Best trails in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park
Bernardo O'Higgins National Park administratively corresponds to the municipalities of Tortel (Province of Capitán Prat, Aysén Region) and Puerto Natales (Province of Última Esperanza, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region). The park's largest extension is located in the latter province. It was created on July 22, 1969, by DS 264 of the Ministry of Agriculture. It has undergone subsequent modifications due to different decrees.
It stands out for its large ice surfaces and also for the culture and vestiges of the Kawésqar ethnic group. Also, for the protection of the species of fauna, like the huemul, and of flora, like the coigüe of Magallanes.
The place has large ice surfaces, among which the Southern Ice Field, the Dr. Juan Bruggen Ice Field and the Patagonian Ice Field stand out, which together have an extension of 1,000,500 hectares.
Its primitive area is of extraordinary beauty and great scientific interest, as it contains anthropological resources, such as the remains of kawésqar communities, beautiful landscapes made up of mountains, ice fields, fjords and glaciers, as well as important species of wild fauna and flora.
Top trails
- 4.9 (39)·Hard·7.3 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrThis challenging stretch in Los Glaciares National Park leads from the serene Laguna Toro to the famous Paso del Viento. The trail begins by skirting the lagoon before crossing the Tunnel River, where it is common to use a zip line (or a harness) to traverse its cold meltwater safely. As you ascend through the rugged terrain of rocks and glacial moraines, the native lenga forests fade into the distance. Upon reaching the pass's summit, the reward is breathtaking: an unparalleled panoramic...
- 4.4 (38)·Hard·9 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hrThis spectacular stretch of the Huemul Circuit runs from the Paso del Viento campsite to the breathtaking Bahía de los Témpanos, on the shores of the immense Lake Viedma. For much of the hike, you walk parallel to the Viedma Glacier, the largest in Argentina. The landscape seems otherworldly: a combination of rocks eroded over millennia and the bluish-white ice walls. As you approach the bay, you can admire enormous icebergs drifting in the turquoise water. Due to the constant icy breeze...
- 4.8 (36)·Easy·1.3 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThis is a beautiful forest trail that borders the southern coast of Laguna Serrano until it reaches the viewpoint of the spectacular Serrano Glacier and the Balmaceda Glacier in the distance. To get to the trailhead located at the Guarderia Balmaceda - CONAF, you need to take water transports that go through the Seno Ultima Esperanza from Puerto Natales.
- 5.0 (3)·Hard·5.7 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrThis route can be part of a longer tour, lasting several days, and allows you to travel along part of the coast of Lake Viedma, starting and ending in Bahía de los Témpanos. The terrain is varied, with sectors of medium altitude vegetation and others more exposed and rocky. Good footwear and sun protection are recommended.
- Hard·18.2 mi·Est. 7.5–8.5 hrThe trail to Lake Geikie is one of the hidden gems of Torres del Paine National Park. As you walk along this route, you will enter a landscape of breathtaking beauty where the Tyndall Glacier, part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, pours out its ancient ice. The lake stands out for the large number of turquoise icebergs floating near its shores, offering a unique visual spectacle. During the hike, you will pass through forests of lenga and Magallánic coigües, where you can hear the...
- Strenuous·43.7 mi·Est. 0h 0mThis is not a hiking route; it is a high-altitude mountaineering expedition that takes you deep into the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. This is an objective reserved exclusively for mountaineering teams with vast experience and total self-sufficiency. The route is a multi-day journey into one of the most remote and treacherous environments on the planet, subject to extreme and unpredictable winds and severe weather conditions. The ascent is a technical climb on active and cracked glaciers,...
- Easy·1.8 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThis route in the middle of the fjords of Patagonia, takes you on a tour of Puerto Edén and all the way to Mirador Edén, offering excellent views along the way. The route returns to the starting point, after covering a large part of the coastal area of the place. Ideal for taking pictures.
- Strenuous·58.2 mi·Est. 24 hr+This is not a hiking route, but a high altitude, high-span mountaineering expedition deep into the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The route is reserved exclusively for teams with vast experience and total self-sufficiency. The approach alone takes multiple days and involves navigating the crevasse-ridden Marconi Glacier, which requires roping. The target itself is a remote volcano located in one of the harshest climatic environments on the planet, subject to extreme winds and whiteout...
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park is Huemul Circuit: Laguna Toro - Paso del Viento, which has a 4.9 star rating from 39 reviews. This trail is 7.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,719 ft.
What is the longest trail in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park is Lautaro Volcano. This trail is estimated to be 58.2 mi long.
How many trails are in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park?
There are 8 trails in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park.These trails have an average 4.8-star ratingfrom 116 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park?
Lautaro Volcano has the most elevation gain with 18,156 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Lautaro Volcano, which has 13,753 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 camping trails in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park and the most popular is Huemul Circuit: Laguna Toro - Paso del Viento with an average 4.9 star rating from 39 community reviews.
Are there any trails with lakes in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with lakes in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, including Huemul Circuit: Laguna Toro - Paso del Viento, Huemul Circuit: Camp Paso del Viento - Camp Bahía de los Témpanos (Icebergs Bay), Condor Viewpoint via Vuelta al Huemul Trail, and Lake Geikie.
Are there any trails with huts in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with huts in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, including Huemul Circuit: Laguna Toro - Paso del Viento and Huemul Circuit: Camp Paso del Viento - Camp Bahía de los Témpanos (Icebergs Bay).
Are there any trails with glaciers in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a glacier in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park: Huemul Circuit: Laguna Toro - Paso del Viento.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with scenic viewpoints in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, including Serrano Glacier Viewpoint, Condor Viewpoint via Vuelta al Huemul Trail, and Puerto Edén y Mirador Edén Ruta Circular.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a cliff in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park: Huemul Circuit: Camp Paso del Viento - Camp Bahía de los Témpanos (Icebergs Bay).
