Destinations Peaks of Patagonia 3rd September, 2024

Patagonia is an area in the Andes Mountain Range in South America, and is bound east and west by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In total, the Andes are 4,350 miles (7,000 km) in length, making them the most extended continental mountain range in the world. It is no wonder Patagonia is home to some of the finest hiking and trekking locations in the world.

While the Patagonia mountains attract climbers and mountaineers from around the world, some of the most breathtaking Patagonia landscapes are best experienced from their bases. Technical climbing experience is required to summit many of the highest peaks in Patagonia, making them unattainable to us mere mortals, fortunately however, the views are equally as impressive from below.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the 10 highest mountains in Patagonia as well as some less technical Patagonia trekking routes that offer opportunities to experience the most spectacular highlights of Patagonia at the base of some of the region’s most famous peaks.

2.       Monte San Lorenzo – 3,706m/12,159ft          

3.       Volcán Lautaro – 3,585m/11,762ft   

4.       Cordón Mariano Moreno – 3,485m/11,434ft

5.       Cerro Arenales – 3,437m/11,276ft   

6.       Cerro Fitz Roy – 3,405m/11,171ft     

7.       Cerro Mellizo Sur – 3,340m/10,958ft              

8.       Cerro Bertrand – 3,293m/10,804ft   

9.       Torrecilla – 3,163m/10,377ft              

10.    Peak 3160 – 3,160m/10,367ft

Monte San Lorenzo

Monte San Lorenzo is a remote Patagonian peak on the border between Chile and Argentina. It was first climbed by Alberto Maria de Agostini in 1943, one of the most revered explorers of the Patagonian Andes. The ascent itself is a 7-to-10-day mountaineering expedition. The route up the north face is a glacier traverse, with the crux section climbing through an icefall to reach the north shoulder and summit ridge. For this reason, the Monte San Lorenzo expedition is only suitable for those with previous expedition experience, who have climbed at grade PD+ in the Alps.

Cerro Arenales

Cerro Arenales is the second-highest peak on the icefield and the fifth highest in the Patagonian Andes. In 1958, a Chilean-Japanese expedition made the first two ascents via the south face. Eric Shipton’s legendary 1963 expedition made the third ascent via the same route. Since then, it is believed that this remote peak may have seen only a handful of ascents because of its challenging conditions and the required technical skills.

Mount Fitz Roy

Mount Fitz Roy has earned its reputation as one of the most difficult and attractive mountains to climb in all of South America. Regarding its geographical location, Mount Fitz Roy is located in the famous Andes Mountain Range, within the Glaciers National Park. The granite peak was first climbed by a French expedition in 1952, and over the years the mountain has been the site of several feats of climbing skill and endurance. Routes on the Southeast Ridge have remained frequently climbed since the first ascent, although at least 15 major routes have been instigated on the peak.

Perhaps you’ve climbed some high peaks in your native country, or you might have summited Kilimanjaro, and are now looking to explore the Andes. With its rainforests and glaciers, fjords and mountains, desert and ocean, Patagonia’s world-class treks put it firmly at the top of most trekker’s bucket lists. It is this incredible variety that attracts those who want to try hiking in Patagonia.

At Kandoo Adventures, we’re experts at tailoring adventure trips to Patagonia. Here are some of the awesome Patagonia trips we currently offer:

Kandoo’s Peaks of Patagonia trek combines two challenging trekking routes and one epic journey that will stay with you for a lifetime. We guide you through rugged terrain, surrounded by stunning vistas of snowcapped peaks, crystal clear lakes and lush valleys in the heart of the Patagonian Andes. Highlights of this Patagonia trek include visiting the astounding Perito Moreno Glacier, spending 4 days trekking and camping beneath the iconic Mt Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, reaching the summit of Loma del Pliegue Tombado and completing the world-famous W Trek in Chile.

Kandoo have rated this Patagonia trek as challenging. You will be trekking for up to 4 days at a time, occasionally on steep and rocky terrain. The maximum distance covered on a single day is 25km. There may be as much as 1,200m of vertical ascent and descent in a day, therefore you should be fit and healthy with recent experience of walking in a mountainous environment for several days in a row. If you have any questions about your suitability for this trip, please feel free to get in touch with the knowledgeable team at Kandoo Adventures.

Our Ultimate Patagonia trip will take you by boat into the Beagle Channel to observe sea lions, penguins and cormorant before guiding you through the forests of Tierra del Fuego National Park on foot, crossing the Argentinian pampas to reach the famous peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. The highlights of this trip include a guided tour of Buenos Aires, exploring Tierra del Fuego, spending the night in a traditional estancia (sheep ranch) and climbing to the base of the legendary Torres del Paine.

This adventure is rated as easy by Kandoo. The distances covered each day on foot are relatively short and the amount of ascent and descent in a single day does not exceed 700m. There is one exception, which is day 7 in Torres del Paine National Park. To reach the Mirador las Torres viewpoint requires an ascent of 1,200m and the final section of the route is on very steep and rocky terrain. Although not as demanding as many of our other adventures, in order to get the most out of the tour you need to be fit and healthy with recent experience of long walks in mountainous terrain.

So, pack your bags, lace up your boots and get ready as your next adventure awaits in Patagonia.