Chile

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With a vast array of unbelievable destinations like the epic mountain landscape of Torres del Paine and over 6,000km of Pacific Ocean coastline, it's hard to find a bad view in Chile. Consider the rich culture and bustling city life in Santiago and the charming old-world villages sprawling across the country, and Chile is an adventure traveler's dream.

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Backpack Torres Del Paine's "O" Circuit

Guardería Laguna Amarga, Chile

5.0

70 mi / 3900 ft gain

The hike can be broken down a few different ways. The first and most popular is "W" (3-5 days), where you will stay on the frontside of the park and experience a lot of foot traffic. The second version of the hike, which will be discussed in detail below, is the "O" (8-10 days), which leads the hiker around the circumference of the park. Lastly, the longest version of the hike is known as the "...

Backpack the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park

Torres de Paine, Chile

5.0

43.5 mi

The W Trek is a five day, 70k trek through the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile's Patagonia region. The W is a good alternative for those who don't have the time, or perhaps stamina for the 11-day Paine Circuit Trek. For those up for the Paine Circuit it does include the W portion in its overall trek. No, the "W" doesn't stand for Patagonia's famous winds. The "W" stands f...

Hike and Camp in Cerro Castillo

Mercedes, Chile

7.5 mi / 1640.4 ft gain

Like most places in Patagonia, the adventure begins the moment you decide on your next destination (if you don't have a car). The start of the hike is in Villa Cerro Castillo. However, because the town is barely 2 streets and only one bus stop, you will have to ask the bus driver to stop at this town before leaving the bus station. Most routes go from Puerto Rio Tranquilo to Coyhaique, or vice ...

Hike Mirador Las Torres

Torres de Paine, Chile

5.0

11.2 mi

This hike is truly awesome, but get ready to climb! You can park at the Hotel Las Torres, then you will see the trailhead right past the hotel, clearly marked. The hike is 11.2miles round trip with 3,000 ft of elevation gain, much of it at the end over rocks.About halfway through the hike, you will arrive at Refugio Chileno, where if you are lucky and they are open, you can grab a coffee, beer,...

Kayak the Marble Caves in Patagonia

Puerto Río Tranquilo, Chile

5.0

Patagonia is known for its outer worldly mountain ranges, stunning blue lakes and unharmed forests, but the largest lake in Patagonia is also home to a geologic formation so incredible it'll make your jaw drop. The marble caves were formed by wave action over the last 6,200 years. The best place to start this adventure is in the little town of Puerto Rio Tranquilo. There are a few hostels but I...

Camp at Lake Pehoé

Torres de Paine, Chile

3.0

This campsite is great as you can be as adventurous or relaxed as you would like. You can choose to bring your own tent, or they offer rentals, as well as fully set-up domes. There is a restaurant on site, as well as a small camp store, and wifi available for purchase. The views from the campsite of Lago Pehoe and the Paine Massif in the distance are unbelievable, and it it's a wonderful spot t...

Hike in Bosque Encantado (Enchanted Forest) in Patagonia

El Lobo, Chile

2.2 mi / 328.1 ft gain

To get here: From the nearest town of Puyuhuapi, go to the Southern most point of town and hitchhike along the Carretera Austral. It should be relatively easy as this is the only road drivers can take to leave town and most locals are very generous with rides. Ask to be dropped off at Bosque Encontado, the entrance is off of the Carretera Austral. Make sure to come early so you can leave the pa...

Hike to the Hanging Glacier in Parque Nacional Queulat

Cisnes, Chile

2.1 mi / 656.2 ft gain

Another day, another Patagonian gem waiting to be discovered! Backpacking along the Carretera Austral is perhaps the most magical experience of my life. After having done the trek through Torres Del Paine and Fitz Roy, I thought the best was behind me... until I reached Northern Patagonia. Parque Nacional Queulat is one of those places Lonely Planet has yet to discover. As a result, you can enj...

Backpack the 'Q' Circuit in Torres Del Paine

Torres de Paine, Chile

17.5 mi

The 'Q' Circuit is simply the 'O' plus the 17.5km section between the Serano Visitors Center and Refugio Paine Grande. To reach Serano Visitors Center simply take the same bus used to do the 'W' or the 'O,' but stay on the bus until the third stop. It may feel strange as half of the people will get off at the first stop ('W') and then the remaining 95% of people will get off at the second stop ...

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