Best Running in Patagonia
Best Running in Patagonia
Patagonia is massive and diverse, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best trail runs in Patagonia. Between the glaciers, grasslands, rolling hills, impressive high peaks, rivers, and lakes, there’s plenty to explore. Check out our list of our favorite trail runs in Northern Patagonia, Southern Patagonia, and the best new trail run in Patagonia.
Interested in joining us to check it out for yourself? Join our New Year’s Patagonia Running Trip or our Spring Break 2020 Patagonia Running Trip and check out a detailed itinerary here. If you’re interested in a custom or private Patagonia Runcation, fill out our form here to learn more about creating a Patagonia trail running trip!
Top Trail Running in Northern Patagonia
We love the run to Refugio Frey from Bariloche, Argentina. Make it an out and back for 10 miles total, or 5.5 miles one way. The route starts at Villa Cerro Catedral at the base of the ski area just outside of Bariloche. The trail is a rolling singletrack starting with lakeside views before climbing through a forest of dense lengua trees. Begin climbing above the tree line as spectacular views unfold of the Frey’s famous spires seen from the lakeside Refugio Frey. Check out the gpx route and map of the route to Refugio Frey from Villa Cerro Catedral below for an awesome trail run in Northern Patagonia.
Did we mention we’re a FATMAP Privilege Partner? Sign up for a FATMAP membership and receive $100 off any Runcation.
Top Trail Running in Southern Patagonia
Southern Patagonia around El Chalten provides some of the best trail running in Patagonia. If you’re looking for a mixture of smooth runnable trails with a breathless scramble or two to views of Monte Fitzroy, the trail run to Laguna De Los Tres might be what you’re looking for. Starting from the town of El Chalten at the Laguna De Los Tres trailhead, climb your way up at a steady grade before the trail levels off to a runnable surface. Cross your fingers for clear weather from views of Fitz Roy from Laguna Capri before a final steep 1km climb to the top of a moraine where you’re rewarded with front row views from Laguna de los Tres. An out and back will put you close to 13 miles with just under 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Check out the gpx track to trail running Laguna De Los Tres below, or join us for a guided trail running trip in Patagonia.
Best New Trail in Patagonia
The new Ruta de los Parques in Parque Patagonia opens up miles of new trails connecting established National Parks in Chile thanks to Conservacion Patagonica. Getting to and from the trailheads requires some advanced planning (for more info check out Parque Patagonia’s information site here), but the rewards are worth it. For an ambitious adventure check out this loop from Cochrane linking Senderos Las Aguilas, Los Guanacos, and Los Huemules for a 14 mile loop with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain and descent. On the route from Cochrane pass Laguna El Cangrejo, Laguna Elefantita, and the Western shores of Cochrane. Preview the route below with out gpx file on FATMAP for trail running Parque Patagonia.
Best Off the Beaten Path Trail in Patagonia
For this, you’ll just have to join us on our Patagonia Runcation. Check out our New Year’s 2019 guided trail running trip or Spring Break 2020 Patagonia running trip in Argentinian Patagonia for a guided group tour of glaciers, refugios, private nature reserves, and stunning trails. You’ll stay in lakeside 3-4-star hotels, comfortable Patagonian cabins, and a renovated refugio on a mountaintop. Don’t miss out! Sign up here.