The one and only destination on the planet offering extreme and variety scenery and climate, from the driest desert in the world in Atacama, to the most remote island on Easter Island and to the ice of Patagonia.
SANTIAGO
Geographically, the city sits in a basin between the coastal range to its west and the towering Andes Mountains to the east. Santiago has a climate like much of the Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and cool, slightly humid winters. A city of many faces, that captivates its visitors combining the old and new architecture. One of the oldest cities in South America, founded in 1541.
To do in Santiago a great way to get to know the city is joining a walking, Tour.
PARQUE METROPOLITANO
A walk in the park. Visit Metropolitan Park.
CERRO SANTA LUCÍA
Climb Santa Lucia Hill. In the central district of Lastarria.
SANTIAGO´S MAIN SQUARE
Walk round Plaza de Armas, you will also get to see the Metropolitan Cathedral. A lovely central plaza right in the middle of the city.
MERCADO CENTRAL
Situated at the north end of downtown just south of Mapocho river is well- worth a visit. Its seafood market is exceptional, as are its food stalls, also a great place to peruse all that Chile produces, from flowers to wooden textiles.
MUSEUMS
Museum of Natural History (Quinta Normal Park), Pre-Columbian Art Museum, National Fine Arts Museum, among others.
COSTANERA CENTER
Survey the surrounding region at the Costanera Center, South America’s tallest building
VALPARAISO
The most colourful city in Chile, recognized worldwide as a Unesco World Heritage Site, full of street art and bohemian life, once known as “the jewel of South America” situated on the Pacific Coast, an hour approximately from Santiago, was once one of the most important port towns in the world. All in all, even if in Valparaiso there are not many attractions per se, due to its location, history and culture, it has become a must-visit city.
To do in Valparaiso, get ready to walk up and down
HILLS
Wander around the Cerro Alegre, Cerro Bellavista and Cerro Concepción neighbourhoods. Balmaceda Arte Joven, if you are in Cerro Alegre, take the time if you would like to participate in different workshops: theatre, writing, animation, photography, visual arts, among others. Most of them are affordable or free of charge.
MUSEUMS
Not to be missed the Naval and Maritime Museum: this Museum focuses on the history of the Chilean Navy, treasuring a great collection of more than 3.000 artifacts, including uniforms, model ships and war relics. You can easily spend a whole afternoon here since there are over 17 rooms and numerous exhibits.
BEACH
Torpederas: the most scenic beach in Valparaíso, up in the North of the city, at the end of Altamirano Avenue, the water is suitable for swimming, however quite cold. Popular activities around here are kayaking and snorkelling. A good idea is to bring a picnic lunch or dinner.
BAY OF CALETA PORTALES
The bay of Caleta Portales, is an attraction on its own: from watching fishermen offloading the day´s silvery haul from their boats, wandering the fish market, tasting the fresh produce, strolling the boardwalk and pier, topping it up with sea lions and pelican’s sightings.
SOUTHERN CHILE
Southern Chile, lakes and volcanoes, the Lake District and the Chiloé Archipelago, discover its unique scenic beauty and the cultural heritage of its native people. Among other cities: Concepción, Puerto Montt, Osorno, Puyehue, Puerto Varas, Frutillar, Valdivia, Corral, Pucón, Villarrica.
To do in Southern Chile, get ready for milder to colder weather
PUCON
Is a small town embedded in the Andes foothills, right beside the Villarrica volcano, this small town has become the top tourist resort of Southern Chile, being called the capital of Southern Chile.
2 National parks to be visited: the Huerquehue and the Villarica.
VILLARICA VOLCANO
Climbing the Villarica volcano, this is without a doubt a challenge. The Villarica volcano is 2,847meters high, with volcanic rock, snow and not a single tree. Throughout the year the volcano is covered in snow almost entirely, so even in summer, it is necessary to climb with crampons, ice axe, leggings, gloves and mountain boots. Do not forget to put on sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
LLANQUIHUE LAKE
From Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas admire a landscape formed by the Llanquihue Lake and several stunning volcanoes.
The second largest lake in Chile, with an area of 860 square kilometres, after Lake General Carrera (shared with Argentina).
Driving or walking around the Osorno volcano is not to be missed.
PUERTO VARAS
Sail on the wonderful Todos Los Santos Lake, with its emerald-coloured waters and its surrounding forests.
You will get to see 2 stunning white-capped volvanoes: the Osono and the Calbuco.
FRUTILLAR
Is a city in the Los Lagos region, in southern Chile, overlooking the Osorno volcano. It is located on the western edge of the great Llanquihue Lake and has black sand beaches. The city is characterized by its German-style wooden buildings, which reflect its colonial past. The German Colonial Museum explores this history and has a nineteenth-century mill. The Teatro del Lago has a glass facade and hosts concerts and other shows, well worth a visit.
CHILOE
Travel to Chiloé Island through the Chacao Channel.See numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the island. Visit the magnificent churches that really put in the crowds, each with their unique colour scheme to provide a reference point for fishermen at sea. There are around 70 churches constructed almost entirely from native wood in the Chilota architectural style. Get beautiful views of the region and its rugged landscape.
CHILEAN PATAGONIA
Immerse yourself in the vast and wild nature of these remote destinations, General Carrera Lake, Tierra del Fuego, Coyhaique/Puerto Aysén, Carretera Austral (Southern Way), Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams.
To do in Chilean Patagonia
LAKE GENERAL CARRERA
Sail and discover the majesty of the largest lake in Chile. Visit by kayak the Capilla de Mármol Natural Sanctuary embarking from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. You will find yourself kayaking through the tunnels of this amazing marble chapel! A vivid postcard you do not want to miss!
TIERRA DEL FUEGO
Explore the Karukinka National Park and enjoy the view from Pietro Grande. Challenge yourself by trekking the Dientes of Navarino circuit, one of the southernmost hiking trails in the world. Coyhaique/Puerto Aysén, Carretera Austral, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas and Chilean Antarctic.
COYHAIQUE
The city’s name comes from the Aonikenk word for «a place where there are lagoons”. The Aonikenk people long traveled Coyhaique’s pampas, while the Chono and Kawésqar people rowed along its coasts.
It is the starting point of all tours in the region of Aysén.
PUERTO AYSEN
120 km. away from the city there is Puerto Aysén, set on the shores of Aysén river, near Río Simpson National Reserve. This is the departure place of most expeditions to San Rafael Lagoon.
EL FRAILE SKI CENTER
Located 29 kms (18 mi) from Coyhaique city, with an altitude of 1,600 mts (5,250 ft) above sea level. It represents a meeting point for you, if you are a lover of the white sport.
LAKE ELIZALDE
It is a small lake, less than 3000 hectares, has abundant wild flora and fauna. This place is perfect if you like to be in touch with nature and practice outdoor activities. Elizalde lake provides great weather conditions for fly fishing and horseback riding
CERRO CASTILLO NATIONAL RESERVE
Offers the best hiking in the whole of Aysén. Some of the largest mountains in the Patagonian Andes can be found here, including a rather unique mountain shaped like a castle of stone and ice. You can trek among the towering peaks, horse-ride in the steps of gauchos, and seek out the unexpected bright turquoise lagoon hidden within the range. A beautiful experience! The famous Austral Highway / Carretera Austral passes through the park, making it easily accessible during a road trip.
THE AUSTRAL HIGHWAY / CARRETERA AUSTRAL
Over 1,200 kilometres of natural beauty will take your breath away, this amazing Patagonian Route, unique in the world. The Austral Highway will enchant you, either by car or bicycle, with its pristine landscapes.
MARBLE CAVES
It is undoubtedly one of the main things to do in Carretera Austral. The starting point for the day trip is Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Marble Caves are strange mineral formations composed of calcium carbonate and located on the shore of General Carrera Lake. The beauty of the place is given as the caverns originated by the erosion of the water of the lake on the rock and where the different tonalities that acquire the rocky formations are observed together with the turquoise colour of the water of the lake.
PUYUHUAPI
Enjoy the Puyuhuapi hot springs and you will feel your body rejuvenated. Having this new energy, you can explore the exotic forests of the area on horseback, by trekking or even sailing along its beautiful rivers. Here, with a German influenced architecture, walk along its streets and you will get to see the wooden buildings, giving the town a unique touch.
FUTALEUFÚ
Right in the middle of the Andes, a true paradise for extreme sports, this river is considered among the three best rivers for kayaking and rafting in the world. If can also enjoy some relaxed activities, such as walking or biking around the paths of the Futaleufu National Reserve, which protects two incredibly important species of the area: the Andean Cypress and the shy huemul, an endemic deer which is also Chile’s national animal.
TORTEL-VILLA OHIGGINS
Known as the city of walkways, Tortel invites you to walk the seven and a half kilometers of platforms, bridges, and stairs built in cypress wood that interconnect the different areas of this picturesque place, declared a Typical Zone for its architecture and lifestyle. Also visit Villa O’Higgins, the last town on the Carretera Austral and an attractive place to rest. Enjoy fly fishing, mountain climbing or simply be enchanted by the ranch life.
Torres del Paine
The Torres del Paine are the distinctive three granite peaks of the Paine Mountain range or Paine Massif. From left to right they are known as Torres d’Agostini, Torres Central and Torres Monzino. They extend up to 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) above sea level and are joined by the Cuernos del Paine. The Torres del Paine National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage biosphere site, and your entry into the natural beauty of Patagonia, including sheep and guanacos, a native llamalike species, who live in the mountains.
W TRAIL
The so-called W trekking trail one the main attractions of Torres del Paine. Is named by the union of the three large areas which the trail runs through: the Ascencio Valley, the Francés Valley and the Grey Glacier Valley. It is one of the favourite treks. This adventure lasts between 4 and 7 days, walking through lenga forests, amazing lookouts and steep slopes.
O TRAIL
A demanding and complete path along Torres del Paine, the so-called “O Trail”. The 93.2 km long walk begins in the Amarga Lake area and completely circles the famous mountain. This challenge, lasts between 7 and 10 days. You will get to know places such as, the John Garner Pass, the highest place on the circuit, at 1,350 meters, which has an impressive view of the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields.
GRAY LAKE
Beautiful lake inside the Torres del Paine National Park, declared International Biosphere Reserve, its waters covered by ice sediment and huge floating icebergs, so impressive! You can kayak and/or canoe across it. Simply wonderful.
PEHOE LAKE
Sail through the Patagonian crystal-clear waters of this breath-taking scenic lake. Surrounded by endemic vegetation, you can get to see animals and to practice sport fishing. Having the spectacular view of the Cuernos del Paine Mountains, you can try for the perfect picture: the reflection of the mountains on the water (if the weather allows it). A one-of-a-kind spectacle. You’ll be amazed.
PUERTO NATALES
Beautiful town located on the Señoret Channel along a scenic fjord, set against the dramatic backdrop of the southernmost peaks of the Andes, Puerto Natales is the gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park and outdoor adventure in the Patagonia region, you will be able to find great food, supplies, and more to fuel up for your trek, along with local attractions to explore.
BALMACEDA AND SERRANO GLACIER
Navigation in the southern ice fields of Torres del Paine is best viewed from a boat at close range. With this full-day cruise on the Ultima Esperanza Gulf, you’ll enjoy close-up views of these natural wonders and the best possible chance of seeing the spectacle of an iceberg detaching into the water. Sit down for a traditional regional lunch at a local estancia. See two glaciers closer than you could on land Views of Bernardo O’Higgins National Park from the water Opportunity to see birthing icebergs from two different glaciers Sample typical cuisine during lunch at an estancia.
KAYAK IN EBERHARD FJORD
Kayaking in the Eberhard Fjord offers the experience of contemplating the nature and wildlife of Patagonia from a sea kayak.
HORSE RIDING THE SIERRA DOROTEA
Combination of horseback riding, adventure and nature. You will be able to appreciate the city of Puerto Natales, the Almirante Montt Gulf, the Última Esperanza Fjord and a large part of the Patagonian steppe. You will reach a native forest and getting off the horse you will approach on foot to the main viewpoint.
MILODON CAVE
In 1896 Captain Eberhard discovered the remains of a giant ground sloth in the Milodon Cave, 18 miles from Puerto Natales. You can walk through this natural monument which is 30 metres high, 50 wide and 200 deep, and see the giant replica of the pre-historic creature at the entrance (twice the size of a man)
PUNTA ARENAS
The second southernmost town in Chile, Punta Arenas is a mishmash of corrugated-ironroofed buildings, a busy port and a small but steadily growing population, facing the Strait of Magellan. Punta Arenas has been Chile’s doorway to Antarctic exploration. Today, it’s also a major port for cruises into the icy reaches of Tierra del Fuego, and a gateway for fly-cruises to Antarctica.
Punta Arenas does have some notable monuments strewn along its waterfront, which the Avenida Costanera del Estrecho and 21 de Mayo roads run along. They include a replica of Ferdinand Magellan’s tall ship, Victoria, and the rusting remains of the shipwrecked Lord Lonsdale, an English frigate that now serves as a de facto monument to all seafaring explorers.
DOLPHIN AND WILDLIFE WATCHING
Experience and exciting marine adventure. By Kayak or by zodiac boat or boat.
MAGDALENA ISLAND
A boat trip away from the town lies Magdalena Island, a wind-ravaged place that’s an important breeding site (and a protected area) for Magellan penguins. About 32 km northeast of Punta Arenas, in 1982, it and nearby Marta Island were declared a national monument—Los Pingüinos Natural Monument. The island is the breeding location for several species of seabirds, most notably the Magellan penguin. You can also get to walk with them!
CAPE FROWARD GUIDED SAIL AND TREKKING DAY
Experience this sailing and trekking adventure where you will get to explore the lush forests and dramatic landscapes. Sail the Strait of Magellan, disembark at Cape Froward finishing by a picnic lunch at the Cruz de los Mares.
PUERTO WILLIAMS
The southernmost town in Chile. A small town on Navarino Island in the Beagle Channel. Part of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, it´s known as a starting point for trips around Cape Horn. Also gateway to trails around the jagged peaks of the nearby Dientes de Navarino. Puerto Williams is one of the principal naval bases of the Chilean Navy. The base is used as start point for patrol, reconnaissance missions and rescues in the areas of Beagle Channel, Cape Horn, Drake Passage and the Antarctic Peninsula.
LAKE ZAÑARTU TREK
Enjoy some breathtaking views of the Beagle Channel and also you will get to know/hear facts about the history of Chile and Argentina.
DIENTES DE NAVARINO
Dare one of the Dientes de Navarino Trek. Absolutely the main attraction of the Navarino Island. Challenge yourself to 5 days or 2 days most incredible and amazing trek ever.
BEAGLE CHANNEL KAYAK
Definitely taking this kayak tour, you will enjoy a different view of the scenery from the waters of the Beagle Channel. You will discover vestiges of the Yaganes that originally inhabited the area. Also, you will get to see the birds that inhabit the coast of the Navarino Island and if the weather allows it, you will get to have a lovely view from the sea of Puerto Williams and the mounts of the island.
PUERTO WILLIAMS CITY TOUR
Discover the major sports of this city located on the southern shore of the Beagle Channel, among others, visiting the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum, the Villa Ukika, the Omora Ethnobotanical Park and finally Caleta Mejillones.
PUERTO WILLIAMS BIKE TOUR
An amazing experience waits for you when arriving to Los Bronces Bridge, where you will leave the bike and stars walking in one of the southernmost forests in the whole planet. Los Bronces Waterfall famous in the Navarino Island.
NORTHERN CHILE
North and the Atacama Desert is among the driest parts of the world. It includes the regions of Arica-Parinacota, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, Atacama and Coquimbo.
To do in Northern Chile
ARICA TO PUTRE A three hour ́s drive, Putre itself is not the highlight however east along the road towards Bolivia, Lauca national park is one of the easiest of these off-the-beaten-trail places to visit.
PARINACOTA
Lago Chungará, a huge lake and one of the most beautiful in South America, at 4.517m above
sea level, squirms with Andean birdlife and sits in the looming shadow of Parinacota volcano.
HUASCO VALLEY
Stands out for the large number of small towns and agricultural villages in the area. Known as
the garden of Atacama, a visit is well worth it.
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Explore the area’s many attractions: active geysers, lagoons that stand out for their intense
colours, and dazzling salt flats. Enjoy the Moon ́s Valley or cycle through the desert. Once night
falls, what better way to enjoy the infinite stars twinkling over the driest desert in the world!
San Pedro de Atacama
ELQUI VALLEY
One of the most important valleys in Chile, noted for the production of Syrah and Carmenere
wines. Enjoy the Elqui valley to the fullest: hiking trails, horseback riding, biking trails, jeep
tours and the stars where you will find the first International Dark Skies Sanctuary in the
World.
BAHIA INGLESA
If water sports are for you, then enjoy this quiet and white sands beach, bringing your
kitesurfing equipment. For land activities, not to be missed is the blooming desert during the
spring.
