12+ Fantastic Hikes in Chile

Stretched like a noodle between the Pacific ocean and the Andes mountains, Chile offers everything hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers may wish for. Everything, we kid you not – from the desert to glaciers, down volcanoes, through lush forests and along joyful rivers. We’ve selected here our favourite 12+ hikes in Chile, and include distances, difficulty and the best time to go.

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Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)

The moon-like scenery of the Valle de la Luna is one of the main attractions in the Atacama desert, located as North as it gets in stretchy Chile. Good thing is, it’s also one of the few in the area that you can do on your own, without having to book a tour or rent a car.

The landscapes here are almost surreal, with sand dunes and impressive red-rock formations as far as the eye can see. You will be given a map at the entrance. There you can decide what to see and in which order. Our favourites are the cavern of salt, the mirador Achaches and watching the sunset from the Great Dune.

The entrance is only 6 km away from San Pedro (about a 1,5-hour walk) but the sights stretch on 11 km, often on bypaths. Although you can hike it, it can be worthwhile to rent a bike in town to take in most of the sights.

➔ Follow this trail on Wikiloc.

San Francisco Glacier Trek, Cajón del Maipo

Many Santiaguinos love going on a day trip to the Maipo Canyon, known as the ‘green lung’ of the Santiago metropolitan area. They find there many activities for the whole family: swimming, rafting, ziplining, hiking, horse riding, etc.

Many hiking trails are available, going through a stunning landscape of mountains, volcanoes, forest, river, and even glaciers. We’re only a couple of hours away from the capital but already in the Andes – and it shows.

The El Morado Natural Monument offers the popular San Francisco Glacier Trek (also known as El Morado Glacier trek), near the hamlet of Baños Morales, which is known for its hot springs (just saying). It’s a rather constant but moderate ascent, well signposted. On the way, Laguna Morales is a great spot to rest and meditate.

➔ Follow this trail on Wikiloc.

Find how to get to the Maipo Canyon on a day trip from Santiago

Radal Siete Tazas Hike

There’s really no reason not to revel in the little piece of paradise called Radal Siete Tazas National Park. It’s less than 3 hours from Santiago, and closer still to the surfers’ town of Pichilemu and Chile’s wine region. It’s a lush path that follows the upper basin of the Río Claro through evergreen forests.

Over the years, the river has sculpted and shaped the volcanic basalt rocks in this narrow gorge; among which “Seven Cups”, or pools, that gave the park its name. These pools are a great place for a refreshing dip in the Chilean heat, so don’t forget your swimsuit!

Following the roar of the water, you’ll then finish this easy and straightforward day hike with a view of the imposing La Leona Falls, a 25-meter-high waterfall that splashes happily in the heart of the forest.

➔ Follow this trail on Wikiloc.

Villarrica Volcano Hike

Villarrica National Park is a protected area of 63 000 hectares with an amazing flora and fauna, stunning volcanoes, caves, rivers, and lagoons. The whole area is a paradise for hikers, with extensive forests of araucarias and lengas. It gives the chance (albeit small) to spot pumas, foxes and pudú deer, among others.

Sure, you can just go and relax by one of the placid lakes of Chile’s Lake district. But it’s much more epic to explore volcanic caves and to climb the most active volcano in South America: Villarrica. From its summit at 2847 m (9340 ft), you can see boiling lava in the crater and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding lakes.

The park can get quite crowded during peak seasons, in winter and summer. So we recommend to visit during shoulder season for a more peaceful experience. Note that some climbing equipment is necessary at such height, and a guide is essential, especially if you don’t have any mountaineering experience.

➔ Follow this trail on Wikiloc.

Arco Iris Trail, Cochamó Valley trek

The Cochamó Valley is often nicknamed the “Yosemite of Chile”, because of its characteristic granite mountains. It remains to this day a wild part of Patagonia that hasn’t (yet) fallen victim of its own success. It’s therefore a special destination for experienced hikers, rock climbers and nature lovers.

There are several trails of varied difficulty crisscrossing the valley. The one linking the La Junta campsite to the Arco Iris mountain is the most popular one but also one of the most challenging day hikes in Chile. It requires good hiking boots and great physical condition overall.

You’ll first cross a Valdivian forest, before moving on to a series of granite slabs. At some sections, you’ll find ropes fixed on the rock faces to help you climb. Be warned: it’s ill advised to do this hike if the weather is wet, as the slabs become slippery and dangerous. But the view from the final mirador is worth every (?) risk.

➔ Follow this trail on Wikiloc.

If you’re interested in the Cochamó Valley, read this moving piece by Chris Kalman.

Playa Cole Cole Trail

Located on the coast of a southern island, the Chiloé National Park isn’t what you might think of when you read “coast of a southern island in Chile”. This isn’t Patagonia yet – there’s no mountain here, and the closest fjords are blurry in the distance.

This easy, flat terrain is accessible all year round and welcomes hikers with a mild, although decidedly rainy climate. The placid coastal views inspire serenity, in contrast with the Lord of the Rings atmosphere of the wetland forest (called “tepual“).

This linear hike starts at the park entrance of Cucao and leads to the Cole Cole wild beach. There, you can make fire on the beach, camp or stay in a hut, eating what you’ve been wise enough to bring with you, until civilisation calls back.

➔ Follow this trail on Wikiloc.

Read why we absolutely love Chiloé

W Trek (Torres del Paine)

Hanging glaciers, snowy mountains, ancestral forests, and turquoise glacial lakes and fjords: Torres del Paine National Park is considered the jewel of Chilean Patagonia for its unspoiled, picturesque scenery.

Because of its fame, and the trail’s relatively short length, this is one of the most popular long-distance hikes in Chile; so don’t expect to be alone. The trail is well-marked and maintained, and there are several campsites along the way. Some of them have small shops and a canteen – though meals have to be pre-booked together with the campsite.

The weather can be unpredictable, with rain, wind, and even snow possible at any time of the year. Therefore, it’s essential to bring clothing with you that is suited for all weathers. The good news is that there’s no high altitude involved on the W trek, so there’s no need to acclimatize.

Find all the info you need to do the W Trek (even if you’re a beginner)

➔ Follow this trail on Wikiloc.

O Circuit (Torres del Paine)

Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia –at the very southern tip of South America– is one of the most visited national parks in the Andes. The O circuit is the name given to a 7–day circular hiking route, the longest multi-day trail in the park.

It runs through an incredible variety of landscapes near and far: snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, subpolar forest, steppe, shrubland and bare rocks. It reaches famous Patagonian landmarks such as the John Gardner pass, Glacier Grey and the Base of the Towers (“Las Torres“).

Yes, it’s long, and strenuous, and most likely cold – but also truly unforgettable. The first 5 days make for an amazing backcountry experience, with fewer hikers and more rustic camps; while the second part joins the busier W trek (see above).

Find all the info you need to do the O Circuit

➔ Follow this trail on Wikiloc.

Las Horquetas Trail

Set in a similar paradise of glaciers and mountains to Torres del Paine (see above), Cerro Castillo National Park is a tad more north, a tad milder, a tad cheaper, and a whole lot quieter. Believe us, it’s just as stunning; and the feeling of challenge and adventure is definitely there on its wild and rugged terrain.

“Las Horquetas” (also known as Cerro Castillo circuit trek) is the name of the longest multi-day hike in this protected area, around the valley of Río Turbo. It’s moderate to challenging, with steep ascents, rocky terrain, and remote wilderness.

You’ll uncover gentle fields, crystal-clear streams, turquoise mountain lakes, hanging glaciers and beach forests. Far from the madding crowd, you’re also more likely to spot an endangered huemul deer or a condor, which are both Chile’s national animals.

Enjoy going off-the-beaten path? Check out our favourite alternative treks.

➔ Follow this trail on Wikiloc.

Dientes de Navarino, Tierra del Fuego

Beware, this adventurous multi-day trek is nicknamed the “southernmost trek on Earth”. Shall we say more? Set on a remote, scarcely-inhabited island in the southern part of Tierra del Fuego, a mere snowball’s throw away from Cape Horn, expect isolation and primeval beauty. And a bit of cold too.

It often snows on Navarino, even in the summer; then the trail signs are not visible and a GPS is a must. You can wild camp or pitch your tent at the suggested spots, but there’s no infrastructure. So be prepared with your own tent and food for the duration of the 5 days.

But then you’ll get the chance to admire the Beagle Channel, a historical passage for explorers and adventurers for centuries. Also to spot some unique wildlife that’s only rarely seen everywhere else. And to feel like you’ve finally found your place in Eternity, which is priceless.

It’s a real backcountry experience, both mesmerising and unsettling, considering the remoteness and the emptiness of the area.

Explore more multi-day hikes in Patagonia

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Isla Robinson Crusoe Trail

The Archipiélago de Juan Fernández, 670 km (415 mi) away from Valparaíso, consists of 3 volcanic islands with names that ring of adventure: Robinson Crusoe, Alejandro Selkirk and Santa Clara. The sailor Alexander Selkirk was a castaway on these islands in the early 1700s, inspiring Daniel Defoe his Robinson Crusoe. That should set the mood.

It’s a distinct, subtropical ecoregion with a limited number of plant and animal species, recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In fact, about 64% of the flora here, including giant rhubarbs and tree ferns, is endemic to the region. Penguins, fur seals, feral goats and hummingbirds are also here aplenty.

You can reach this remote paradise with a 2.5-hour flight from Santiago, or a 40-hour cruise from Valparaíso. Then head off from San Juan Bautista, the only town on the island. If your legs are tired at the end of the path, a boat can whisk you back to town.

➔ Follow this trail on Wikiloc.

Maunga Terevaka Hike, Easter Island

Easter Island is that lonely, tiny island, seemingly lost in a galaxy far, far away from any coast. The inhabitants of this Chilean territory call it Rapa Nui, and its fame come (mainly) from the Moai, the famous big-headed statues that are scattered throughout the island.

You’ll certainly spot some of those along this hike – seven only at the trailhead at Ahu Akivi. Let’s pretend they’re watching over your path like guardian angels. Although it’s at an altitude of only 510 m (1673 ft), Maunga Terevaka is the tallest of the three volcanoes on the island. It’ll give you a delicious view on the Rapa Nui National Park and the rest of the island.

Because of the island’s unique past and interesting culture –more Polynesian than South American–, a guided hike can be worth it. It’d help you understand better the history behind the archaeological remains and paintings in the caves you’ll see during your trek. It’s also possible to do this hike on horseback.

➔ Follow this trail on Wikiloc.

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