Desert, glasslands, arid steppes, towering peaks, glaciers, cascading waterfalls, you name it, Chile is a hiker’s paradise for a reason. With landscapes that captivate and a blend of intriguing cultures, the best hikes in Chile are more than just hikes. They’re experiences that speak for themselves. Whether you have a penchant for multi-day hikes or just losing yourself in the beauty of the wilderness, Chile will not disappoint you.
W Trek
O Trek
Valle de la Luna
Cochamó Valley
Robinson Crusoe Island
Villarrica Volcano
Dientes de Navarino Trek
Cerro Castillo Circuit
San Cristobal Hill
Paine Grande
Overview: The 50-mile (80 km) W Trek is undoubtedly the most popular and best treks in Patagonia and Chile. It gets its name from its iconic “W” shape created by three valleys. Set in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, the trek takes you through some of the park’s most popular sites.
Key Details:
Elevation: 9,678 feet (2,950 m)
Duration: 4–5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: October–November; March–Early April (both are shoulder seasons with lesser crowds but great experiences)
Why it’s amazing:
The first valley that W Trek takes you through is the Ascencio Valley, a grueling 6-8 hour climb that rewards you with a visual delight: the base of the granite towers known as the Torres del Paine.
Then you reach the French Valley and hike through rocky terrain to witness the hanging Francés Glacier.
In the last part of the trek, you walk alongside Grey Lake, dotted with vibrant blue icebergs, before reaching the Grey Glacier stretching towards the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
The availability of refugios on the way makes the hike logistically easier.
Overview: O Trek or O Circuit is another unforgettable trek in Torres del Paine National Park, Chilean Patagonia. While its distances are manageable, it may be a challenging hike on some trails. If you’re a seasoned hiker, O Trek is an adventure you’ll appreciate.
Key Details:
Elevation: 17,136 feet (5,223 m)
Duration: 7–9 days
Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult
Best Time to Visit: Late November–early March
Why it’s amazing:
This 74-mile (120 km) circuit shares a few stops with the W Trek.
Starting at the famous Base Torres viewpoint, this trek circles the Paine Massif, thus offering more panoramic views of the park.
The hike over the John Gardner Pass is considered one of the best parts of this trek. As you walk parallel to it for several hours, you can see the Grey Glacier, making the O Circuit one of the best hikes in Chile.
The distance and elevation of the circuit make it more taxing than the W Trek.
You can stay at campsites and shelters that also provide basic meals.
Overview: Quite the contrast to other treks, Valle de la Luna is a surreal experience in terms of terrain and visuals. This iconic 27-mile (44 km) hike in San Pedro de Atacama (Atacama Desert) resembles the moon's surface in its salt formations, dunes, and uniquely shaped rocks.
Key Details:
Elevation: 2,087 feet (636 m)
Duration: 10 hours for full trail; 2–5 hours for short segments
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Best Time to Visit: March–November
Why it’s amazing:
You can trek for captivating views of the Valle de la Lu from various viewpoints.
You can do the entire trek or just parts of it by car or bike (shorter walk segments).
You’ll be treated to a terrain sculpted by the wind: sandy corridors, dunes, and rock formations straight out of a sci-fi movie.
After winding through caverns with the earth crackling under your feet, you reach the “amphitheater” with salt-colored dunes. These dunes make for spectacular viewpoints, especially during dusk and dawn.
The trail is not as well-marked as other Chile treks, so a guided tour is advisable.
Overview: If hidden hikes in Chile interest you, Cochamó Valley should be on your itinerary. It takes you on a rugged adventure among tall granite towers, thick forests, pristine rivers, and gushing waterfalls that have earned the name Chilean Yosemite for this valley.
Key Details:
Elevation: 1,483 feet (452 m)
Duration: 3 hours one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: November and April (both are shoulder seasons with lesser crowds but great experiences)
Why it’s amazing:
You can do a day-hike or stay overnight at campsites or refugios where the trail ends.
You can hike and rock climb on this trail, with a moderate hike over the first 10 km.
Along with granite domes, waterfalls, and rivers, you can also spot native birds, deer, and vibrant orchids.
If you’re staying the night, you’ll be rewarded with a clear dark star-studded sky.
Overview: If you’re a literature lover, this real-life castaway site that inspired Defoe will probably be one of Chile’s best hikes for you. This island is part of the Juan Fernández Archipelago and is home to several species of flora and fauna that can be found nowhere else on the planet.
Key Details:
Elevation: 3,671 feet (1,119 m)
Duration: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit:
Why it’s amazing:
This island blends dramatic ocean cliffs, endemic plant life, and panoramic views with a rich backstory—the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe.
On your way, you can also stop at Selkirk's Lookout.
Hikes like the Selkirk Viewpoint and El Yunque summit reward trekkers with solitude, natural beauty, and sweeping Pacific vistas.
As you walk this trail, you’ll witness more than 100 endemic species that have evolved here in isolation.
Overview: Villarrica Volcano is one of Chile’s most iconic and active volcanoes, located near Pucón. If you’re an adventurous hiker, you can summit its snow-capped crater for a rare look into a bubbling lava lake.
Key Details:
Elevation: 4,606 feet (1,404 m)
Duration: 6–9 hours round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Why it’s amazing:
This trek combines snow trekking, volcanic rock, and panoramic views over lakes and Andean peaks.
Upon reaching the smoking crater rim, you’ll be rewarded with raw, otherworldly, and often distant rumbles from within the Earth.
On clear days, you can see several surrounding volcanoes, including Lanín and Llaima.
The contrast of white snow against black lava rock and bright blue skies creates a surreal, cinematic landscape.
Overview: The 26-mile (42 km) Dientes de Navarino Trek is the southernmost multi-day trek in the world, located on Navarino Island. This off-the-beaten-path trek is a treasure if you’re looking for hidden, untouched landscapes.
Key Details:
Elevation: 7,323 feet (2,232 meters)
Duration: 4–6 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Why it’s amazing:
This trek offers raw, pristine wilderness with jagged peaks, alpine lakes, mossy forests, and dramatic Beagle Channel views.
It's remote and sees hardly any human traffic. You’ll likely encounter more guanacos than people.
Its remoteness, isolation, sub-Antarctic scenery, and sense of adventure make it ideal for experienced hikers seeking solitude.
Overview: The Cerro Castillo Circuit is a 35-mile (56 km) rugged multi-day trek through Chilean Patagonia. As you hike this strenuous trail, you circle the jagged spires of Cerro Castillo, Patagonia, making it one of the most loved hikes in Chile.
Key Details:
Elevation: 7,795 feet (2,376 m)
Duration: 3–4 days
Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Why it’s amazing:
The Cerro Castillo Circuit is a remote and wilder alternative to Torres del Paine, with fewer crowds and equally dramatic scenery.
Glacial lakes, alpine passes, lenga forests, and close-up views of the jagged Cerro Castillo massif will greet you.
You can also spot wildlife, including condors and foxes.
There are scenic and peaceful campsites where you can stay overnight. Many of these are located near turquoise lagoons or under towering cliffs.
Overview: San Cristobal Hill is the place to go for those who’d like to experience a hike without really leaving the city. If you’re in Santiago, this 5.6-mile (9 km) hike takes you to viewpoints offering panoramic views of the city and the Chilean Andes surrounding it.
Key Details:
Elevation: 774 feet (236 m)
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Visit: All year-round
Why it’s amazing:
San Cristobal Hill is a perfect amalgam of nature, culture, and cityscape.
You can hike, bike, or take the funicular to the summit, where the iconic Virgin Mary statue overlooks the city of Santiago. The views at sunset are exceptionally breathtaking.
Along the way, there are several gardens, pools, and cafes where you can stop by and relax.
Overview: Paine Grande is one of the most striking peaks in Torres del Paine, rising above turquoise lakes and glaciers in the heart of the park. The trek leads you from Paine Grande Camp to the Gray Glacier viewpoint.
Key Details:
Elevation: 2,171 feet (662 m)
Duration: 4–7 hours. Exceptionally: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Why it’s amazing:
This is one of the best short hikes in Chilean Patagonia.
Paine Grande towers over Lake Pehoé and the Grey Glacier valley, offering a dramatic backdrop to the W Trek’s most scenic segments.
Hikes around the base of Paine Grande feature glacier-fed rivers, wildflower meadows, and sweeping Patagonian skies.
The mountain’s summit, shrouded by clouds, gives it a mystical appearance.
The campsites located nearby are among the most beautiful in the park.
Our curators at AdventureTripr offer only the best treks in Chile. Our hands-on experience and utmost regard for your safety help us bring you personalized, sustainable experiences. Whether you're summiting volcanoes or hiking remote valleys, we ensure every detail is handled so you can focus on the experience.
Question 1: Do I need permits for hiking in Chile?
Answer 1: A few national parks and treks (like Torres del Paine’s O Circuit) require permits or reservations for campsites and refugios.
Question 2: Is it safe to hike in Chile?
Answer 2: Chile is one of South America’s safest countries for trekking. Stick to marked trails, follow park regulations, and consider guided trips for remote or challenging routes.
Question 3: What should I pack for a Chilean trek?
Answer 3: Pack for variable weather. Carry layers, waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, and a good backpack.
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