The mix of mystical legends, unique architecture, and truly impressive nature fascinated me when I made my first stop on the island during my last Chile trip. It’s a combination you’ll only find in a few places around the world. This article is an excerpt from my book “Chile – Your Way”, where you’ll find many more tips for Patagonia and the rest of the country to help you plan your own journey.
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1. About Chiloé

The island of Chiloé is part of Chile’s Lake & Volcano District, located just south of Puerto Montt. The island is well known for its often unpredictable weather: even in summer you should be prepared for sun, wind, and rain – all in the same day. This rough climate shapes not only the landscape but also the daily life of its inhabitants.

One of Chiloé’s most remarkable cultural features are the roughly 70 historic wooden churches, 16 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Worldwide, they’re considered a unique example of Chilotan wooden architecture. These churches were crafted entirely from wood, often without a single metal nail.

Chile – Your Way: My personal Travel & Trekking Guide
 
In my guidebook you’ll find everything you need for your travels through Chile – compact, well-structured, and packed with personal tips. From detailed trekking routes and itineraries to personal recommendations on places to stay and things to do. Covering everything from the Atacama Desert all the way down to Tierra del Fuego. With additional Google Maps lists and digital extras, you’ll be perfectly prepared for your Chile adventure!
 
Download now

Getting There

The perfect starting point for exploring the island is Castro, the capital of Chiloé island. With its colorful palafitos (stilt houses), its impressive church, and plenty of good restaurants and cafés, the town offers the best tourist infrastructure on the island.

To get to Castro, the easiest way is by bus or rental car from Puerto Montt. Puerto Montt itself is well connected, with regular flights and numerous bus routes. From there, ferries run regularly to Chiloé (the ferry crossing is included in your bus ticket). In total, the trip to Castro takes around 3.5 hours.

If you want to explore the island’s many attractions more flexibly and independently, I recommend renting a car. This way, you can travel at your own pace, visit the sights according to your own schedule, and also discover some of the lesser visited spots. You’ll find the best rental car deals here – it’s best to choose Puerto Montt as your pick-up location. Alternatively, guided tours offer a stress-free way to experience the highlights of the region (see below).

2. Things to Do

As already mentioned, many of Chiloé’s sights can be found in and around the capital Castro. Especially if you’re traveling without your own car, this is a convenient base with short distances and good connections to the Chilean mainland. To give you an overview, I’ve put together a map showcasing the location of all sights featured in this article.

Map

On this map you’ll find all the main sights in Chiloé and Castro. I’ve also marked the hikes to the Muelle de las Almas and the Muelle del Tiempo, so you can plan your exploration of both the town and the surrounding nature with ease.

The center of Castro and its attractions can easily be explored on foot. For a trip into the national park and to the sights along the coast, you can use the local bus connections or book a tour with one of the agencies in Castro (only during high season).

a) Iglesia San Francisco

The church of Castro is an example of the impressive wooden churches of Chiloé, which belong to the UNESCO World Heritage. It stands out with its bright yellow and purple facade and the interior made entirely of wood.

As with many of the traditional wooden churches on the island, the construction was done without using any metal nails. Instead, clever wooden joints and dowels were used. This method shows the impressive skills of the local carpenters and is considered one of the trademarks of Chiloé’s wooden architecture.

An absolute must for history and architecture geeks!

b) Pedro Montt Promenade

This picturesque waterfront runs along the fjord and offers wonderful views of the colorful Palafitos (houses built on stilts) and the water. Here you can take a relaxed stroll, enjoy the fresh sea breeze, and stop in one of the nice cafés.

c) Mirador Millantuy

Castro has several viewpoints that offer wonderful vistas of the town and its surroundings. One I can highly recommend is the Mirador Millantuy with a view far across the fjord.

d) Mirador Gamboa

My second tip for great photos is Mirador Gamboa, which overlooks the colorful palafitos along the shoreline of Castro’s Gamboa neighborhood. In my book you’ll also find a special restaurant recommendation inside one of these stilt houses.

e) El Mercadito

When you come to the island of Chiloé you absolutely have to try “Curanto”. This is a traditional Chilotan dish made with meat, seafood, potatoes, and vegetables, cooked using heated rocks buried in an earth oven – and it’s what Chiloé is famous for all over Chile.

El Mercadito is a charming restaurant with a rustic atmosphere, known for its authentic Chilotan cuisine (and specifically its Curanto). If you want to experience Chilean food and Chiloé’s culture in a culinary way, this is the place to go.

3. Day Trips

In addition to the sights in Castro, you should definitely take time to explore Chiloé’s natural beauty. If you have a rental car, a short road trip south is highly recommended. But even without a car, you can experience Chiloé’s stunning landscapes – either by joining tours or using local bus connections.

Chile – Your Way: My personal Travel & Trekking Guide
 
If you’re planning your trip to Chiloé island, it’s worth taking a look at my Chile travel guide. Inside, you’ll find not only tips for the island itself but also detailed information on destinations you can easily combine with a visit to Chiloé – such as Puerto Varas or Chaitén at the gateway to the Carretera Austral.
 
Learn more

a) Chiloé National Park

About an hour from Castro lies the impressive Chiloé National Park, one of the true highlights of the island. Here you can explore dense evergreen forests, moorlands, and a fascinating coastal landscape.

There are several small hiking trails, suitable for different lengths of tours. The park not only offers beautiful scenery but also the chance to spot rare wildlife such as the Darwin’s fox.

To reach Chiloé National Park from Castro, you can take the public bus run by Buses Ojeda. The minibuses run regularly from Castro in the direction of Cucao and stop directly at the park entrance. The ride takes about 1.5 hours and costs around 3 US-$. Make sure to check the departure times for the return journey in advance, as these can vary depending on the season. You need to buy the ticket for the national park online in advance, it costs around 7 US-$ per person:

• National Park Tickets on Pases Parques Nacionales

b) Muelle de las Almas

The Muelle de las Almas (Dock of Souls) is a unique viewpoint in a surreal landscape south of the national park and is considered one of the island’s most spiritual places. According to a local legend, this is where the souls of the dead begin their final journey. The hike from the parking lot to the Muelle de las Almas takes about 45 minutes and leads you through a beautiful stretch of coastal scenery.

c) Muelle del Tiempo

Another photogenic wooden boardwalk is the Muelle del Tiempo, which is a bit more challenging to reach. I recommend having a rental car so you don’t to rush. Alternatively I’ve linked a guided tour with pickup from your accommodation below.

The Muelle del Tiempo is much more remote and requires a 5 km hike (one way) from the parking lot at the Muelle de las Almas (a total of 10 km round trip). This sight symbolizes the connection between past, present, and future, inviting visitors to pause and take in the timelessness of the surroundings. The Muelle del Tiempo lies inside the private Tepuhueico Park, with an entrance fee of about €5.

You can find a detailed description of the hike on AllTrails:

• Route description & map of Muelle del Tiempo on AllTrails

d) Ancud

If you decide to travel with a rental car, Ancud in the north of the island is also worth considering. From Castro it’s about 80 km along Ruta 5, which takes roughly 1¼ to 1½ hours depending on traffic.

Here are some sights in and around Ancud that are worth a stop:

• Fuerte San Antonio: This small historic fortress overlooks the bay and offers a beautiful panorama. (see photo)
• Museo Regional de Ancud: A compact introduction to the island’s history, culture, and seafaring traditions.
• Puñihuil penguin colonies: About 25 km west of Ancud, seasonal boat tours depart from the beach at Puñihuil to the offshore islets where Magellanic and Humboldt penguins nest. The main season runs from October to March, depending on the weather.

e) Guided Tours

As mentioned earlier, there are several local operators offering day trips on Chiloé. With these tours you’ll not only learn a lot of interesting facts, you also won’t have to worry about transport. Tours are available both from Puerto Varas and through local agencies in Castro:

• From Puerto Varas: Chiloe Island Full-day Tour
• From Castro: Muelle del Tiempo – dune and sea
• From Castro: Inner Coast of Chiloé – Road and Sea

4. Accommodation

In Castro I stayed at the predecessor of the Estación Hostel and really appreciated not only the good value for money, but also the friendliness of the host and the convenient location right on the waterfront promenade below the bus terminal.

On my next visit I’d love to stay in style at one of the palafito hotels that I checked out while I was there (for example the Sizigia, which unfortunately was fully booked at the time).

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Estación Hostel	€	9.6	Great location, very friendly owners happy to share tips on restaurants and places to visit, shared kitchen, optional breakfast for a small fee
Palafito Hostel	€€	9.0	More like a small B&B, located in a traditional palafito, cozy modern rooms, good breakfast included
Alma Chilota	€€€	9.4	Palafito right on the water with a stunning panoramic view from the living room, great atmosphere, excellent breakfast included
Sizigia Hotel	€€€	8.8	Boutique hotel in a beautiful waterfront location, modern rooms with amazing views, good breakfast included – one of my favorite cafés with a lovely outdoor terrace is on the ground floor

5. My Video

Although I didn’t make a stop on Chiloé Island in my Patagonia documentary, I did explore the area just east of it. The Carretera Austral combines perfectly with a visit to Chiloé:

Got more tips or things to do on Chiloé Island?

I created this Chiloé travel guide based on my own time in the region. Have you been to Chiloé Island and know more hidden gems or tips? Feel free to reach out and share them with me. And if you found this guide helpful, you’re very welcome to link to it from your own website.

Hinweis: This travel guide about the best things to do on Chiloé Island in Chile includes affiliate links. These are all providers and services I personally use and trust. If you book through these links, you can support this blog at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions, experiences, and sarcastic remarks are my own. If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it or bookmark it for your future travel planning.

The post 10 Best Things to do on Chiloé Island in Chile appeared first on BackPacker Reiseblog.

Over the past years I've spent several weeks in Puerto Natales where I made friends who showed me their favorite spots in the area. This guide is an excerpt from my Chile travel guide “Chile – Your Way” which features travel guides for altogether 20 destinations in Chile as well as 10 trekking guides for Patagonia.
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1. Getting In

The fastest way to reach Puerto Natales is by flying directly into town or via Punta Arenas, followed by a bus ride. If you're coming from Argentina, El Calafate is a great alternative — it has its own airport and regular buses connecting to Puerto Natales.

Another option is by ferry: either the Navimag ferry from Puerto Montt or the TABSA ferry from Tortel, along the Carretera Austral.

To explore the area around Puerto Natales independently and without time pressure, I recommend renting a car either in Puerto Natales or in Punta Arenas. It gives you the freedom to visit each spot at your own pace — especially some of the more off-the-beaten-path places. Alternatively, there are plenty of guided tours available if you’d rather skip the logistics and just enjoy the scenery.

2. Sights

Thanks to its location near Torres del Paine and a well-developed tourism infrastructure, Puerto Natales makes for an ideal base. That being said it is definitely a destination that deserves more than just a stopover. While most people rush into the national park, there is actually a lot more to discover in and around town.

On my last trip, I took the time to explore the area beyond the usual tourist routes — and it was well worth it. Compared to the crowds inside the park, you’ll often have the trails and viewpoints around here to yourself.

Map

This map shows all the main attractions in and around Puerto Natales — including the hiking routes and the entrance to Torres del Paine National Park. It’s a great tool to help plan your trip around town and into the wild.

a) Torres del Paine NP

For me personally, Torres del Paine is one of the true highlights of Patagonia. The park lies about 80 km from Puerto Natales — roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus.

While it’s famous for its multi-day trekking routes like the W and O circuits (more on those later), I actually recommend combining a few day trips instead — especially if you want to avoid the crowds and don’t have weeks to spare.

One of the best ways to get a feel for the park is a scenic day tour that includes the main viewpoints and waterfalls. It’s a budget-friendlier and more relaxed way to experience the landscape without the need for complex logistics.

If you're looking for more day hikes and day tour suggestions for Torres del Paine, check out this article:

• Best Day Tours & Day Hikes in Torres del Paine, Chile (Patagonia)

b) Promenade

The waterfront promenade in Puerto Natales runs along the shores of the Última Esperanza fjord and is one of the most relaxing spots in town. With the mountains in the distance and the sound of the water nearby, it’s the perfect place for a scenic walk.

A popular photo stop is the “Muelle Histórico,” an old, weathered pier that looks especially atmospheric at sunset. There are benches along the promenade and several small statues that reflect the local culture and history. A great way to connect with the town and the surrounding landscape.

c) Museum

The Singular Hotel is not only one of the most exclusive hotels in Puerto Natales — it also hosts a small museum that tells the story of the region and its sheep farming industry. The hotel itself is housed in a converted cold storage plant, transformed into a remarkable example of industrial architecture.

The museum showcases historic machinery and tools once used in the factory and offers a glimpse into Patagonia’s industrial past. If you’re interested in history and local heritage, this short walk through the museum is definitely worth your time.

Hotel guests can visit the museum for free, while external visitors pay a small fee of around €10.

d) Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier

The boat trip to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Puerto Natales. Several tour operators offer this trip, which usually includes a stop at a traditional estancia for lunch. On top of that you can enjoy a glass of whiskey — served, of course, with glacier ice.

As you cruise through the fjord, you’ll pass waterfalls, local wildlife, and — on clear days — even catch a glimpse of the Torres del Paine peaks. The highlight is the viewpoint near the Serrano Glacier, where you can get remarkably close to the massive ice walls. It’s not exactly a budget activity, but the views are worth every $.

Due to high demand, you'll need to book in advance. I reserved this tour two weeks ahead through GetYourGuide and had a fantastic experience.

• Glacier Tour with Lunch & Whiskey Aperitif

e) Mylodon Cave

About 25 kilometers north of Puerto Natales you can find the Mylodon Cave — an impressive archaeological site in the heart of Patagonia. The cave was discovered in 1895 by German captain Hermann Eberhard, who found the remains of a prehistoric giant ground sloth known as the Mylodon. This discovery made headlines worldwide and gave the cave its name. Later excavations also revealed evidence of some of Patagonia’s earliest human settlers.

Admission is around €11 per person. Inside the cave and the nearby visitor center, you’ll find exhibits about the discovery, prehistoric wildlife, and the region’s unique geology.

The easiest way to visit is by rental car. If you're already planning a day tour to Torres del Paine, you can also book a guided tour that includes a stop at the cave.

• Full Day Excursion Torres del Paine + Milodon Cave

f) Perito Moreno Glacier (Day Trip)

A day trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate is another highlight you can experience from Puerto Natales. The drive takes about 5 hours each way, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. Perito Moreno in Argentina is world-famous for its towering 60-meter ice wall and the dramatic calving events, where massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the water.

Compared to the glacier tours from Puerto Natales (Balmaceda and Serrano), Perito Moreno offers a more massive and intense setting. The well-designed walkways bring you up close to the action like nowhere else in the world. While it’s more touristy than the remote fjord glaciers, the sheer scale and spectacle more than make up for it. Most tour operators include round-trip transport from Puerto Natales, and you can reserve your spot in advance:

• Puerto Natales: Day Trip to Perito Moreno Glacier

3. Hiking

Whether you’re aiming for the famous trekking routes in Torres del Paine or just want to explore relaxed trails with stunning views — the area around Puerto Natales offers a wide range of hiking opportunities. In this section, I’ll introduce you to the best options, including a few off-the-beaten-path hikes with hardly any other tourists.

Chile – Your Way: A personal Travel & Trekking Guide
 
In my guidebook you’ll find everything you need for your travels – compact, well-structured, and packed with personal tips. From detailed trekking routes and itineraries to personal recommendations on places to stay and things to do. Covering everything from the Atacama Desert all the way down to Tierra del Fuego. With additional Google Maps lists and digital extras, you’ll be perfectly prepared for your Chile adventure!
 
Download now

a) Multi-Day Treks in Torres del Paine

A multi-day trek in Torres del Paine National Park is the ultimate way to experience Patagonia in all its wild beauty: glaciers, forests, dramatic mountain peaks, turquoise lagoons, and winding rivers. The two most popular long-distance treks are the “W” and the full “O” Circuit.

Because of the sharp rise in visitor numbers, I recommend considering some lesser-known hikes and excursions as well — as mentioned earlier, these can be just as rewarding and often a lot more peaceful.

You’ll find everything you need to know in my detailed hiking guides:

• How to prepare for hiking in Torres del Paine, Patagonia (Chile)
• How to hike the W in Torres del Paine, Chile (Trekking Guide)
• Trekking Guide: How to hike the Torres del Paine O Circuit in Patagonia (Chile)

b) Cerro Dorotea

Cerro Dorotea is Puerto Natales’ local mountain and rewards hikers with a panoramic view over the town, the Última Esperanza fjord, and the surrounding Patagonian wilderness. The trailhead is located about 10 km outside of town and follows a well-marked but steep path to the top.

The hike is about 4 km round-trip and can be done in 2–3 hours. At the summit, you’ll be greeted with sweeping views of the snow-capped peaks around Puerto Natales — especially stunning on a clear day. You’ll find a trail description for Cerro Dorotea on AllTrails.

If you don’t have a rental car, you can take a taxi to the trailhead and arrange a pickup time with the driver. Since the trail crosses private land, there’s a small fee of about €5 per person, payable at the start.

c) Laguna Sofia

Laguna Sofía is located about 30 kilometers northwest of Puerto Natales and makes for a fantastic day hike. The circular trail leads along Cerro Benítez and through impressive rock formations up to a viewpoint overlooking the lake and the surrounding Patagonian landscape.

The trail crosses private land owned by Jorge and his family. Jorge maintains and marks the path himself, which is why there is an entrance fee of 10,000 CLP. It’s best to contact him via WhatsApp in advance to let him know you’re coming. You’ll find the trail description and current info for this hike on AllTrails.

The round-trip trail is about 7 kilometers long, well marked, and includes signs that highlight the local flora and fauna. The viewpoint and second half of the hike offer especially scenic views — making this one of the best lesser-known hikes near Puerto Natales.

4. Accommodation

Over the course of several visits to Puerto Natales, I’ve stayed in quite a few different accommodations. Altogether spending around five weeks in town. My personal favorites are Hostal Los Pinos and Xalpen B&B. If you’re after more comfort or looking to treat yourself, The Singular Patagonia is the most exclusive choice in town.

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Xalpen B&B	$	8.7	best budget option, modern rooms, awesome panorama from common area, breakfast included (basic)
Yagan House	$$	9.3	relaxed atmosphere, cozy common areas, in-house equipment rental, great breakfast, central location
Hostal Treehouse Patagonia	$$$	9.9	lovely atmosphere, cozy and comfortable rooms, breakfast included, helpful staff
Toore Patagonia (***)	$$$	9.3	well equipped spacious bungalows, modern design, comfortable and cozy, good location
NOI Indigo Patagonia (Boutique Hotel)	$$$$	7.9	mountain lodge style, great location at the waterfront, awesome breakfast, sauna and spa
The Singular Patagonia Hotel (****)	$$$$$	9.5	best hotel in town, luxurious and exclusive experience, pool, spa, incredible breakfast, on-site museum, on-site restaurant (best in town)

5. My Video

In my Patagonia documentaries, I take you along on the full circuit trek in Torres del Paine National Park. You’ll also see a variety of day hikes and excursions, including a boat tour to the Grey Glacier. It’s a great way to get a feel for the landscapes and adventures that await you in this part of Chile:

Got more tips or things to do in Puerto Natales?

I created this Puerto Natales travel guide based on my own time in the region. Have you been to Puerto Natales and know more hidden gems or tips? Feel free to reach out and share them with me. And if you found this guide helpful, you’re very welcome to link to it from your own website.

Note: This travel guide about the best things to do in Puerto Natales in Chile includes affiliate links. These are all providers and services I personally use and trust. If you book through these links, you can support this blog at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions, experiences, and sarcastic remarks are my own. If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it or bookmark it for your future travel planning.

The post The 10 Best Sights & Things to do in Puerto Natales, Chile appeared first on BackPacker Reiseblog.

Map

Use this map to plan your trip to Chile. Each place mentioned in this post is marked on the map below to help you plan your route more efficiently, from the Atacama Desert in the north to the glaciers of Chilean Patagonia in the south. Whether you're looking for hiking trails, national parks, or cultural hotspots, this map will help you explore the country’s most stunning locations.

My Chile Guidebook
 
In my comprehensive guidebook, you’ll find countless Chile travel tips in a compact, easy-to-use format. The affordable guide includes itineraries, trekking routes, and plenty of insider recommendations – from the Atacama Desert in the north all the way down to Patagonia.
 
Learn more

1. Atacama Desert

From the town of San Pedro de Atacama, you can also continue your travel adventure with a multi-day trip to Uyuni or head directly to Salta and northern Argentina. If you’re into thrill and fun, I can highly recommend sandboarding at sunset. Definitely one of the most unique ways to experience the atacama desert!

Tour Options

There are plenty of tour packages you can book in advance, making it easy to explore the area around San Pedro without hassle:

• San Pedro de Atacama: 3-Day Nature Tour Combo
• Moon Valley, Salt Caves & Sunset Dune Tour
• Day Trip: Piedras Rojas, Altiplanic Lagoons & Salt Flat
• El Tatio Geysers & Putana Valley Tour
• Stargazing Tour in San Pedro de Atacama

Accommodation

San Pedro de Atacama is one of the more touristy places to visit in Chile, so accommodation prices tend to be higher than elsewhere in the country. That said, hotel standards have improved a lot over the years, and most places now offer decent breakfast as part of the package. I’ve stayed in various hotels and guesthouses here on my trips, and these are my top recommendations:

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Hostal Mamatierra	€€	9.2	great atmosphere, lovely owners, rich breakfast
Hostal Sonchek	€€	9.0	good location, very clean
La Casa de José	€€€	9.2	helpful staff, pool, great breakfast
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás	€€€€	9.0	Awesome breakfast, pool, good restaurant
Hotel Pascual Andino	€€€€+	9.4	modern, luxurios ressort with pool, great breakfast

2. Valparaíso

During your stay, I recommend exploring the central hills like Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre. You’ll find plenty of cafés, galleries, and some of the best views in town. Make sure to hop on one of the old-fashioned funiculars. It's a fun and very local experience. The maritime museum is also worth a visit if you’re curious about chilean naval history.

Accommodation

Since many of the best hotels and guesthouses are built on the hills, expect excellent views over the city and bay. Casa Volante was my home base here and a solid pick for anyone looking to explore cultural highlights and local nightlife. Below are a few more great options for your trip:

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Casa Volante	€	8.6	great location, good breakfast selection, budget friendly
La Casa Piola	€	9.3	lovely atmospehere, rooftop terrace, good value for money
Pontoval B&B	€€	9.8	pool, good breakfast, modern interior
Hotel Winebox	€€€	9.0	unusual accommodation (remodelled shipping containers), great view and good breakfast
Zero Hotel	€€€	9.2	Hotel with lovely garden and terrace, good breakfast

3. Santiago de Chile

In the historic center, you’ll find several important landmarks, including the cathedral and a bronze statue of Pedro de Valdivia, the city's founder. Santiago is also a great starting point for day tours into the nearby Andes or the vineyards just outside the city. If you're planning to travel deeper into Chile, this is also a good place to organize the next legs of your trip—whether heading to Patagonia or the Atacama.

Tours

You’ll find a range of excellent day tours that give you a solid intro to Santiago and its surroundings:

• Santiago de Chile: Day Tour to the Highlights by Bike
• Santiago: Private Tour with Optional Lunch and Wine
• Vineyard Tour: Concha y Toro and Undurraga
• Cajón del Maipo and Embalse del Yeso Day Tour

Accommodation

Over the years I’ve stayed in a few different spots in Santiago, from cozy hostels to stylish boutique hotels. Most recently, I picked Tambo Verde in the Bellavista district. A great mix of comfort and location. Here are my top picks to help you plan your stay:

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde	$	9.5	good atmosphere, lovely hosts, solid breakfast
Casa Bellavista	$+	9.0	central location, modern, good breakfast
One NK Apartments	$$	9.2	very modern, good location next to metro, rooms with balcony
Hotel Los Españoles Plus	$$$	9.0	comfortable, rooftop terrace with pool, great breakfast

4. Punta de Lobos

You’ll see locals and travelers hanging out on the cliffs, admiring the views, and soaking up the fresh ocean breeze. It’s one of those corners of the country that feels off the beaten path yet still welcoming.

Accommodation

Hotels and hostels in Pichilemu are a bit more basic, but prices are lower than in most other tourist spots. If you prefer more comfort, check out Hotel Mar y Vino: definitely worth it for the views and vibe!

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Kom Hostal (meine Wahl)	€	8.3	very friendly owner, great central location, very affordable
Hostel Moreno	€	8.6	good location, lovely terrace, excellent breakfast
Hotel Mar & Vino	€€€	8.0	central location, modern interior, breakfast included, great restaurants and bars on the ground floor

5. Villarrica Volcano

Climbing the volcano isn’t always possible due to changing activity levels, but even when the summit is off-limits, it’s still worth coming here. There are plenty of hot springs nearby to relax in—perfect after a long day of exploring the region…or post climbing the volcano.

Tour

You can book the Villarrica volcano climb in advance here:

• Pucón: Full-Day Villarrica Volcano Tour

Accommodation

Pucón has a beautiful setting and offers plenty of great places to stay. On my last trip, I stayed at Newen Bed and Breakfast—the modern room and excellent breakfast were a real treat. Here are my top accommodation picks:

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Chili Kiwi Lakefront Backpackers	$	9.0	good value for money, great location at the lake, good atmosphere
Lucky's Hostel	$$	9.6	central location, sympathetic hosts, breakfast included
B&B HMüller	$$	9.4	cozy, helpful staff
Newen B&B (my choice)	$$	8.8	great central location, modern and cozy interior, good breakfast, very good value for money
Hotel Küyen-Ko	$$	9.0	family run hotel, rustic
Maki Hotel	$$$	9.2	modern boutique hotel, great breakfast

6. Conguillío National Park

This national park is definitely a highlight in the east of the Araucanía region. One of the best hiking trails is the Sierra Nevada trek, taking you through old Araucaria forests with fantastic views of the Llaima volcano and the lakes below. If you love hiking and nature, this park should be high on your list of attractions to visit in Chile!

7. Puerto Varas

The nearby Osorno volcano is a must-see in this part of the country. Unlike Villarrica, you don’t need hiking boots to get amazing views – you can drive quite far up and enjoy the scenery without breaking a sweat.

Tours

There are several great tours you can book in advance from Puerto Varas:

• Day trip to Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Waterfalls
• Day trip to the picturesque town of Frutillar

Accommodation

I stayed at a cozy B&B just a short walk from the lake and town center. Prices in Puerto Varas tend to be a bit higher, but the town has a lot of charm and is one of the safer places to visit in Chile.

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
MaPatagonia Hostel	€	9.6	great location, kitchen well equipped, lovely staff
Casa Apel	€	9.1	spacious rooms but cozy and very clean
B&B Puerto Austral	€€	9.0	great location right at the lake, helpful staff, beautiful rooms
Hotel Dein Haus	€€€	9.0	unique panorama, great breakfast
Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas	€€€€	9.2	exclusive resort in great location, comfortable rooms and rich breakfast

8. Chiloé Island

The best base for exploring the island is the town of Castro. Known for its colorful stilt houses (palafitos), iconic wooden churches, and great food scene, it offers the best infrastructure for travelers on Chiloé.

Tours

If you’re short on time, you can also book a day trip from Puerto Varas to Chiloé:

• Chiloé Day Trip (from Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt)

Accommodation

For a real local experience, try staying in one of the stilt house hotels (I recommend Sizigia):

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Estación Hostel	€	9.6	Great location, very friendly owners happy to share tips on restaurants and places to visit, shared kitchen, optional breakfast for a small fee
Palafito Hostel	€€	9.0	More like a small B&B, located in a traditional palafito, cozy modern rooms, good breakfast included
Alma Chilota	€€€	9.4	Palafito right on the water with a stunning panoramic view from the living room, great atmosphere, excellent breakfast included
Sizigia Hotel	€€€	8.8	Boutique hotel in a beautiful waterfront location, modern rooms with amazing views, good breakfast included – one of my favorite cafés with a lovely outdoor terrace is on the ground floor

9. Pumalín National Park

The landscapes and wildlife are incredible here, with much of the area covered in temperate rainforest. The park offers several rewarding hikes, well-maintained campsites, and scenic trails. One of the best things to do is hike up to the Chaitén volcano—the very one that devastated the nearby town during its eruption years ago. Standing on the crater rim really gives you a sense of nature’s force.

You can see more from this section and the rest of Patagonia in my Patagonia video documentary:

Accommodation:

Along the Carretera Austral, staying in small family-run guesthouses is the norm. Here are my personal recommendations for a cozy and authentic stay in Chaitén:

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Verdeagua Hostal	$$	8.8	simple private rooms, breakfast included, lovely hosts
Paraiso Patagonico	$$	8.6	great hosts, nice breakfast, very clean
Chucao Bosque y Cabanas	$$	8.9	Chalet's in the forrest in the outskirts of Chaiten, helpful staff
Hotel Mi Casa	$$$	8.1	comfortable accommodation with great breakfast and a lot of space, perfect for families and small groups

10. Futaleufú

I went on a multi-day rafting trip here and highly recommend it. The trip wasn’t just thrilling—it also gave me the chance to truly disconnect and soak in the natural beauty of the region.

Accommodation:

To start your rafting trip well-rested, here are my recommended places to stay in Futaleufú:

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Hostería Futaleufu	$	9.1	location, atmosphere
Hostal Las Natalias	$$	8.8	beautiful surrounding, friendly staff
Hotel El Barranco	$$$	9.3	breakfast, upscale hotel with pool

11. Queulat Glacier

In Queulat National Park you can follow a short trail that takes you to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the glacier. I recommend starting the hike as early as possible to enjoy the view before the day tours arrive.

Accommodation:

As with many other towns in this part of Patagonia, I found a place to stay on the spot right after arriving. That said, many accommodations are now available for online booking and I recommend booking in advance in the summer months:

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Hostal Robinson	$	8.7	simple but cozy private rooms, lovely hosts
Los Mañíos Del Queulat	$$	8.6	cozy, delicious breakfast and good in-house restaurant
Eco Cabañas Wanderlust	$$	8.8	beautiful bungalows just outside of Puyuhuapi
Cabanas Senderos Puyuhuapi	$$$	9.5	spacious bungalows with great breakfast - ideal for families and groups
Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa	$$$$$	8.9	Unique hotel in an exclusive location on the opposite side of the fjord, with access to natural hot springs. Boat transfer and breakfast are included.

12. Cerro Castillo

Accommodation:

The only bookable and highly recommended place to stay is the Cerro Castillo B&B, which is located close to the park entrance and the start of the trail.

13. Marble Caves

Accommodation:

As with many other towns along the Carretera Austral, you can find simple guesthouses here. In summer, however, it’s a good idea to book in advance:

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Los alamos	$	8.2	value for money, central location
APART HOME COSTANERA	$$	8.9	hospitality, central location
Apart Hotel y Cabañas Valle Exploradores	$$$	7.4	central location
Chelenko Lodge	$$$	8.4	incredible remote location by the lake

14. Patagonia National Park

The town of Cochrane is a great base for hikes in the park, especially with the Tamango sector located right on its eastern edge. From here, you can also access other areas of this massive park. Depending on the season, local transport and tour options are available from Cochrane.

Accommodation:

Cochrane now offers a small but solid selection of places to stay. Due to limited capacity, it’s smart to reserve ahead of time:

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Hostal Lejana Patagonia (my choice)	$	8.0	best value for price, good breakfast, basic rooms in very central location
Cabañas Rincon del Sur	$$$	9.4	spacious but cozy bungalow located on a hill overlooking Cochrane
Kalfu Patagonia	$$$$	9.5	modern apartments, good location, solid breakfast, great atmosphere
Hotel Último Paraíso	$$$$	9.6	friendly staff, cozy, good breakfast

15. Tortel

Its location at the end of a fjord and the unique wooden architecture make Tortel one of the most unforgettable Destinations in southern Chile.

16. O'Higgins Glacier

Besides the glacier excursion, you can also start another unique adventure from here: the border hike to El Chaltén.

Accommodation:

To explore the attractions at the southern end of the Carretera Austral, I recommend staying at El Mosco Hostel. Due to the remote location, reservations are usually not necessary (this applies to dorms and camping). If you’re looking for more comfort, check out the Rumbo Sur lodge – a stylish mix of rustic charm and luxury, complete with a hot tub.

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
El Mosco Hostel	€	-	great atmosphere, best value for money, solid breakfast (private rooms)
Puesto Canogas Hostel	€€	9.6	great breakfast, lovely hosts, good location
Hotel Rumbo Sur	€€€€	9.1	very comfortable, exclusive lodge with good breakfast and great service

17. Torres del Paine

Check out my Torres del Paine trekking guide for tips on how to plan your independent outdoor adventure.

Tours:

Due to high demand and limited availability of campsites and trail permits, joining a tour is often the easiest way to experience the park. Local tour operators have reserved spots, and you'll save yourself the hassle of organizing everything – this applies to both day trips and multi-day treks including guide services and transportation:

• Full-Day Tour of Torres del Paine
• Day Hike to the Torres Base
• Boat Tour to the Grey Glacier in TdP
• Torres del Paine – The “W” Trek (6 days)
• Torres del Paine “O” Circuit (11 days)

Accommodation:

Yes, the hotels located directly inside the park are pricey – but they also offer truly unique views and experiences that are hard to find elsewhere in Patagonia. If you’re looking for something extra special, these options are definitely worth considering:

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Ecocamp Patagonia	$$$	9.1	location, glamping at its best
Hotel Lago Grey	$$$	8.6	close to glaciar grey, incredible viewpoints
Hotel Las Torres	$$$$	7.9	tour options, most central location inside the park
Explora Patagonia	$$$$$	9.8	Hands down one of the best and most exclusive places to stay in all of Patagonia!

18. Balmaceda Glacier

When you are back in Puerto Natales, take a short walk along the waterfront promenade for sunset – here you’ll also find an iconic statue of the Milodón, the prehistoric creature discovered in a nearby cave.

Tour:

Due to its popularity, it’s best to book in advance. I reserved my spot two weeks ahead with the following company – they offered one of the more affordable packages and I had a great experience:

• Glacier Tour incl. Lunch and Whiskey Aperitif

Accommodation:

Over the years, I’ve stayed in a number of places in Puerto Natales – I actually spent a total of five weeks here during my Patagonia trips. Here are my favorites accommodations:

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Xalpen B&B	$	8.7	best budget option, modern rooms, awesome panorama from common area, breakfast included (basic)
Yagan House	$$	9.3	relaxed atmosphere, cozy common areas, in-house equipment rental, great breakfast, central location
Hostal Treehouse Patagonia	$$$	9.9	lovely atmosphere, cozy and comfortable rooms, breakfast included, helpful staff
Toore Patagonia (***)	$$$	9.3	well equipped spacious bungalows, modern design, comfortable and cozy, good location
NOI Indigo Patagonia (Boutique Hotel)	$$$$	7.9	mountain lodge style, great location at the waterfront, awesome breakfast, sauna and spa
The Singular Patagonia Hotel (****)	$$$$$	9.5	best hotel in town, luxurious and exclusive experience, pool, spa, incredible breakfast, on-site museum, on-site restaurant (best in town)

19. Isla Magdalena

Before heading to Isla Magdalena, make sure to stroll through Punta Arenas. Look out for the statue of Ferdinand Magellan in the main square, where locals and travelers rub the foot for good luck. From Punta Arenas, it’s also easy to continue your journey to Ushuaia. If time allows, this might even be your gateway to exploring the southernmost destination in Argentina as well.

Accommodation:

Punta Arenas has a good range of smaller hotels and guesthouses with solid value. I’ve used the city as a base multiple times and can therefore recommend several options:

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Hostal Boutique Puerta Roja (my choice)	€	8.8	modern, budget-friendly & clean private rooms, breakfast included too (!), best deal
Hostal Buenavista Patagonia	€	8.5	good value for money, nice rooms with good breakfast included
Apart Hotel Endurance	€€	9.2	modern furnished apartments with Kitchenette, breakfast included
Apart Hotel Quillango	€€	9.0	comfortable, spacious apartment in a good location, friendly service, breakfast included
Hotel Ilaia	€€€	9.3	lovely small hotel with cozy atmosphere and great breakfast

20. Isla Navarino

This circular trek is demanding and only recommended for experienced hikers. You’ll need to be fully equipped, including GPS and solid camping gear. But if you're up for the challenge, the rewards in this part of the region are unforgettable.

Accommodation:

Even at the end of the world, you’ll find a few good places to stay. Availability is very limited though, so booking ahead is a must. I can personally recommend both El Padrino and Hotel Fio Fio. For something truly unique, check out the Errante Ecolodge:

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Refugio El Padrino (Hostel & Camping)	€	8.0	Simple hostel with dorm rooms and an adjacent campground, shared kitchen, very kind host, great atmosphere, very budget-friendly
Hotel Forjadores	€€	8.3	Cozy, family-run place with warm hosts, excellent breakfast included, central location, transfer to airport or ferry available on request
Hotel Fio Fio	€€€	9.7	Great value for money, modern facilities, very cozy, good breakfast included, helpful hosts
Errante Ecolodge	€€€€	9.2	Ecolodge in an exclusive location, very modern and cozy interior, fantastic breakfast included, unique panoramic view, shuttle service included, on-site restaurant

My comprehensive Chile Guidebook

Chile – Your Way: A personal Travel & Trekking Guide
 
Across more than 300 pages you’ll find in-depth advice for planning your journey through Chile from the Atacama in the north to Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego in the very south. Detailed trekking guides help you plan unique outdoor adventures. Countless personal recommendations for Things to do, Restaurants as well as Hotels ensure you make the most of your time.
 
On top of that you’ll get packing lists, custom Google Maps, and GPS routes for hikes – everything you need to explore Chile safely and independently.
 
Grab your copy and save yourself countless hours of research!
 
Download now

Chile Tours

After working with G Adventures on trips in Peru, Cuba, Tanzania, Bhutan, and Costa Rica, I can highly recommend their small group tours. They focus on sustainability and support local businesses, which is exactly what I look for when choosing a tour:

• Highlights of Chile & Argentina – a diverse 10-day tour covering top sights in Chile and a few must-see spots in Argentina. From Santiago to Valparaiso, Pucon, Bariloche, a Gaucho-style asado, and tango in Buenos Aires. Includes some meals, guides, hotels, domestic flights, bus travel, and several tours.
• Discover Chile & Argentina – a 9-day National Geographic adventure through both countries’ cities and nature. Includes food experiences, waterfalls, lake hikes, and a tango class. Hotels, flights, guides, minibuses, ferry rides, and exclusive NatGeo experiences included.
• Hike Patagonia XL – an active 14-day tour visiting the top trekking highlights in Patagonia: the W Trek in Torres del Paine, El Chaltén (Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre), and El Calafate (Perito Moreno Glacier). Includes meals, guides, camps, tents, hotels, transport, and porters.
• Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego – a 14-day tour combining Patagonia’s best with Tierra del Fuego, including the W Trek, Fitz Roy, Perito Moreno Glacier, and Ushuaia. Meals, guides, accommodations, transport, and gear included.

Places to Visit in Chile: What Are Your Favorites?

With this post, I want to help you plan your trip to Chile. Have you been to Chile yourself? What places to visit in Chile would you personally recommend? If you have any extra tips on restaurants, hotels, hikes, or unique experiences across the country, I’d love to hear them—feel free to reach out via Instagram!

Note: This travel guide about the best places to visit in Chile includes affiliate links. These are all providers and services I personally use and trust. If you book through these links, you can support this blog at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions, experiences, and sarcastic remarks are my own. If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it or bookmark it for your future travel planning.

The post The 20 Best Places to Visit in Chile appeared first on BackPacker Reiseblog.

If you ask Colombians about the most impressive places to visit in their country, 99% of the time they will answer “El Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona”. The park's popularity is second to none resulting in high demand because of its diverse fauna, flora and picture perfect beaches.

Therefore it is important to plan your stay well in order to avoid the crowds and still see the most beautiful corners of the park. In this post, I'll tell you how to do it. This post is regularly updated.

[toc]

1. Best Time to Visit

When planning a visit to the Tayrona National Park in Colombia you should consider four things: the rush on public holidays, the local holiday season, closure times of the park as well as the seasonal weather differences. I was exploring the park at the beginning of June. At that time we had good weather and little crowds, especially since our accommodation within the limits of the park allowed us to be on the beaches of the Tayrona National Park before the day visitors.

In terms of crowds you should definitely avoid the peak season. The peak season lasts from mid-December to mid-January, mid-June to mid-July, Easter and on public holidays in general. In terms of weather, May, September and October are considered the worst months.

This results in the months of March, April, the beginning of June, as well as the beginning of December and the end of January as the best time to visit the Tayrona National Park. Since the park is extremely popular with locals try to avoid the weekends in general.

Opening Hours (main entrance “Zaino”):

• peak season: daily from 07:00 am till 06:00 p.m., last entry at 03:00 pm.
  (I recommend being at the entrance before 7:00 am)
• low season: daily from 08:00 am till 05:00 pm, last entry at 03:00 pm.
• Swimming is permitted until 6:00 p.m.
• Each February, June, October and November (2 weeks each) the entire park is temporarily closed, so you should look for an alternative for these periods (see number 5 below). The closure of the park is intended to give the indigenous people and nature time to breathe.

Use the following overview to plan your visit to the Tayrona National Park Beaches:

Month	Rainfall	Crowds	Park Open?
January	Low	High	Yes
February	Low	Low	from February 16th
March	Low	Medium	Yes
April	Medium	Medium	Yes
May	High	Low-Medium	Yes
June	Medium	Medium-High	from June 16th
July	High	Medium-High	Yes
August	Medium	Medium	Yes
September	High	Low	Yes
October	High	Low	until October 18th
November	Medium	Low	from November 3rd
December	Low	High	Yes

2. Map & Routes

In order to properly explore the Tayrona National Park and its incredible nature you need a certain level of fitness as the beaches can only be reached via hiking trails. Only the first section from the main entrance to the EcoHabs/Car Park is connected by road. In total, you should estimate around 2-3 hours of hiking for the route from the parking lot to Cabo San Juan (the postcard motif). Since the hike there and back alone takes up to 6 hours, I advise against a day trip.

With a longer stay in the park you can enjoy the most beautiful corners and the diversity of the flora and fauna before the day tourists. This way you have enough time to explore the lesser-known spots and enjoy some quiet time in the nature. We used the chance and started slow on the first day by swimming in the sea at “La Piscinita” and went on a small hike to the viewpoint of Playa Canaveral. The spots that are a little off from Cabo San Juan are much less frequented and therefore more idyllic.

Since I'm more the visual type, I made my own map in which I marked the most important hiking trails and sights. The numbers on the map correspond to the sights and Tayrona National Park Beaches featured in the next section:

3. Sights & Beaches

Picture perfect beaches combined with a jungle scenery is what draws most visitors to the park. However, the reality is a little different: the beach of Cabo San Juan has now become the go-to Instagram hotspot in the country and triggered a real boom. As beautiful as this beach is, the crowds here are reminiscent of tourist hotspots such as Barcelona or Rome. Not really ideal to enjoy the nature if you are surrounded by mass tourism.

However, don't get me wrong: Tayrona National Park is incredibly impressive and the beaches are gorgeous. As in Europe you should concentrate on the spots located a bit off the beaten path. This way you will still find the idyllic natural beauty the Tayrona National Park is famous for. Make sure to treat nature and the locals with respect: keep your footprint as small as possible, observe the park rules and do your part to preserve this beautiful park with all its species.

If you stay overnight you can enjoy the nature with fewer people. Due to our accommodation inside the park limits we were able to go on the hike right after sunrise and explore all the beaches almost by ourselves. Even at Cabo San Juan there were still relatively little crowds when we arrived.

Please note: due to dangerous currents, swimming at most Tayrona National Park beaches is life-threatening and has claimed hundreds of lives. If you want to swim in the sea, please only do so in the areas explicitly designated for this!

a) Playa Arrecifes

This long beach is the first one you come across on your hike starting from the main entrance after about 1 hour. At the beginning of Arrecifes is also the first large, well-equipped campsite. As beautiful as this wide beach may be, swimming in the sea is prohibited here. The same goes for the fresh water ponds as they are home to Caymans (close relatives of crocodiles).

Approximately in the middle of the beach a small river flows into the sea which has formed a small, idyllic lagoon. If you are lucky, you can see caymans here which also means that you should be cautious in this area!

b) La Piscina (swimming allowed)

In my opinion La Piscina is the best choice among the well-known beaches along the way to Cabo San Juan if you want to swim & relax. La Piscina is located only one bay after Arrecifes – in between is Playa Arenilla where swimming is also forbidden.

Due to its distance to Cabo San Juan the general vibe is relatively relaxed here, with a much smaller crowd. Not to be confused with ‘La Piscinita' (see below).

c) Cabo San Juan (swimming allowed)

As previously mentioned this is the center of interest and by far the most popular of all Tayrona National Park beaches. Thank you Instagram. Truth is: the scenery is really fantastic due to the fact that two beautiful bays with crystal clear water and white sandy beaches meet here…and swimming in the sea is allowed.

From midday onwards, however, it gets quite crowded here in the popular months. Reason being is the tourist infrastructure (restaurant, campsite) and a direct boat transfer from Santa Marta. On the vantage point you not only have a fantastic view of the bay, you can also spend the night in hammocks (which we used for a little nap during the day).

My recommendation: if you want to escape the crowds, you should come as early as possible, take some nice photos and then focus on the quieter corners of the park.

d) Playa Nudista

Punta Piedra and Playa Nudista are located only about 10-15 minutes walk from Cabo San Juan. As the name suggests this is a nudist beach. But that shouldn't put you off: naturism isn't compulsory, most visitors don't do it and just enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle.

e) La Piscinita (swimming allowed)

This small stretch of beach is located directly below the EcoHabs at the beginning of the park and thus a little off the main path. Usually it only gets busier in the afternoon.

We relaxed and swam here for a few hours on our arrival day before we went on a little sunset hike.

f) Playa Canaveral

The previously mentioned sunset hike took us along the wide Canaveral beach, which, apart from the previously described bay (La Piscinita), is not suitable for swimming. We were completely alone in this section of the park and were able to fully enjoy the wild beach in combination with the sunset mood.

g) Mirador (viewpoint)

Another insider tip that we had completely to ourselves after the walk along Playa Canaveral was the vantage point that is part of the “Nueve Piedras” mini circular hike. The Mirador is located above the beach and offers a fantastic view over the entire beach section including the jungle landscape behind it. From here you can also often spot several species of birds (especially frigatebirds).

If you stay in a Hotel inside the Parque Tayrona (see below) like we did, you can watch the sunset from here. If not, keep an eye on the time to catch the last shuttle. The walk from the viewpoint back to the shuttle bus parking lot takes about 20-30 minutes. For the “Nueve Piedras” circular hike, which is marked on site, you should calculate about 1 hour.

4. Accommodation

To get the most out of your visit to Tayrona National Park I recommend spending 1-2 nights in the park. This is the only way to enjoy the most popular Tayrona National Parke beaches in the morning and evening in peace (day visitors must leave the park by 5pm). You have the choice of camping, bungalows or small hotels.

Camping

The cheapest way to stay is, unsurprisingly, in a tent or hammock at one of the designated campsites (wild camping is strictly prohibited!). You can even reserve some of them online. Due to the high demand, I recommend being at the main entrance as early as possible to make a reservation for the camps that don't offer a booking system:

• Camping Castilletes – is a bit off the beaten path, halfway between the park entrance and the shuttle bus parking lot. Hammock from €21, tent from €34 p.P.
• Camping Tequendama (Arrecifes) – located right next to the beach of the same name, it made the best impression of all the camps. The large complex is well maintained and much more recommendable than the surrounding campsites in the area. Hammock (with mosquito net) from €18, tent from €46.
• Camping San Juan – by far the most popular and crowded of all campsites, especially in the high season I would avoid this campsite. Hammock from €10 or €14 (at the viewpoint), tent from €17 p.P.

Bungalows

There are also a limited number of bungalows/cabanas at the campsites, but these are relatively expensive. Make sure to book in advance!

• Camping Castilletes – Besides Camping this property also offers bungalows. The rooms are decent and each have their own bathroom. Double from €70, plus there is even a pool for you to use. After a change of management this property has changed for the better lately.
• Ecolodge Playa Brava Teyumakke – This small eco-camp consists of just 7 bungalows and is located in a secluded bay on the western edge of the park. Thanks to its remote location, you can enjoy the surrounding nature almost entirely on your own – with a dreamy beach and a pool. The lodge can only be reached by hiking or on horseback, starting from the Calabazo entrance. Breakfast is included, and there’s a small restaurant on site. A true hidden gem inside the Tayrona National Park – well worth the sweaty hike! Bungalows start at €75 per night.
• Cabanas Arrecifes – as mentioned this complex makes the best impression but the prices increased a lot, the bungalows are rather large galmping tents and can be booked from €138.
• Camping San Juan – offers very simple huts for the exorbitant price of 60 €. Rather not recommended.

Hotels

Contrary to many websites and advertisements on the relevant booking platforms, there are only a handful of hotels within the park. Below I list the best options directly in the park and I strongly advise you to book in advance because of demand. If you reserve via Booking you often even get better prices with early bird and Genius discounts.

• Hotel Jasayma Parque Tayrona (my choice) – this hotel was our pick for a total of 2 nights and is one of the cheapest Tayrona National Park Hotels located within the limits of the park. The house is a few minutes' walk behind the park entrance; if necessary, the shuttle buses will make a short stop here. The manager & staff are very accommodating and will help you get the most out of your stay at the park (there is even a map of the park with places of interest painted on the house wall!). The dishes prepared here are very tasty and a good opportunity to meet other travelers while sipping cocktails to the sounds of the jungle. The rooms are on the 1st floor of the building, which is open to one side (there are mosquito nets). The bathrooms are in the garden. Altogether a great option to stay in the middle of the jungle (it's best to book 2-3 nights!). Payment only in cash on site, so take enough cash with you. Overnight stay in a double room including breakfast for 2 people from €43.
• Bungalows Zirumake – These Huts are located near the Jasayma Hotel, the accommodation is only in its second year. The value for money is unbeatable, you can choose from a handful of small bungalows, breakfast is included in the price, too. A stay in a double room (bathroom ensuite) including breakfast for 2 people from €40.
• Ecohotel Yachay Tayrona – Located more or less across from Hotel Jasayma, this Tayrona National Park Hotel is slightly more luxurious (most rooms are ensuite) and offers a beautiful garden. In terms of price, however, the Ecohotel Yachay cannot compete with the Jasayma. A stay in a double room for 2 people from €88 (breakfast optional for 7€).
• Zirwa Hotel Boutique (opened in 2025) – his recently opened accommodation is located in the same area of the Tayrona National Park as the previous recommendations. However, the bungalows offer a more upscale experience (including air conditioning), even massages can be booked. Overnight stay in a double room including breakfast for two people starts at €170.
• Ecohabs Tequendama Playa Cañaveral (Luxury) – if you are looking for something very special, the EcoHabs are the right pick. As previously mentioned, these are right at the start of the hiking trail that leads to all the Tayrona National Park beaches. The location and luxury of the Ecohabs is unique in the park and guarantees an unforgettable time. The rates for a double room including breakfast for 2 people starts at €140 (early bird discount via Booking).

Accommodation at the entrance

There is a larger selection of accommodation around the main entrance than in the national park. This means you can be the first to arrive at the park entrance in the morning. The main reason to stay here is the fact that the rates are much better compared to the hotels inside the park limits:

• The Valley Jungle Hostel – This “Jungle Hostel” is one of the best options in the area around the entrance of the Tayrona National Park. As the name suggests, this is a very special hostel, with a pool, a large common area and a breathtaking view in the middle of the jungle. Besides budget friendly dorms, you can also book private and “deluxe” rooms with private bathrooms.
• Quetzal Dorado Eco-Lodge – This eco-lodge features a pool and is also located in the middle of the jungle with a great view. However, here you can enjoy a certain comfort, more peace and the breakfast is included in the rates. The staff is also super friendly and helpful. On top of that a restaurant is also part of this property.
• Senda Koguiwa – If you are keen to spend a few memorable days in a relaxed atmosphere, this small resort is just the right place for you. The beautiful complex offers modern bungalows in the middle of the jungle. A pool with sun loungers and its own restaurant are also part of the complex. A good breakfast is included in the rates. The perfect getaway to charge up after sightseeing in the park!

5. Costeño Beach

One of my tips for the date the Tayrona National Park is closed or to crowded is to head over to Costeño Beach. This beautiful beach is only 10 minutes from the park and has a small number of hostels and small resorts. In contrast to the Tayrona National Park, things are still very tranquil and relaxed here, but the scenery is quite similar.

Especially when the park is closed, it is advisable to spend 1-2 days here for pure relaxation and to spot some of the unique species who call this park their home. Otherwise, you can also combine your visit to the park with a stay here, since the main entrance can be reached easily by moto taxi.

We stayed at Tayrona Tented Lodge (Costeno Beach) and I can highly recommend it. The accommodation is a little more comfortable than the surrounding hostels. The bungalows are large enough for 2-3 people, have their own bathroom and include full board. The staff is friendly and the location is fantastic (right by the beach, also there's a cool bar next door – see below). The package makes it a great deal. Highly recommended!

Right next door you can find Masaya Tayrona and the more upscale Masaya Collection Cayena, with a bit more comfort, a highly recommended bar and its own restaurant. Just a short walk away you will find Bohemia Beach, the third accommodation I can highly recommend in this area. Bohemia beach even features a pool and offers various activities such as yoga, massages and beach volleyball.

6. Tours

Colombia offers a rich variety of sights that are difficult to see if you are short on time. If you want to see as much as possible or if it's your first trip to this part of the world and you have some doubts, a guided tour might be the right pick for you.

a) Day Tours

If you want to avoid all the hassle of getting to the Tayrona National Park and back as well as navigating on site, you can simply book day trips from Santa Marta:

b) Full Colombia Tours

Having worked with G Adventures in Peru, Costa Rica, and Cuba, I highly recommend the small-group tours. Particularly because of the focus on sustainable, responsible travel. The philosophy of focusing primarily on small local businesses aligns perfectly with my travel philosophy. The following packages include a visit to the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona as part of a full Colombia Tour:

• Caribbean Colombia Express(8 days) This tour focuses on the highlights of the Caribbean coast with Cartagena, Santa Marta, Minca and Tayrona NP. Hotels, meals, transfers, admission to Tayrona, guided hikes and guides are all included.
• Colombian Culture, Caribbean & Lost City (22 days): This is a big tour of Colombia that includes the capital Bogota, the coffee region, Salento, Medellin, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Minca and the Tayrona National Park, as well as the multi-day trek to the Ciudad Perdida! The tour price includes transfers, domestic flights, hotels, camps (hike), meals, entrance fees, guided hikes and guides.
• Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Lost City (14 days): This is a combination of the following destinations: Cartagena, Santa Marta, Minca, the Tayrona National Park, as well as the multi-day trek to Ciudad Perdida! The tour price includes transfers, hotels, camps (hike), meals, entrance fees, guided hikes and guides.

7. Transport & Prices

The Tayrona National Park is located on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia right next to Santa Marta. Form the city center it's only an hour's drive to the park's entrance. You can use Santa Marta as your starting point in the region, since there are other beautiful spots to visit (e.g. Minca or Palomino).

From the airport in Santa Marta – it is best to take a taxi to the corner of Calle 11 & Carrera 11 in Santa Marta, from there there you can use a regular bus service to the main entrance of Tayrona National Park (El Zaino). Look for the sign in the front of the bus, it should say “Parque Tayrona” or something similar. The journey costs the equivalent of 2€.

From Santa Marta – it is best to walk to the corner of Calle 11 & Carrera 11 and take the bus as described above.

Private Transfer – if you want to be independent and more comfortable you can also take a taxi from Santa Marta. A ride to the park entrance is around 15€.

Transport inside the Park – from the main entrance to the start of the main trail you can either take a shuttle (1€) or walk the 4 km on the road. We did both and saw monkeys in the trees on our way back (there are three species of monkeys inside the park), otherwise not too much to see on this section.

Admission: There is a fee of €19 (adult, low season) or €23 (adult high season) for foreign tourists.

8. My Video

During my time in Colombia I produced a video documentary which also features my time exploring the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona. In addition to the sights mentioned here, I also explore other highlights in the region around Santa Marta in this video:

More tips regarding the Tayrona National Park Beaches?

Have you been to Colombia yourself? What other recommendations & tips for the Tayrona National Park can you contribute? If you have any recommendations that definitely belong here: let me know!

Disclosure: This Guide to the Tayrona National Park Beaches is filled with helpful tips but also contains Affiliate Links for services and products I’m using on my travels. Therefore I can highly recommend them. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees. All recommendations, tips, opinions, and ironic remarks are, as always, my own.

The post How to Explore the Tayrona National Park in Colombia appeared first on BackPacker Reiseblog.

Funchal is the ideal starting point for your Madeira vacation, mainly because of its great tourist infrastructure. My personal funchal tips will help you make the most of your time there.
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1. Things to do

Due to its history the capital of Madeira offers a wide selection of sights besides all the natural beauty you can find throughout the island. Both nature lovers and those interested in history will get their money's worth here. My following tips in Funchal are located very close to each other and can be easily reached on foot or by cable car.

Map

The main sights in Funchal are only a short walk away from each other. To get to the top of Monte with its gardens and the Monte Palace you can use the cable car. A fun way to get back down is the toboggan option which starts right next to the Monte Palace.

Most of the beaches and pools are located along the promenade in the west of the city. The big beach of Praia Formosa and the smaller Praia do Gorgulho are just a few examples you should check out during your visit to Madeira. Contrary to the ones on the mainland most of the beaches in Madeira are pebbly beaches. The only beach in the center of the city is located right next to the yellow fortress of São Tiago.

I recommend to choose a hotel near the historic city center due to the proximity to most sights. Here are a few of my personal recommendations for hotels in Funchal:

a) Old Town & Harbour

We start our exploration in the center of Funchal with the old town. The historic city center stretches from Parque Santa Catarina to the fortress of São Tiago.

The best way to explore the center and the harbor is on foot. You can walk either from west to east or from east to west and combine several of the following tips and things to do in Funchal.

b) Parque Santa Catarina

The beautiful park Santa Catarina is located in the west of the old town and particularly worth a visit for its great views. Access to the park is completely free of charge, at the western end you will find beautiful gardens and a pond with fountains.

c) Monte

The true beauty of Funchal lies in its diversity and amphitheater-like setting. Accordingly, the cable car ride up the local mountain is one of my favorite things to do in Funchal during your visit as it offers great views over the city and access to the gardens located at the top.

You will find the station right next to the promenade, at the “Almirante Reis” park. You should combine your trip with a visit to the local gardens (see d) and the famous Toboggan ride (see f). When buying tickets, you can choose between single tickets and packages that combine attractions with the ride (wich is often cheaper!).

Opening Hours: daily 09:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Prices: One-Way 6,50€/12,50€; Roundtrip 9,00€/18,00€; children up to 6 years free of charge

d) Tropical Garden (Monte Palace)

The two following Funchal tips can also be found above the roofs of the city. The parks of the tropical and botanical garden are equally worth a visit and offer a refreshing change to sightseeing in the old town.

If I had to choose only one of the gardens I'd go for the tropical garden in Funchal. It is located right at the top of Monte and offers a little more variety than the botanical garden. Besides the plants you will find various beautiful buildings, water features, art objects and minerals in the gardens. The gardens are part of the Monte Palace which was once a hotel complex.

Opening hours: daily. 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (museum 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Prices: 15,00€, free for children under 15

e) Botanical Garden

The botanical garden focuses on subtropical plants and a palm garden. Since the gardens are a bit outside you can also enjoy different views of the city given the additional cable car ride (14 Euro).

Opening hours: daily. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Prices: 7,50€ or 3€, free for children under 6

f) Wicker Baskets

Funchal's Monte Toboggan Wicker Sledges are a type of traditional mode of transportation that dates back to the 1890's. At the time this was the only way to get from the Monte hill to the valley (unless you went by foot). The large baskets are mounted on wooden sleds and steered by two men called carreiros. To this day, the Toboggan sleds are used on the steep streets of Funchal as a popular tourist attraction.

In order to get to the starting point of the ride you need to do a short walk from the mountain station of the Monte cable car to the Monte Palace. The ride is almost 2km long and leads down steep streets. It's certainly a lot of fun despite the high price of 15€ pp (for 3 people). One of the most thrilling things to do in Funchal during your visit in Madeira for sure!

If you want to book it in advance I recommend a combined tour:

• Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour
• Monte Experience incl. Toboggan by Tuk-Tuk

g) Poncha

Poncha is THE traditional drink on Madeira. Pocha consists of a third of Aguardente de cana-de-açúcar (Madeirian brandy made from fresh sugar cane juice), honey and local lemons. Therefore a poncha tasting definitely belongs in my personal list of things to do in Funchal.

There are numerous opportunities to try different versions of this delicious drink in town. But be warned: Poncha contains between 40% and 50% of Alcohol (!). The two best bars in town to enjoy Poncha are “Bar Number 2” and “Rei da Poncha” – more on this in Section 4.

By the way: In addition to Poncha, Madeira is also known for its extremely sweet wine, similar to the types of wine you will find in Porto . You can also try the Madeira wine in the local bars.

h) Street Art

You can admire a special art project in the Rua de Santa Maria, a narrow alley in the eastern part of the old town. Here various artists have teamed up to counteract the decay of the district and began to color up the house entrances with paintings and street art. Sice then the streets have turned into a real tourist magnet. Worth seeing!

i) Barreirinha

You should definitely combine your stroll through the Rua de Santa Maria with a detour to the “Barreirinha”. This is a small café that turns into one of the trendiest bars in the city in the evening and offers one of the most beautiful sunset panoramas.

j) The promenade

Unfortunately most of the big ressorts are located outside of the old town to the west of Funchal. However, the various hotel complexes are connected by a beautiful promenade that leads to the center of Funchal. Along the coastal path you can not only find restaurants and cafés but also several beautiful swimming spots. One of those is the “Lido” another one the natural seawater pools of the “Doca do Cavacas”.

2. Tours

If you have chosen Funchal as your base in Madeira, day tours are a great option to explore not only the city but the island with locals. In my following tour tips in Funchal I list the best tours in Madeira, all of which start in Funchal. This way you can explore the highlights of the island without the need of a rental car and you'll learn more about the local culture and history.

a) Jeep tours

As stated Madeira is a true mecca for outdoor lovers. You can use a jeep tour to explore the diverse landscape of the island in a more adventurous way. The following tours combine several sights, so you can make the most of your day!

• Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz 4WD Tour (North-West)
• Jeep-Safari Day Trip (Mountains, Ocean, Waterfall, SkyWalk from Cabo Girao)
• Jeep Tour incl. Distillery visit (Mountains, Forest, Distillery and the East Coast)
• Santana Jeep Safari and Levada Tour (Panorama Views & Hike)
• Full-Day Madeira Peaks Tour by Open 4×4 (South-East, Sugar-Cane Plant and Riveiro Frio at 1818m)
• Half-Day Pico Arieiro Jeep Tour

b) Hike the Levadas

Madeira is a popular hiking destination and offers some of the most spectacular sceneries in Europe. With its mild climate, a variety of well marked trails along the levadas and an impressive mountain panorama it is a true paradise for hikers.

Levadas are the maintenance routes along the irrigation system that supplies the island with water from the mountains to the valleys. The network of canals is huge which results in a good network of trails for extensive hiking tours.

Even if you stay in Funchal you can tackle many of the best hikes as day tours. The following tours include both transport and local guides (except for the self-guided tour, of course):

• Levada Walk in the Rabaçal Valley
• Madeira Peaks Mountain Walk
• Transfer to Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail
• Ponta de São Lourenço/Caniçal Full-Day Hike
• Madeira Lakes Levada Guided Hike

c) Boat Tours & Dolphin Watching

Due to its location far from the mainland Madeira is also ideal for dolphin and whale watching tours by boat. During my time in Funchal I did a sunset dolphin watching tour and saw the first group of dolphins shortly after embarking!

You can book the following boat tours in advance via GetYourGuide:

• Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise (big catamaran, smooth sailing)
• Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise (small, exclusive catamaran)
• All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour
• Swimming with Dolphins in Madeira Island
• Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

d) Camara de Lobos in combination with Cabo Girão & Porto Moniz

Camara de Lobos is a charming fishing village with picturesque streets and colorful houses on the southwest coast of the island. Due to its location, a visit to the town can be perfectly combined with some of Madeira's other well-known sights, such as the spectacular cliffs to the west or even a wine tasting.

• Best of Madeira's West Tour
• Madeira Skywalk, Valleys, & Wine Tasting
• West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip
• Câmara de Lobos/Sky Walk (Cabo Girão) : Tuk Tuk Tour

e) Faja dos Padres

Faja dos Padres is a natural bay surrounded by high cliffs that can only be reached by boat or cable car. The cable car ride itself is one of the most spectacular cable car trips I've ever done. It's definitely one of my personal top things to do in Funchal even though it's a bit outside the city limits.

The valley station is located directly inside an impressive farm where all sorts of vegetables, fruits and even wine is grown in the surrounding gardens. Together with the local restaurant and the natural beach Faja dos Padres is another truly idyllic place that stands in contrast to the bustling center of Funchal.

Apart from the option of a day trip by rental car (about 20 minutes from Funchal), you can also consider staying 2-3 nights here. This way you have the entire facility to yourself after the last gondola has departed.

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f) unique experiences

There are many more activities you can do in Madeira. From active adventures such as canyoning or surfing to culinary tours, you will find a variety of options to make your visit truly memorable.

Following I have pre-selected a few fun tours that start in Funchal:

• Level-1 Canyoning Adventure
• Garajau Nature Reserve Kayak and Snorkel Tour
• Food and Wine Walking Tour
• Madeira Island Group Surf Lesson
• Guided Mountain Bike Tour

3. Restaurants

Due to its remote location Madeira has developed its own cuisine, detached from mainland Portuguese cuisine. Particularly noteworthy are Bolo do Caco, Poncha, Espetada (beef skewers) and Filete de Espada (Scabbard Filet).

In this section you will find a small selection of my culinary tips in Funchal.

a) Kampo

If you are a fan of fine dining and modern fusion cuisine but don't want to spend too much money, you should definitely mark Kampo in Funchal. Our dinner at the chic eatery was by far one of our best dining experiences on the island.

The creations offered in Kampo are modern interpretations of classics from the local cuisine with regional, fresh ingredients. Due to the popularity of the restaurant among locals I strongly recommend booking a table in advance!

b) Terra

One of my favorite Funchal Tips for vegetarians and vegans is Terra. Located in the historic center of the city you will find a wide range of international and regional cuisine with numerous delicious options not only for vegans and vegetarians!

c) Beerhouse

As the name suggests the Beerhouse is more of a traditional brewery. In addition to the numerous beer choices I recommend the “Prego no Bolo do Caco”. Among the locals it is considered the best steak sandwich in all of Madeira. I can only confirm as I returned several times to eat exactly that during my visit of Funchal

d) Tasca Mallassada

We stumpled upon this traditional tasca on our way from our accommodation to the old town of Funchal, so it's a bit out of the way. But at the same time the location makes it so special as this is a very simple and inexpensive restaurant with basic dishes and incredibly charming owners. For little money you can get large portions here from breakfast and lunchtime snacks to late-night bites.

e) Penha d’Aguia

Penha d'Aguia is a typical regional Portuguese bakery with a wide range of sweet and savory treats from pastries to solid sandwiches. It doesn’t matter whether it’s for breakfast or lunch, it’s actually worth a visit at any time of the day. But if you stop by you should try the queijada. So good!

4. Bars

Funchal is known for its bustling nightlife. The city offers a wide range of bars and pubs – from cozy taverns and wine bars to elegant cocktail lounges and live music clubs. Below I summarize my nightlife tips in Funchal.

a) Bar No. 2

As mentioned above, Bar No.2 is one of the best places to try Poncha during your visit in Funchal. In the evening, however, the bar sometimes turns into a kind of mini-club, depending on the crowd and the DJ.

During my time in Funchal, I stopped by with some friends for 1-2 Poncha on a Friday night… before we knew it we made friends with half the bar, 2 Poncha quickly became 5 and the cozy bar became a dance floor. A night to remember!

b) Three House Cocktail Bar

If you are in the mood for really good cocktails with a view during your visit in Funchal you should definitely head to this rooftop bar. Located right in the center of Funchal this hotel bar not only offers beautiful views over the rooftops of the city – there is also a pool here.

I recommend arriving just before sunset and to look for a cozy spot with a good view over Funchal.

c) Barreirinha

Another good place to treat yourself to 1-3 sundowners is the Barreirinha, a rather small bar that has a great outdoor seating area. In fact this “outdoor area” is more like the promenade above the local outdoor pool, but the view from here is unique!

In the evening the transition from a snack bar to a classic bar/pub with local flair takes place, often with a DJ and/or live music in the summer months.

d) Rei da Poncha

Situated in the old town of Funchal this local favorite is particularly recommended as a stop in the late afternoon. At that time you will mainly find locals stopping by for an after-work drink. Very authentic!

5. Hotels

In addition to all the things to do in Funchal this article also includes my personal recommendations for places to stay. I have several accommodation tips in Funchal in different categories on offer because friends of mine have stayed in other hotels. This way you can make the right choice depending on your budget and preferences.

Villa Catanho (entire house) – my choice

Located just above the old town Villa Catanho is one of the best options for a relaxed Madeira holiday with a base in Funchal. The holiday home is surrounded by a banana plantation and has a large garden area with a barbecue. There were 5 of us and I can recommend the house especially for groups and families. The price-performance ratio of Villa Catanho is truly unbeatable.

Hotels in the Old Town

The previous mentioned holiday apartment is almost always fully booked. I have therefore summarized other great and affordable alternatives in Funchal in the following list. All hotels listed here are in walking distance to the old town of the islands capital:

	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Villa Catanho (whole house, my choice)	€	9.5	great value for money, entire house, perfect for families & groups, banana plantation with a great garden
Jaca Hostel	€	8.9	central location in the old town, modern & cozy, good value for money
Hotel Catedral	€€	8.2	perfect location, spacious rooms, breakfast included
Villa Camacho	€€	8.8	Great facility including a pool with a view, a bit outside (30 minutes walk to the center), nicely furnished rooms, good breakfast buffet
Museum House	€€	8.9	great location in the old town, modern and well-kept rooms, very helpful staff
NEXT - by Savoy Signature	€€€€	8.9	Modern complex with chic rooms, great location near the old town, gorgeous terrace with pool and sea view, good breakfast

Any Funchal Tips or Things to do in Funchal on Madeira you'd like to add?

I wrote this Madeira travel guide based on my own travel experience. If you have been to Madeira as well and you have something to add to this list of things to do in Funchal please feel free to contact me via DM. In case you liked my Funchal Tips and found them helpful, I would appreciate if you could share it with your friends or link to it from your homepage!

Disclosure: This Madeira Guide is filled with helpful Funchal Tips but also contains Affiliate Links for services and products I’m using on my travels. Therefore I can highly recommend them. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees. All recommendations, tips, opinions, and ironic remarks are, as always, my own.

The post 25+ Tips & Things to do in Funchal on Madeira, Portugal appeared first on BackPacker Reiseblog.

Sintra is located just a 30 minute drive from the capital of Portugal. In my post about the best things to do in Lisbon I mentioned the option of visiting Sintra on a day trip. But, truth to be told, this city deserves more time. I recommend spending about 2 to 3 days in order to explore Sintra and its surroundings.
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1. Sights

The cultural landscape of Sintra is a combination of picturesque parks and historic buildings. There is a reason it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. In this section, I list my personal favorites. Most of them are just a short shuttle ride away (bus or UBER/Bolt) from each other. If you like, you can even explore the following Sintra Tips by walking, with the exception of Palacio Monserrate.

I strongly advice against traveling with your car to Sintra. The old town is a true maze of one way streets, parking spaces are very rare and expensive. If you decide to come for the day from Lisbon I recommend in doing so by booking one of the tours I mentioned in “Tours”.

Furthermore I recommend buying tickets for the individual attractions in advance. The lines at the ticket counters can get extremely long. This is particularly recommendable for the most famous sights such as the Pena Palace. The local park administration now sells admission tickets directly through GetYourGuide, which I have linked to accordingly.

a) Old Town

The historic center should be the starting point to explore all the things to do in Sintra. The old town is also home to most of the accommodations, restaurants, and cafes which makes it a great place to base yourself.

Depending on which part of town you find yourself, you should take a walk that stretches from the train station to Quinta da Regaleira. Take your time and make sure to explore the winding alleys around the Palacio Nacional.

b) Pena Palace

One of the city's most famous buildings, the architecturally unique and extremely colorful Palacio da Pena, towers high above Sintra. The palace is without a doubt the top tourist attraction and can be found on numerous covers of popular Portugal travel guide books.

It is definitely worth a visit, I particularly like the surrounding park with its various small gardens and plants from all over the world. In fact, the construction of the pena palace is credited to a German. Ferdinand II built it on the ruins of a monastery destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. His main focus though was designing the park. It's hard to believe that this hill was previously completely treeless and more reminiscent of a moonscape.

Although the pena palace is architecturally interesting I'd avoid visiting the inside of the palace due to the massive crowds and waiting times during high season. Instead, I recommend taking a stroll through the park and a small hike to the “Cruz Alta.” When you reach the top, you can enjoy a unique panorama from Lisbon to the postcard motif of the Pena Palace (from the summit cross).

You can purchase tickets for the Pena Palace in advance and thus avoid standing in line on-site:

• Pena Palace & Park Ticket

c) Moorish Castle

When it comes to a combination of historical buildings and breathtaking views, the Moorish Castle is my clear favorite among this list of Sintra Tips. Located below the Pena Palace, a visit to the “Castelo dos Mouros” can easily be combined as both sights are just a short walk away from each other.

Take a stroll along the impressive castle walls. From the highest point you will find numerous niches and towers that offer great views of Sintra, its palaces, and the surrounding landscape.

You can buy entrance tickets to the moorish castle in advance and thus avoid waiting time on-site:

• Moorish Castle Fast Track Ticket

d) Quinta da Regaleira

If you like parks, you will love the Quinta da Regaleira. The winding gardens are like a big maze and combine water features with small towers, a system of caves, and a miniature palace. There's even a garden café here!

During the summer months it can get pretty busy so I recommend coming right after opening to beat the day-trippers from Lisbon. After the Pena Palace the Quinta da Regaleira is the second most visited attraction in Sintra. If it gets to busy you should consider a visit to the Monserrate Palace with its beautiful gardens instead.

Also for this park you can buy your admission tickets in advance to avoid waiting time on-site:

• Quinta da Regaleira Skip-the-Line Entry & Audio Tour
• Guided Tour and Entry Ticket to Quinta da Regaleira

e) Monserrate Palace

One of the things to do in Sintra that can still be considered an insider tip is the Monserrate Palace. I myself only discovered it on my 5th visit to Sintra (!) and was completely amazed. With the Pena Palace getting all of the attention, most visitor run out of time to also pay a visit to this place on their day trip from Lisbon.

The Monserrate Palace is located slightly outside town and hardly visited by tourists. This results in a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy the themed gardens and picturesque palace almost alone. The gardens are divided into country themes with typical plants and trees from the respective regions. If you are in need of a quiet getaway you should consider spending some time here!

Use the chance and buy your tickets for the Monserrate Palace in advance:

• Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket

f) National Palace of Sintra

Another signature landmark of the city is at the same time one of the things to do in Sintra when it rains. The former royal palace is particularly known for its 2 pointy towers, which are actually the chimney stacks of the palace kitchen.

The National Palace is also a witness to the different eras that Sintra experienced throughout its history. From the Moorish palace to the royal summer palace with thematically designed rooms, a visit to the premises is definitely worth it.

Here you can buy tickets fro the National Palace in advance and skip the line on site:

• National Palace of Sintra and Gardens Fast Track Ticket

2. Hikes & Tours

Apart from the cultural sights there are also numerous scenic things to do in Sintra and its surroundings. The combination of hills, forests, cliffs and natural beaches make Sintra a very diverse destination for nature lovers and outdoor fans alike.

a) Jeep tours

A fun option to explore the things to do in Sintra and the surrounding region is to book a jeep tour, which combines several highlights in just one day. Especially if you are traveling without a rental car, this is a good choice to explore the spots at the coast and make the best of your time.

The following day tour packages combine several attractions and offer different routes. The value for the money you pay is great, only entrance fees for the palaces are usually not included:

• Jeep Tour of Regaleira, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais
• Historical Jeep Tour – Quinta da Regaleira, Pena Palace, Monserrate Palace, Moorish Castle, National Palace und Seteais Palace (excl. entrance fees)
• Sintra Coast Jeep Adventure – Visit to a Wine Cellar, Azenhas do Mar and Pena Palace (excl. entrance fees)
• Jeep Safari, Sunset Hike, and Tapas at the Beach

b) Praia da Ursa & Cabo da Roca

Whether you have your own rental car, the bus (there is a good hop-on hop-off bus network here) or you use UBER/Bolt. The westernmost point of mainland Portugal and thus also of continental Europe and the Eurasian landmass is located only a short drive from Sintra.

I highlight both, the viewpoint “Cabo da Roca” and the beautiful beach “Praia da Ursa” in my detailed Cascais travel guide.

c) Pedra Amarela

The mountains surrounding Sintra are also ideal for a hiking tour. One of my favorite spots to watch the sunset from is the Pedra Amarela viewpoint. This unique lookout is located right next to a local ranger observation tower.

It is only a short walk from the small car park (located just off the road) to get to the viewpoint.

There is a whole network of hiking trails around the viewpoint. Here are a few tour suggestions that you can follow via the AllTrails app:

• Pedra Amarela – short loop (1.5 km)
• Pedra Amarela Trail (4.5 km)
• Yellow Stone Circular Route (6.5 km)

d) Praia Grande

Do you fancy a day at the beach between all the sightseeing, hiking and all the food? On the coastline of the region surrounding Sintra you will find some of Portugals best beaches for swimming and surfing.

The largest and most easily accessible beach in the area is Praia Grande (hence the name). You will find numerous parking spots directly on the beach, as well as some good options for snacks and drinks. A day at the beach here can be easily combined with a trip to Cabo da Roca and Praia da Ursa!

e) E-Bike Tours

You can also hop on an e-bike to explore the area in a more active way. The advantage of this: thanks to the electrical support you can tackle steep climbs without getting completely out of breath (nevertheless: even with an e-bike you have to make a physical effort).

There are a handful of agencies in Sintra that offer a variety of e-bike tours. Though most of the tours are offered with a pick-up in Lisbon you can ask for a pick-up directly in Sintra, since this is the starting point for all of them:

• E-Bike-Tour from Sintra to Cascais (Palaces & Mountains)
• E-Bike-Trip from Cascais into the mountains of Sintras (Beaches & Mountains)

f) Unique Experiences

If you are looking for something truly unique you can also find some Sintra tours and experiences out of the ordinary:

• Countryside Gastronomic Tour in a Vintage Car (from Sintra)
• Paragliding Tandem Flight (from Lisbon)



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3. Cafés & Restaurants

When writing a travel guide about Sintra the culinary highlights are just as important as the places to visit. Because of my multiple visits I'm able to recommend quite a few places in the center of Sintra. Most of the following recomendations are either directly in the old town or require only a short walk to get there.

a) Incomun (Restaurant)

Anyone looking for a culinary highlight in Sintra should consider a visit to Incomun. Here you get a fine dining experience at a fair price, the kitchen uses traditional Portuguese dishes and gives them a modern twist. I highly recommend to reserve a table in advance. Great spot!

Address
R. Dr. Alfredo da Costa 22, 2710-523 Sintra, Portugal

Opening Hours
Thursday – Tuesday 12:00 – 24:00h,
Wednesday closed

b) Metamorphosis (Restaurant)

At Metamorphosis you can get solid Portuguese cuisine for a small budget in a cozy setting. The restaurant is located in the vicinity of the train station.

Address
R. João de Deus 43, 2710-580 Sintra, Portugal

Opening Hours
every day 12:00 – 22:30h




c) Piriquita (Café/Bakery)

Piriquita is in fact also one of the things to do in Sintra. The reason for this is the long tradition in making the delicious, Sintra-typical pastries “Traviseiro” and “Queijada” for which Piriquita is known in the region. Apart from that this typical Portuguese Café is an ideal choice for breakfast or a snack in between. Good pastries and even better prices!

Address
R. Padarias 1, 2710-603 Sintra, Portugal

Opening Hours
Monday – Friday 09:00 – 19:00h,
Saturday & Sunday 09:00 – 19:30h




d) Fabrica da Nata (Café/Bakery)

If you missed the opportunity to try the tempting pastel de Nata's in Lisbon here's another chance. If you are already addicted to the tarts a brief visit to the Fabrica de Nata is a must. The pasteis are always freshly prepared here and usually come warm straight out of the oven. Hmmmmmm!

Address
Praça da República Nº 6, 2710-616 Sintra, Portugal

Opening Hours
every day 09:00 – 20:00h




e) O Melhor Croissant (Café/Bakery)

Another good option for a sweet breakfast is this bakery close to the train station. As the name suggests everything here revolves around freshly made croissants. I can highly recommend the chocolate croissants!

Address
Largo Afonso de Albuquerque n15c, 2710-568 Sintra, Portugal

Opening Hours
every day 08:30 – 19:00h

f) 3 Gomes (Restaurant, Cabo da Roca)

When visiting Cabo da Roca and/or hiking to Praia da Ursa I recommend a stop at 3 Gomes. Here you can get first-class Portuguese cuisine at a good price in a great atmosphere. I have been here for dinner numerous times and always combine a trip to the westernmost point of Europe with a visit here. Worth it!

Address
Estrada do Cabo da Roca 23, 2705-001 Azóia, Portugal

Opening Hours
every day 12:30 – 22:30h

g) Aldeia da Praia (Food Market, Praia Grande)

This small food market is located close to Praia Grande and a great option for lunch or an afternoon snack. I can particularly recommend the stand with the homemade pizzas – the dough is amazing!

Address
Avenida do Atlântico S/N Antiga Colonia de Ferias da CP, 2705-288 Colares, Portugal




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4. Hotels

As usual in addition to all the sights and tips in Sintra I also want to share my personal recommendations for accommodation. As mentioned earlier I highly recommend staying in Sintra instead of doing a day trip from Lisbon.

I have several hotel recommendations in different categories on offer. This way you can choose depending on your budget and preferences.

Wine Inn (Apartment) – my choice

During my last stay in Sintra my parents were visiting so we decided to book a small holiday apartment. The Wine Inn Villa is located right in the old town and is ideal for couples and small families. The owner has also other apartments in Sintra on offer.

Use the following table to choose the right option for you:


	Budget	Rating	Reasons to stay
Happy Holiday Sintra (Budget)	€	8.6	Great location in the old town, very budget friendly private rooms, good atmosphere
Casa da Pendoa	€€	8.3	central location in the old town, modern & comfortable, good value for money, incl. kitchenette
Wine Apartment (my choice)	€€€	9.1	great location, spacious apartment with modern design, ideal for couples, very friendly hosts, great terrace
Quinta Verde Sintra	€€€	9.3	Great facilities with a pool in the countryside, just outside of Sintra (5km), nicely furnished rooms, ideal for switching off
Sintra Boutique Hotel	€€€€	9.1	Design hotel with chic rooms and upscale ambience, great location in the old town, great breakfast











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Any Things to do in Sintra, Portugal you'd like to add?

I wrote this Sintra travel guide based on my own experience. If you have been to Sintra as well and you have something to add to this list of things to do in Sintra please feel free to reach out via Instagram. In case you liked my Sintra Tips and found them helpful, I would appreciate if you could share it with your friends or link to it from your homepage!




Disclosure: This Sintra Guide is not only full of personal Sintra Tips and things to do in Sintra, it also contains Affiliate Links for services and products I’m using on my travels. Therefore I can highly recommend them. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees. All recommendations, tips, opinions, and ironic remarks are, as always, my own.

The post 20 Fun Things to do in Sintra, Portugal appeared first on BackPacker Reiseblog.

I first visited Torres del Paine National Park while backpacking in Chile in 2013. Back then no camp reservations were needed. With visitor numbers skyrocketing over the years, camp reservations are now mandatory for all multi-day treks and must be made months in advance. This guide is an excerpt from my Chile travel guide “Chile – Your Way” which features altogether 10 trekking guides for Patagonia as well as travel guides for 20 destinations in Chile.
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Map & Overview

The map below gives you an overview of the best day hikes and tours in Torres del Paine featured in this post, showing where each trail is located within the park. I wrote this article to highlight the most worthwhile day hikes, offering great alternatives for those who couldn’t secure camp reservations. For more details on trekking routes, camp reservations and park logistics, check out my guide for hiking in Torres del Paine.

1. The Towers Hike

The Torres (= towers) itself with the beautiful lagoon in front are the highlight of the park and the ultimate goal for all hikers doing the W or Circuit. Due to their location the hike is also doable in one day. If you are fit you can even come from Pto. Natales, do the trail and return with the last shuttle on the same day!

2. Cuernos Lookout

3. Laguna Azul

4. Horseback Riding

5. Cerro Paine

6. Ferrier Viewpoint

Be sure to mark this short hike on your list, as it offers a completely different perspective of the park. While the distance is short, the trail is steep. Expect a 700 m elevation gain over just 1.5 km. Therefore the hike still takes quite some time if you want to properly enjoy the views.

If you don't want to be in a rush and enjoy this beautiful sector of the park to the fullest, you should stay at Hotel Lago Grey and combine this experience with a glacier tour on the next day (see next paragraph)!

Chile – Your Way: A personal Travel & Trekking Guide
 
In my Chile Guidebook you’ll find everything you need for your journey – compact, easy to use, and packed with my personal tips. From detailed trekking guides for the Torres del Paine “W” and “O” routes to flexible itineraries and insider advice on accommodations and sights: this book covers it all – from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia and the Carretera Austral in the south. With additional Google Maps lists and digital extras, you’ll be perfectly prepared to explore Chile your way.
 
Download now

7. Grey Glacier Tour

8. Full Paine Tour

9. Where to stay

In order to make the most of your time in Torres del Paine I highly recommend staying inside the park. This way you avoid the long driving times between Puerto Natales and the starting points of your day hikes in Torres del Paine (the park is located 112km out of Puerto Natales). On top of that you are only able to take part in some of the mentioned day tours if you stay at a certain hotel (e.g. Cerro Paine & horseback tours).

The big downside of staying in this beautiful setting is the high price tag which isn't affordable for everyone, therefore I included some affordable options which are located just outside of the park & in Puerto Natales.

Hotels inside Torres del Paine (Mid-range & Luxury)
All Hotels listed here are pricey but offer great location and excellent services inside the National Park.

• Hotel Lago Grey (***) – located in the westernmost part of the the park the Hotel Lago Grey offers comfort paired with some great options to see the Grey glacier up close and explore some of the most incredible viewpoints in the area.
• Hotel Las Torres (****) – regarding the location in combination with the tour options this mountain lodge is second to none in the park. Yes, it is anything but cheap to stay here but going for a splurge for this experience is well worth it as the food, tours and the incredible surroundings make up for it. As stated the starting points for some of the best day hikes in Torres del Paine are a short walk from the hotel…and the bar has some of the best drinks in the area
• Explora Patagonia (*****) – in terms of location and views this Hotel takes the cake as it is situated right next to the Lago Pehoé. Also here you have plenty of tour options to choose from which are mostly included in the room rates. You should get a drink before you checkout the prices though

• Vista al Paine Refugio – this solid B&B offers a range of private accommodation options as well as a dorm for those on a tighter budget.
• Pampa Hostel – this cozy, modern hostel offers beds in 4 bed dorms with shared bathroom facilities and has a great view to the mountains of Torres del Paine. A rich breakfast is included which makes it a pretty good deal!
• Konkashken Lodge – is one of the cheapest options in the area but still offers great value with its numerous cozy cabanas and its friendly owners who are there to help you. You can either stay in a private ore at one of the dormitories

• Yagan House – The eco hostel named Yagan House was my home for almost 2 weeks and is the perfect starting point for your hiking adventures. I liked the relaxed atmosphere and the cozy common areas – due to the interior it somehow felt more like a mountain lodge than a usual hostel.
• Hostal Treehouse Patagonia – similar to the Yagan House this hostel offers privates as well as dorms in a very cozy, modern atmosphere.
• Toore Patagonia (***) – those of you who want more privacy should look into booking one of the comfortable, neatly designed bungalows at Toore Patagonia. Great deal!

10. Get in & around

Depending on which day hike in Torres del Paine you plan on doing there are several ways of getting to the trail head.

Rental Car
Renting a car will give you the most freedom and flexibility. In fact this is the only option to do all tours listed here independently (Cerro Paine only if you stay at Hotel Las Torres). Even though it requires you to drive a bit this option will let you save a lot of money as you can stay in Villa Serrano or even Puerto Natales.

If you wish to go for this option you should either reserve a car in Punta Arenas way ahead of time online or speak to a few local car rentals in order to get a good deal. Prices for car rentals are high in Patagonia therefore it makes sense to rent a car with a group of friends.

Tours
Your second best option to see as much of the park as possible is to book certain tours. If you stay at one of the mentioned hotels inside the park you can book numerous tours with your hotel which will then also be your pickup spot. If you are staying in Puerto Natales you can book some of the day tours mentioned here in advance online with GetYourGuide – in this case I highly recommend to go for the Full Paine tour!

 
Bus
Bus services to the park are limited, therefore you can only do the first 2 day hikes in Torres del Paine mentioned here if you don't plan on spending at least one night in a hotel inside the park. You can find all information and times for the buses in my detailed TdP guide.

If you are fit a good compromise would be to combine the day hike to the Torres with a stay at the Hotel Las Torres in order to do the Cerro Paine tour afterwards finishing it all off with a full Paine tour (you can combine this one with the grey glacier boat trip). This way you could enjoy all highlights of the park in a short amount of time.

11. Trekking Tours

If you want to go for the full hiking experience you should consider doing one of the multi-day treks in Torres del Paine. I wrote down all information (including route descriptions) needed in order to do it independently in this article.

Another option is to book a complete tour – this way you can leave the organization, gear rental, transportation, food and booking of campsites to local experts. Though you pay more you'll get the full package this way including porters and a knowledgable guide. My tip would be to go for the circuit trail as your chances are higher to secure a spot (and it is the most awesome route anyway!). The following tours are offered by G Adventures who I worked with several times and found to be very recommendable:

• W-Trek with G Adventures – 6 day trek including meals, guide, camps, tents/hotel, transport and porters
• “O” Circuit-Trek with G Adventures – 11 day trek including meals, guide, camps, tents/hotel, transport and porters
• Hike Patagonia in depth – active 14 day tour covering the highlights of Patagonia, including the Torres del Paine W trek, El Chaltén (Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre) and El Calafate (Perito Moreno glacier) including meals, guide, camps & tents, hotels, transport and porters
• Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego – active 14 day tour covering the highlights of Patagonia, including the Torres del Paine W trek, El Chaltén (Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre), El Calafate (Perito Moreno glacier) and Ushuaia. This also includes meals, guide, camps & tents, hotels, transport and porters.
• Discover Patagonia (NatGeo Tour) – complete 14 day Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego tour covering all the highlights in the north (Bariloche, Puerto Varas), the south (Torres del Paine – day tour, Calafate, Chalten) and Ushuaia including exclusive National Geographic expeditions and talks.

12. My Video

In 2016 I revisited Torres del Paine and spent around 2 weeks inside the National Park: first I hiked the full circuit (which includes the “W”), next I stayed at the Hotel Las Torres inside the park to do a few more day tours and day hikes in Torres del Paine:
 

Any day tours or day hikes in Torres del Paine to add?

Have you done any day hikes in Torres del Paine which are missing in this list? Did you camp inside the park or did you sleep in a hotel? Get in touch via Instagram to share your personal tips. Moreover you can share this article with your friends on Twitter, Facebook or WhatsApp by using the related buttons.

Disclosure:
This post contains Affiliate Links for services and products I’m using on my travels – therefore I can highly recommend them. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees! All recommendations, tips, opinions, and ironic remarks are, as always, my own.

The post Best Day Tours & Day Hikes in Torres del Paine, Chile (Patagonia) appeared first on BackPacker Reiseblog.

Due to its location in the south the summer in Lagos lasts longer and the winter is warmer than in Lisbon. I was lucky enough to be shown around by my local friends. In order to explore the things to do in Lagos and its surroundings I recommend to stay for about 3 to 5 days. Try to come during the shoulder or low season if possible.
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1. Things to do

Lagos served as the base for my time in the Algarve in Portugal. Due to its good location, tourist infrastructure and the beautiful old town, Lagos is often considered the most beautiful city in the region. Most of my Lagos tips are in walking distance to each other.

If you also want to visit other destinations in the Algarve region I highly recommend renting a car as public transport around Lagos isn't as good.

a) Old Town

The old town of Lagos is well preserved and therefore one of the must-see attractions in the Algarve. Located west of the harbor entrance, you will find all the important historical sights in Lagos as well as numerous restaurants, bars and cafés within walking distance from each other.

If you get in by car, you can park it in the large car park to the west (right next to the city wall) and then stroll through the small streets of the historic center of Lagos on foot.

b) Street Art

On your walk through the old town of Lagos you will come across some incredible street art. The greatest artworks can be found in R. Lançarote de Freitas (by ROA opposite the hostel & by Gonçalo Mar by the Cultural Center) and in R. Dom Vasco da Gama with R. Victor da Costa e Silva (a whole block of graffiti and stencils by the Hamburg artist TONA).

In addition, there are many murals scattered throughout the city. Look out for the many power boxes that have been/are still in the process of being painted by various artists. A bigger variety in street art pieces can only be found in the capital. Check out my article on best things to do in Lisbon for more.

c) Fortress

The 17th-century Forte da Ponta da Bandeira is located right next to the harbor of Lagos. The fort once served to defend the harbor. You can now visit it for a fee of 2 Euros (although you can only go to the roof and see a different angle).

d) Old City Wall

Opposite the fortress is the Porta de São Gonçalo city gate, another historic sight of Lagos. Here you can admire parts of the impressive old city wall which used to protect the center of Lagos.

e) Ponta da Piedade

The Ponta da Piedade is often referred to as one of the most beautiful things to do in Lagos. It is the tip of a picturesque promontory with numerous rocky cliffs, caves and hidden grottos. The lighthouse of the same name is located right above the cliff.

There is a network of paths and stairways that will take you through the clifftop landscape and down to hidden coves and caves. However, the best and undoubtedly safest way to visit the grottos and caves is a short boat tour, which you can book in advance (see below).

I recommend bringing some time to explore the surrounding bays and walk westwards along the promenade (see next point).

f) Promenade to Porto Mos

Starting from the lighthouse of Ponta da Piedade a panoramic path on wooden poles leads along the rocky coast to the viewpoint Miradouro da Praia do Canavial. I recommend this 15-minute walk especially during sunset as you can make use of the many beautiful photo spots here.

If you want to go a little further you should aim for the beautiful sandy beach Praia do Porto de Mós in the west of Lagos. Starting from the Miradouro da Praia do Canavial a small path meanders between the rocky coast, the Praia do Canavial beach and the golf course finishing in a residential area above the Praia de Porto Mos. From there it is about 15 minutes down to the beach.

2. Beaches

Starting from the old town, a long walk along the coastal hiking trail past the unique beaches to the Ponta da Piedade (see above) is particularly impressive. If you are in good shape you can even consider hiking to the beach Praia do Canavial. The beaches around Lagos are known to be the best in the Algarve region in Portugal.

If you prefer to relax instead, you can of course also use the following list of the best beaches in Lagos to choose the best beach for you. Use the following map of beaches in Lagos to get an overview:

a) Praia da Batata & Praia do Pinhao

We'll start this list of beaches right next to the harbor entrance, with the Praia da Batata beach. Due to its proximity to the old town and the port there is always something going on here – e.g. you will find some rental stations for kayaks and SUPs.

Things are a little quieter at Praia do Pinhão which can be found just a few minutes' walk south. This is a small, picturesque bay surrounded by the typical orange rocks.

b) Praia de Dona Ana

Often referred to as the best beach in Lagos Praia de Dona Ana is directly adjacent to Praia do Pinhão. Due to its location -framed by steep rocky cliffs on either side- Dona Ana is probably one of the most photographed beaches in the Algarve.

The sheltered bay makes Praia da Dona Ana an ideal destination for families. In addition to restaurants, toilets and showers, there are also lifeguards on duty here.

c) Praia do Camillo

At the southern end of Praia da Dona Ana there is a narrow coastal path that leads you after a few minutes to the small sandy beach Praia do Camillo, including a viewpoint. The rock formations and crystal clear water make this my clear favorite among Lagos beaches. Since this is quite small and has a parking lot, it can get quite crowded in summer. So I recommend coming early in the morning. From Praia do Camillo it is only a 10-15 minute walk to Ponta da Piedade.

Please note: the beach drops off quite quickly here and is usually not guarded!

d) Meia Praia

The most suitable of all beaches in Lagos for families is undoubtedly Meia Praia. This beach is located on the other side of the port entrance to the east. Reason being is due to the fact that it is a 5 km long sandy beach without a rocky coast and a gently sloping shore without big waves. In addition you can find a good tourist infrastructure, including a beach promenade and an extensive dune landscape as well as some holiday resorts and restaurants.

3. Tours

In addition to the beaches and classic things to do in Lagos, a few guided tours and day trips are definitely a good option to make your visit in the Algarve even more interesting. A tour offers the chance to learn more about this region in Portugal.

Best of all, the following recommendations do not require a rental car for the day tours, as transport is already included in the tour price.

a) Boat Tours

The best way to see the sights of Lagos from the water is of course a boat tour. This way you can cover bigger distances and visit more sights in a shorter amount of time. By using the small boats you can see the sea cliffs up close or say hi to dolphins.

I list different tour options below, most boat trips can be easily combined with your sightseeing program. With GetYourGuide you can book the boat tour in advance and thus have planning security for your Lagos vacation:

• Algarve Cruise by Catamaran (3h)
• Lagos: 2-Hour Boat Trip to the Benagil Caves (2h)
• Lagos: Boat Tour to Ponta da Piedade (1,5h)
• Boat Tour: Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologists

b) Kayaking & SUP / Surfing

If you prefer to be active on the water, you should consider a kayak tour or a SUP / surf course. Contrary to the boat tours featured above you are more flexible and independent with these active tours.

• From Lagos Marina: Ponta da Piedade Kayak Tour
• Sunrise SUP Tour to Ponta da Piedade Caves

c) Jeep Tours

With these tours you can head inland. Jeep tours offer the chance to get to know the other side of the Algarve. Paired with a a visit to a distillery the experience of being out and about in an off-road vehicle, you can make your Lagos vacation even more action-packed:

• Jeep Safari with Distillery Visit & Lunch (8h)
• Serra de Monchique & Bravura Off-Road Day Trip (4h)

4. Restaurants & Cafés

In addition to the sights & tours in Lagos the culinary side should of course not be neglected. I mainly focused on restaurants that offer regional dishes. Below I list all the restaurants in Lagos that I consider particularly recommendable.

a) Casinha do Petisco

My absolute highlight was this small restaurant in a side street of the old town, where I was able to enjoy a very tasty selection of typical regional dishes. Word has gotten around about what was once an insider tip, so I recommend reserving a table in advance.

If you still have to wait: it's worth it. Be sure to order the Cataplana for 2 people!

Address & Opening Hours
Casinha do Petisco on Google Maps

b) Calhou

You will find this pearl of a restaurant just outside the old town of Lagis. Best of all, due to the fact that this restaurant is run by an Italian-Portuguese couple, you'll find the best of both worlds on one menu here.

In addition to the typical Portuguese dishes (I recommend the Bife a Portuguesa & Prego no Prato), I can particularly recommend the pizza from the traditional stone oven!

Address & Opening hours
Calhou on Google Maps

c) Tasca da Lota

If you like it very typically Portuguese, you should definitely come here. This restaurant is a classic Tasca, meaning it serves solid food at reasonable prices.

The Tasca da Lota is located right in the harbor of Lagos and is particularly known to the locals for its fish dishes from the charcoal grill. Absolutely recommended!

Address & Opening hours
Tasca da Lota on Google Maps

d) O Antonio

Located directly on the beach of Praia de Porto Mós a visit to this restaurant with a great sea view is particularly recommended on the hike from Ponta da Piedade along the many beaches (see 1e).

If you like fish and seafood this is the place to go. I highly recommend the Bacalhau à Brás.

Address & Opening Hours
O Antonio on Google Maps

e) The Coffee Studio

This is a very special Café in Lagos which also offers a variety of brunch and snack options. On the one hand they offer really good coffee from their own roastery in Luz, on the other hand the founders are good friends and travel buddies of mine. I spent 3 weeks in Mexico with Brendan & Jodie (see my video series about Mexico City & Chiapas).

During my time in Lagos, Brendan showed me his new home and I had the opportunity to get to know his new passion which is coffee roasting. Be sure to try the flat white and the delicious waffles! From all the Cafés in the Algarve the coffee here was by far my favorite.

Address & Opening Hours
The Coffee Studio on Google Maps

5. Hotels

In addition to all the things to do in Lagos I also sum up my personal hotel/hostel recommendations for a stay in the city. I have several recommendations, depending on your budget to offer. I recommend using Lagos as your base to explore the Algarve in Portugal. The most stunning beaches and some of the best sights, such as the Ponta da Piedade are located here.

Lagos: UpTown Lagos (Bed & Breakfast) – my choice

Located right next to the old town, the Lagos Uptown B&B is a great option for a relaxed Algarve holiday based in Lagos. In addition to the modern double rooms, the roof terrace is particularly impressive. There is also a small kitchen with a refrigerator on each floor, which can be used by all guests.

Due to the central location and the friendly hosts, this B&B is an ideal starting point to get to know Lagos with all its facets. Another plus point: A quite extensive breakfast is also included in all tariffs!

More Hotels & Hostels

I've created a list of alternative accommodation options in Lagos, Portugal for different budgets:

• Casa Luma B&B – located directly in the old town, modern interior & breakfast included
• Apartamentos Pinhão – Affordable, modern furnished apartments within walking distance to Praia Pinhão and Ponta da Piedade.
• Olive Hostel Lagos – affordable dorms & single rooms in the heart of Lagos

Any things to do in Lagos, Portugal you'd like to add?

I wrote this Lagos travel guide based on my own travel experience in the Algarve. If you have been to Lagos in Portugal as well and you have something to add to this list of things to do in Lagos please feel free to leave a comment below. In case you liked the guide and found it helpful, I would appreciate if you could share it with your friends or link to it from your homepage!

Disclosure: Besides Things to do in Lagos and Tips along the coast of the Algarve in Portugal this post contains Affiliate Links. These links to hotels and tour operators promote products I’m using on my travels. Therefore I can highly recommend them. By using the links you won’t pay any additional fees and you support my work. All recommendations, Lagos tips, opinions, and ironic remarks are, as always, my own.

The post 20 Best Things to do in Lagos, Portugal appeared first on BackPacker Reiseblog.

 
Portugals second largest city is also the economic and cultural center of the norther part of the country. The area along the Douro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the fact that it is the oldest wine-growing region in the world. The same applies to the historic old town. Besides the capital of Lisbon a visit to Porto is without a doubt a must for any trip to Portugal!

My personal Porto Tips will help you make the most of your time there. Use the following navigation to jump to the things to do in Porto you are most interested in:

1. Popular Sights & Things to do in Porto

Besides numerous wineries, you will find a wide selection of sights in Porto due to its long history. Most of the Porto Tips mentioned here are very close to each other which makes it easy to explore the city by foot.

However using public transport is also fairly straightforward and extremely affordable!

a) Ribeira – Portos Old Town

To get a first overview I recommend a proper stroll through the old town. The core of the “Centro Historico” stretches from Torre 2 Clerigos down to the banks of the Douro.

It is best to start in the upper part of Ribeira and stroll (with one or two detours) down the streets to the “Cais da Ribeira”. My favorite part are the charming, narrow streets east of the cathedral!

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b) Cais da Ribeira

The waterfront promenade Cais da Ribeira is definitely the highlight of the old town. With its typical colorful houses, street musicians, numerous restaurants and cafés, the Cais da Ribeira is ideal for sunset.

Apart from the beautiful location overlooking the Port Wine Cellars and the Dom Luis Bridge, the waterfront is also the starting point for the popular Douro River boat tours. As far as restaurants are concerned, you should rather limit yourself to drinks here as they are mostly classic tourist traps.

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c) Livraria Lello

The fact that a bookshop is now one of the sights in Porto is also thanks to Instagram. Due to the fairytale interior design with its uniquely curved wooden staircase, the Livraria Lello, which opened in 1906, is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world (regarding to the Guardian & Lonely Planet) for a reason.

Due to the high number of visitors an entrance fee of €5 has been introduced in 2015, which can be offset with any purchase in the store. Nevertheless this small library became so popular that you should expect to wait in line for quite some time. I therefore recommend coming as soon as the shop opens and buying the ticket online in advance – this way you avoid waiting times and can bypass the queue at the box office.

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d) Torre dos Clérigos

The 76m high bell tower of the church of the same name is visible throughout the city and served as a guide for seafarers back in the days. If you want to see Porto from above the Torre dos Clérigos is undoubtedly the best choice.

Climbing the tallest church tower in Portugal is a bit of a workout, but the view makes up for the effort. Similar to the Livraria Lello the lines can be quite long as the viewing platform only offers space for a few visitors. In this case, I also recommend booking an admission ticket in advance:

• Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket (Skip the line)

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e) Estação de São Bento

You're probably wondering why a train station has made it into my list of Porto Tips. The reason being are not the train connections, but rather the beautifully designed entrance hall. Here you can admire some quite impressive tile art, the so-called “azulejos”, which illustrate parts of Portuguese history. The artist Jorge Colaço spent altogether 11 years to complete theses masterpieces.

The central location of the Sao Bento train station makes it the ideal starting point for city explorations. You can even stay here – the Passenger Hostel offers a wide range of accommodation options and activities (see below).

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f) Cathedral

Porto's main church is visible from afar as it is located on a hill right next to the Dom Luis I Bridge. The impressive building also offers the opportunity to see the city from above. Although the vantage point is not quite as high as at the Torre dos Clerigos, the entrance fee is a little cheaper at only €3.

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g) Ponte Dom Luís I

One of the most beautiful bridges in the city is right next to the old town and connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. Due to its striking architecture and great location, the Ponte Dom Luis is one of the most popular sights in Porto. A walk on the upper part is definitely a must for any visit to Porto.

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h) Port Wine Cellars in Villa Nova Gaia

You can combine the walk across the bridge with a visit to the numerous port wineries on the other side of the river. As you might know Porto gave its name to the world-famous wine which is harvested upstream in the Duoro valley. The wine itself is stored and exported in Villa Nova da Gaia.

On a tour through the local wineries you will learn more about the history of the wine and you can taste the wide range of port wine options. I did a self-guided audio tour including a tasting at Taylors – there are numerous recommendable guided tours and great combo-packages at other renowned wineries that you can book in advance:

• Graham's Port Lodge Tour and Wine Tasting
• Wine tour to 2 wineries with wine tasting (mostly Croft & Taylors)
• Burmester Wine Tasting Tour with Foodpairing
• Cálem Cellar Tour, Fado Show & Wine Tasting

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i) Cais de Gaia

When on the other side of the river you might as well go for a stroll along the promenade. The numerous wooden Rabelo boats anchored here were once used to transport the wine barrels and make up for some great photographs.

Along the promenade you will find not only restaurants but also bars and severals spots for port wine tasting – in summer there are also a few concerts here.

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j) Teleférico de Gaia

A cable car in Portugal is certainly a bit unusual, but the Teleferico de Gaia offers a few new perspectives.

Though the trip is a bit pricey with €6, you can enjoy a great view over the wineries, the Douro Valley and the old town.

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k) Jardim do Morro & Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

Right next to the “mountain station” of the cable car you will find the Jardim do Morro park. The small green area was only recently redesigned and is considered one of the best spots to enjoy the sunset thanks to its panoramic view over the Douro to the old town.

You have a similar view from the slightly higher viewpoint “Miradouro da Serra do Pilar” which is located directly in front of the church of the same name. Compared to the adjacent park the photo motif is better here as you have the Dom Luis Bridge in the picture.

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l) Jardins do Palacio Cristal

One of my personal favorite things to do in Porto is a visit to the Jardins do Palacio Kristall park complex, perched on a terrace above the Douro River. On the one hand, a walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens offers a change from sightseeing, on the other hand, you can admire numerous great panoramas due to the elevated position of the gardens. Admission to the park is completely free.

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m) Matosinhos & Castelo do Queijo

Although Porto itself is not by the sea, you can take the metro to the nearby beach of Matosinhos in just a few minutes. Unlike the beaches in Cascais this beach is certainly not one of the most beautiful in the country the conditions for surfing and for a refreshing dip in the cool water are ideal. There are also a number of restaurants and bars along the beach promenade which are perfect for a drink in the sun.

My personal recommendation is a short walk along the beach to the fortress of Castelo do Queijo. The small cheese castle (the name comes from the shape of the granite blocks on which it was built) can be visited for a small fee of 50 cents.

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2. Guided Tours in & around Porto

In addition to the popular things to do in Porto there are also a few guided tours and day trips can make your stay even better.

Best of all, the following Porto Tips do not require a rental car for the day tours, as transport is already included in the tour price.

a) Duoro River Cruise

The best way to see the sights of Porto waterside is on a river cruise. Being a true classic the “6 bridges cruise” takes you in 1 hours from the old town to Freixo, at the mouth of the Douro.

The trip on the traditional Rabelo boat starts directly in the old town at Cais da Ribeira and can be easily combined with your sightseeing program. With GetYourGuide you can book the tour in advance and save yourself the hassle of queuing on site:

• River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise
• 6 Bridges Cruise with Optional Wine Cellar Tour
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, River Cruise, & Port Cellar Tour

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b) City Tours

If you want to learn more about the history of the city and also save some time, a guided city tour with a local is the way to go. You can choose from different tour options – from bike tours and the classic city tour on foot to the night tour with a fado show:

• Guided Walking Tour and Lello Bookshop
• City Highlights 3-Hour Guided Electric Bike Tour
• Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals
• Porto by Night Tour with Fado Show & Dinner

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c) Duoro Valley Tour

One of my personal recommendations is this day tour to the wineries in the Duoro Valley including a river cruise on a Rabelo boat, wine tasting and a traditional lunch. On this excursion you will not only learn more about wine production you will also get to see the beautiful landscape where the famous port wine is growing:

• Douro Valley Tour with Wine Tasting, Cruise and Lunch (my choice)
• Full-Day Douro Wine Tour with Lunch and River Cruise
• From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch (incl. photo stops)

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d) Excursion to the Peneda-Gerês National Park

The Peneda-Gerês is the only national park in Portugal and one of the most beautiful parks on the Iberian Peninsula. Located on the border with Spain you will find an attractive combination of mountains, rivers, waterfalls and numerous lakes in evergreen nature.

I was already in the park on my first trip to Portugal in 2012 and can highly recommend a visit to all outdoor and trekking lovers. But also if you don't want to be active you can enjoy the beautiful landscape from numerous vantage points and take a refreshing dip in the park's waterfalls. At GetYourGuide you can find day tours for both options (all with pick-up in Porto):

• Small Group Day Tour of Geres National Park
• Peneda-Gerês Park 4×4 Tour with Lunch
• Hiking and Swimming in Gerês National Park
• Kayak & Waterfall Trek w/ Lunch

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e) Surfing in Matosinhos

Although Porto is not necessarily known as a surfing destination you will find ideal conditions for surfing in the neighboring town – at the beach of Matosinhos. The metro takes you from downtown Porto to the wide sandy beach in just under 50 minutes (stop: Matosinhos Sul).

You can either rent the necessary equipment directly from one of the numerous surf schools on site or book a course (incl. equipment) online in advance:

• Matosinhos: 1.5-Hour Surfing Experience
• Porto: Private and Small Group Surfing Experience (3h)

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f) Full Day Tours

Due to its location Porto is also a great starting point for tours to other regions and cities. In addition to the mentioned things to do in Porto I also visited Braga & Guimarães, two cities north-east of Porto that are well worth seeing.

So…if you bring a little more time it's worth taking a look at the following day tours (all from Porto):

• Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Tour with Lunch
• Fátima and Coimbra Full-Day Tour from Porto
• Aveiro, Paiva Walkways and Arouca 516 Footbridge

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3. Restaurants in Porto

In addition to the all the Porto Tips regarding sights and tours the culinary side shouldn't be neglected during a visit. During my time in the city focused primarily on restaurants that offer regional dishes – below I list all the restaurants that I consider particularly recommendable.

a) Petisqueria Voltaria (Petiscos / Lunch & Dinner)

My absolute highlight was this small restaurant in a side street of the old town where I was able to enjoy a very tasty selection of petiscos (Portuguese tapas). What was once one of the Porto tips for insiders got pretty popular recently…so I recommend coming as soon as the restaurant opens.

If you still have to wait: it's worth it!

Opening hours
Mo. 12:00 – 16:00 h & 18:30 – 22:00 h
Tu. 12:00 – 16:00 h
We. closed
Th. 12:00 – 16:00 h & 18:30 – 22:00 h
Fr. 12:00 – 16:00 h & 18:30 – 22:00 h
Sa. 12:00 – 16:00 h & 18:30 – 22:00 h
Su. closed

Address
R. Afonso Martins Alho 109, Porto, Portugal (Google Maps)

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b) Casa Dias (Lunch & Dinner)

Located on the promenade of Villa Nova de Gaia, Casa Dias is a very authentic Portuguese restaurant. Accordingly you will find very classic local dishes such as Bitoque and the prices are correspondingly low. Highly recommended!

Opening Hours
Tu. – Su. from 12:00 – 15:30 h & 19:00 – 21:30 h

Address
Around the corner from the cable car station at the promenade
Av. de Ramos Pinto 242, 4400-161 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal (Google Maps)

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c) Barris do Duoro (Lunch & Dinner)

Another comparatively cheap restaurant in this part of town can be found at the beginning of the promenade. In the Barris do Douro I can highly recommend the fish. Solid dishes, great view and friendly service.

Opening Hours
Tu. – Sa. 11:00 – 22:00h
Su. 11:00 – 16:00h

Address
Av. de Diogo Leite 402, 4430-999 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal (Google Maps)

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d) Restaurante e Churrasqueira Papagaio

This small, very traditional restaurant is located in the upper part of the old town not far from the university. Also here you can enjoy down to earth cuisine at fair prices – both meat and fish lovers will get their money's worth!

Opening Hours
We. – Mo. 12:00-15:30 & 19:00 – 23:30h
Tu. closed

Address
Tv. do Carmo 30, 4050-165 Porto, Portugal (Goolge Maps)

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e) Cafe Santiago

Contrary to what the name might suggest, Café Santiago is not a café but one of the places to taste the legendary “Francesinha”. This very special sandwich is now famous beyond the borders of Porto and quite rich: toast stuffed with boiled ham, chourico, beef and topped with melted cheese and a thick sauce.

I recommend showing up immediately after opening at noon (otherwise it can be quite crowded) and skipping breakfast beforehand – definitely try the version with a fried egg on top. If you just want to try it you should definitely share the dish with a second person

Opening Hours
Mo. – Sa. 11:30 – 22:30h
Su. closed

Address
R. de Passos Manuel 226, 4000-382 Porto, Portugal (Google Maps)

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f) Casa Guedes

When it comes to sandwiches however I particularly like this place. Of all the dishes on offer you should go for the “Sandes Pernil com queijo” here which is a roasted pork knuckle sandwich with cheese on top (which melts on the meat). Absolute madness (and one of my best culinary Porto tips)!

Opening Hours
Su. – Th. 11:00 – 23:00h
Fr. & Sa. 11:00 – 0:00h

Address
Praça dos Poveiros 130, 4000-393 Porto, Portugal (Google Maps)

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4. Cafés & Brunch

Want a little break from exploring all the things to do in Porto featured above? Use my following Porto Tips for proper Cafés to make a stopover or start the day right with a decent breakfast.

a) Muralhas Olival

Let's start with a solid bakery next to the Torre dos Clérigos. In addition to bread and rolls there are many delicious pastries and snacks on offer as well as good coffee for fair prices.

If you want to take a break and save money you've come to the right place. I recommend a classic Croissant misto (with ham & cheese) and a Galão (Portuguese version of the milk coffee) to go with it.

Opening Hours
Mo. – Su. 06:00 – 20:00h,
So. closed

Address
Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 117, 4050-367 Porto, Portugal (Google Maps)

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b) Esquires Coffee Porto

If you fancy a decent brunch or a good espresso for a change Esquires Coffee has you covered. In addition to the breakfast menu there is also a wide selection of toasts, salads, omelettes and waffles.

Opening Hours
daily 08:30 – 18:00h

Address
R. de 31 de Janeiro 215, 4000-543 Porto, Portugal (Google Maps)

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c) Pãodemia

Located on the other side of the river in Villa Nova de Gaia this traditional bakery offers a wide selection of Portuguese favorites for reasonable prices. I loved coming here for breakfast and was the only tourist in the shop.

Opening Hours
Mo. – Fr. 06:30 – 20:00h
Sa. & Su. 06:30 – 19:30h

Address
R. 1.º de Maio 17, 4430-175 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal (Google Maps)

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5. Bars & Nightlife

In Portugal Porto is best known for its nightlife. Especially in the summer months the Portuguese like to come here to party on weekends.

a) Pubcrawl

If you stay in one of the recommended hostels below you're sure to find a pub crawl among the activities listed. Especially if you only have little time this option is ideal for getting to know the nightlife.

When staying in one of the other recommended accommodations you can book a pubcrawl directly with the Porto Walkers.

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b) Explore the “Bermuda Triangle”

But also without a guided tour you can have a lot of fun. The good thing about nightlife in Porto is that everything is on two streets which are next to the Torre dos Clérigos.

On Rua Cândido dos Reis and Rua Galerias de Paris you will find both bars and nightclubs. Most of the pubs are a combination of both similar to the Reeperbahn in my hometown Hamburg. However you should note that in Porto things really only get going after midnight. Dance floors slowly start filling up at around 1am.

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c) The Royal Cocktail Club

If you like it more relaxed and would like to swap the rum & cola for an unusual cocktail creation you should definitely pay a visit to this cocktail bar. In addition to the cocktails on the menu you can also request a cocktail with your favorite ingredients. Highly recommended!

Opening Hours
Su. – Th. 19:00 – 02:00h
Fr. & Sa. 19:00 – 04:00h

Address
Rua da Fábrica 105, 4050-247 Porto, Portugal (Google Maps)

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6. Where to stay in Porto

In addition to all the things to do in Porto this article also includes my personal recommendations for accommodation. Since I have been a guest in the city more than once I have several Porto tips on offer for hotels and hostels:

a) The Passenger Hostel (Budget & Boutique Hostel)

Located inside the beautiful Sao Bento train station the Passenger Hostel is one of the new hot spots when it comes to boutique hostels in Porto. In addition to the spacious dormitories, the modern double rooms and common areas are particularly impressive.

Due to its central location and the varied program the Passenger Hostel is the ideal starting point for travelers of all kinds to get to know Porto with all its facets. Another plus: a quite extensive breakfast is also included in all rates!

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b) Gallery Hostel (Boutique Hostel) – my choice

By far one of my best hostel experiences in Europe was at the Gallery Hostel: great breakfast, chic rooms, modern interior and above all really nice staff. There is a reason why the small Gallery Hostel has already won several awards and is one of the top accommodations in Porto on many booking websites. Accordingly booking well ahead of time is recommended.

I was a guest here on my first Porto visit and was impressed by the cosy atmosphere, a stark contrast to the big hostels, which focus more on mass than class. Both the dorms and the private rooms are attractively designed and are therefore a good choice for travelers of all kinds. The breakfast offered, the in-house bar and the activities (free walking tour) are impressive. Highly recommended!

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c) Jardim da Batalha Boutique Hotel (*** Boutique Hotel)

The modern Jardim da Batalha Boutique Hotel only opened its doors in 2019. The location in a quiet corner in the center of the city is ideal for walking to most of Porto tips described here.

In terms of equipment and design the house fully meets the definition of a hip boutique hotel which is of course also reflected in the price. Nevertheless the stay is worth it: warm staff, great breakfast, chic rooms and an ideal location make the Jardim da Batalha a first-class option for guests looking for more comfort!

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d) Torel Avantgarde (***** Hotel, Luxury)

If you want to go one step further and make your Porto vacation a little more exclusive you should definitely consider the Hotel Torel Avantgarde. The portfolio of the award-winning 5-star hotel includes chic, modern rooms as well as an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a garden with panoramic views over the city and its own restaurant.

In addition to the friendly staff and the good location a rich breakfast buffet is also part of the package. Altogether the Torel Avantgarde offers all the ingredients for an unforgettable stay – an ideal gift for your partner!

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e) Oh! Porto Apartments (Apartments)

Those who like a little more privacy should consider these cool apartments. Located in Villa Nova de Gaia, Oh! Porto Apartments offers beautifully furnished, modern apartments with great views.

The ideal choice for couples and families who want to spend a few relaxing days in the city!

Any Porto Tips or Things to do in Porto, Portugal you'd like to add?

I wrote this Porto travel guide based on my own travel experience. If you have been to Porto as well and you have something to add to this list of things to do in Porto please feel free to leave a comment below. In case you liked my Porto Tips and found them helpful, I would appreciate if you could share it with your friends or link to it from your homepage!

Disclosure: This Porto Guide contains Affiliate Links for services and products I’m using on my travels therefore I can highly recommend them. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees. All recommendations, tips, opinions, and ironic remarks are, as always, my own.

The post 33+ Porto Tips & Things to do in Porto, Portugal (Travel Guide) appeared first on BackPacker Reiseblog.

In this article, I’ll explain the standard circuit route (8 days) in Torres del Paine National Park, followed by a shorter (7-day) and longer (9-day) itinerary of the trek. This guide is an excerpt from my Chile travel guide “Chile – Your Way” which features altogether 10 trekking guides for Patagonia as well as travel guides for 20 destinations in Chile.

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1. Preparation & Map

The Torres del Paine O Trek is a moderately difficult circuit. However, crossing the John Garner Pass requires a good level of fitness, and having a head for heights can be beneficial afterward. To prepare for this trek in Patagonia, check out my detailed guide for hiking in Torres del Paine National Park. There, you’ll find everything about logistics, booking campsites and hotels, and general travel information. My recommendations for gear and equipment including backpack recommendations are listed in my Patagonia packing list.

The trek must be done counterclockwise, and you need to book all campgrounds in advance. Without campsite reservations, you won’t be allowed to start the trek. Campground bookings can be made online with private providers Las Torres and Vertice, and early reservations are highly recommended.

Before heading to the park, you should also book your Torres del Paine National Park entrance ticket online as for most of the parks in Patagonia. Be sure to book the correct ticket for a stay longer than three days:

• National park tickets via Pases Parques Nacionales
• O Circuit route with GPS navigation via AllTrails

I also highly recommend getting good travel insurance when planning hikes in Patagonia.

History of the O Circuit

The Torres del Paine O Trek was first mapped by three pioneers: British mountaineer John Garner and two park rangers, Pepe Alarcón and Oscar Guineo. In 1976, they explored this trail and laid the foundation for what is now one of the most spectacular treks in Patagonia.

2. Standard Route (8D)

The standard route is the most common way to complete the Torres del Paine O Circuit. The first few days are relatively easy, allowing you to gradually prepare for the more demanding climbs later in this Torres del Paine trek.

It’s always a good idea to carry an extra day’s worth of food for the full Torres del Paine circuit, as the John Garner Pass should not be crossed in bad weather. If necessary, you may need to stay an additional night at Campamento Los Perros. Camping is required on this trek since there aren’t enough refugios in this part of the park. A reliable tent and a comfortable backpack should definitely be part of your gear!

Day 1: Puerto Natales – Campamento Serón (12 km)
Take the morning bus from Puerto Natales to the park entrance. From here, follow the trail towards the river, cross it, and continue hiking until you see the turnoff to Campamento Serón on your right. If you want to save some distance, you can take the paid shuttle bus to Hotel Las Torres.

After a relatively easy hike through forests and meadows, you’ll arrive at Campamento Serón in the early afternoon. Take it easy on your first night, set up your tent, and enjoy the atmosphere. This is a great place to connect with fellow hikers who are also tackling the full Torres circuit.

Day 2: Campamento Serón – Refugio Dickson (18 km)
This stretch is longer than the previous day’s hike, but in this sector you can find the most scenic camp in the entire park (make sure to book well in advance!). Since the hike takes about five hours, you can take your time in the morning, pack your gear, and enjoy a solid breakfast.

The trail follows the river and then ascends over a small pass, where strong winds are common. If you started early, you should reach Lago Dickson in the afternoon. The campground is right by the lake, with a stunning view of the surrounding glaciers. Set up your tent and take in the incredible landscape.

Day 3: Refugio Dickson – Campamento Los Perros (11 km)
The scenery of this camp is incredible, right? Since today’s distance is relatively short, you can take your time in the morning and enjoy breakfast at a nearby viewpoint overlooking Lago Dickson and the valley ahead.

Start hiking by 11 a.m. The trail gradually ascends through a forest before reaching an incredible viewpoint over Lago Dickson. A bit further ahead, you’ll hear the roar of a waterfall before you even see it—a perfect spot for a short break.

Afterwards, continue through the forest, cross two streams, and start the rocky ascent toward the Mirador Glaciar Los Perros (formerly known as “Mirador Británico” regarding my old Patagonia Guide Book). This spot offers a stunning view of the Los Perros Glacier and its lake. Take it all in before making the final 10-15 minute hike to Camp Los Perros.

You should arrive around 3 or 4 p.m. at the campground. Get to bed early, as tomorrow will be the toughest day of the route. Set your alarm for 5 a.m.—the best weather conditions for crossing the pass are usually in the morning.

Day 4: Campamento Los Perros – Paso – Refugio Grey (15 km)
Ugh, 5 a.m.—it’s still dark and freezing. But now it’s time to leave your warm sleeping bag, have a quick breakfast, and mentally prepare for the challenging pass crossing ahead. Pack up your tent and gear (at this point, you’re getting pretty good at it) and set off. The trail climbs steadily for 2–3 hours.

After exiting the forest, you’ll reach open terrain with loose rock and scree. Pay extra attention to the weather: only proceed if you can clearly see the orange or red markers along the trail. If visibility is too low, it’s best to turn back, as conditions will be even harsher further up in this sector of the park.

If the weather is on your side, you’re in for an incredible but tough stretch. The climb is steep and extremely windy, especially at the highest point of John Garner Pass. Winds can be so strong here that crawling may be necessary. There’s a small windbreak on the left where you can take a quick breather.

Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a mind-blowing view: the immense Southern Patagonian Ice Field stretches as far as the eye can see. Take a moment to soak it all in, grab some water, and snap some photos.

The descent from the pass is steep, leading to the Paso Ranger Station, which you should reach by late morning (around 11 or 12). Take a break here and enjoy the nearby viewpoints.

From the station, it’s another five hours to Refugio Grey. This sector is one of the trek’s highlights, as the trail runs along a dramatic cliffside with insane views of Grey Glacier. The final stretch takes you down ladders and across suspension bridges.

A few hours before reaching your destination, you’ll pass an old abandoned camp (marked “no camping”). Just beyond this area, there’s another fantastic viewpoint, marked as a red trail on AllTrails.

By late afternoon, you’ll finally arrive at the campground & Refugio Grey. You’ve earned a break. Grab some food and get some rest, because after a day like this, sleep will come easy!

There’s still more to come—take it easy in the morning and enjoy breakfast. Before heading out, I recommend a short detour to Mirador Grey for an amazing view of the glacier. Then, return to the campground, pack your gear, and start your next section around midday.

The hike to Paine Grande takes around 3–4 hours. Once you arrive, find a tent spot near the small hill to get some protection from the strong winds.

Day 6: Paine Grande – Valle del Francés – Los Cuernos (22.5 km)
Today will be a long and demanding hike, so get an early start and hit the trail by 8:00 AM. The first section leads to the Italiano ranger station (about 2 hours).

Once there (around 10:00 AM), you can leave your backpack behind and take only water, snacks, and sunscreen for the climb to Mirador Británico. The hike takes another 2.5–3 hours, and at the top, you're rewarded with spectacular views of surrounding mountains and glaciers.

Take a well-deserved break for lunch while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Afterwards, descend back to the ranger station, grab your backpack (around 3:00–3:30 PM), and continue towards Refugio Los Cuernos. This section takes about 2 hours and follows the trail right next to the impressive Los Cuernos mountain range. You should reach Refugio and Camp Los Cuernos by 5:00–5:30 PM.

Day 7: Los Cuernos – Refugio Chileno (20 km)
Your last full day is an easier one. The route starts fairly flat and easy but gradually becomes steeper as you approach Campamento Chileno in the most popular sector of the park.

Pack your backpack and leave Refugio Los Cuernos around 10:00 AM, follow the trail towards Refugio Chileno. The route follows Lago Nordernskjöld, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. After about 3.5 hours, you'll reach a junction marked “Shortcut to Chileno.” Take this shortcut (turn left).

After another 2 hours, you'll arrive at Refugio Chileno (around 3:30–4:00 PM) and can set up your tent for the night. Get some rest and head to bed before night fall. Tomorrow morning, you'll be hiking up to the Torres for sunrise. Set your alarm for 2–2.5 hours before sunrise and pack a small backpack with a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, warm jacket, and breakfast.

Day 8: Chileno – Torres – Puerto Natales (10-15 km)
Start your final day early to reach the Torres viewpoint by sunrise. You can leave everything inside your tent at camp and only take a small backpack with the previously mentioned essentials. The trail begins with an ascent to the Torres ranger station, which takes about an hour. From there, it’s another steep one-hour climb to the lagoon at the base of the towers.

At the top, soak in the incredible view—this is what you've worked so hard for! Find a spot, have your breakfast, and enjoy the moment. If you're lucky, you’ll see the first rays of sunlight illuminate the Torres in brilliant shades of orange and red. Even if it’s cloudy, don’t be discouraged—the weather changes fast. Be prepared for all conditions by packing rain gear.

After breakfast, descend back to Camp Chileno, pack up, and hike down to Hotel Las Torres (about 2 hours) to travel back to Puerto Natales.

Once at the hotel, you have two options to get back to Puerto Natales:
– Hike the final 7.5 km (about an hour) along the road to the park entrance (Laguna Amarga). Where the Buses to Puerto Natales leave.
– Take the shuttle for about €3–4, which drops you at the entrance.

Congratulations!
You’ve completed the Torres del Paine Circuit—a total of 125–130 km! An unforgettable adventure in Patagonia. Make sure to treat yourself to a celebratory meal in one of the many good restaurants in Puerto Natales before you travel to the next destination.

Chile – Your Way: A personal Travel & Trekking Guide
 
In my Chile Guidebook you’ll find everything you need for your journey – compact, easy to use, and packed with my personal tips. From detailed trekking guides for the Torres del Paine “W” and “O” routes to flexible itineraries and insider advice on accommodations and sights: this book covers it all – from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia and the Carretera Austral in the south. With additional Google Maps lists and digital extras, you’ll be perfectly prepared to explore Chile your way.
 
Download now

3. Short Version (7D)

Are you in great shape, have hiking experience in Patagonia, and are short on time? The Torres del Paine Circuit can be done in seven days if you’re up for the challenge. Again you need to book all campsites way in advance to be allowed to start hiking and you need to plan with the trail closure times in mind.

Day 1: Puerto Natales – Campamento Serón (12 km)
Take an early bus from Puerto Natales and follow the same itinerary as the standard route.

Day 2: Campamento Serón – Refugio Dickson – Campamento Los Perros (29 km)
Today and tomorrow are the most demanding days of the trek. Eat a solid breakfast and start hiking by 7 a.m. to reach Refugio Dickson around midday.

The trail follows the river and ascends a small pass where strong winds are common. By lunchtime, you should arrive at Lago Dickson, where the campsite sits by the lake with a stunning view of the surrounding glaciers.

Pretty amazing, right?

But there are still 9 km to go! Have lunch and start hiking again around 1 p.m. The trail climbs through the forest, offering breathtaking views over the valley and Lago Dickson. You’ll soon reach a roaring waterfall, a great place to take a short break.

Continue through the forest, cross two rivers, and start the steep, rocky ascent. Eventually, you’ll reach the Mirador Glaciar Los Perros, a perfect spot to admire the glacier and lake.

After a final 10–15 minute hike, you’ll arrive at Campamento Los Perros. Try to get to bed early, as tomorrow is the hardest section of the circuit. Set your alarm for 5 a.m.—early starts give you the best chance for clear weather at the pass.

Day 3: Campamento Los Perros – Paso – Refugio Grey (22 km)
5 a.m. – still dark and freezing. Time to get out of your sleeping bag, have a quick breakfast, and mentally prepare for the pass crossing. Pack your tent and start hiking by 6 a.m.—this is going to be a long day.

After leaving the forest, you’ll find yourself in a landscape of loose rock and scree. Only proceed if you can clearly see the red or orange trail markers—if visibility is poor, it’s best to turn back, as conditions will be even harsher higher up.

If everything looks good, you’re in for an incredible but challenging climb. The ascent to John Garner Pass is steep, and the winds at the top can be brutal. Sometimes, crawling is the only way forward. There’s a small wind shelter on the left—take a break there if needed.

At the pass, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. This is one of the highlights of the entire trek. Take a deep breath, snap some photos, and enjoy the moment.

After crossing the pass, you reach the old Campamento Paso (arriving around 11 or 12). This is a great place to rest and take in the viewpoints before continuing.

From here, it took me about five more hours to Refugio Grey. This stretch is arguably one of the most scenic parts of the circuit, as you follow a high trail along the cliffs, offering dramatic views of Grey Glacier. The descent includes ladders, bridges, and some tricky sections.

Around three to four hours before reaching Refugio Grey, you’ll pass an old campground marked “no camping.” Shortly after this, you’ll find a viewpoint marked as a red trail on AllTrails.

By around 5 p.m., you should arrive at Refugio Grey—finally, some time to rest! Grab some food, relax, and enjoy a well-earned night’s sleep.

Day 4: Refugio Grey – Paine Grande (11 km)
After two intense days, today is much easier. Sleep in a little, enjoy breakfast, and take some time to visit the Mirador Grey for another stunning view of the glacier.

Leave the camp around 11 a.m. The hike to Paine Grande takes about three to four hours. Once you arrive, pick a sheltered spot for your tent, as the winds here can be strong.

Continue from here with Day 6 of the standard route!

4. Long Version (9D)

If you want to take it slower and really enjoy the landscape, this extended version of the Torres del Paine Circuit is for you. The park is spectacular, so why rush it? This itinerary splits up Day 6 of the standard route, giving you more time to soak in the scenery and adjust the stopping points slightly. Follow the standard itinerary up to Day 5, then continue here:

Day 6: Paine Grande – Valle del Francés – Campamento Francés (20 km)
Start your hike at 8 a.m. and head towards the Ranger Station Italiano, which takes about two hours. Once there, leave your heavy gear behind and set off towards Mirador Británico with just a light daypack.

After another 2.5 hours, you’ll reach the viewpoint. It’s the perfect spot for a lunch break with an epic backdrop of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

After lunch (around 12:30 p.m.), descend back to the ranger station, grab your gear, and hike another 2 km to Campamento Francés, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 7: Campamento Francés – Hotel Las Torres / Camp Central (15 km)
Take it easy this morning: you don’t need to start hiking until 10 a.m.

The trail follows the shore of Lago Nordenskjöld, offering stunning views along the way. After about five hours, you’ll reach a junction marked “shortcut to Chileno” — ignore this and stay on the main route towards Hotel Las Torres and Camp Central.

You should arrive at Hotel Las Torres around 4 p.m. The adjacent Camp Central is where you’ll set up for the night.

Day 8: Hotel Las Torres – Campamento Chileno (5 km or optional 14 km)
This is one of the most relaxed days of the trek. You only need to hike two hours uphill to reach Campamento Chileno, so take your time in the morning and aim to arrive around midday.

Once at Chileno, you have two choices: either hike up to the Torres viewpoint in the afternoon or save it for sunrise the next morning.

Continue with Day 9 from the standard route!

5. My Experience

I first hiked the full Torres del Paine Circuit in 2013, back when no reservations were required. In 2016, I returned to Puerto Natales to complete the route again, but this time, the number of visitors had significantly increased. All the time estimates I’ve provided are based on my personal experience. I tend to hike slightly faster than average, but I take plenty of breaks for filming and photography.

In my Patagonia documentary, I’ve documented my hikes in Torres del Paine National Park in detail. I also feature day hikes and tours starting in Puerto Natales:

On my latest visit to Puerto Natales during the 2024/25 season, booking individual campsites for the circuit had become nearly impossible. Instead, I opted for day hikes in Torres del Paine National Park. If you still want to complete the full circuit trek despite fully booked camps, your only remaining option is to book a guided tour, which I explain in the following segment.

6. Tour Options

If you want to experience the full beauty of the Torres del Paine Circuit without the hassle of organizing every detail yourself, you should definitely book a guided tour. Planning an independent trek means securing campsite reservations months in advance, arranging transport, and carrying all your gear—including food—for over a week. With limited availability and high demand, this can be a challenge.

A guided trek takes care of everything: permits, meals, transport, and even camping gear. You'll be accompanied by experienced guides who know the terrain inside out, making this travel and hiking experience not only easier but also safer. Plus, you won’t have to carry as much weight since porters handle the bulk of the load.

For those who want to focus on the adventure rather than logistics, I highly recommend the O Circuit with G Adventures. This 11-day trek covers the full route and includes meals, an expert guide, pre-arranged campsites, tents or hotel stays, transport, and porters.
Find out more about the O Circuit Tour with G Adventures here.

Have You Hiked the Torres del Paine O Circuit?

How was your travel and hiking experience? Do you have any travel tips or recommendations for readers that are headed to Puerto Natales? Feel free to share them with me on Instagram!

Note: This Torres del Paine National Park trekking guide contains affiliate links. These are only for services I personally use when I travel and can therefore recommend. If you book through them it won't cost you anything extra but helps support this blog. As always, all opinions, travel recommendations, and occasional sarcasm are my own.

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