When it comes to exploring Chile, most travelers often hurry north towards the Atacama Desert or south to Patagonia and the Torres del Paine. Chile is such a vast country – so if you don’t have months to explore, you’ll have to make some difficult choices about where to prioritize. In this post, I will share all the best hikes in Chile from the north, south to the central region.
The options for discovering the country are endless, all depending on your time and budget. One thing is for sure, though – if you like a good road trip and love immersing yourself in nature, then Chile is the perfect travel destination for you!
In this Chile travel guide, you will discover everything you need to know about the best hikes for the perfect South American vacation.
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Best hikes in Chile to add to your bucket list: Planning tips
Planning to go hiking in Chile? Make sure you plan the time of your visit wisely. If you want to visit the north of Chile, October/November and March/April/May are the ideal months.
Other times in the year can be very temperamental. August and September are known to be very windy, from December to February the ‘Bolivian winter’ can easily lead to snowfall and rain in the mountains, and in June and July, it gets very cold at high altitudes.
South of Chile, the summer months from December to February are of course the best time – but spring and fall are also very pleasant.
In central Chile, it’s possible to go trekking from September until June.
Getting around Chile
We did our entire trip in a ‘normal’ passenger car – though I would strongly recommend renting an SUV!
The main roads in central Chile are well maintained, but the smaller roads are sometimes (suddenly) unpaved. Always calculate enough travel time to get to your next destination and refuel where you can, as gas stations are scarce.
Is it safe to travel to Chile?
Unlike some other South American countries, it’s super safe to backpack through Chile. The residents are very friendly and you can drive through the country yourself without any problems.
- Make sure you always have your international driver’s license with you and keep your attention on the road at all times.
- People crossing at any given moment, cyclists riding along the highway, and police officers standing in the middle of the road are all everyday customs.
What to pack for a hike in Chile?
Make sure you pack according to the season you’ve chosen to travel to Chile. Keep in mind that winters can be very cold and that during this period many parks, shops, and restaurants will be closed.
If you plan to hike a lot, you will want to layer up your clothing – thermal underwear, a windbreaker, and a raincoat is not unnecessary luxuries.
- Hiking Shoes or boots
- Windbreaker or waterproof lightweight jacket
- Compass
- First aid kit
Travel facts to keep in mind for your trip to Chile
Here are quick tips for your trip to Chile,
- Spoken language: Spanish is the most widely spoken language.
- Currency: Chilean peso.
- Capital: Santiago.
- Population: Estimated 32 million; almost a third live in the capital city.
- National dish: Empanadas: pastry filled with meat, cheese, or mussels.
- Native product: Wine! Chile has over 1,200 kilometers of viticulture valleys in over 14 different areas, which collectively produce more than 10 million hectolitres of wine a year.
- Plugs: The plugs in Peru are Type A and C. The standard voltage is 220 V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter.
- Largest swimming pool in the world: Chile has the largest swimming pool in the world in San Alfonso del Mar resort.
Where to go in Chile
We visited the country for seventeen days and visited one of my dearest childhood friends.
We stayed in Santiago for 24 hours – you can read all our tips about the capital here, from top things to do in Santiago, hikes in and near Santiago, to the best places to eat in Santiago.
From the capital we took a domestic flight to Concepcion – we stayed for one night before starting the tour with the three of us. We then spent the night in Curacautin ahead of starting our first hike in Conguillío National Park the next morning.
READ NEXT | PERU TRAVEL GUIDE
Best Hikes in Chile that you must go on
Conguillio National Park – Sierra Nevada Trail – Lake District
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Duration: 11.4 km
- Type: Out and back
Conguillio National Park is one of the most special nature parks in Chile, and it attracts more and more visitors every year. It’s home to the 3125-meter high Llaima volcano and is known for its beautiful lagoons and vegetation. The park is full of araucarias – these trees are national monuments and are world-famous.
You can enter the park through both the north and the south. The beautiful entrance road will astonish you instantly; the volcanic scenery is reminiscent of the landscape where dinosaurs used to live. Admission to the adult tourist park is 6,000 CP. The first walk is around Laguna Captrén to spot birds, which will take you around 45 minutes.
The most popular hike in the park is the Sierra Nevada Trail. This 10 km tour was declared by the Lonely Planet as one of the most beautiful short hikes in Chile. The trail is a semi-tough six-hour trip, with beautiful views over the volcano.
During the hike we saw both children and the elderly – so it’s safe to say that the trip is suitable for anyone. We even spotted a couple of condors during the hike!
After the hike, we stayed in Melipeuco with the sweetest Mamasita ever. It was a lovely homestay with an excellent breakfast. For more info or bookings, click here.
China Muerta – Galletué Lagoon – Icalma Lake
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail Duration: 108.5 km
- Type: Loop
We continued our journey towards Pucon, a small touristic but pleasant village. If you visit, make sure you dine in Trawan – they only use fresh ingredients and you can definitely taste that!
Our next stop was China Muerta National Park. The road to the park is breathtaking but it can also be frightening at times. The park has survived heavy forest fires which are still clearly visible.
The park is super nice to walk through – but the signs of the hikes are not always clear, which makes hiking a bit more difficult. There’s no entry fee to pay, so it’s completely free to hike here.
Pucón – Santuario El Cañi
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail Duration: 16.3 km
- Type: Out and back
In the mood for a solid hike? Then Santuario El Cañi is definitely for you! From Pucón, follow the S-907 road towards Termas de Huife. After approximately 5km, just behind the restaurant Kod Kod, you will find the base camp on your right. You must register here before your walk, between 8 a.m. and 12 a.m. The entry fee is 4000 CP.
The walk is 21 kilometers long, with a height difference of 2600 meters in total. Be prepared to follow a serious steep path to the top. You’ll probably mutter to yourself ‘for God’s sake why did I start this journey – more than once. The hike is very tiring, but it’s definitely worth the effort!
The climb will take between three and five hours and the descent between two and four hours. We did the hike in five hours and spotted two condors during our walk. Along the way, you’ll come across the beautiful Laguna Negra lake, and at the top, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view! Ensure you take enough water and food with you, and dress in layers so that you’re warm enough at the top.
Huerquehue National Park – Los Lagos trail
Pucón is also the perfect base for visiting the Huerquehue National Park. The park is world-famous for the Los Lagos trail. This five-hour beautiful walk takes you past the forests of old araucaria trees that surround the lakes in the higher part of the park. The entrance to the park is between 3000-5000 CP (depending on the season).
After a day of backpacking in Huerquehue National Park, you’ll probably need some relaxation time. The Termas Geometricas in Pucon is the perfect option. Have a soak in these thermal baths to completely relax and prepare your muscles for the next Chilean hikes. The entrance to the thermal baths is 27,000 CP.
Where to stay in Pucón
- SANTA MARIA PUCON: You’ve come to the right place for a budget-friendly overnight stay. It’s ideal if you’re out with friends or family, and the rooms are super clean. More info and bookings here.
- HOTEL PUCON GREEN PARK: Looking for a little more luxury? Stay in Hotel Pucon Green Park. It has a beautiful pool and neat rooms. More info and bookings here.
Villarrica Volcano near Pucón
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Duration: 9 km
- Type: Out & Back
Villarrica Volcano is an out and back trail located near Pucón, Araucanía. This hike is rated as difficult on AllTrails, but it rewards you with amazing wildlife.
In the winter, you can use the trail for downhill skiing, and snowshoeing.
Huilo Huilo – Botanical Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Duration: 3.5 km
- Type: Loop
After three days of hiking, it’s time for a rest day! Our next stop was the beautiful hotel Marina Del Fuy Lodge in Huilo Huilo. Along the way, we stopped at least five times to take pictures, but unfortunately, no image can adequately capture the beauty.
We almost constantly thought this is by far the most beautiful road trip we’ve done so far. We drove from stunning lake to lake, and the trip could have lasted many more hours without us even noticing!
The little town of Huilo Huilo offers everything a person needs after three days of hiking. It’s a small fairytale village where all the hotels and restaurants are made out of wood.
Our stay at Marina Del Fuy Lodge was wonderful. The hotel restaurant was very good – and the cocktail bar even better. The rooms are immaculately clean, and the hotel has a nice swimming pool with a beautiful view of the lake.
READ NEXT | HOW TO SPEND A DAY IN SANTIAGO
Parque Nacional Agence Andino – Sargazo Lagoon
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Duration: 6.9 km
- Type: Out & Back
After our well-deserved rest, we continued our journey to Parque Nacional Agence Andino. We entered the park from the north via Puente Rio Sector Correntoso. The entry fee is 4000 CP for an adult.
The hikes in the park are laid out with wooden paths and wooden stairs. This makes the walk very tiring, and it also feels very unnatural. We personally didn’t like walking in the reserve, although it is a beautiful park.
To interrupt our hikes we visited Feria Fluvial, the fishermen’s market in Valdivia. It is a covered fresh market – and it’s sea lion paradise. They get all the surplus (heads!) of the fresh fish that are cleaned here. If you want a closer look, walk onto Castanaro to get near the sea lions.
Drive further along the beautiful coastline for a wonderful walk in La reserve the Curiñanco. The entry fee is 3000 CP. The walk takes you through a fairytale forest with centuries-old trees, and on the way back you can spot otters next to the wild ocean. It’s an easy walk for young and old, and highly recommended. Eat the best ceviche in Chile after the walk at Café Del Parque.
After the walk, we spent the night in Temuco. Cities in Chile don’t really add value to your trip, so can therefore be avoided (with the exception of Santiago)!
The accommodation costs in Temuco are often much higher, but the rooms can be very disappointing. While you’re there, dine at La Pampa restaurant for a delicious piece of meat.
We continued our journey to the picturesque Italian village of Lumaco, where we spent the night in the wonderful Emiliano Cabañas. You should always sleep in Cabañas while in Chile, as they offer the best price/quality comparison and are always very clean and cozy.
Don’t be tempted by hotels as the photos on the website often look much better than in real life.
Nahuelbuta National Park – Piedra del Águila
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Duration: 7.6 km
- Type: Loop
We entered Nahuelbuta National Park via Calima street in Angol. The base camp of the park is about an hour and fifteen minutes drive on unpaved roads. This can take quite some time, certainly without an SUV.
The entry fee is 2500 CP. It’s a beautiful park that you absolutely must visit. The hikes are super pleasant without any steep climbs. At the top of the summit, eagles and condors fly at eye level.
El Morado Glacier Trek
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Duration: 14.4 km
- Type: Out & Back
Located very close to the capital city of Santiago, this 14.4 km hike takes you through the El Morado Natural Monument National Park.
It welcomes you with stunning natural scenery as you hike your way to San Francisco Glacier and Morales Glacier pond. You can book this hike as a guided tour to enjoy expert guidance.
Cerro Castillo National Park – Cerro Castillo Circuit via Las Horquetas Trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail Duration: 56.8 km
- Type: Point to Point
Cerro Castillo Circuit via Las Horquetas Trail is a multi-day hike that takes place in the Cerro Castillo National Reserve. It is located near Coyhaique, in the Aysén Region in southern Chile.
The hike features a lake and is used for hiking, camping, and backpacking. If you need assistance, you can opt for guides at the village of Villa Cerro Castillo.
Jeinimeni National Reserve in Chile Chico – Piedra Clavada – Cueva de las Manos
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail Duration: 6.9 km
- Type: Loop
Another hike in the Aysén region, Piedra Clavada – Cueva de las Manos – Valle Lunar is a difficult loop trail located near Chile Chico. This trail is used for hiking, walking, and backpacking.
Hanging Glacier in Parque Nacional Queulat
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Duration: 3.4 km
- Type: Out & Back
Hanging Glacier Moraine Trail is one of the popular hikes in the Queulat National Park in Chile’s southern region of Aysen.
Total trail length is 6+ km, out and back and on completing the entire Moraine Trail you will enjoy the views of the Puyuhuapi Fjord and the milky green Tempanos Lagoon. And then you will see a hanging glacier in clear view.
W-trek – Torres del Paine National Park
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Duration: 71 km
- Type: Loop
Chile’s five-day hike to Torres Del Paine National Park is the most popular hike in all of Patagonia. All of 71 km this route checks off Patagonia’s biggest highlights including the massive Glacier Grey and the French Valley.
Because this is a multi-day hike (including 4 nights stay), you can arrange for a private room with meals, or rent a pre-pitched tent.
Isla Robinson Crusoe Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Duration: 13 km
- Type: Out & Back
Embark on the route of Robinson Crusoe (fictional character). Did you know it is based on the real story of a Scottish privateer and Royal Navy officer who spent more than four years on an uninhabited island off the coast of Chile.
That island is home to 800 Chileans and is part of the Juan Fernández Archipelago. The residents belong to the hamlet of San Juan Bautista.
Robinson Crusoe Island trek is all of a 13-kilometer route. It starts at the airstrip and goes to town. You will be welcomed to a unique landscape full of plant species and Juan Fernández hummingbirds.
Termas del Azufre – Laguna Mondaca – Cerro Las Ánimas via Radal Siete Tazas – Radal siete Tazas National Park
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail Duration: 41.8 km
- Type: Point to Point
Termas del Azufre – Laguna Mondaca – Cerro Las Ánimas vía Radal Siete Tazas is a difficult hike, that takes place in Maule, in Central Chile.
The trail features a lake and is best for nature trips and hikes.
The Route of Parks
For the best of best hiking trails, go on this epic “ The Route of Parks” hike that traverses 17 national parks in the Chilean Patagonia and beyond.
The route is newly built, dating back to a few decades, but the actual trail is home to millions of acres of stunning landscapes.
Not into hiking, visiting a winery, and enjoying nature in Chile!
There are so many reasons travelers visit Chile. Unique wildlife, stunning nature, wild adventure sports, and most importantly – delicious wine. Chile is one of the top wine producers in the world, exporting roughly 2 billion dollars of wine every year. Its prestigious reputation in the wine industry draws in people from around the world.
Unfortunately, we haven’t had the time to visit one ourselves – but if you get the chance, make sure you sample some of the delicious wine.
So there you have it. These are some of the best hiking trails in Chile that you must consider going on. Chile is a beautifully diverse country with lots of stunning scenery, delicious food, and good accommodation – and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re a fan of hiking.
For many of the trails listed on this guide, you can embark on treks with a local guide, or opt for easy nature walks. For most of these Chilean hikes, you need to be in good shape, and open to day-long or multi-day hikes to enjoy the landscape to the fullest!
I hope you find this Chile travel guide useful. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me! Happy Trekking!
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