Chile is known for its amazing variety of terrains. Whether you’re looking for a beginner, moderate, or more challenging trails on the towering volcanic peaks of the Lake District, Chile is the place to be.
The country stretches 4,329 kilometers from north to south, making it one of the longest countries in the world. Its long geological form creates a unique layout for all-around hiking, providing the best hikes and treks in Chile. Here’s a roundup of the best trails.
What Are the Best Hiking Trails and Treks in Chile 2022?
Here are the best hiking trails and treks in Chile:
- Torres del Paine O Circuit
- Tores del Paine W C Trail
- Cochamo Valley Trek
- Valle de la Luna
- Cerro Castillo Circuit
- Dientes Circuit – Isla Navarino
- Villarrica Volcano
- Robinson Crusoe Island Trail
- Pan de Azucar
- Exploradores Glacier
- La Campana
- Hanging Glacier Moraine Trail
- E Morado Glacier Trail
- Siete Tazas Day Hike Trail
- Mirador de los Condores
- Cerro de Llano – Valle de Elqui
- Puyehue Traverse
- Lanin Volcano
- Greater Patagonia Trail
1. Torres del Paine O Circuit
Want to experience Chile’s stunning backcountry? Take Torres del Paine O Circuit trail which is one of the best hiking trails in the world. It gives you the full hiking experience allowing you to tour the most remote parts of the beautiful Patagonian blue mountains.
The long and challenging route provides the most stunning views from the Perros Glacier, Campamento Los Perros, Dickson Lake, and the beautiful Patagonian steppes along Rio Paine.
Length and Time: 9-11 days, 110 km
When to hike: November to March
Start and finish: The trail starts and ends at the Laguna Amarga ranger station. Sometimes hikers start hiking from Refugio Lago Pehoe.
Link to guide: https://torresdelpaine.com/en/programa/w-circuit/
2. Torres del Paine W Trail
Hikers from around the world come here to explore this spectacular trail. It also goes through Torres Del Paine National Park like Torres del Paine O Circuit, except it passes through Cordillera del Paine. Tores del Paine W C Trail is moderately difficult and ideal for hikers working with less time.
The spectacular views of the park’s granite mountain peaks make this trail stand out. It’s an opportunity to walk past the massive Glacier Grey and camp along the beautiful turquoise waters of the glacier-fed lakes.
Length and time: 71 km, 4-6 days
When to hike: November to March
Start and finish: The trail starts at Refugio Las Torres and ends at Refugio Paine Grande
Link to guide: https://torresdelpaine.com/en/programa/w-circuit/
3. Cochamo Valley Trek
Commonly referred to as the South American Yosemite due to its stunning forests and granite domes, the Cochamo Valley Trek is a paradise for hikers and climbers alike. The trail gets its name from the Cochamo, a U-shaped valley in the Andes, Los Lagos Region of Chile.
Rock climbers and hikers worldwide come here to explore the 1000 meters of granite walls, see the myriads of rare bird and plant species, and see the spectacular landscape.
Length and time: 12 km, two days
When to hike: November to February
Start and finish: The trail starts from San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina) to Paso El Leon (Chile), allowing you to explore the mountains and the unknown areas of the northern region of Patagonia.
Link to guide: https://cochamo.com/en/trail-to-la-junta/
4. Valle de la Luna
Valle de la Luna is another great hiking spot in Chile. The trail cuts across Moon Valley and is surrounded by salt caves, dunes, and lunar landscapes hence the name Valle de la Luna. Visiting the trail at dusk gives you the most spectacular sunset views from the giant dune. Since the valley has many trails, paying for an organized tour at San Pedro is best.
Length and time: 1.6 km, 1-2 hours
When to hike: January to March
Start and finish: The trail starts at Tres Marias, toward the Great Dune, and stretches across Salt Mountain Range.
Link to guide: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valle_de_la_Luna_(Chile)
5. Cerro Castillo Circuit
Since the famous W Trek is often crowded, trekking Chile through Cerro Castillo Circuit trail is the next best alternative. Located just an hour from Balmaceda, the trail isn’t as crowded as the W Trek trail. It has several day trails, best for backpackers looking to hike on off-beaten paths.
The trail stretches 43 kilometers, allowing you to explore Cerro Castillo National Reserve. The Las Horquetas Circuit, one of the trails, provides the most immersive hiking experience.
Length and time: 50 km, 4-5 days
When to hike: December to March
Start and finish: The trail starts at Valle de la Lima and finishes at Cerro Castillo village.
Link to guide: https://parquenacionalcerrocastillo.cl/hiking-cerro-castillo-national-park/
Dubbed the southernmost trek, Dientes Circuit is known for its breathtaking views. It’s characterized by various landscapes allowing you to experience stunning views that contrast what you’ve seen in the previous day(s).
The valleys also have a choke-full of views characterized by snow-covered passes, gnarled lenga trees, and rocky balds.
Length and time: 53 km, 4-5 days
When to Hike: November to March
Start and finish: The route starts and ends at Puerto Williams. It would help if you took a ferry at Punta Arenas to reach Puerto Williams before you start hiking.
Link to guide: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navarino_Island#:~:text=There%20is%20a%20hiking%20circuit,also%20areas%20for%20rock%20climbing
7. Villarrica Volcano
Getting a chance to climb an active volcano is one experience every adventure buff should consider doing, and the Villarrica Volcano trail is the perfect place to do it. Located near Pucon, Villarrica Volcano is one of the most active mountains in Chile. When it isn’t active, it provides the perfect trail for hiking.
You can also indulge in outdoor activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, biking, and swimming in the nearby hot springs. Be sure you’re well-equipped for the climb by carrying a travel outfit or hiring one at Pucon resort.
Length and time: 9 km, 7 hours
When to hike: December to February
Start and finish: You can start the hike from the base of Villarrica Volcano, but it’s best to take a chairlift to avoid getting tired too quickly.
Link to guide: https://national-parks.org/chile/villarrica
8. Robinson Crusoe Island Trail
The trail was named after Robinson Crusoe, a literary hero featured in an old story written by Daniel Defoe. Robinson, whose original name was Alexander Selkirk, had been abandoned on the island in 1704 after a dispute with the captain of the ship he navigated. He was abandoned on the island and was only rescued after four years and four months.
Robinson Crusoe Island trail allows you to walk in the footsteps of this legendary hero while enjoying the breathtaking views on the east and west sides of the island. In the east is the Yunque mount, the highest point of the island, and on the west is a volcanic island oozing a range of earthy colors.
Length and time: 13-15 km, 7 hours
When to hike: October to April
Start and finish: The trail starts at the airport and goes through the mountain slopes, past Mirador Selkirk, stretching to Juan Bautista village.
Link to guide: https://valparaiso.com/en/place/robinson-crusoe-island/
9. Pan de Azucar
Pan de Azucar Coast is one of five trails in Pan de Azucar National Park. It leads you to a beautiful view of the city of Niteroi and Guanabara Bay and stretches along the mountain’s east face.
You’ll find extensions of land and stone ramps throughout the trail and a 20-meter climbing section towards the top, which needs a little more experience to navigate. You can hire a climber who may provide you with ropes to climb the trail.
Length and time: 20 km, 2-3 days
When to hike: November to April
Start and finish: The trail starts at the end of Claudio Coutinho’s trail
Link to guide: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_de_Az%C3%BAcar_National_Park
10. Exploradores Glacier
Chile is home to many glaciers in South America, and the Exploradores Glacier is one example. It dates back over a million years and is the perfect place to walk across the ice fields and explore the caves that open up as the weather gets warmer.
The journey to Exploradores Glacier trail begins with an hour-and-a-half journey from Puerto Rico Tranquillo through the scenic valley, followed by a 7-hour hike on the glacier. When navigating the ice trail, you may need to wear crampons (provided by the guide).
Length and time: 10 km, 6-7 hours
When to hike: December to March
Start and finish: The trail starts from Puerto Rico Tranquillo town along the western part of General Carrera Lake and stretches to the ice-covered sand and stones to the white ice, where you’ll feel, see, and hear the living ice.
Link to guide: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploradores_Glacier
11. La Campana
The La Campana trail adds to one of the lesser-known hikes in Chile. It’s located in La Campana National Park, a kilometer away from Olmue town and 160km northwest of Santiago. To get to the La Campana trail, you need to take on the Andinista trail, the best place to catch a glimpse of the top of Cerro La Campana.
Length and time: 11.4 km, 8 hours, and 30 minutes
When to hike: September to April
Start and finish: La Campana trail starts at Olmue town and stretches to Andinsta trail, a 7-kilometer climb. The trail then stretches to the mines, which have signs showing how far you’re from the summit.
Link to guide: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerro_La_Campana
12. Hanging Glacier Moraine Trail
Also referred to as Ventisquero Colgante, the Hanging Glacier Moraine Trail is one of the most accessible glaciers in Chile. It sits 1800 meters above sea level and is the main attraction of Queulat National Park. The best way to get a view of the glacier is to hike the six-kilometer Moraine trail, which starts at the visitor center.
Length and time: 3.3 km, 3 hours
When to hike: January to April
Start and finish: The trail starts at Ruta 7, within Queulat National Park, which is 19 km south of the small village of Puyuhuapi.
Link to guide: https://national-parks.org/chile/queulat
13. E Morado Glacier Trail
The trail is located in the beautiful gorge of Cajon del Maipo in central Chile. E Morado Glacier trail is a moderate to difficult trail that stretches deep into the Andean bowl, putting you right along the edge of San Franciso Glacier.
Length and time: 13 km, 6 hours
When to hike: November to April
Start and finish: The trail starts and ends at Banos Morales.
Link to guide: https://cajondelmaipochile.cl/atractivos/monumento_natural_el_morado/
14. Siete Tazas Day Hike Trail
Hiking Chile isn’t complete without exploring the unique Siete Tazas trail. It derives its name from Siete Tazas, which means seven cups. And as there are seven waterfalls flowing into the cup-shaped pools it is easy to see how it got its name. The trail has a wooden path and provides a perfect view of the waterfalls.
Length and time: 0.3 km, 1 hr
When to hike: Almost all year, might be closed in the middle of winter in the snow
Start and finish: The trail starts and ends at Siete Tazas National Park
Link to guide: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radal_Siete_Tazas_National_Park
15. Mirador de los Condores
The trail is within walking distance of El Chalten town. It’s generally considered an easy trail taking an average of 55 minutes to hike. Mirador de los Condores trail is also a popular bird-watching spot. You may explore the Mirador de las Aguilas trail if looking for a more challenging route.
Length and time: 2.6 km, 1 hour
When to hike: November to April
Start and finish: The trail starts and ends at El Chalten town
Link to guide: https://elchalten.com/v4/en/los-condores-las-aguilas-viewpoints-el-chalten.php
16. Cerro de Llano – Valle de Elqui
Elqui Valley’s gorgeous views, mystic nature, and clear skies draw many trekkers, travelers, and hikers to the valley. And there’s no better way to take in the valley’s picturesque features than hiking on Cerro de Llano – Valle de Elqui, one of the most challenging Chiles Hikes.
Length and time: 20 km, 1-2 days
When to hike: November to March
Start and finish: The trail starts at Pisco Elqui town
Link to guide: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valle_del_Elqui
17. Puyehue Traverse
The Puyehue Traverse provides great hiking, biking, and running trails. It has seven hiking trails perfect for all skill levels, including kids. What makes hiking on this trail exciting are the hand-curated trail maps dotting the trail. You’re also treated to historic sights surrounding Puyehue National Park.
Length and time: 75 km, three days
When to hike: November to May
Start and finish: The trail starts at Guarderia Anitcura and ends at Rinanahue.
Link to guide: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puyehue_National_Park
18. Lanin Volcano
If you are looking for a mountain hiking experience, head to the Lanin Volcano trail. It’s a marked trail that starts at a ranger station through Lenga Forest, leading you to the mountain’s base. It then stretches to different sections known as the mule track and the fish bone and ends at the mountain hut.
Length and time: 21 km, 2-4 days
When to hike: November to March
Start and finish: The trail has two starting points- San Martin de Los Andes and Junin de Los Andes and ends at the mountain hut.
Link to guide: https://national-parks.org/argentina/lanin
19. Greater Patagonia Trail
The Greater Patagonia Trail is one of the longest Chiles hikes. It’s also one of the best routes to explore Patagonia and the adjacent regions. Since it isn’t a single route connecting the start and the finish points but a network of trails, hikers must carry a map, GPS, and have a good level of Spanish as you will be in some remote areas of Chile. The network consists of 20,000 km of trails spanning over 2250 km.
Length and time: 20,000 km; varies from day hikes to several months of thru-hiking depending on the route taken
When to hike: November to April
Start and finish: The trail starts from Santiago and ends at Cabo Froward
Link to guide: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Patagonia_Trail
Conclusion
With this guide for the best hikes in Chile, planning a camping or hiking trip is no longer an uphill task. Most trails have moderate-challenging difficulty while others require help from professional guides, hence the need to enlist their help beforehand.
