The Best Hiking Trails Around Puerto Montt for Nature and Adventure

Nestled in the heart of Chile's stunning southern region, Puerto Montt is the gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. With lush forests, towering mountains, and pristine lakes, the area offers numerous hiking trails that showcase the beauty of nature in all its glory. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner looking to explore the outdoors, Puerto Montt is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In this blog, we’ll explore the best hiking trails around Puerto Montt, offering challenging and accessible hikes that promise unforgettable views and adventures.

Why Puerto Montt?

Puerto Montt, located in the Los Lagos region, is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty, making it an ideal location for outdoor adventures. The town sits on the edge of the stunning Reloncaví Sound and is just a stone's throw away from lush forests, mountains, and fjords. Puerto Montt is known for its temperate climate, perfect for hiking, and mild weather conditions throughout the year.

In addition to its stunning landscapes, Puerto Montt is a hub for adventure seekers. The nearby national parks and protected areas offer hiking trails for all experience levels. Puerto Montt has options for every adventurer from challenging multi-day treks to simple forest walks.

Best Hiking Trails Around Puerto Montt

Now that you know why Puerto Montt is such an ideal base for hiking, let’s explore the best trails in and around the area. From dramatic mountains to serene lakes, these hikes will allow you to explore the incredible diversity of the region’s landscapes.

Alerce Andino National Park

Located just 50 kilometres north of Puerto Montt, Alerce Andino National Park is a true hiker's paradise. This park is home to some of the oldest and most impressive trees on Earth: the alerce tree. These towering ancient trees can live for thousands of years and create an otherworldly atmosphere within the park.

Trail Highlights:

• Sendero Los Alerces: This 12-kilometre trail takes you deep into the forest of Alerce Andino, where you can admire the impressive alerce trees, some over 3,000 years old. Along the way, you'll pass by tranquil streams, waterfalls, and views of the snow-capped mountains surrounding the park. The trail is well-maintained and offers an easy to moderate hike, making it accessible to most hikers.
• Sendero El Sauce: This 3-kilometre hike takes you through the forest's heart and leads to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking a small lake. This trail is ideal for those with limited time but still want to experience the park’s incredible biodiversity.

Why Visit Alerce Andino National Park?

• Ancient forests with thousands-of-years-old trees
• Stunning views of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls
• A variety of trail options for different experience levels

A visit to Alerce Andino is a must for nature lovers and those looking to experience the forest’s ancient beauty.

Osorno Volcano

For those looking for a challenge, the Osorno Volcano offers one of the most iconic and rewarding hikes in the region. This active volcano is part of the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, and its distinct snow-capped peak is a familiar sight in Puerto Montt. The volcano offers a challenging ascent for experienced hikers and a more moderate trek for beginners.

Trail Highlights:

• Sendero Volcán Osorno: This is the main trail leading to the summit of Osorno Volcano. The hike is strenuous, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The trail takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, and volcanic terrain before reaching the summit, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Todos los Santos Lake and the Reloncaví Sound. On a clear day, you can see the nearby Calbuco Volcano and Llanquihue Lake.
• Volcán Osorno Ski Area: You can explore the ski area at the volcano's base For a less demanding hike. Here, you can take a cable car up to enjoy the view from above, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can attempt the shorter trail leading to a viewpoint.

Why Visit Osorno Volcano?

• Spectacular panoramic views from the summit
• Diverse terrain, including forests and volcanic landscapes
• A great opportunity to experience volcanic activity and landscapes

The hike up Osorno is a thrilling challenge for hikers looking to conquer a mountain and enjoy some of the best views in southern Chile.

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, situated only 60 kilometres from Puerto Montt, is one of Chile's oldest and most famous national parks. It is home to dramatic landscapes, including lush forests, sparkling lakes, and towering mountains. The park offers several hiking trails that cater to all experience levels.

Trail Highlights:

• Sendero El Enco: This 7-kilometre trail is an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate hikers. The trail takes you through dense temperate rainforests and past beautiful waterfalls before reaching a scenic viewpoint overlooking Lake Todos los Santos. The trail is relatively flat, making it an easy yet rewarding hike.
• Sendero Los Arrayanes: This 8-kilometre trail takes you through the heart of the park, where you can admire the park’s unique flora, including the arrayán trees, which are known for their striking white bark. This hike offers fantastic views of Lake Todos los Santos and is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Why Visit Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park?

• Lush rainforests and waterfalls
• Incredible views of Lake Todos los Santos and surrounding mountains
• Variety of trails, from easy to challenging

This park offers a truly immersive natural experience and is a great place to spend a day or two hiking through the Chilean wilderness.

Cochamó Valley

Often referred to as the Yosemite of Chile, Cochamó Valley is a hidden gem about 100 kilometres from Puerto Montt. This remote valley is famous for its towering granite cliffs, crystal-clear rivers, and beautiful forests. The hike to Cochamó is an excellent choice for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more remote, wild experience.

Trail Highlights:

• Sendero Cochamó: This challenging 18-kilometre hike takes you deep into the heart of Cochamó Valley. The trail is known for its rugged terrain, including river crossings and steep ascents, but the views are worth every step. Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the valley, its iconic granite cliffs, and the opportunity to see waterfalls, rivers, and pristine forests.
• Laguna Los Riscos: This 14-kilometre trek leads you to a stunning high-altitude lake at the foot of Cochamó’s towering cliffs. The hike is challenging, but the views of the lake surrounded by steep mountains make it a rewarding experience.

Why Visit Cochamó Valley?

• Remote, wild landscapes with minimal crowds
• Iconic granite cliffs and clear rivers
• Challenging trails for experienced hikers

Cochamó Valley is perfect for those seeking a more challenging adventure in a less-traveled area.

Rent a Car in Chile

To make the most of your hiking adventures in Puerto Montt and its surrounding areas, rent a car in Chile. Renting a car offers the flexibility to visit these incredible hiking trails at your own pace and discover some of the hidden gems in the region.

Why Rent a Car in Chile?

• Freedom to Explore: With your own vehicle, you can easily travel between the hiking spots, even those in remote areas. Planning to visit the rugged landscapes of Cochamó Valley or the scenic beauty of Alerce Andino National Park? Renting a car lets you explore the region comfortably and at your own pace.
• Convenience: Renting a car gives you the flexibility to plan your itinerary. You won’t need public transportation or expensive taxis to reach the hiking trailheads. Plus, you’ll have a comfortable vehicle to store your hiking gear and supplies.
• Comfort and Safety: Chile’s weather can be unpredictable, so having a car lets you stay dry and comfortable during your travels. Whether it’s a sunny day or a rainy afternoon, your rental car provides the perfect escape when you need a break.

For more information and to rent a car in Chile, visit Finalrentals today and start planning your adventure!

When is the Best Time to Hike Around Puerto Montt?

The best time to hike around Puerto Montt is during the summer months (December to February) when the weather is mild and the days are long. However, if you're looking for fewer crowds, the shoulder months of spring (October to November) and autumn (March to April) also offer perfect hiking conditions. During these months, the trails are less crowded, and the landscapes are even more stunning as the leaves change colour in autumn.

Puerto Montt is a fantastic destination for hiking and adventure lovers, offering a variety of trails that cater to all levels of experience. From the ancient forests of Alerce Andino National Park to the challenging peaks of Osorno Volcano, there’s no shortage of incredible hiking opportunities around this southern Chilean town.

To make the most of your trip, rent a car to easily access these trails and enjoy a flexible, unforgettable adventure. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Puerto Montt’s natural beauty will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.