Chile is understood for its wonderful number of terrains. Whether you’re on the lookout for a newbie, reasonable, or more difficult trails on the towering volcanic peaks of the Lake District, Chile is the place to be.
The nation stretches 4,329 kilometers from north to south, making it one of many longest international locations on this planet. Its lengthy geological kind creates a singular structure for all-around mountaineering, offering the very best hikes and treks in Chile. Here’s a roundup of the very best trails.
What Are the Best Hiking Trails and Treks in Chile 2022?
Here are the very best mountaineering 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 expertise Chile’s beautiful backcountry? Take Torres del Paine O Circuit path. It offers you the complete mountaineering expertise permitting you to tour probably the most distant elements of the gorgeous Patagonian blue mountains.
The lengthy and difficult route gives probably the most beautiful views from the Perros Glacier, Campamento Los Perros, Dickson Lake, and the gorgeous Patagonian steppes alongside Rio Paine.
Length and Time: 11th of September days, 110 km
When to hike: November to March
Start and end: The path begins and ends on the Laguna Amarga ranger station. Sometimes hikers begin mountaineering from Refugio Lago Pehoe.
Link to information: https://torresdelpaine.com/en/programa/w-circuit/
2. Torres del Paine W Trail
Hikers from around the globe come right here to discover this spectacular path. It additionally goes by way of Torres Del Paine National Park like Torres del Paine O Circuit, besides it passes by way of Cordillera del Paine. Tores del Paine W C Trail is reasonably tough and splendid for hikers working with much less time.
The spectacular views of the park’s granite mountain peaks make this path stand out. It’s a chance to stroll previous the large Glacier Grey and camp alongside the gorgeous turquoise waters of the glacier-fed lakes.
Length and time: 71 km, 4-6 days
When to hike: November to March
Start and end: The path begins at Refugio Las Torres and ends at Refugio Paine Grande
Link to information: https://torresdelpaine.com/en/programa/w-circuit/
3. Cochamo Valley Trek
Commonly known as the South American Yosemite on account of its beautiful forests and granite domes, the Cochamo Valley Trek is a paradise for hikers and climbers alike. The path will get its identify from the Cochamo, a U-shaped valley within the Andes, Los Lagos Region of Chile.
Rock climbers and hikers worldwide come right here to discover the 1000 meters of granite partitions, see the myriads of uncommon fowl and plant species, and see the spectacular panorama.
Length and time: 12 km, two days
When to hike: November to February
Start and end: The path begins from San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina) to Paso El Leon (Chile), permitting you to discover the mountains and the unknown areas of the northern area of Patagonia.
Link to information: https://cochamo.com/en/trail-to-la-junta/
4. Valle de la Luna
Valle de la Luna is one other nice mountaineering spot in Chile. The path cuts throughout Moon Valley and is surrounded by salt caves, dunes, and lunar landscapes therefore the identify Valle de la Luna. Visiting the path at nightfall offers you probably the most spectacular sundown views from the large dune. Since the valley has many trails, paying for an organized tour at San Pedro is finest.
Length and time: 1.6 km, 1-2 hours
When to hike: January to March
Start and end: The path begins at Tres Marias, towards the Great Dune, and stretches throughout Salt Mountain Range.
Link to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valle_de_la_Luna_(Chile)
5. Cerro Castillo Circuit
Since the well-known W Trek is commonly crowded, trekking Chile by way of Cerro Castillo Circuit path is the subsequent finest different. Located simply an hour from Balmaceda, the path isn’t as crowded because the W Trek path. It has a number of day trails, finest for backpackers seeking to hike on off-beaten paths.
The path stretches 43 kilometers, permitting you to discover Cerro Castillo National Reserve. The Las Horquetas Circuit, one of many trails, gives probably the most immersive mountaineering expertise.
Length and time: 50 km, 4-5 days
When to hike: December to March
Start and end: The path begins at Valle de la Lima and finishes at Cerro Castillo village.
Link to information: https://parquenacionalcerrocastillo.cl/hiking-cerro-castillo-national-park/
Dubbed the southernmost trek, Dientes Circuit is understood for its breathtaking views. It’s characterised by varied landscapes permitting you to expertise beautiful views that distinction what you’ve seen in the day gone by(s).
The valleys even have a choke-full of views characterised by snow-covered passes, gnarled lenga bushes, and rocky balds.
Length and time: 53 km, 4-5 days
When to Hike: November to March
Start and end: The route begins and ends at Puerto Williams. It would assist for those who took a ferry at Punta Arenas to succeed in Puerto Williams earlier than you begin mountaineering.
Link to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navarino_Island#:~:text=There%20is%20a%20hiking%20circuit,also%20areas%20for%20rock%20climbing
7. Villarrica Volcano
Getting an opportunity to climb an lively volcano is one expertise each journey buff ought to think about doing, and the Villarrica Volcano path is the right place to do it. Located close to Pucon, Villarrica Volcano is likely one of the most lively mountains in Chile. When it isn’t lively, it gives the right path for mountaineering.
You also can take pleasure in outside actions like whitewater rafting, kayaking, biking, and swimming within the close by sizzling springs. Be positive you’re well-equipped for the climb by carrying a journey outfit or hiring one at Pucon resort.
Length and time: 9 km, 7 hours
When to hike: December to February
Start and end: You can begin the hike from the bottom of Villarrica Volcano, nevertheless it’s finest to take a chairlift to keep away from getting drained too rapidly.
Link to information: https://national-parks.org/chile/villarrica
8. Robinson Crusoe Island Trail
The path was named after Robinson Crusoe, a literary hero featured in an outdated story written by Daniel Defoe. Robinson, whose authentic identify was Alexander Selkirk, had been deserted on the island in 1704 after a dispute with the captain of the ship he navigated. He was deserted on the island and was solely rescued after 4 years and 4 months.
Robinson Crusoe Island path means that you can stroll within the footsteps of this legendary hero whereas having fun with the breathtaking views on the east and west sides of the island. In the east is the Yunque mount, the very best level of the island, and on the west is a volcanic island oozing a spread of earthy colours.
Length and time: 13-15 km, 7 hours
When to hike: October to April
Start and end: The path begins on the airport and goes by way of the mountain slopes, previous Mirador Selkirk, stretching to Juan Bautista village.
Link to information: https://valparaiso.com/en/place/robinson-crusoe-island/
9. Pan de Azucar
Pan de Azucar Coast is one in all 5 trails in Pan de Azucar National Park. It leads you to a phenomenal view of town of Niteroi and Guanabara Bay and stretches alongside the mountain’s east face.
You’ll discover extensions of land and stone ramps all through the path and a 20-meter climbing part in the direction of the highest, which wants slightly extra expertise to navigate. You can rent a climber who might give you ropes to climb the path.
Length and time: 20 km, 2-3 days
When to hike: November to April
Start and end: The path begins on the finish of Claudio Coutinho’s path
Link to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_de_Az%C3%BAcar_National_Park
10. Exploradores Glacier
Chile is house to many glaciers in South America, and the Exploradores Glacier is one instance. It dates again over 1,000,000 years and is the right place to stroll throughout the ice fields and discover the caves that open up because the climate will get hotter.
The journey to Exploradores Glacier path begins with an hour-and-a-half journey from Puerto Rico Tranquillo by way of the scenic valley, adopted by a 7-hour hike on the glacier. When navigating the ice path, it’s possible you’ll must put on crampons (supplied by the information).
Length and time: 10 km, 6-7 hours
When to hike: December to March
Start and end: The path begins from Puerto Rico Tranquillo city alongside the western a part of General Carrera Lake and stretches to the ice-covered sand and stones to the white ice, the place you’ll really feel, see, and listen to the residing ice.
Link to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploradores_Glacier
11. La Campana
The La Campana path provides to one of many lesser-known hikes in Chile. It’s positioned in La Campana National Park, a kilometer away from Olmue city and 160km northwest of Santiago. To get to the La Campana path, it is advisable tackle the Andinista path, the very best place to catch a glimpse of the highest of Cerro La Campana.
Length and time: 11.4 km, 8 hours, and half-hour
When to hike: September to April
Start and end: La Campana path begins at Olmue city and stretches to Andinsta path, a 7-kilometer climb. The path then stretches to the mines, which have indicators displaying how far you’re from the summit.
Link to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerro_La_Campana
12. Hanging Glacier Moraine Trail
Also known as Ventisquero Colgante, the Hanging Glacier Moraine Trail is likely one of the most accessible glaciers in Chile. It sits 1800 meters above sea degree and is the principle attraction of Queulat National Park. The finest approach to get a view of the glacier is to hike the six-kilometer Moraine path, which begins on the customer middle.
Length and time: 3.3 km, 3 hours
When to hike: January to April
Start and end: The path begins at Ruta 7, inside Queulat National Park, which is nineteen km south of the small village of Puyuhuapi.
Link to information: https://national-parks.org/chile/queulat
13. E Morado Glacier Trail
The path is positioned within the lovely gorge of Cajon del Maipo in central Chile. E Morado Glacier path is a reasonable to tough path that stretches deep into the Andean bowl, placing you proper alongside the sting of San Franciso Glacier.
Length and time: 13 km, 6 hours
When to hike: November to April
Start and end: The path begins and ends at Banos Morales.
Link to information: https://cajondelmaipochile.cl/atractivos/monumento_natural_el_morado/
14. Siete Tazas Day Hike Trail
Hiking Chile isn’t full with out exploring the distinctive Siete Tazas path. It derives its identify from Siete Tazas, which suggests seven cups. And as there are seven waterfalls flowing into the cup-shaped swimming pools it’s simple to see the way it bought its identify. The path has a picket path and gives an ideal view of the waterfalls.
Length and time: 0.3 km, 1 hr
When to hike: Almost all yr, is perhaps closed in the course of winter within the snow
Start and end: The path begins and ends at Siete Tazas National Park
Link to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radal_Siete_Tazas_National_Park
15. Mirador de los Condores
The path is inside strolling distance of El Chalten city. It’s usually thought-about a simple path taking a mean of 55 minutes to hike. Mirador de los Condores path can also be a preferred bird-watching spot. You might discover the Mirador de las Aguilas path if on the lookout for a more difficult route.
Length and time: 2.6 km, 1 hour
When to hike: November to April
Start and end: The path begins and ends at El Chalten city
Link to information: https://elchalten.com/v4/en/los-condores-las-aguilas-viewpoints-el-chalten.php
16. Cerro de Llano – Valle de Elqui
Elqui Valley’s beautiful views, mystic nature, and clear skies draw many trekkers, vacationers, and hikers to the valley. And there’s no higher manner to soak up the valley’s picturesque options than mountaineering on Cerro de Llano – Valle de Elqui, probably the most difficult Chiles Hikes.
Length and time: 20 km, 1-2 days
When to hike: November to March
Start and end: The path begins at Pisco Elqui city
Link to information: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valle_del_Elqui
17. Puyehue Traverse
The Puyehue Traverse gives nice mountaineering, biking, and working trails. It has seven mountaineering trails excellent for all ability ranges, together with youngsters. What makes mountaineering on this path thrilling are the hand-curated path maps dotting the path. You’re additionally handled to historic sights surrounding Puyehue National Park.
Length and time: 75 km, three days
When to hike: November to May
Start and end: The path begins at Guarderia Anitcura and ends at Rinanahue.
Link to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puyehue_National_Park
18. Lanin Volcano
If you might be on the lookout for a mountain mountaineering expertise, head to the Lanin Volcano path. It’s a marked path that begins at a ranger station by way of Lenga Forest, main you to the mountain’s base. It then stretches to completely different sections generally known as the mule observe and the fish bone and ends on the mountain hut.
Length and time: 21 km, 2-4 days
When to hike: November to March
Start and end: The path has two beginning points- San Martin de Los Andes and Junin de Los Andes and ends on the mountain hut.
Link to information: https://national-parks.org/argentina/lanin
19. Greater Patagonia Trail
The Greater Patagonia Trail is likely one of the longest Chiles hikes. It’s additionally among the best routes to discover Patagonia and the adjoining areas. Since it isn’t a single route connecting the beginning and the end factors however a community of trails, hikers should carry a map, GPS, and have a very good degree of Spanish as you can be in some distant areas of Chile. The community consists of 20,000 km of trails spanning over 2250 km.
Length and time: 20,000 km; varies from day hikes to a number of months of thru-hiking relying on the route taken
When to hike: November to April
Start and end: The path begins from Santiago and ends at Cabo Froward
Link to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Patagonia_Trail
Conclusion
With this information for the very best hikes in Chile, planning a tenting or mountaineering journey is now not an uphill job. Most trails have moderate-challenging issue whereas others require assist from skilled guides, therefore the necessity to enlist their assist beforehand.