Wednesday, April 23, 2025

18 Greatest Mountaineering Trails and Treks in Chile [2025]


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Chile is thought for its superb number of terrains. Whether or not you’re in search of newbie, average, or tougher 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 nations on the planet. Its lengthy geological type creates a novel structure for all-around mountaineering, offering the very best hikes and treks in Chile. Right here’s a roundup of the very best trails.


What Are the Greatest Mountaineering Trails and Treks in Chile 2025?

Listed below are the very best mountaineering trails and treks in Chile:

  1. Torres del Paine O Circuit
  2. Tores del Paine W C Path 
  3. Cochamo Valley Trek
  4. Valle de la Luna 
  5. Cerro Castillo Circuit 
  6. Dientes Circuit – Isla Navarino 
  7. Villarrica Volcano 
  8. Robinson Crusoe Island Path 
  9. Pan de Azucar 
  10. Exploradores Glacier 
  11. La Campana
  12. Hanging Glacier Moraine Path 
  13. E Morado Glacier Path
  14. Siete Tazas Day Hike Path 
  15. Cerro de Llano – Valle de Elqui 
  16. Puyehue Traverse 
  17. Lanin Volcano 
  18. Higher Patagonia Path

1. Torres del Paine O Circuit

Torres del Paine O Circuit ChileTorres del Paine O Circuit Chile

Need to expertise Chile’s gorgeous backcountry? Take the Torres del Paine O Circuit path, one of many greatest mountaineering trails on the planet. It offers you the complete mountaineering expertise permitting you to tour essentially the most distant components of the gorgeous Patagonian blue mountains.

The lengthy and difficult route supplies essentially the most gorgeous views from the Perros Glacier, Campamento Los Perros, Dickson Lake, and the gorgeous Patagonian steppes alongside Rio Paine. 

Size and Time: Sep 11 days, 110 km

When to hike: November to March

Begin and end: The path begins and ends on the Laguna Amarga ranger station. Generally hikers begin mountaineering from Refugio Lago Pehoe.

Hyperlink to information: https://torresdelpaine.com/en/programa/w-circuit/


2. Torres del Paine W Path

Torres del Paine W Trail ChileTorres del Paine W Trail Chile

Hikers from world wide come right here to discover this spectacular path. It additionally goes by Torres Del Paine Nationwide Park just like the Torres del Paine O Circuit, besides it passes by Cordillera del Paine. Tores del Paine W C Path is reasonably troublesome and preferrred 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 possibility to stroll previous the huge Glacier Gray and camp alongside the gorgeous turquoise waters of the glacier-fed lakes.

Size and time: 71 km, 4-6 days

When to hike: November to March

Begin and end: The path begins at Refugio Las Torres and ends at Refugio Paine Grande

Hyperlink to information: https://torresdelpaine.com/en/programa/w-circuit/


3. Cochamo Valley Trek

Generally known as the South American Yosemite on account of 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 Area of Chile. 

Rock climbers and hikers worldwide come right here to discover the 1000 meters of granite partitions, see the myriads of uncommon chook and plant species, and see the spectacular panorama.

Size and time: 12 km, two days

When to hike: November to February

Begin 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.

Hyperlink to information: https://cochamo.com/en/trail-to-la-junta/


4. Valle de la Luna 

Valle de la Luna ChileValle de la Luna Chile

Valle de la Luna is one other nice mountaineering spot in Chile. The path throughout Moon Valley is surrounded by salt caves, dunes, and lunar landscapes, therefore the title Valle de la Luna. Visiting the path at nightfall offers you essentially the most spectacular sundown views from the enormous dune. Because the valley has many trails, paying for an organized tour at San Pedro is greatest.

Size and time: 1.6 km, 1-2 hours

When to hike: January to March

Begin and end: The path begins at Tres Marias, towards the Nice Dune, and stretches throughout Salt Mountain Vary.

Hyperlink to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valle_de_la_Luna_(Chile)


5. Cerro Castillo Circuit 

Because the well-known W Trek is commonly crowded, trekking Chile by the Cerro Castillo Circuit path is the following greatest various. Situated simply an hour from Balmaceda, the path isn’t as crowded because the W Trek path. It has a number of day trails, greatest for backpackers seeking to hike on off-beaten paths.

The path stretches 43 kilometers, permitting you to discover Cerro Castillo Nationwide Reserve. The Las Horquetas Circuit, one of many trails, supplies essentially the most immersive mountaineering expertise. 

Size and time: 50 km, 4-5 days

When to hike: December to March

Begin and end: The path begins at Valle de la Lima and finishes at Cerro Castillo village.

Hyperlink to information: https://parquenacionalcerrocastillo.cl/hiking-cerro-castillo-national-park/


6. Dientes Circuit – Isla Navarino 

Dubbed the southernmost trek, Dientes Circuit is thought for its breathtaking views. It’s characterised by numerous landscapes permitting you to expertise gorgeous views that distinction what you’ve seen in the day prior to this(s).

The valleys even have a choke-full of views characterised by snow-covered passes, gnarled lenga timber, and rocky balds. 

Size and time: 53 km, 4-5 days

When to Hike: November to March

Begin and end: The route begins and ends at Puerto Williams. It could assist for those who took a ferry at Punta Arenas to succeed in Puerto Williams earlier than you begin mountaineering.

Hyperlink to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dientes_de_Navarino


7. Villarrica Volcano 

Villarrica Volcano trail ChileVillarrica Volcano trail Chile

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. Situated close to Pucon, Villarrica Volcano is without doubt one of the most energetic mountains in Chile. When it isn’t energetic, it supplies the proper path for mountaineering.

You too can bask in outside actions like whitewater rafting, kayaking, biking, and swimming within the close by sizzling springs. Make certain you’re well-equipped for the climb by carrying a journey outfit or hiring one at Pucon Resorts.

 Size and time: 9 km, 7 hours

When to hike: December to February

Begin and end: You can begin the hike from the bottom of Villarrica Volcano, but it surely’s greatest to take a chairlift to keep away from getting drained too rapidly.

Hyperlink to information: https://national-parks.org/chile/villarrica


8. Robinson Crusoe Island Path 

The path was named after Robinson Crusoe, a literary hero featured in an outdated 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. Within the east is the Yunque Mount, the very best level of the island, and on the west is a volcanic island oozing a variety of earthy colours. 

Size and time: 13-15 km, 7 hours

When to hike: October to April

Begin and end: The path begins on the airport and goes by the mountain slopes, previous Mirador Selkirk, stretching to Juan Bautista village.

Hyperlink to information: https://valparaiso.com/en/place/robinson-crusoe-island/


9. Pan de Azucar 

Pan de Azucar Coast is considered one of 5 trails in Pan de Azucar Nationwide Park. It leads you to an exquisite 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 the direction of the highest, which wants slightly extra expertise to navigate. You’ll be able to rent a climber who might offer you ropes to climb the path.

Size and time: 20 km, 2-3 days

When to hike: November to April

Begin and end: The path begins on the finish of Claudio Coutinho’s path

Hyperlink to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_de_AzpercentC3percentBAcar_National_Park


10. Exploradores Glacier 

Chile is residence to many glaciers in South America, and the Exploradores Glacier is one instance. It dates again over 1,000,000 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 (supplied by the information).

Size and time: 10 km, 6-7 hours

When to hike: December to March

Begin and end: The path begins from Puerto Rico Tranquillo city alongside the western a part of Basic 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 dwelling ice.

Hyperlink to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploradores_Glacier


11. La Campana 

Summit of La Campana trail, ChileSummit of La Campana trail, Chile

The La Campana path provides to one of many lesser-known hikes in Chile. It’s positioned in La Campana Nationwide Park, a kilometer away from Olmue city and 160km northwest of Santiago. To get to the La Campana path, you should take the Andinista path, the very best place to catch a glimpse of the highest of Cerro La Campana.

Size and time: 11.4 km, 8 hours, and half-hour

When to hike: September to April

Begin 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.

Hyperlink to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerro_La_Campana


12. Hanging Glacier Moraine Path 

Additionally known as Ventisquero Colgante, the Hanging Glacier Moraine Path is without doubt one of the most accessible glaciers in Chile. It sits 1800 meters above sea stage and is the principle attraction of Queulat Nationwide Park. One of the simplest ways to get a view of the glacier is to hike the six-kilometer Moraine path, which begins on the customer heart.

Size and time: 3.3 km, 3 hours

When to hike: January to April

Begin and end: The path begins at Ruta 7, inside Queulat Nationwide Park, which is nineteen km south of the small village of Puyuhuapi.

Hyperlink to information: https://national-parks.org/chile/queulat


13. E Morado Glacier Path

The path is positioned within the lovely gorge of Cajon del Maipo in central Chile. E Morado Glacier path is a average to troublesome path that stretches deep into the Andean bowl, placing you proper alongside the sting of San Franciso Glacier.

Size and time: 13 km, 6 hours

When to hike: November to April

Begin and end: The path begins and ends at Banos Morales.

Hyperlink to information: https://cajondelmaipochile.cl/atractivos/monumento_natural_el_morado/


14. Siete Tazas Day Hike Path 

Siete Tazas Hike ChileSiete Tazas Hike Chile

Mountaineering in 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 seven waterfalls are 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 supplies an ideal view of the waterfalls.

Size and time: 0.3 km, 1 hr

When to hike: Nearly all 12 months, is likely to be closed in the course of winter within the snow

Begin and end: The path begins and ends at Siete Tazas Nationwide Park

Hyperlink to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radal_Siete_Tazas_National_Park


15. Cerro de Llano – Valle de Elqui 

Pisco Elqui Trek, ChilePisco Elqui Trek, Chile

Elqui Valley’s attractive views, mystic nature, and clear skies draw many trekkers, vacationers, and hikers to the valley. And there’s no higher means to absorb the valley’s picturesque options than mountaineering on Cerro de Llano – Valle de Elqui, probably the most difficult Chiles Hikes.

Size and time: 20 km, 1-2 days

When to hike: November to March

Begin and end: The path begins at Pisco Elqui city

Hyperlink to information: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valle_del_Elqui


16. Puyehue Traverse 

The Puyehue Traverse supplies nice mountaineering, biking, and working trails. It has seven mountaineering trails good for all talent 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 Nationwide Park.

Size and time: 75 km, three days

When to hike: November to Could

Begin and end: The path begins at Guarderia Anitcura and ends at Rinanahue.

Hyperlink to information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puyehue_National_Park


17. Lanin Volcano 

In case you are in search of a mountain mountaineering 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 often called the mule observe and the fish bone and ends on the mountain hut.

Size and time: 21 km, 2-4 days

When to hike: November to March

Begin and end: The path has two beginning points- Pucon in Chile and San Martin de Los Andes in Argentina.

Hyperlink to information: https://national-parks.org/argentina/lanin


18. Higher Patagonia Path 

The Higher Patagonia Path is without doubt one of the longest Chilean hikes. It’s additionally top-of-the-line routes to discover Patagonia and the adjoining areas. Because 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 stage of Spanish as you’ll be in some distant areas of Chile. The community consists of 20,000 km of trails spanning over 2250 km.

Size 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

Begin and end: The path begins from Santiago and ends at Cabo Froward

Hyperlink 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 problem whereas others require assist from skilled guides, therefore the necessity to enlist their assist beforehand.


Best Hiking Trails ChileBest Hiking Trails Chile

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