WONDERFULLY DIVERSE
There is so much to see in a country as large as Chile, it was almost impossible to fit into a ‘Top 10’. This a place where you can soar over mighty volcanoes and taste world-class wines at boutique wineries. Plunge into forest pools fed by dazzling waterfalls and contemplate the galaxies in the world’s driest desert, which also happens to be the stargazing capital of the world.
Here are our favourite reasons for visiting Chile.
EXPLORE THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF PATAGONIA’S MOST FAMOUS NATIONAL PARK
Torres del Paine is Chile’s most famous National Park and the jewel in Patagonia’s crown. Known for its soaring mountains, bright blue icebergs that cleave from glaciers and golden pampas (grasslands) that shelter rare wildlife such as guanacos and puma.
A mecca for hikers, the Three Towers trail will reward you with the most magnificent view of the three granite towers from which the park takes its name. Another fantastic route is the moderately challenging Grey Glacier – a day hike to one of the park’s most spectacular glaciers, tumbling into the serene Lago Grey. For a less demanding view, you can also take a boat trip from the lake’s southern shore right up to the glacier itself.
CONTEMPLATE THE STARS IN THE ATACAMA DESERT
The barren yet beautiful Atacama Desert is in the far north of the country. Home to some of South America’s most unique scenery, scientists come to the area to simulate missions to Mars. Salt flats, lagoons, volcanoes, geysers and thermal springs all light up the desert landscape.
The desert’s beautifully clear, unpolluted skies also mean it is one of the best stargazing destinations in the world, attracting both casual and professional astronomers from around the world.
WINE, WINE, WINE
Chile’s oldest and most famous wine-growing region is the Central Valley, south of Santiago. A series of valleys produce an excellent selection of wines, including Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs, Merlots and Pinot Noirs. Wineries of all styles and sizes can be found in the area, and it’s a beautiful place to relax at the start or end of a trip.
SOAR ACROSS THE LAKE DISTRICT IN A HELICOPTER
Chile’s picturesque Lake District is a serene extension to the wilds of Patagonia. Snow-capped volcanoes dot the horizon as you pass glistening lakes and verdant forests. The area is home to some charming Germanic and European styled-towns, as well as the mysterious island of Chiloé.
How better to marvel at the region’s magical landscape than on a scenic helicopter flight? Soaring across the Lake District, you’ll pass over the active crater of the Villarrica Volcano – a truly exhilarating experience!
MEET THE MOAI ON EASTER ISLAND
2,300 miles off the coast of Chile is the remote volcanic island of Rapa Nui, commonly known as Easter Island. It’s most famous for the 900 monumental Moai statues dotted across the island. Created between the 13th–16th centuries, the Moai are carved human figures with oversized heads, often resting on massive stone pedestals called Ahus.
The island is one of Earth’s most remote inhabited places and has a Polynesian culture, starkly contrasting mainland Chile. It’s also home to some beautiful scenery, excellent walking and snorkelling.
DRIVE THE CARRETERA AUSTRAL
One of the ultimate driving experiences on the planet, the Carretera Austral is a 1,200km stretch of paved and unpaved road between Puerto Montt and Villa O’Higgins. Built by General Pinochet to link the remote mountain villages of northern Patagonia and the Lake District, the route has some of Chile’s most picturesque and untouched scenery.
The journey takes you through national parks and along stunning lakes, with the tremendous scenery of the snow-capped Andes as a backdrop. There are various settlements along the way, with a handful of accommodation to choose from. Hire a suitably robust vehicle, and enjoy the ride!
FLY TO ANTARCTICA
Add an extra level of excitement to your Chile holiday by flying to Antarctica! You can fly from Punta Arenas in Southern Chile to King George Island (where you’ll board your expedition vessel) in as little as two hours. From here, you’ll go cruising around Antarctica’s spectacular landscapes, and when you’re done, return to Puntas Arenas by cruise or plane. See our Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise itinerary for an example of this.
Flying from Punta Arenas allows you to avoid sailing the infamous Drake Passage and is a great option for those with less time to spare in their itinerary.
GET AROUND SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Chile’s cosmopolitan capital and centre sits in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes. Most trips to Chile will involve at least one night in the capital (due to flights), but there is a considerable amount to see in the country’s largest city.
The Plaza de Armas, the grand heart of the city’s old colonial core, is home to two neoclassical landmarks: the 1808 Palacio de la Real Audiencia (housing the National History Museum) and the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral. There are also the colourful neighbourhoods of Providencia and Lastarria, home to various restaurants, bars and cafes. You can also visit La Chascona, the home-turned-museum of poet Pablo Neruda.
A modern three-storey building in the heart of the city, the Museum of Memory commemorates the victims of Augusto Pinochet’s military dictatorship between 1973 and 1990.
RIDE A FUNICULAR IN VALPARAÍSO
On the Pacific Coast and 1 ½ hours from Santiago is the colourful port-town of Valparaiso. It’s known for its steep funiculars and colourful clifftop homes. La Sebastiana, the quirky former residence of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, is now a museum with far-reaching views across the ocean. During the 19th century, an influx of European immigrants left their mark on the city’s architecture and cultural institutions, many congregating around downtown Plaza Sotomayor.
Nowadays there are some excellent hotels and restaurants and fantastic excursions from the city, including a specialist street-art tour.
VISIT THE NERUDA HOUSES
The quirky former residences of revered Chilean poet and Nobel-prize winner Pablo Neruda make for an insightful visit.
Three of his beloved homes are now museums: La Chascona in Santiago, La Sebastiana in Valparaiso and Isla Negra in Isla Negra. Fancifully decorated and filled with whimsical collectables, mismatched furnishings and memorabilia, it is here that his eccentric spirit and personality live on. In all, you’ll find a photo (a shrine of sorts) of Walt Whitman, described by Neruda as his “poetic father”. Isla Negra was Neruda’s favourite house, and it is here that he is buried alongside his wife, Matilde Urrutia.
EXPERTS
Claire
Jacob
