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.

Set within Chile's spectacular Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, the Paso Desolación (Desolation Pass) trek showcases the incredible, destructive power of the perfectly-conical Osorno volcano. The classic route runs point-to-point between La Picada and Petrohué; many hikers arrange transport at one end. The day hike traverses barren volcanic ash fields and lava flows, offering a stark contrast to the nearby lush, verdant forests. Along the route, hikers are treated to mesmerizing panoramic views stretching across the emerald-green waters of Lake Todos los Santos and the jagged peaks of Mount Tronador in the distance.