15 Most Epic Trail Races in Argentina: Trails in Patagonia, Bariloche, Aconcagua and Many more

I feel incredibly fortunate to have arrived in Argentina at a time when the trail running scene is growing rapidly. The period from 2022 to 2024 feels strikingly similar to the boom of trail races that Russia experienced around 2015-2016. Even more exciting is that in certain regions the competition among talented race organizers is increasing.

It’s an incredible feeling to be spoiled for choice and have so many options to pick from, but there is a fly in the ointment — the cost of entry fees is ridiculoulsly high for some of the top-tier events.

Autumn in Patagonia is the most stunning season of the year. On the course of Travesia de los Cerros

What you need to know about trail running in Argentina before lanning your trip

• The climate in the Southern Hemisphere is literally flipped “upside down.” When it’s summer in Argentina, it’s winter in countries in the Northern Hemisphere, and vice versa, to put it simply. Obviously, in places like Brazil, Panama, and Ecuador, it’s summer almost year-round, but Patagonia (the southern part of Argentina) stands out for its distinct seasonality. This creates a need to adapt and acclimatise if you’re planning to participate in summer races in February.
• “Winter” trails with snow are almost non-existent in Argentina, with very few exceptions, such as races in mid-September in Ushuaia. Calendar-wise, winter trails are essentially the same summer races but held in the northern and central regions to reduce the risk of extreme heat. However, June in Mendoza might greet you with +25°C or surprise with snow in the mountains — you just never know.
• Argentina is a huge country, stretched for a considerable distence from notrth to south. The differences in climate, altitude, and humidity vary dramatically between the northern provinces of high-altitude Salta, and the southern region of Ushuaia, and so do the racing conditions.

Argentina can be roughly divided into four clusters where the majority of trail races occure:

1. Central Region: The Buenos Aires area with moderate and easy races.
2. Central-West Cluster: The “Córdoba - San Juan - Mendoza” cluster, featuring mountainous courses with lots of vert.
3. North: Catamarca, Salta, Jujuy — northern regions with high altitudes and arid climates.
4. South or Patagonia: Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, and Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego). Recently, a race near Fitz Roy was added, but it’s a one-off event in El Chaltén in the Santa Cruz province, which can still be considered part of the Patagonia races.

You only need two websites to plan your races:

• Calendario Trail Running Argentina — a main site for trail races across Argentina.
• Carreras Patagónicas — a dedicated Patagonia-specific site for races, cycle rides, and multi-sport events.

Ofiicial Skyrunning barely exists in Argentina, but some of the ultras, marathons, and VKs fully meet Skyrunning standards and do exist.

There are races involving whales — or rather, are held in locations where you can spot them — but these are smaller local events.

In this article, I’ll proceed in chronological order, starting from October (spring) and ending in April. This is my personal top list, which is definitely just the tip of the iceberg.

Ultra Fitz Roy

https://ultrafitzroy.com.ar/

This overview must be started with a one of a kind race, so truly unique that the entries sell out astonishingly fast. The registration for 2024 had been already closed when I got to know about its opening.

In the shadow of the legendary Fitz Roy and the iconic spires of Cerro Torre lay the race's tracks of up to 42 kilometers (with potential extensions in the future). Honestly, there’s only so much to say but “legendary location” and “iconic spot.” Hikers and climbers from around the world dream of visiting this place, and Fitz Roy itself graces the logo of the Patagonia company. Yes, this is the spot — and now trail running has found its place here, too.

I’ve had the chance to run along the race routes on my own outside the event, and I have to confirm...

Where: El Chaltén, Santa Cruz Province

K42 Marathon

https://argentina.kseries.com.ar/

The K42 Marathon is arguably the top mountain marathon in Argentina, known for its intense competition and stunning course. In 2024, it holds the title of South American Trail Running Championship, featuring national teams from across the continent.

Beyond its breathtaking route, the race is infamous for its jaw-dropping entry fee—$300 for the marathon. This is a race where you’ll want to give it your all, to make it worth every penny. In many ways, it’s a professional-level event, yet it also has a rich history and is considered one of Argentina’s first trail races.

The course traverses peaks near the town, offering views of fjords and volcanoes. However, the race takes place in mid-spring when weather conditions are often overcast, cold, and rainy, which is perfect for focusing on the fierce competition rather than the scenery.

Participants can also expect snow on the slopes of the Cerro Bayo ski resort, along with river crossings, just to spice things up a bit. 

Where: Villa La Angostura, Neuquén Province

Bariloche Ultra Trail (BRUT)

https://brut.run/

This is me running the 22-kilometer distance at BRUT. I finished on the 4th place.

San Carlos de Bariloche is the hub of all things outdoors in Argentina, the largest ski center in South America, and the heart of Patagonian trail running. The city hosts races nearly every month throughout the season, except during winter.

BRUT stands out as one of the most prominent and well-organized events, featuring breathtaking views of Patagonia’s fjords. Steep climbs and downhills hold th special Skyrunning spirit while vast runnable stretches allow you to "take a rest” from the intense terrain.

I particularly enjoy the 22-kilometer course, which feels similar to my favorite sky races — a perfect mix of technicality and speed.

Where: San Carlos de Bariloche

El Cruce

https://elcruce.com.ar/

El Cruce is one of the oldest mountain running events in Patagonia and stands out as a multi-day, team-based stage race. Over the years, both the course and location have varied significantly, but in recent years, the event has been centered around the towns of Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes.

What makes El Cruce so special is its pure “true trail running spirit”. It’s designed in such a way to explore the region and its landscapes through logical routes and traverses, and to celebrate trail running as a means of discovery and connection with the nature. 

However, this experience comes with a steep price: $800 per team of two. Despite the cost, the race attracts so many participants that it takes an entire week, with teams starting in waves consisting of four groups. This setup is dictated by logistical constraints and national park regulations.

Without a doubt, El Cruce is one of the greatest trail running adventures Argentina has to offer.

Where: San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura, Neuquén Province

Ushuaia Trail Race

https://calendario.trailrunning.ar/carreras/ushuaia-trail-race/

I was 7th in the 50-kilometer distance at the race on the End of the World

A trail race at the End of the World, at Tierra del Fuego. To simply reach this point is an achievement in itself for a traveller. To run a trail here is a privilege. For seasoned trail runners, the Ushuaia Trail Race offers stunning routes through some of the most beautiful locations near the city, with views of the Beagle Channel.

Participants of the longer distances even have the opportunity to traverse a small glacier on one of the race’s peaks. The event is known for its excellent organization, which has greatly improved after being included in the UTMB series. I had the chance to run the longest distance, the 50 km, and it was a pure joy with every step I took!

Where: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego

For more photos of Ushuaia, check out my profile.

Aconcagua Ultra Trail

https://aconcaguaultratrail.com/

The Aconcagua Ultra Trail is a race at the foot of the highest peak in the Americas — the mighty Aconcagua, towering over the entire Andes. This race is one of the central and most famous events in the Argentine mountain running calendar.

What sets this race apart is the arid climate and the considerable altitudes: the race starts at 2,500 meters above sea level, with the highest point reaching 4,150 meters. Altitude acclimatisation is definitely a must, as is adapting to the climate, since it takes place during Argentina's hot summer. However, it can be quite cold at the starting line.

Despite the high altitude, the race doesn’t feature technically difficult sections. On the contrary, it’s a very runnable trail through the valleys of the Aconcagua National Park. The course essentially follows the popular route taken by mountaineers to the base camp and back. Shorter distances are also available.

The maximum distance is 90 kilometers with an elevation gain of 3,000 meters. Another factor to consider is the high entry fee —  $369.

Where: Mendoza, Aconcagua National Park

In Mendoza, you can also find local races organized by the Outdoor Pesari team with excellent organization.

Epic Patagonia

https://www.epic-patagonia.com/ 

Epic Patagonia is a mountain race held in the resort town of Villa La Angostura, near the border with Chile. The distances reach up to 70 kilometers and include all the main peaks around the town.

Taking place at the height of summer, the race can be relatively hot by Patagonian standards. Nevertheless, it offers an abundance of stunning landscapes, including views of volcanoes and fjords, as well as many kilometers shaded by forests and alongside mountain rivers. The courses feature significant elevation gain but are not technically challenging.

For those seeking cooler temperatures and autumn scenery, the same location hosts the Travesía de los Cerros race later in the year.

Where: Villa La Angostura, Neuquén Province

Carrera 4 Refugios

https://www.carrera4refugios.com.ar/inicio

The Carrera 4 Refugios is considered the most technically challenging race in South America. Organized by the Club Andino Bariloche, this race has been held since 2003. Mountain clubs, or "Club Andinismo" as they are called in Argentina, are powerful community-based outdoor organizations that form the backbone of many mountain sports events and educational programs. In Bariloche, a hub for tourism, the local mountain club organizes incredibly authentic and demanding mountain races akin to Skyrunning, though it’s not referred to as such here.

The course follows the popular 4 Refugios trail, characterized by its high technical difficulty. It borders on the first category of mountaineering routes, with sections where ropes may be needed, extremely steep terrain, and unstable rocky areas. For this reason, wearing a helmet is mandatory during the race.

Key stats: 45 kilometers, 4,000 meters of elevation gain. Elite athletes complete it in about 6.5 hours.

The race’s highlight is not just its technicality but also its breathtaking scenery, featuring numerous lakes near the refuges and stunning views of Volcán Tronador, the dominant peak in the area. Participants can also opt to complete the route over two days, descending to Bariloche for an overnight stay.

For a “warm-up,” the Club Andino Bariloche also organizes the shorter but steeper Trail de los Filos in January, which traverses panoramic peaks near the city.

Where: San Carlos de Bariloche

El Paso Austral

https://www.traildelosfiloscab.com/

The El Paso Austral is a unique race with an ultra-distance route that crosses the border between Argentina and Chile. Starting near the base of Volcán Tronador close to the Argentine city of Bariloche, the race finishes on the Chilean side. The main distance connects the majestic Patagonian fjords, and finishers of this ultra trail will witness the Pacific Ocean with their own eyes. Participants will cross the Vuriloche Pass, which stands at 1,400 meters above sea level.

As described by the organizers:
"Since this route crosses a mountain range and ends at the sea, it involves more descents than ascents. The trail is surrounded by dense forests, with minimal technical challenges that may increase in wetter areas. Along the way, participants will cross streams and rivers where they can refill their bottles with drinkable water."

The race takes place in early autumn, which means weather conditions can be unpredictable. However, it’s usually warm, as the summer season is still in full swing.

Important Note: Participants must have proper documents for crossing the international border.

Where: Start near Bariloche, Argentina, finish in Chile

Bariloche 100

https://www.bariloche100.com/

Bariloche is a hub for outstanding mountain races, and the Bariloche 100 is another major event held here in mid-autumn. While the main distance is 100 kilometers along the fjords, shorter routes are also available and attract some of the fastest athletes in the region.

The race boasts a high level of organization, including live-streaming coverage similar to major events in the U.S. and Europe. Participants tackling the longest distance, with 5,000 meters of elevation gain, will experience breathtaking panoramic views from Bariloche's surrounding peaks before finishing in the city center. The finish line, conveniently located near bars serving delicious craft beer, offers a perfect spot for recovery!

Where: San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro Province

Valholl by UTMB

https://valholl.utmb.world/es

(c) Ushuaia, view of Mount Olivia, personal photo archive

Ushuaia is in the spotlight once again, but this time under the banner of the legendary UTMB Series. It seems the allure of Tierra del Fuego captivated UTMB organizers after their collaboration with UTR, and now there are two exceptional races at the End of the World instead of one.

With new routes, more kilometers, and breathtakingly stunning views, this event offers distances up to 130 kilometers with a staggering 5,800 meters of elevation gain, showcasing the region's most spectacular scenery.

As expected, the event boasts a high level of organization, with perks for finishers such as qualifying stones and the chance to secure a spot at UTMB Finals. However, participants must be prepared for the challenging climate and the demanding nature of the courses as the race takes place in autumn.

Where: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego