Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)

One of the most frequented day hikes from El Chaltén, the route to Laguna Torre leads to a glacial lake at the base of the Torre massif. The 18 km out-and-back trail follows the Fitz Roy River valley, moving through sub-antarctic forests of ñire and lenga. The terrain is primarily well-maintained gravel paths and packed dirt, with a short initial ascent followed by mostly level walking through the glacial valley. The destination offers direct views of Cerro Torre (3,128m) and the Adela range, with icebergs frequently calving from the Torre Glacier into the lake.

A thrilling day hike in the rugged Naukluft Mountains that offers a world of contrast. Starting with a steep ascent onto the plateau with views across the vast Namib Desert, the trail then plunges into a narrow, deep ravine. The trail is named after the Wild Olive trees found in the valley, but it's most famous for the 'Pool Chains' section where you should traverse a narrow gorge by dangling along chains over a dark pool.