Hiking Tour in Chilean Patagonia: Torres del Paine, Lakes District & Volcanoes - 16 Days

Highlights

• Start your trip in Santiago, Chile's thriving capital, for a quick dose of urban culture
• Hike up mountains and glacial lakes on the legendary W Trek in Torres del Paine
• Explore lush alerce forests, kayak on placid estuaries, and hike volcanoes in Chile
• Go river rafting and mountaineering near Pucón, in Chile's unspoiled Lake District

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Santiago, Optional Activities

Welcome to Chile! Something of a natural wonderland, this South American nation features a wealth of natural wonders, from the northern high plains deserts to the southern Patagonia region. Like most adventures in Chile, your great journey kicks off in the capital of Santiago. This sprawling capital sits at 1,700 feet (518 m) above sea level and is surrounded by snowcapped Andean peaks. Lining its wide boulevards are a mix of modern skyscrapers and historical landmarks dating back to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel in the city. You'll have the rest of the day free to embark on a self-guided tour. You can start at La Moneda, Chile's opulent presidential palace. Next up is Plaza de Armas, the main square. It's home to the 19th-century Palacio de la Real Audiencia (Palace of the Royal Court) and the Catedral Metropolitana, an impressive neoclassical building that dates to 1753. Finish the day walking amid the historic houses and colorful street art in the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood, where you can relax at a café.

For dinner, be sure to enjoy a culinary adventure in the city. In recent years, Santiago has emerged as a global foodie destination. Chilean chefs are reinventing traditional dishes like empanadas, cazuelas (stews), and seafood with ingredients harvested from the northern deserts and southern Patagonian regions. You can find great restaurants and wine bars not only in Bellavista but also in the revitalized historic barrios of Yungay and Italia.

Day 2: Fly to Puerto Natales, Optional Activities

Rise and shine because you're off to Patagonia! Return to the airport this morning and catch a three-hour flight south to Puerto Natales. Upon arrival, another driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. This small port city is famous as the base for excursions into Torres del Paine National Park, a legendary protected area that covers 700 square miles (1,810 sq km) and is renowned for its circuit treks.

After checking in, take the rest of the day to explore. You'll find that Puerto Natales is less touristic than other Patagonian hubs and has an air of small-town tranquility. Here, you can enjoy simple pleasures like strolling the promenade fronting the silver waters of the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound). In the distance, you'll see the peaks of Cerro Benitez and Cerro Toro, and the sunset views are phenomenal.

Day 3: Transfer to Torres del Paine, W Trek (Day 1)

Wake up early and hop on a bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park. The total distance is 70 miles (112 km), and the drive takes about two hours, with a short stop at Cerro Castillo Village. The scenery along the way is incredible, as you'll get your first glimpse of Torres del Paine's massive peaks, plus some exotic local wildlife like guanacos.

You'll arrive at the Laguna Amarga main entrance and register at the park office. Then it's a quick shuttle ride to the Las Torres sector inside the park. From here, you'll embark on a 9.6-mile (15.5 km) hike, which takes all day to complete. You'll start by following a trail up Mount Almirante Nieto, which features jaw-dropping views of Lago Nordenskjöld and the Asencio Valley below. After two hours of hiking, you'll reach Refugio & Camping Chileno, where you'll break for lunch.

Then it's another hour of hiking past ancient lenga forests until you arrive at a moraine. The next part is a 45-minute hard scramble to the top and Mirador Base Torres. In this spot, three granite pillars jut out of the ground over a silver lagoon and make for the best view in the park. You'll also see the towering peaks of nearby Torre Sur, Central Tower, North Tower, Condor's Nest, and Glacier Torre. After some time enjoying the views, you'll hike back to Refugio & Camping, where you'll overnight.

Day 4: W Trek (Day 2)

After a hearty breakfast, you'll hit the trail again, this time on a 6.8-mile (11 km) trek to Refugio Cuernos, which takes about four hours. Located on the shore of Lago Nordenskjöld, the refuge sits at the foot of two jagged peaks known as the Cuernos del Paine (Horns of Paine). Along the way, you'll skirt the Almirante Nieto group of mountains and cross a few rivers. Throughout the hike, you'll be treated to views of glaciers and soaring peaks. When you finally see the awe-inspiring sight of the Horns of Paine, you'll have reached Refugio Cuernos, where you'll overnight.

Day 5: W Trek (Day 3)

Today you'll head out on one of the W Trek's most challenging hikes: the trail to French Valley. This 10.7-mile (17.3 km) route starts with two hours of ascents and descents near Lago Nordenskjöld into a valley. Due to the intense inclines, it's best to start an hour early and bring only the bare necessities in a daypack. Next, a one-hour ascent takes you up to a viewpoint looking out to the hanging French Glacier.

The trail continues for 20 minutes to another campground, Campamento Británico. Here you'll be rewarded with a final lookout that offers some of the most jaw-dropping views of the entire circuit. Admire the peaks and glaciers of Paine Grande, Cerro Hoja, Cerro Máscara, Cerro Catedral, and Cuerno Norte before returning to Campamento Italiano. There you'll gather your things and continue to the shores of turquoise Lago Pehoé and Refugio Paine Grande to spend the night.

Day 6: W Trek (Day 4)

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After an energizing breakfast, you'll embark on a 6.8-mile (11 km) hike. It's a four-hour excursion that will take you through a small forest along the shores of Lago Grey, a massive lake famous for the glacier that terminates on its shores. After about two hours of hiking (in windy weather), you'll get your first glimpse of the marvel of Mother Nature known as Grey Glacier. Then continue hiking for two more hours until arriving at Refugio & Camping Grey, where you'll spend the night.

Day 7: W Trek (Day 5), Transfer to Puerto Natales

Start the day with a hike along the park's famous suspension bridges. Later in the afternoon, you'll board the Grey III catamaran for a tour of Grey Glacier, which feeds the lake of the same name. You'll cruise across the waters to the glacier's face, which towers over the shore. Grey Glacier is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and at its peak, its walls are 98 feet (30 m). Of course, you'll have ample time to snap photos.

After the boat tour, you'll have a short hike across the windswept beach and through the forest before heading to a nearby hotel, where you'll catch a transfer and then a bus back to Puerto Natales. There, you'll check into your hotel.

Day 8: Fly to Puerto Varas 

Say goodbye to southern Patagonia because, after breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport for the two-hour flight to Puerto Montt. Located in Chile's gorgeous Lake District, this port city is the gateway to the finest lakes, volcanoes, hot springs, and virgin forests in northern Patagonia. From the airport, it's a 30-minute drive north to Puerto Varas, which sits on the vast shores of Lago Llanquihue.

Known as "the City of Roses," Puerto Varas is home to elegant plazas full of roses (hence the nickname) and alpine-style architecture. From its streets you can look out across the lake to the snowcapped cones of nearby Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. The town is also a hub for Lake District adventures—from here, you can hike, ski, climb various volcanoes, fish, raft, and go horseback riding. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in town, then turn in early to rest up for tomorrow's adventures.

Day 9: Kayaking Tour of the Reloncaví Sound

The first of your Lake District adventures await as your driver picks you up for the ride east along the shore of Lago Llanquihue for a kayaking excursion. You'll stop in the town of Ensenada to pick up your gear, then hop back in the car for a quick drive to the village of Ralún, at the mouth of Patagonia's northernmost fjord: the Reloncaví Estuary, which lies off the Reloncaví Sound.

You'll put in on the shores of Ralún and begin your kayaking journey through the fjord. Glide across the water's surface, surrounded by the snowcapped Andes, including the Yate and Hornopirén volcanoes. Spot pelicans or cormorants flying above and sea lions, dolphins, or penguins frolicking in the water. At lunchtime, you'll step ashore at a small family farm to enjoy traditional maté (tea) and a homemade meal, followed by a short tour of the farm and surrounding woods.

Then it's back to the kayaks for more paddling on Reloncaví, ending at Cochamó, a small village on the coast between the Andes and the Pacific. Leave the water behind, change your clothes, drop off your gear, and hop in a van back to Puerto Varas.

Day 10: Day Hike on the Paso Desolación Trail

Meet your driver this morning for the ride along Lago Llanquihue into Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. The site of today's excursion is the iconic Osorno volcano. Along the way, you'll pass the mouth of the Río Pescado (Fish River) and the villages of La Poza and Los Riscos. Upon arrival at the base of the volcano, you'll embark on the six-hour hike.

The trek starts on a trail leading to Lago Todos Los Santos. During the 7.5-mile (12 km) hike, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the nearby Tronador and Puntiagudo volcanoes, the snow-covered summits of the Andes, and the lake's emerald waters. The name of this trail, Paso Desolación (Desolation Path), refers to the low-lying vegetation of lichens and shrubs that frame panoramic views along the route. After an intense final ascent to the cone of Osorno, you'll take a break to enjoy the views before hiking back down and returning to Puerto Varas. 

Day 11: Day Hike in Alerce Andino National Park

Lace up your hiking boots once again, as this morning, you'll transfer to the coastal town of Lenca, the gateway to Alerce Andino National Park. Home to lush Valdivian rainforest, the park covers a large peninsula east of Puerto Montt, spanning 970,000 acres (40,000 ha) of valleys, turquoise lagoons, and alerce forests. Alerces are the largest and oldest trees in South America, which can grow nearly 200 feet (60 m) and live as long as 2,500 years.

Your guided trek through the park follows the edge of rivers and lakes through giant, temperate forests abounding with mañio, tepa, arrayán, and alerce trees, finally reaching Lago Quetrus, a mountain lake. The shores around the lake are home to various wildlife, such as rare coscoroba swans, pumas, cougars, foxes, and other bird species. At the end of the half-day trek, you'll return to Puerto Varas and can spend the evening relaxing.

Day 12: Transfer to Pucón, Explore

Leave early on the four-hour drive north to Pucón. Like Puerto Varas, this idyllic town sits on th of a lake (Lago Villarrica) near the snowcapped cone of a volcano (Volcán Villarrica). This area is also regarded as the adventure sports capital of Chile, offering myriad adventures ranging from whitewater rafting and nature hikes to ziplining and mountaineering. During your stay, you'll enjoy many such activities.

For now, you'll check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free. If you like, take a boat ride on Lake Villarriva and/or stroll the waterfront and town center. Also, Pucón is a great place to dine out, as in recent years, many international restaurants have opened up catering to all the thrill-seeking visitors.

Day 13: Day Hike in Huerquehue National Park

Go off the beaten path in Patagonia as you discover the beauty of Huerquehue National Park. Located northeast of Pucón, this protected area covers just 125 sq miles (320 sq km). Yet, it's a wonderland of glassy lakes, ancient araucaria and lenga forests, cascading waterfalls, and volcanic hot springs.

Upon arrival, you'll have your choice of two different hiking routes. Though they vary in length, each showcases the natural splendor of the area, taking you through various lakes surrounded by lush Valdivian rainforest. This is a small-group, full-day hike, and at the end of the afternoon, you'll transfer back to Pucón.

Day 14: Packrafting on the Río Liucura 

Pucón is most famous for its rushing rivers, making it one of the prime rafting destinations in Chile. In the morning, you'll embark on a half-day adventure on one of the most beautiful and lesser-known rivers in the area, the Río Liucura. This waterway is known for its mix of crystalline and turquoise waters, as well as rich forests on the banks, home to abundant wildlife like foxes and pudú.

After transferring to the put-in on the riverbank, you and your group will receive safety instructions, life vests, and helmets. Then it's time to grab an oar, hop in your packraft (a kayak/raft hybrid), and set off down the river. Spend the next few hours floating down this mostly serene river, broken up by fun sections of light rapids. During the calmer moments, keep an eye on the trees to spot exotic animals and waterbirds like kingfishers. At the end of the ride, you'll return to Pucón. 

Day 15: Rock Climbing in the Lake District

It's time for some mountaineering! Meet your guide this morning and transfer just south of Pucón to El Cerduó, a volcanic valley on the slopes of Volcán Villarica. After hiking through a steep forest, you'll arrive at a section of large basalt rocks. Scramble over these to reach a sheer rock wall and the via ferrata—a climbing route built by local guides up the sheer face of the rocks.

After grabbing your safety equipment and strapping in, you'll ascend the wall via a series of metal steps embedded in the rock. It's 984 feet (300 m) to the top, and on the way up, you'll be treated to memorable views of the surrounding lenga forests and lakes. Finally, you'll arrive at a top ridge with views over the El Cerdúo valley. After some time to relax and take pictures, you'll hike down the other side of the mountain and return to Pucón.

Day 16: Transfer to Temuco Airport, Depart

Alas, it's time to say goodbye to Chile. Enjoy one more leisurely breakfast amid the splendor of Patagonia. Then, a driver will pick you up at the hotel for the 1.5-hour ride north to the airport in Temuco, where you'll catch your flight home. As the locals say, ¡buen viaje!

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