Chiloé Island
Sendero Transversal trek
- Distance: Approx. 32 miles (52 km)
- Duration: Five to seven days
- Start and end point: Vizcachas Trailhead, Parque Tantauco
- Difficulty: Moderate
One of my favourite places to hike in Chile, Chiloé Island boasts spectacular national parks, wild coastlines and thick forests. Parque Tantauco, a large private nature reserve at the island's far southern tip, is a walkers' paradise. Its 118,000 hectares are home to rich biodiversity and significant conservation areas, which include unique ecosystems of cold rainforests, peat bogs, and a variety of endemic and threatened species.
The Sendero Transversal, or Transversal Trail runs from the northern sector of the park (Renihue) to the southernmost part (Inío).
The trail traverses dense forests to stunning coastline. Along the way, there are numerous camping areas and shelters. These amenities are basic, and you'll need to carry all your necessary supplies, including food and camping gear.