resistant and insulating even when damp.
• Waterproof shell jacket – Lightweight, breathable, fully taped seams.
• Insulated alpaca jacket – My favorite item. Warm, compressible, and never clammy.
• Quick-dry hiking pants + fleece leggings – I used both every day.
• Buff, beanie, sunhat – Cover all bases: wind, sun, and chill.
• Trail runners or waterproof hiking boots – The O Circuit had more mud, so boots were key.

Final Thoughts: Patagonia is More Than Just Torres del Paine

Yes, Torres del Paine deserves every bit of its fame. But the true magic of Patagonia hiking is in its diversity. From Fitz Roy to the Dientes de Navarino, from Perito Moreno to Tierra del Fuego, each trail tells a different story.

Pack your Patagonia trekking gear, layer up with alpaca thermal clothing, and go beyond the known. Whether you're traveling Ruta 40, kayaking near Lago Viedma, or hiking alpine trails in El Chaltén, the real Patagonia lies just beyond the postcard views.