Thanks to the Andes Mountains, in Chile you can enjoy countless mountaineering experiences, from skiing and snowboarding to climbing some of the highest peaks in the world.
Climbing, hiking, ice trekking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and snow sports are part of the adventures you can experience in our country, from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia.
Would you like to know more? Here we tell you everything you need to know to enjoy the best mountain experiences in Chile.
Mountaineering and Climbing
Chile is a paradise for adventurous people who enjoy mountaineering and climbing, featuring enormous peaks in the Andes and incredible rock formations in the Altiplano.
Where to Practice Mountaineering and Climbing in Chile?
From the highlands in the north to the mountains of Patagonia, there are many places in Chile where you can climb to touch the sky. Here are two examples.
- Ojos del Salado Volcano
The Ojos del Salado Volcano is the highest active volcano in the world. Located in the Atacama Desert and 6,893 meters above sea level, reaching the summit of this colossus is an unforgettable expedition that can last between 10 to 15 days, being a challenge for the most experienced mountaineers.
- Here you will find an itinerary for Ojos del Salado.
Torres del Paine
In the Magallanes Region are the famous Torres del Paine, with granite climbing routes that are a physical and technical challenge for its visitors. You will find expeditions that include equipment, guides, and the necessary permits for a safe experience.
Hiking and Trekking
Hiking and trekking in Chile will allow you to see impressive landscapes, with flora and fauna that you will not find anywhere else in the world. In addition, you will find trails of varying difficulty, from light walks to true epics that can last more than a week.
Where to Go Hiking and Trekking in Chile?
From the arid desert to the magic of the end of the world in Tierra del Fuego, the trails of Chile are as varied as its geography. Here are two options.
W Circuit
The W Circuit of Torres del Paine, located in the Magallanes Region, is one of the most emblematic treks in the world. It can be traveled in 4 to 5 days, in which you will visit the main points of interest of the national park, including the Grey Glacier and the French Valley.
- Check out an itinerary for the W circuit here.
El Morado Trail
Looking for an adventure near Santiago? You can do the El Morado Trail, which offers spectacular views of the San Francisco Glacier and the homonymous hill. It is located in the Cajón del Maipo sector, famous for offering a wide variety of activities a few hours from the capital.
Ice Trekking
In Chilean Patagonia you can go ice trekking, a unique visual and sensory experience on glaciers and frozen fields that will make you feel like you are on another planet.
Where to Go Ice Trekking in Chile?
The Grey Glacier, located in the Torres del Paine National Park, and the Exploradores Glacier, located near the Carretera Austral in the Aysén Region, are destinations where you can enjoy a walk on ice and be amazed by the immense tranquility they offer.
Grey Glacier
Inside the Torres del Paine National Park is the Grey Glacier. The adventure includes a boat ride, where you will see ice floes floating in turquoise waters, and then disembark and walk with crampons on this frozen giant.
- Check out an itinerary to visit the Grey Glacier here.
Southern Ice Fields
The Southern Ice Fields are one of the largest ice fields in the world. It is the third largest ice extension in the world after Antarctica and Greenland. Here you can enjoy almost 80 kilometers of travel, passing through trails, forests, rivers, trekking with crampons and snowshoes in an unforgettable adventure.
Skiing and Snowboarding
The extensive Andes Mountains offer some of the best ski resorts in South America, combining the excitement of winter sports with the beauty of incredible mountain landscapes. In addition, they are famous for their exclusive atmosphere and the level of their slopes.
Where to Practice Skiing and Snowboarding in Chile?
Most of the ski resorts in Chile are located near Santiago, allowing you to enjoy a getaway with a few hours of travel from the capital. However, to the south you will also find first-class mountain resorts, with some of the best slopes in South America and in the middle of amazing landscapes.
Valle Nevado
Valle Nevado, the largest ski center in the southern hemisphere, is located just 90 minutes from Santiago, offering a modern infrastructure together with unbeatable snow conditions. Its peaks reach 5,000 meters in height, which guarantees a prolonged snow season in a wide variety of terrains.
Portillo
Portillo is the oldest ski center in South America. Located in the Valparaíso Region, it is surrounded by impressive landscapes on the shores of the Laguna del Inca, a lake with crystal clear waters that partially freezes in winter. In addition, its limited places allow a quiet and intimate experience.
Corralco
Located in the La Araucanía Region, in the heart of the Malalcahuello National Reserve, Corralco stands out for its forests of ancient araucaria trees and the imposing view of the Lonquimay volcano. Its wide and uncrowded slopes make it an ideal destination for both beginners and advanced skiers.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a perfect activity to explore the natural landscapes of Chile. On your horse, you will have the possibility to travel through imposing mountains, ancient forests and volcanic valleys, which offers a unique perspective that goes back to the ancient muleteers who inhabited the country.
Where to Go Horseback Riding in Chile?
In Chile you can enjoy horseback riding in different destinations in the north, center and south of the country. From family walks on the beach to multi-day crossings through the mountains, this activity is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
Cochamó Valley
In the Los Lagos Region is the Cochamó Valley, also known as the "Yosemite of Chile" for its impressive granite walls that are born in its green and leafy valleys. Horseback riding in Cochamó is a journey through incredible landscapes through ancient trails used for centuries by muleteers and visitors.
- Check out an itinerary for your visit to the Cochamó Valley here.
Cajón del Maipo
Just a few hours from Santiago, in the Cajón del Maipo, you can go horseback riding amidst incredible mountains, alongside torrential rivers, and beautiful biodiversity. The most popular area for this activity is the Embalse El Yeso, an artificial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Mountain Biking (MTB)
Another way to explore the beautiful landscapes of Chile is on a bicycle. In different parts of our country, you can practice mountain biking (MTB) and enjoy everything from adrenaline-pumping descents to peaceful expeditions.
Where to Go Mountain Biking (MTB) in Chile?
In different regions, you will find routes with varying levels of difficulty, ideal for both beginners and expert cyclists. Many of these routes cross national parks and nature reserves, combining sports adventure with unique landscapes.
Nevados De Chillán
While Nevados de Chillán, in the Ñuble Region, is known for its ski slopes in winter, during the summer it becomes a perfect setting for mountain biking.
This mountain center contains a network of trails of varying difficulty, crossing forests of araucarias and lengas with incredible panoramic views of the Chillán Viejo and Chillán Nuevo volcanoes. It also has a bike park equipped with a lift and routes that include jumps, curves, and more technical sections, perfect for those looking to challenge their skills and enjoy the descent.
Conguillío National Park
Enjoy cycling among ancient araucarias and unforgettable volcanic landscapes in Conguillío National Park, in the La Araucanía Region. In this natural treasure, the imposing Llaima Volcano stands out, always appearing on the horizon as you explore crystalline lakes and ancient araucarias. Its routes are diverse, but all share the characteristic of providing impressive views, allowing a very close connection to nature.
