Patagonia walking tours – Chile

Hiking trails in Patagonia, Chile, offer spectacular scenery that can match the best nature has to offer woldwide. Here we begin our list of just some of the recommended hiking trails in Patagonia, Chile. The trails mentioned here can be done independently or by joining an organised walking tour in Patagonia.

1. Torres del Paine National Park

This park is located in the far south, Magellanic/Antarctic region of Chile and is reached from Puerto Natales, the closest township. Torres del Paine would have to be the most famous national park in Chile and is listed as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO ( United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultrual Organisation). It offers fabulous views of glaciers, glacial lakes, Patagonian pampa,and the famous granite towers (Los torres) that stand tall and proud. There are opportunities to see endangered wildlife such as the Puma, Magallanic Woodpecker and the Huemul. Walks on the two most popular trails require pre-booking 6 months in advance. There are two free state camp sites, the others are privately operated and require a fee to camp, there are also lodges along route for those not wishing to camp. It is also possible to do the longer walks with horses carrying your camping gear. One can go as an independent traveller or with a tour, Visitors to the park must buy a pass and display this, it is not legal to camp unless you have paid and obtained a permit.

• Option 1 the W trail. This is a 4 day hike option
• Option 2 The Macizo Paine Grande circuit, or the “O” is an 8-10 day walk.

For those not wishing to do long hikes, short walk and day walk options as well as boat trips are avaiable to the most popular attrractions. For more information see the CONAF webpage

2. Cerro Castillo National Park

Located near Coyhaique in the Aysén region, is less well known than Torres del Paine so perhaps a more personal experience can be had. The most popular walking trail is a 4 day, 51km traverse, passing by the famous rock outcrop named Cerro Castillo. Privately run campsites exist along the route and there is hostel accommodation in Villa Cerro Castillo. The cost of entry for foreigners is CLP $23.500 in 2019 which includes access to priviate camp sites plus the park entry fee. For more information see the CONAF website

What´s the best time to visit?

Summer is the best time to visit national parks in the south of Chile (late November to end of March) but beware to avoid the first few weeks in January due to pesky biting flies (Tábanos). For walking tours in Patagonia one needs to be prepared to experience all weather, no matter what the season. You may have sun and 26 degrees one day and snow the next.

Photo courtesy of Clara Ribera, Patagon Journal