The best running trails in Chile

Chile offers a vast network of over 590 running routes, catering to various preferences and fitness levels. These include everything from urban park loops to challenging mountain trails in the Andes and Patagonia.

Chile's diverse geography provides an incredible variety of running terrains. You can find flat, scenic paths in Santiago's urban parks like Parque Forestal, challenging ascents in the Andean foothills, rugged trails in the Patagonian wilderness of Torres del Paine, and unique, surreal landscapes in the Atacama Desert with salt flats and sand dunes.

Yes, Chile offers 38 easy running routes, perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed jog. Many urban parks in Santiago, such as Parque Bicentenario, provide flat and accessible paths. For more moderate options, there are 375 routes available.

The komoot community highly rates the running experiences in Chile, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 330 reviews. Runners frequently praise the stunning natural scenery, the variety of terrains, and the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes from cityscapes to wild mountains.

Absolutely. Many routes offer breathtaking views. For instance, the ascent up Cerro San Cristóbal in Santiago provides panoramic city vistas. In Patagonia, trails in Torres del Paine offer dramatic granite peaks and turquoise lakes. You can also find routes near waterfalls like Salto del Río Salto or Salto Grande, and mountain passes such as Ascent to John Gardner Pass.

Santiago is very runner-friendly, with numerous urban parks. Popular spots include Parque Forestal, Parque O'Higgins, and Parque Bicentenario, all offering accessible paths. Some city streets, like Andrés Bello Avenue, are even closed to traffic on Sundays for sports, providing additional running opportunities.

Yes, many routes in Chile are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Japanese Garden – Cerro Los Gemelos loop from Los Leones, a challenging 20 km route with significant elevation gain.

The Atacama Desert offers a truly unique and challenging running experience. You can traverse surreal landscapes including salt flats, sand dunes, and volcanic formations. The Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) is particularly notable for its extraordinary rock formations and stunning sunset views, providing an otherworldly backdrop for your run.

Many of Chile's urban parks and less challenging routes are suitable for families. Parks like Santiago's Parque Bicentenario offer open, flat paths and amenities that make them ideal for family outings. When choosing a route, look for those rated as 'easy' or 'moderate' for a more family-friendly experience.

The coastal areas near Valparaíso and Viña del Mar offer pleasant running opportunities. You can enjoy routes like the Balneario Las Salinas – Reñaca loop from Viña del Mar, a moderate 12 km path, or the Balneario Las Salinas – Playa Acapulco loop from Reñaca, a 10.4 km moderate route, both offering sea breezes and scenic views.

For those seeking a strenuous workout, Chile has 186 difficult running routes with significant elevation gain. The Embalse ParqueMet – Cerro El Carbón loop from Bosque Santiago is a prime example, covering 11 km with over 670 meters of ascent, offering a demanding trail experience.

The best season largely depends on the region. For the high Chilean Andes, summer (December to February) generally offers the most favorable conditions. In Patagonia, the shoulder seasons (spring: September-November, and autumn: March-May) can be ideal, offering milder weather and fewer crowds than peak summer, though weather can be unpredictable year-round.