Discover Chile's Top Hiking Destinations
Chile's unique geography, stretching over 4,300 kilometers in length and averaging 177 kilometers in width, is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. It offers diverse landscapes from the world's driest desert, the Atacama, to the glacier-carved valleys of Patagonia. This makes Chile a hiker's dream with some of the best trails in South America. Explore the best hikes in Chile below.
1. The W Trek
The iconic W Trek in Torres Del Paine National Park is a 71-kilometer journey through Patagonia's most stunning scenery, including Paine Grande and Glacier Grey. Accommodations range from camping to luxury lodges, with options for additional activities like glacier walks. Weather can be unpredictable, and the trail is busiest in January and February.
2. The O Circuit
The O Circuit extends the W Trek by 50 kilometers, offering a more secluded experience with a daily limit of 80 hikers. The nine to 11-day trek starts from Laguna Amarga and features remote Patagonian landscapes.
3. Cochamó Valley Trek
Known as "the Yosemite of Chile," Cochamó Valley is accessed via a 10-kilometer trail leading to La Junta, the base for exploring the valley's granite domes and waterfalls. Accommodations include refugios and the cozy Hotel Espacio y Tiempo.
4. Valle de la Luna Day Hike
In the Atacama Desert, Valle de la Luna offers a five-kilometer day hike through the Salt Mountain Range. Guided tours are popular, especially for sunset views.
5. Cerro Castillo Circuit
The Cerro Castillo Circuit is a four-day, 43-kilometer trek around the park's namesake mountain, offering views of glaciers and lagoons. It's a challenging hike with technical passes and stream crossings.
6. Dientes Circuit
The Dientes Circuit on Isla Navarino is a five-day, 53-kilometer trek through remote terrain with views of the Drake Passage and Cape Horn. A guide is recommended due to extreme conditions.
7. Villarrica Volcano Hike
Climbing the active Villarrica Volcano is a popular adventure in the Lakes and Volcanoes District, requiring a guide and proper gear. The ascent offers a view of the smoking crater.
8. Robinson Crusoe Island Trail
Robinson Crusoe Island, part of the Juan Fernández Archipelago, offers a 13-kilometer hike through unique landscapes and historical sites related to the real-life castaway Alexander Selkirk.
9. The Mirador Trail of Pan de Azúcar
The nine-kilometer Mirador Trail in Pan de Azúcar National Park features coastal vegetation, wildlife, and views of the rugged coastline.
10. The Ice Hike on Exploradores Glacier
A guided trek on the Exploradores Glacier offers a seven-hour hike through a realm of blue ice, part of the Patagonian Ice Field.
11. The Hanging Glacier Moraine Trail
The six-kilometer Moraine Trail in Queulat National Park leads to views of the Hanging Glacier, with its cascading waterfalls.
12. El Morado Glacier Trek
Near Santiago, the El Morado Glacier Trek is an eight-kilometer trail to the San Francisco Glacier, with the option to relax in hot springs afterward.
13. Siete Tazas Day Hike
The Siete Tazas features seven clear water cups in a gorge, accessible via a four-kilometer hike through forests and swimming holes.
Chile's trails offer a variety of experiences, from desert landscapes to icy glaciers, making it a premier destination for hikers and adventurers.
