Chile is understood for its superb 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 type creates a novel format for all-around mountain climbing, offering one of the best hikes and treks in Chile. Here’s a roundup of one of the best trails.
What Are the Best Hiking Trails and Treks in Chile?
Here are one of the best mountain climbing 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 gorgeous backcountry? Take Torres del Paine O Circuit path. It offers you the total mountain climbing expertise permitting you to tour probably the most distant elements of the attractive Patagonian blue mountains.
The lengthy and difficult route gives probably the most gorgeous views from the Perros Glacier, Campamento Los Perros, Dickson Lake, and the attractive 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 mountain climbing from Refugio Lago Pehoe.
Link to information: https://torresdelpaine.com/en/programa/w-circuit/
2. Torres del Paine W Trail
Hikers from all over the world come right here to discover this spectacular path. It additionally goes by Torres Del Paine National Park like Torres del Paine O Circuit, besides it passes by Cordillera del Paine. Tores del Paine W C Trail is reasonably tough and supreme 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 huge Glacier Grey and camp alongside the attractive 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 attributable to its gorgeous forests and granite domes, the Cochamo Valley Trek is a paradise for hikers and climbers alike. The path will get its title 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 hen 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 mountain climbing spot in Chile. The path cuts throughout Moon Valley and is surrounded by salt caves, dunes, and lunar landscapes therefore the title 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 usually crowded, trekking Chile by Cerro Castillo Circuit path is the following finest various. 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 mountain climbing 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 gorgeous 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 in the event you took a ferry at Punta Arenas to succeed in Puerto Williams earlier than you begin mountain climbing.
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 energetic volcano is one expertise each journey buff ought to think about doing, and the Villarrica Volcano path is the proper place to do it. Located close to Pucon, Villarrica Volcano is without doubt one of the most energetic mountains in Chile. When it isn’t energetic, it gives the proper path for mountain climbing.
You may bask in outside actions like whitewater rafting, kayaking, biking, and swimming within the close by scorching springs. Be certain 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 previous story written by Daniel Defoe. Robinson, whose unique title 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 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 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 fantastic view of the 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 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 one million years and is the proper 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 the scenic valley, adopted by a 7-hour hike on the glacier. When navigating the ice path, chances are you’ll must put on crampons (offered 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, you want to tackle the Andinista path, one of the 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 without doubt one of the most accessible glaciers in Chile. It sits 1800 meters above sea stage and is the primary attraction of Queulat National Park. The finest strategy to get a view of the glacier is to hike the six-kilometer Moraine path, which begins on the customer heart.
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 stunning 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 title 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 acquired its title. 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 12 months, 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 of a simple path taking a median of 55 minutes to hike. Mirador de los Condores path can also be a well-liked 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 attractive views, mystic nature, and clear skies draw many trekkers, vacationers, and hikers to the valley. And there’s no higher method to absorb the valley’s picturesque options than mountain climbing on Cerro de Llano – Valle de Elqui, one of the 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 mountain climbing, biking, and operating trails. It has seven mountain climbing trails excellent for all ability ranges, together with children. What makes mountain climbing 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 mountain climbing expertise, head to the Lanin Volcano path. It’s a marked path that begins at a ranger station by Lenga Forest, main you to the mountain’s base. It then stretches to totally different sections referred to as the mule monitor 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 without doubt one of the longest Chiles hikes. It’s additionally top-of-the-line 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 an excellent stage 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 one of the best hikes in Chile, planning a tenting or mountain climbing 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.