Destinations in Chile
NORTH AND THE ATACAMA DESERT
Far from being a desolate, arid wilderness, the Atacama desert is overflowing with life. Its ancient cultures offer a warm welcome to modern travellers, and fertile oases sustain an astonishing diversity of life here in the world’s driest desert.
On the high Andean plateau, you’ll find small villages at up to 4,000 meters above sea level where timeless traditions linger in extreme and wonderfully photogenic settings.
Visit San Pedro de Atacama and explore its singular landscapes, quite unlike anywhere else on earth. Vast salt flats, active geysers and intense blue lagoons are just a few of the extraordinary features of this region.
Journey to the stars and learn more about the constellations in one of the many famed astronomical observatories in the northern half of Chile.
If you’re a fan of water sports or simply enjoy soaking up the sun, don’t miss the northern coastal region, with its exquisite sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and exquisite seafood.
EXPLORE NORTH AND THE ATACAMA DESERT
ARICA
Do you love the feeling of the sun on your skin and the warm sun cradling you while you rest? Then, you must visit the city of eternal spring. Its good weather and warm water beaches invite you to enjoy romantic sunsets and sensual nighttime bathing.
Feel at home surfing and bodyboarding while admiring the enormity of the Morro de Arica, an Iconic National Monument where you can go trekking with your family or parasail from its summit.
A mixture of coastline, desert and high Andean plateau, its long list of activities will surprise you daily with a new adventure. Dive into history at the San Marcos Cathedral, visit the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum, where you’ll find the oldest mummies in the world and visit its valleys, known for their exotic fruits.
The local food is a pleasure you can’t miss. The mix of flavors reflects the rich diversity of its streets. Try the classic bread with olives of Azapa, which will give you the energy you need to test your luck at the casino, just a stone’s throw from the ocean.
ALTO EL LOA
Are you looking for a place where tradition and daily life merge with history? The Alto El Loa heritage route does this and so much more. Visit this green valley, bursting with life where the river´s waters are colorful, there are fields of carrots, corn and alfalfa, and where animals graze and time seems to have stopped.
Live the culture of Atacama at the village of Chiu Chiu and visit its church, a Historical Monument, one of the first to be built in Chile. Visit the archaea-astronomy observatory at Paniri Caur, which integrates modern astronomical observation and the Andean cosmovision of the Atacama people.
Travel to the picturesque area of Ayquina, which every September 7th and 8th is transformed by the Virgin of Guadalupe festival, receiving over 10,000 people. And in Caspana, be amazed by the green terraces that contrast the pink stone, mud and hay roofed houses. Don’t miss out on the 17th century church and the Ethnographical Museum while there.
In Lasana, the fields of flowers are intertwined with the desert rocks and the regional food merges with the arts and crafts. You can try llama meat, patasca (broth made with mote) and rabbit, as well as some traditional pastries. Carrot tea and jam are typical products that are worth trying.
IQUIQUE
If you know how to enjoy life and leisure is one of your favorite sins, Iquique will steal your heart. Set right by the ocean, among palm trees and tall buildings, taking a ride down the promenade in an open-top car or having champagne for breakfast won’t seem crazy at all.
Spend your day by the sea, enjoying the sun on a recliner, discover the ocean floor of the Pacific while diving or get on a jet-ski to enjoy the waves. On its beaches, nothing seems impossible and nightlife is enjoyed to its fullest in its Bohemian bars, where the cultural mix is evident.
Visit the Duty Free area, a trading spot with countries from the Mercosur and Southeast Asia; you’ll enjoy having a credit card when visiting the Mall. True paradise for shoppers, here you’ll find anything from electronics to high-end perfumes.
Enjoy amazing food at its restaurants with ocean views and try the traditional mango sour: a drink based on the creamy tropical fruit which is one of the city’s treasures together with the guayaba, grapefruit and lemons which grow in its oasis.
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Ancient cultures and travelers from all over the world intermingle in this age-old town with dirt roads and adobe homes. In this starting point for an unforgettable trip you will discover the most stunning views on the planet amidst its endless beauty. Tour San Pedro de Atacama, the land of indigenous peoples!
Visit the old plaza and learn about the customs of its residents. Give in to the slow pace of life here where it seems as if no one were in any hurry. Make sure to visit the old church. Take in all of the local art, and take a stroll through the workshops of the Craft Village to find out how they keep their traditions alive.
Fascinating tours will allow you to explore the region’s plentiful attractions: active geysers, lagoons renowned for their intense colors, and breathtaking salt flats that will astound you. If you are looking for a good adventure, travel through the desert on bike, slide down the dunes on a sandboard.
Finish out this trip full of sensations by allowing yourself to get carried away by the local and international cuisine of the area’s restaurants, and enjoying the massages and hot springs of the recreational complexes. Once night falls, there is nothing better than to enjoy gazing at the endless amounts of stars twinkling across the sky of the driest desert in the world.
ANTOFAGASTA
Here in Antofagasta there is a mix of stories about mining towns in the middle of the desert. The city awaits you with clear starry skies and beaches that are perfect for the family and sports.
Travel through history, exploring the corners and mysteries of the saltpeter offices. These old villages, whose boom happened at the turn of the last century have become actual “ghost towns”.
Enjoy the clear skies of the Atacama Desert to see the stars at the best astronomical observatories of the country.
Visit the beaches close to town, with white sands and calm waters. If you love surfing or bodyboarding, don’t despair, there are also waves to test out your skills!
COPIAPÓ VALLEY
Enjoy the important natural attractions around Copiapó, a tranquil city with a mining background.
Dive into the turquoise waters of Bahía Inglesa or La Virgen beaches. And to the north, discover the Pan de Azúcar National Park, full of life thanks to the camanchaca (a mist that comes off the ocean), and home to several interesting wild animals.
Another natural wonder you can’t miss is the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park and the trips to Verde, Santa Rosa and Negro Francisco Lagoons. If you like mountaineering and you have good training, the Ojos del Salado Volcano is your best challenge.
When the “El niño” phenomena makes it rain in the middle of the desert, a wildflower field takes over the northern area of Copiapó with some very rare flower species. Welcome to the flowered desert!
BAHÍA INGLESA
If you are looking for quiet beaches, white sand and turquoise waters to relax, this is the ideal place for you. Lay out your towel and rest, here you will feel so far from the world that you won’t want to ever leave again.
Enjoy coastal magic and the enormity of the surrounding desert, a truly unique spectacle. Pack your kite surf equipment, since its warm winds and nice temperatures make it an ideal spot for water sports.
Planning a family trip? Visit the northern part of Bahía Inglesa where you’ll find the so-called Pool Beach, surrounded by rocks that create a calm cove. It’s ideal for children and for building sandcastles on the shore!
For those who love inland activities, there’s also a list of musts. Rent a jeep or grab your bike to explore the burst of color that the flowered desert provides during the spring, when a climatic phenomenon floods the sand dunes with colorful flowers. A miracle of nature that’s famous worldwide.
HUASCO VALLEY
Known as the Garden of Atacama, discover the Huasco Valley and its many small towns and farming villages that make up this area. Enjoy the eco-tourism, agro-tourism and cultural activities you can do in the area.
Get to know the strength of the country traditions rooted in the Diaguita culture, traditions that are felt strongly in the valley. Travel to the enormity of space under one of the clearest skies in the world and get to know the indigenous names of the stars.
Visit the sand dunes by the beach, which after rare rainfalls provide the wonderful Flowered Desert. Be amazed by its colors and have fun at the Llanos de Challe Park with beautiful cacti and wild guanacos that run free.
With nice warm weather throughout the year, this is the ideal destination for sightseers. Take long walks in its surroundings or trek through them, since this experience will be well worth repeating.
LA SERENA AND COQUIMBO
Enjoy the magic of the desert climate in the north and the closeness of the fertile land of the central valley, where grapes are grown to produce amazing wines and piscos, all around the towns of La Serena and Coquimbo.
If you come in the spring or summer, visit the beaches of La Serena. Walk down the long Avenida del Mar to choose where to lay down your towel or go shopping at Recova, the most famous market in the area, which includes an amazing arts and crafts fair.
In Coquimbo, you must visit the La Herradura beach and the nightlife of the English District. You can also try your luck at the casino. If you come around the time of the Chilean Independence celebrations (18th and 19th September), the party is at La Pampilla, a classic spot for dancing cueca, cumbia, salsa, or to try typical food and to drink wine or pisco based drinks.
If you’re a sports person, come and enjoy the many adrenaline filled sports of La Serena and Coquimbo, trekking, sport fishing, surfing and parasailing are some of the activities that await you.
ELQUI VALLEY
Are you a nature enthusiast looking for a different kind of break? Why not explore the beautiful Elqui Valley? Visit one of Chile’s most important valleys where the production of wines like the Syrah and Carmenere stands out.
Discover its vineyard-filled slopes and visit charming small towns where agriculture and tourism meet. See Vicuña, birthplace of the poet and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, Gabriela Mistral, and sample some of the region’s typical food in one of its sophisticated restaurants or quaint local eateries.
For an ‘intoxicating’ sensory experience, visit one of the pisco distilleries to learn how this distinctive grape spirit is made, take part in a tasting session and buy pisco to enjoy at home.
For those who love sports and adventure, the valley offers trekking routes, horse riding, cycle paths and off-road 4 x 4 tours.
Do you need to completely relax and unwind? This part of Chile is widely renowned for its reputedly healing energies and many alternative therapies – including reiki, meditation and massages – are available.
After nightfall, enjoy a spectacular view of the stars: the Elqui Valley is the world’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
LIMARÍ – FRAY JORGE NATIONAL PARK
Limarí offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable tours, greeting guests with an endless variety of green hues bestowed on the area by the large fruit fields and vineyards. Tour the towns on bike where the gold pieces with lapis lazuli win over tourists with necklaces, rings, and souvenirs containing this semi-precious stone declared a national stone.
Let the untamable nature of the Fray Jorge National Park sweep you off your feet, the first South American reserve to have the Starlight certification, inviting visitors to come and gaze at skies free of pollution. Visit the Cruz del Sur Observatory, an astronomical experience that unveils the mysteries of the universe through observation domes that will leave you with your mouth wide open.
You can also find options for leisure here with the hot springs close to the sea. Dive into the warm mineral water and restore your energy. After this you can go windsurfing or kitesurfing on the artificial dams that add a little bit of beauty to this semi-desert climate.
CENTRAL AREA, SANTIAGO AND VALPARAISO
21st century global sophistication blends seamlessly with time-honored local tradition in the central heartland of Chile.
Discover Santiago, the multi-faceted capital of Chile, with its fine parks and numerous sporting and cultural activities. You’ll enjoy fabulous food in the city’s many and varied restaurants, as well as a thriving nightlife scene.
Lose yourself in the hilly port city of Valparaiso and discover an intense, atmospheric palette of colors and flavors. Then relax and cool off in the Pacific ocean at one of the beautiful nearby beaches, such as Viña del Mar or Reñaca.
If you love the snow and winter sports, visit Chile during the southern winter and try out some of the best ski slopes in South America against a majestic Andean backdrop. It’s only a two hour road journey from the mountains to the ocean – you can enjoy a day of winter sports before a scrumptious seafood dinner on the coast!
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the valleys and vineyards where Chile’s talented enologists make some of the world’s best red and white wines!
EXPLORE CENTRAL AREA, SANTIAGO AND VALPARAISO
SANTIAGO CAPITAL
Dynamic and cosmopolitan Santiago is a vital and versatile city. Home to many events showcasing the very best of Chilean culture, it also hosts superb international festivals of sound, flavor and color. The Chilean capital breathes new life into all its visitors!
The city’s diversity shines through in its many contrasting neighborhoods. Set out to explore the city streets and you’ll discover beautiful and original art galleries, design shops and handicraft markets, as well as a great selection of restaurants, bars and cafes. Night owls can enjoy a taste of lively Latino nightlife in hip Bellavista!
Visit downtown Santiago to get a real feel for the city. Learn more about the country in its many fine museums, or wander around the famous Central Market – a gourmet’s delight.
Fans of the great outdoors can head for the hills that surround the city and marvel at panoramic views of Santiago with the magnificent Andes as a backdrop. Take the opportunity to grab a picnic and visit one of the city´s many parks.
You’ll find first-rate shopping opportunities in the stylish Alonso de Córdoba neighborhood and in the city’s many modern malls.
PUEBLOS Y VALLES
CAJÓN DEL MAIPO
Synonymous of adventure and sports, Santiago’s largest natural area gives people a break from their busy urban life. Put on your sneakers and get ready for an adrenaline shot while climbing its boulders, diving into its brooks or exploring its paleontological sites.
The Maipo River, which flows from the foot of the Andes, is the source of the energy that runs through the village. Go bungee-jumping, feel the speed while rafting or test your strength along its canyoning routes.
If you are more into intimate experiences connected to nature, then horseback riding, fly fishing or enjoying a picnic by its crystal-clear ponds will leave you smiling.
Try out the local food in the small shops along the road and be ready to lick your fingers with its mud-oven baked empanadas, handmade bread rolls and homegrown dried fruits. If your tooth is asking for sweeter things, its tea rooms are famous for their handmade chocolate and manjar covered pastries.
RANCAGUA AND SEWELL
The countryside and the city mix at this destination, where Chilean history oozes from its fertile land. Visit the birthplace of Chilean heroes and where many battles for independence took place.
A delight for sophisticated palates, you can’t miss its vineyards that produce some of the best grapes in the country.
Go back in time and fill your heart with mining pride visiting the legendary Sewell Camp. Known as the city of the stairs, you’ll be amazed by the colorful buildings of this World Heritage Site located in the foothills of the Andes.
Explore its corners and unique houses which housed over 15,000 workers from the El Teniente Mine, and enjoy the unusual stories gathered in the Large Copper Mining Museum created under its facilities.
SKI RESORTS
PORTILLO SKI RESORT
164 kilometers from Santiago and right at the heart of the Andes you’ll find the oldest ski resort in South America. A magical place where people from all around the world meet to enjoy the mountain environment with a relaxed skiing feel.
Live a unique experience when doing snow sports on the same slopes where Olympic champions train or participate in the Sol de Portillo race and in the amazing torch-lit downhill ride that lights up the night.
Relax in the heated pool while the sun paints over the Andes mountain range at sunset. Also, discover the legend of the Inca Lagoon which brings love and mystery to the Andes snow.
VALLE NEVADO SKI RESORT
Discover the enormity of the mountains around the largest skiable area in the southern hemisphere.
Here, the large number of ski lifts will allow you to access each corner of the Andes and to enjoy perfect snow on the slopes that only exist because of the orientation and height of Chile’s biggest and most modern ski resort.
If adventure is your thing, take the opportunity to go off-piste or dare to go cross-country!
Be part of the fun, and join exclusive parties and events in the middle of the Andes’ pristine snow, in its natural state, just a few kilometers from Santiago.
EL COLORADO SKI RESORT
Skiing on the snow-capped mountains of El Colorado gives you a chance of doing so in one of the best powdered snows in the world. Its quality is outstanding as it builds up in large amounts.
Aside from its slopes and chairlifts, for skiers of different levels, here you’ll find parks with urban riding style, unique in South America.
Have fun conquering the obstacles or test your skills at snow parks ideal for adventurers. The Sunset Park and Olympic Valley Park await you with jumps and railing circuits that will push your skills to the limit.
LA PARVA SKI RESORT
This is the only ski resort where you can see the entire Santiago Valley.
Due to its location, La Parva offers easy access to very steep off-piste areas with deep gorges and overhangs where skiing is reserved for experts only. Meanwhile, its 800 hectares of skiable lands will charm you with the variety of difficulty levels of its slopes.
Live a unique snow experience in the winter and, in the summer, discover the mountains by testing your mountain biking abilities at the park.
FARELLONES
Explore Farellones, the town that links the three main ski resorts of Chile: El Colorado, La Parva and Valle Nevado. Take the opportunity to rest and recharge your batteries so that you can do the different activities that await you during the day.
Enjoy the beautiful landscape, the enormous mountains around you and venture to go to one of the ski resorts to ride the country’s most modern ski lifts. Ski amazing slopes fit for all skiers, which welcome you just a few kilometers from Santiago.
Discover the mountain during the spring and the summer, through cable rides and the “tubing splash” (summer tubing). Then, visit the amazing areas of Farellones while you trek using snowshoes.
COSTA CENTRAL
VALPARAÍSO
Bohemian and colorful, Valparaiso’s maze of hills has long inspired poets and writers. You’ll discover something new at every turn: a gem of a building, a remarkable art gallery or some little gastronomic ‘find’.
Revel in the crazy architecture of this World Heritage City. Stroll along its narrow streets, climb its endless staircases, ride its historic funicular elevators and enjoy panoramic views from its many lofty lookout points. Feel the excitement in the air at one of the city’s many carnivals, or celebrate New Year in spectacular style at Valparaiso’s ocean-front fireworks party.
Don’t forget to explore the port and fishing wharves, where you’ll get a real feel for Chile’s quirky seafaring side. Buy or sample freshly-caught seafood at the market and enjoy the fishermen’s banter!
The ‘Jewel of the Pacific,’ as Valparaíso is known, is also home to Chile’s legislative Congress and the headquarters of the Chilean navy. Admire these historic buildings and soak up the country’s maritime history!
VIÑA DEL MAR
Relaxation and fine taste define this so-called “Garden City”. Let your imagination run free and enjoy its detailed urban aesthetics that mix modern buildings with white sand beaches and large green areas.
Its long promenade will catch your eye with innovative spaces for outdoor sports, activities and top level gastronomy. You must enjoy the sun, swim in the water or watch the multicolored sunset from its highly popular beach resorts like Reñaca, Concón and Las Salinas.
Walk along its streets and be taken back to last century’s golden age. Numerous castles and old mansions that belonged to wealthy families adorn the city and are today elegant museums or recreation centers. Among these, the glamorous Municipal Casino is a nighttime must-see.
Experience its intense cultural and artistic life with a large variety of concerts and prestigious music festivals. The iconic one, the Viña del Mar Song Festival, held in February every year, is an activity that music lovers mustn’t miss.
ISLA NEGRA
If you like poetry, come follow in the footsteps of Pablo Neruda. Just like the Nobel Prize winner for Literature did, fall in love with this coastal town, where the constant sound of the waves breaking over the rocks is an eternal inspiration for artists of all fields.
Come to the house that the poet built right by the shore and be surprised. Discover Neruda’s ludic imaginarium through the wild objects he collected during his life. Figureheads, globes, boxes full of strange insects and masks of different shapes and origins are some of the treasures that give the house, now a museum, its magical aura.
Walk through the town’s winding roads, surrounded by pine trees. Contemplate the attractive mix of houses built in the 1960’s, hippy-style, and the contemporary flair of the modern architecture.
If you were captivated by your tour, now it’s time to visit the Arts and Crafts Fair with a sophisticated rustic style, many of which are inspired by the omnipresent figure of Neruda.
PICHILEMU
A South American surfers’ paradise. Grab your board and wetsuit to enjoy epic 9-meter waves and thrilling barrels which attract surfers from around the world.
Beaches like Punta de Lobos and Infiernillo host international surf competitions every year. Come and marvel at their extraordinary rock formations and sheer cliffs, where crashing waves spray sightseers and courting couples at the city’s many panoramic lookout points.
Other sports on offer include windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing. And when it’s time to take it easy, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride or stroll through the town’s colorful arts and crafts fairs.
You’ll love Pichilemu’s charming blend of countryside, forest, ocean and first class local food! Photograph the beautiful colonial architecture in its small downtown center and explore the palm-lined pathways, fountains and light displays in historic Ross Park, a hundred-year old recreational area and designated National Monument.
MATANZAS
Greet the sun, dig your feet into the sand and stare at the ocean before diving into the water to enjoy this oasis for water sports. Enjoy the waves kitesurfing, windsurfing and paddle surfing, accompanied by the peace and quiet of its beaches.
Feel the touch of the constant breeze and enjoy the droplets of water on your body while you float on your bodyboard. Let adrenaline overwhelm you while you try out new tricks on the barrels and are cheered on while gliding along the current, considered one of the best in the world.
Relax taking a walk along the beach and take in the beauty of its islets, home of noisy sea birds. Sail to them on motor boats and get to know more about wildlife straight from the fishermen’s mouths.
Do you want to recharge your batteries for a new adventure? Try the hearty plates of seafood and fried fish cooked at the local restaurants. If you’re still hungry, a nice portion of piure (red sea squid) will leave you in heaven.
ZAPALLAR
Peace and quiet in the middle of a landscape with amazing beauty, light colored beaches mixed with big rock formations and a fishing cove that is still operational… Welcome to Zapallar!
Visit this exclusive beach resort that will amaze you with its large manors of different designs, most of them in Italian style. Beautiful gardens and evergreens, together with an imposing stone-built church, give this family destination a unique touch.
Walk around this small cove surrounded by hills and stroll along its promenade. Enjoy the micro-climate that protects the village from the coastal winds while you taste the delicious seafood offered by the local restaurants.
Have fun learning more about its history straight from the mouth of the friendly locals or go on an adventure and dive into the depths of the Pacific Ocean. If surfing is your thing, visit the neighboring beach of Maitencillo. Its waves are ideal for beginners and well-seasoned surfers alike!
ROBINSON CRUSOE ISLAND
Island of pirates and treasures, visiting it is going into the fantastic world of writer Daniel Defoe. Look everywhere for Friday, so he can guide you along the coastal cliffs, through the lush endemic vegetation and to the amazing sea monsters represented by the coveted lobsters of the Juan Fernández Archipelago.
Also known as Desert Island, as it hugs the Pacific with the most absolute loneliness, Robinson Crusoe is the ideal place if you want to get away from the world and enjoy a new level of connection with nature.
Swim in its crystal-clear waters, dive to the bottom and discover the rich underwater life. Enjoy diving in the company of the friendly South American fur seals, indigenous species of this Biosphere Reserve, a place that has inspired many legends.
Go kayaking, fishing and sailing. Test your physical stamina along the trekking paths that run through virtually untouched lands like the Centinela Hill, Puntas de Isla and Puerto Francés. End your day by tasting a typical seafood dish while on a “chalupa”, a boat that has a kitchenette onboard.
WINE TOURS
ACONCAGUA VALLEY
With mature flavors and a big personality, wines from the Aconcagua Valley in Chile are part of the country’s traditional countryside life.
Set in the valleys of Chile’s central area, the land and the weather give life to top quality varieties that are exported to different parts of the world.
The conditions present in the valley allow the numerous vines and vineyards to have a slow but constant maturing, guaranteeing in this way, flavors that are more mature and fuller bodied.
Complete with a high quality wine tourism experience, if you like good wine then the Aconcagua Valley is one of your musts when visiting the central area of Chile.
CASABLANCA VALLEY
Known around the world for its immense wine production, come and enjoy the best flavors of Chile in the Casablanca Valley, sitting between the coastal mountains and the Pacific in the valleys of Chile’s central area.
This fertile valley is characterized by the refined preparation of white wine in its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varieties. There is a glass of white wine waiting for you in the many wineries that fill the beautiful vineyards of Chile’s central valley with flavor not to be missed.
And if you are in the Casablanca Valley, don’t forget to pair the wine with the most sophisticated local food in any of the area’s many restaurants. A true festival for your senses!
SAN ANTONIO/LEYDA VALLEY
Famous for their Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. This valley is characterized by its cold weather and moderate rainfall which gives the grapes that grow in this fertile and beautiful land, particular characteristics.
With unique traits like a natural landscape of countryside and ocean breeze, in the Leyda Valley the new and refreshing flavors, combined with fertile soils and coastal temperatures prevail. Toast to your health in one of the most special valleys of the central area.
PIRQUE AND MAIPO VALLEY
Located close to Santiago, the Maipo Valley is expansive land. Come and taste the wines from the Cabernet Sauvignon variety, which stand out among the best in the country.
Visit this valley’s different vineyards, which offer exciting tours that include bike rides, wine-tasting and exquisite cuisine.
Don’t hesitate at all, if you want to taste some of the best wines in the world, just a few kilometers from the capital, the Maipo Valley awaits you with several activities that are well worth doing.
CACHAPOAL VALLEY
Enjoy the texture, colors and flavor of the Cachapoal Valley. The high temperatures of the summer and the heavy rain in the winter are perfect ingredients for an exquisite red wine, the specialty of this area which will win over your palate.
You can take several guided tours through important wineries that produce excellent wines, especially the emblematic French variety which was reborn in Chile, the Carmenere. Some tours even include horseback rides, outdoor barbecues and mountain biking.
COLCHAGUA VALLEY
One of the country’s most famous valleys, the Colchagua Valley, set at the heart of the central valley, is the icon of wine production in Chile. There are several wineries in the valley that offer tours with amazing wine tasting.
The Santa Cruz Vineyard is one of the most emblematic in the area. A cable car takes you to the top of the Chamán Hill where you can see constellations at the observatory of the same name.
You can also visit the automobile museum and learn about the different periods of Chilean history visiting the thematic museum. If you like fine dining, good wine and culture, then Colchagua is your ideal destination.
CURICO VALLEY
With relatively cold winters and hot summers, in March this valley invites you to experience Chile’s largest grape harvesting festival. The so-called Curico Valley Wine Tour is famous and you can visit the large variety of wineries presented in this warm and welcoming site.
Look down at the vineyards from amazing lookouts, taste famous and prestigious wines in underground century-old cellars and visit large manors with great family traditions in the Curico Valley.
If you want to complement your visit with more activities, really close to this area you can visit the Siete Tazas National Reserve, where you can do several sports and enjoy trekking and camping with your friends and family.
MAULE VALLEY
A valley with a great passion for wine that can be seen in every corner, that is Maule Valley. Enjoy the endless variety of vineyards dotted around these lands that welcome you with attractive tourism experiences.
Be amazed by the fun tours that these deeply family-rooted vineyards have, as well as others that mix the use of hi-tech with boutiques and Chilean traditions.
High-end luxury services like wine-therapy and olive oil tasting are just some of the alternatives that will keep you busy during your visit to the valley.
RAPA NUI
There’s no inhabited spot in the world quite so isolated as Chilean Polynesia. A mere dot in the vast Pacific Ocean, Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is a one-of-a-kind destination whose very remoteness lends it unmistakable authenticity and an aura of mystery. It’s high time to come and uncover its secrets!
Explore Rapa Nui’s pink-sand beaches, its volcanic cones and windswept grasslands, and of course, the monumental moai statues – over 1,000 of them bearing silent witness to a long-lost, complex society.
Discover the intriguing culture of the rapa nui people during Tapati, a traditional festival held in February in which local teams compete in challenges to test their ability in time-honored Easter Island skills.
EXPLORE RAPA NUI
EASTER ISLAND
Culture, adventure and a paradise destination to rest are just a part of what awaits you on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Come discover its intriguing moai and the authentic spirit of this culture still present in its people!
Visit the Rapa Nui National Park or tepito or tehenua, declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Rest on its pink, sandy beaches and discover its volcanoes and prairies on your bike, on horseback or by foot. Find the most absolute silence in the island’s caverns, explore the ocean flora and fauna diving in its warm waters or go surfing on its waves.
Soak up the rapa nui culture by interacting with its people. Get to know their language and amazing food. Fall in love with their exotic dances, music and Polynesian clothing.
If you are looking for an intense cultural experience, visit the island for the Tapati festival that happens every February. There you’ll experience the typical traditions of the rapa nui people, like painting your body as their ancestors did and enjoying some amazing competitions.
THE SOUTH, ITS LAKES AND VOLCANOES
A sudden cloudburst and a heavy shower pass as quickly as they began, and the sky is soon an intense, deep blue once more. Breathe in the earthy, humid scents of the forest and meet some of the warmest, friendliest people on earth. Welcome to the south of Chile! Discover its singular beauty and the unique living heritage of its original peoples.
Without a doubt, the Mapuche culture is a fundamental element in the central Chilean heartland. Experience some of the indigenous traditions when you sleep in a ruca and feast on typical regional dishes.
Ski through ancient native forests, and take the opportunity to relax and recharge your batteries at one of the many natural spas to be found in these breathtaking landscapes.
Practice your favorite water sports in southern Chile’s countless lakes and rivers. Enjoy a day’s fishing or simply explore and observe the extraordinary flora and fauna of our nature reserves and national parks. If you’re an adventurer at heart, head for Pucón on the shores of Lake Villarrica for adrenaline-filled white-water rafting, hydrospeed or canyoning!
EXPLORE THE SOUTH, ITS LAKES AND VOLCANOES
CHILLAN SKI RESORT
A mixture of leisure and extreme sports, this fantastic place seems to take you straight to the heart of Narnia. Surrounded by snow-covered forests, cozy wooden cabins and hot spring pools, this place is ideal to get away from reality.
Enjoy the many healing benefits of massages with emu oil. Walk along the beautiful natural paths that invite you to get to know the charms of the mountain or enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while experiencing the quiet view of the valleys and lagoons.
If your batteries are recharged, then it’s time to go looking for adrenaline and speed. Ski down the steep slopes. Reach unique spots of the Andes in modern chairlifts and show-off while practicing new tricks on your snowboard on these world-class slopes.
Go cable riding, climbing and mountain biking among its native landscapes. Have fun with the wide variety of outdoor sports with your family and end your day enjoying its clear skies that allow uninterrupted naked eye stargazing.
CONCEPCIÓN
If you always dreamed about having your own rock band you must visit the bars and studios of this city. Birthplace of great musicians, you can hear a melody or admire a new artist at every corner.
Walk through its university district and enjoy the extensive culture it has to offer, provided by the Art House, where the amazing “Presence of America”, a colorful mural by Mexican Jorge González celebrating the independence of Latin American people, shines in all its splendor.
Fall in love with the beautiful view of the city from the Caracol Hill and Ecuador Park. Walk along its lush paths, flirting in its many lookouts and enjoying a romantic escapade under the araucarias.
Taste the hearty seafood based plates, and make sure you have time to enjoy its wide ranging cuisine, where small restaurants specializing in fusion food will pleasantly surprise you.
ARAUCO TERRITORY
Let your imagination run free and feel a special connection with mother nature in the Arauco territory. Its rich Mapuche cosmovision is still practiced both inside their “rukas” (native huts) and the ancient araucaria forests that surround it.
You’ll be able learn about the roots of indigenous peoples on the tours led by them. Learn how to cook pine nut flour, how to weave on a wooden loom and gather blue eggs from their small hens. Discover the healing powers of the plants and try a delicious sopaipilla fried on a wooden stove.
Explore the thick vegetation of the area, which will surprise you with stunning natural settings. Native forests, a beautiful shoreline, rivers and lakes with calm waters framed by the amazing Nahuelbuta mountain range will charm you.
Travel to a magical world virtually untouched by humans on their lonely islands. Practice fly fishing in the streams to catch your own food and relax at the end of your adventure with a wonderful massage with murtilla cream or goat’s milk in one of the spas.
PUCÓN AND VILLARRICA
Are you foodie and an outdoor enthusiast? Then Pucón will suit you down to the ground. The perfect combination of a thriving gastronomic scene and stunning landscapes. Mouth-watering, cosmopolitan menus showcasing the best of indigenous Mapuche cuisine and indulgent German dessert and patisserie traditions.
Get ready to fill your days with fun: choose from among the many restaurants, markets and craft fairs, or take your chances in one of the lakeside town’s elegant casinos. Take a break and relax in one of the region’s delightful spas, where the warm and healing waters will invigorate your body and rejuvenate your senses.
Satisfy your sporty side with rafting, canopying, canyoning and trekking amidst the area’s breathtaking volcanoes, rivers and lakes. And if you crave yet more adrenaline, why not show off your snowboarding skills on the steep slopes of the nearby snow-capped mountains?
Visit some of the area’s fine National Parks and enjoy profound silence in the ancient araucaria forests, broken only by birdsong. Lie patiently in wait to photograph the native wildlife; we guarantee you will fall in love with unique species such as the impossibly cute Colocolo opossum and the endearing pudu (the world’s smallest deer).
TEMUCO AND LAGO BUDI
“Mary mary wenul” is the traditional Mapuche greeting and the best way to walk into the final indigenous bastion of the country. Bring out the warrior in yourself and get to know the cosmovision of this indigenous people that live among the ancient araucaria forests and crystal-clear streams.
Soak up the rustic smells and flavors which are the best reflection of local culture.
Climb Ñielol Hill, from the top of this Natural Heritage Site and you’ll have a privileged view of the city that mixes the countryside and the modern world. Walk along its busy streets, you’ll be surprised by the bustling university environment and its history museums.
Season your food with merquén (smoked dried chili flakes), relax in the healing hot springs and end your day with a wild visit to the casino, center of the city’s nightlife.
VALDIVIA AND CORRAL
Rivers and turrets feature prominently in the impressive landscape of Valdivia. It’s the oldest city at these southerly latitudes anywhere in the world, and enjoys a delightfully verdant setting of meadows and woodlands.
Fill your lungs with pure, clean air as you sail down Valdivia’s main river, the Calle-Calle. Enjoy fine seafood at the riverside market and have fun watching sea lions on the promenade. Experience a festival of flavors as you sample craft beers, wild boar, delicious steak tartare and handmade chocolates.
Visit the exciting Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), built on the site of an historic brewery.
Immerse yourself in the past as you explore the castles and stone fortresses of the Corral peninsula, with its eye-catching landscapes, fascinating history and a rich cultural heritage. Ramble through stunning millennial coastal forests of larch and olivillo. Visit its attractive beaches and traditional fishing coves, and discover the many activities which can be enjoyed all year round.
Set off along the Ocean Highway to charming spots like the fishing coves of Amargos, San Carlos, Los Liles and Huape.
PANGUIPULLI
Panquipulli welcomes you with its amazing Swiss influenced church and makes you understand the meaning of love at first sight, the idyllic town that it is.
Enjoy the delicious flavors of its typical products like cheese, honey and jams. If you are a beach person, Choshuenco and Chueque will charm you with their fine sand and deep blue waters.
Take the opportunity to go kayaking, cable riding, rafting or trekking, where the vegetation and landscapes will make your jaw drop, or combine your journey with horseback riding and biking which will make you fall even more in love with the south of Chile.
Tired? Relax in the amazing hot springs and discover the Mapuche culture, visiting the Panguipulli and Riñihue Lakes.
With an amazing scenic view, Riñihue Lake invites you to feel nature and be amazed by the majesty of the volcanoes all around. Enjoy the peace and quiet sailing on the Pirihueico Lake, crossing a wonderful natural reserve of native forest.
OSORNO AND PUYEHUE
Warm and welcoming people await you in Osorno. Visit this ideal spot for a break and to relax and see some of the stunning landscapes of the south of Chile.
Walk around downtown and see the typical wooden houses, a can´t miss activity that will make you fall in love with heritage sites. Then head to the Osorno arts and crafts center, the imposing cathedral and the Reina Luisa Fort.
The Puyehue National Park and its sophisticated hot springs invite you to unwind. From here you can explore its coihue forests, be amazed with the over one hundred bird species that live here and trek on the sides on the Puyehue Volcano. Its amazing rapids and glacial lagoons will charm you.
PUERTO VARAS
With a great choice of open-air adventures, distinctive Chilean-German traditions, and a truly stunning natural setting, it is no wonder many visitors to southern Chile make a bee-line for Puerto Varas, an enchanting town with a sweeping lakeside promenade and magnificent views of the distant volcanoes from the shores of peaceful Lake Llanquihue.
Dubbed the ‘City of the Roses’, slow down and take a leisurely stroll around Puerto Varas to appreciate its traditional, unmistakably Germanic architecture and its pretty residential neighborhoods with their well-tended gardens.
If you’re a fan of adventure sports and enjoy close contact with nature, this is the place for you! Excellent kayaking and angling are just two of the many activities on offer. How about renting a bike in Puerto Varas and riding to the beautiful Petrohué waterfalls? Don’t miss the many lakeside beaches on the way.
Puerto Varas boasts exquisite restaurants, a stylish casino with a lively program of nightlife and a vibrant cultural scene. During the winter months, the locals celebrate the abundant seasonal rains with the traditional ‘Rain Festival’. Unmissable!
FRUTILLAR
Its underlying German tradition invites you to taste a delicious kuchen or apple strudel by the shores of the Llanquihue Lake. Be taken away by the Chilean-German cultural mix in this city guarded by volcanoes!
Frutillar enjoys a well-deserved reputation among classical music lovers for its excellent year-round programme of events. The Teatro del Lago is a magnificent lakeside concert hall which plays host to top international orchestras and artists, and the annual Semanas Musicales de Frutillar is a fortnight-long midsummer classical music festival which attracts visitors from all over the world.
Lose yourself in Frutillar, in its black sand beach and crystal-clear water. Walk along its clean and tidy streets surrounded by gardens of roses and dahlias. Enjoy the view of its typical and extremely well-preserved wooden buildings.
If you love good food the aromatic Philippi Street, where all the restaurants, emporiums and tea rooms are, is a must.
FRUTILLAR
Its underlying German tradition invites you to taste a delicious kuchen or apple strudel by the shores of the Llanquihue Lake. Be taken away by the Chilean-German cultural mix in this city guarded by volcanoes!
Frutillar enjoys a well-deserved reputation among classical music lovers for its excellent year-round programme of events. The Teatro del Lago is a magnificent lakeside concert hall which plays host to top international orchestras and artists, and the annual Semanas Musicales de Frutillar is a fortnight-long midsummer classical music festival which attracts visitors from all over the world.
Lose yourself in Frutillar, in its black sand beach and crystal-clear water. Walk along its clean and tidy streets surrounded by gardens of roses and dahlias. Enjoy the view of its typical and extremely well-preserved wooden buildings.
If you love good food the aromatic Philippi Street, where all the restaurants, emporiums and tea rooms are, is a must.
LLANQUIHUE LAKE
Be amazed by the beauty and calm of Llanquihue Lake, ideal destination to stretch your legs on lengthy walks, breathe fresh air and rest by its calm waters.
If you like fishing, grab your gear and sail onto the Llanquihue Lake. Live the experience of being with your fishing rod among landscapes with a truly exuberant nature. If you are more restless and like sailing, go on a sailboat adventure to experience the characteristic wind of the area.
Don’t miss visiting Frutillar, Puerto Varas, Ensenada and Puerto Fonk, some of the must-sees of this part of Chile.
PUERTO MONTT
Feel the wonderful sea breeze and look out at the enormity of the Pacific while sitting in front of the ocean in Puerto Montt. Discover its port identity, the salmon culture and its rich cuisine.
Enjoy wonderful seafood at the Angelmó cove, star of the city that welcomes you with a table full of fish and seafood from the area. Visit its many restaurants, some with a view of Tenglo Island and Calbuco Volcano, where everything is prepared on the spot: the paila marina (seafood stew), the “cancato” (stew made of fish, chorizo, cheese and tomato) and the unbeatable sea urchins. To buy local produce and utensils, walk through the Angelmó crafts fair.
Are you a fan of architecture and structural design? Then walk along the streets of Puerto Montt and be amazed by the cathedral built from larch wood, the Jesuit Church, the Diego Rivera Art House and the Juan Pablo II Museum.
International cruise ships and ferries on their way to Chiloé sail through the fjords of Aysén and Magallanes, beginning your adventure on the Carretera Austral. And if you love the sea and want to relax on the soft sands of the south of Chile, in the summer you can rest on the beaches of Pelluco, Pelluhuin, Puntilla Tenglo and Chinquihue.
CHILOÉ
A land of myths and legends, unique folklore and culinary traditions. Visiting Chiloé is like entering a magical world blessed in nature and culture. From the moment you first set foot on this extraordinary island, its singular identity will take you by surprise.
Discover its quaint palafitos – colorful houses built on stilts above the water – and enjoy the wit and warmth of the Chilote people whose traditions give this unique archipelago its inimitable character.
Explore this mythical island with its colorful wooden churches, 16 of which have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Try the traditional curanto, a dish of mixed seafood and other typical ingredients cooked over hot stones in the ground, and discover the hundreds of colorful potato varieties for which Chiloé is famous.
Nature lovers will delight in the island’s striking landscapes. Take one of the many trekking routes or hop in a kayak to explore awe-inspiring sea channels. The Chiloé and Tantauco National Parks will captivate you with their intense evergreen vegetation.
And when the time comes to leave this amazing place, don’t be too sad; eternal Chiloé will always be there, welcoming you back to discover yet more of its secrets.
PATAGONIA AND ANTARCTICA
Vast, exotic, wild and infinite in its beauty. That’s how Patagonia was described by the explorers who arrived here almost 500 years ago. Little has changed to this day. Come and discover a truly unspoiled wilderness of mountains, fjords, glaciers, forests and steppes.
Live and breathe Patagonia’s ranching history and the gaucho lifestyle as you discover the far-flung cities and pioneer towns in these cinematic landscapes. Rent a car or climb on a bike to travel down the Carretera Austral or Southern Highway and get ready to be blown away by northern Patagonia at its very best!
If trekking is your passion, then head for the Torres del Paine National Park to experience truly magnificent forests, mountains, waterfalls, lakes and stunning views of the Southern Ice Fields.
For a real once-in-a-lifetime adventure, explore the southernmost extreme of the American continent, navigating through countless sea fjords and channels and crossing the famous Straits of Magellan before setting sail for Antarctica.
Marvel at the imposing millennial glaciers (of which there are hundreds) and experience close encounters with dolphins, penguins and killer whales. Make Cape Horn – the southernmost tip of the continent – your destination, or continue by sea to Antarctica – truly a scientific and ecological treasure.
EXPLORE PATAGONIA & ANTARTICA
TORRES DEL PAINE
Have you ever felt completely insignificant in comparison to nature? Well, get ready to feel precisely that way among the turquoise waters, glaciers and towering granite horns of the Torres del Paine National Park. The jaw-dropping landscapes of this eighth wonder of the world are humbling indeed.
Immerse yourself in this vast national park; a backpack and comfortable shoes are all you require for a trekking adventure, the best possible way to explore this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Take full advantage of the 17 hours of daylight in summer and don’t miss out on sunrise, when the horns of the Torres del Paine massif glow purple and red. Sail on Lake Grey to admire the eponymous glacier, or paddle a kayak through its colossal blue and white icebergs.
You’ll enjoy terrific wildlife-watching in Torres del Paine. See majestic condors wheeling in the pristine skies overhead. Look out for foxes, huemul or Andean deer and guanacos along the way, and if you lie in wait patiently, you might be lucky enough to spot the reclusive puma.
PUERTO NATALES
A rancher feel and an ever growing adventure activity scene are mixed in this city, which is the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park.
Climb the Dorotea Hill to look at Puerto Natales from above. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see the majestic flight of the condor that nests on the vertical walls of the hill.
Discover the Milodon Cave and get to know the history of this giant sloth that used to live here in this southernmost part of Chile more than 10,000 years ago. Sail through the Ultima Esperanza fjord and be amazed by the glaciers you’ll find on your trip.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the countless activities to do outdoors and you’ll be amazed by the vibrant colors that paint the sky at sunset, which you’ll see from your kayak or bike.
But not everything is physical effort, so enjoy the abundant Patagonian food and take the opportunity to recharge your batteries at the top level accommodation you’ll find here.
CARRETERA AUSTRAL
Scenic Patagonia route that is one of a kind in the world. Over 1,000 kilometers of natural beauty await you at the southernmost tip of the world. The Carretera Austral (or Southern Highway) captures the hearts of intrepid drivers and cyclists with its pristine landscapes and possibly the freshest air in the world.
Home to a wide range of diverse landscapes, this is a perfect place to partake in adventure sports. Go white-water rafting down one of the world’s most well-known rivers for rafting, the Futaleufú; one of the world’s most renowned rafting routes. Explore the deepest reaches of this magical region by following one of the many excellent trekking itineraries which lead to its very heart.
Combine your river trip with a visit to the majestic glaciers which grace this remotest of regions. See the amazing Tortel Cove, with its cypress footbridges and remarkable landscapes.
And if peace and quiet is your goal, what better than a day’s fishing on the Baker River? An idyllic, extraordinary natural beauty spot. Come and discover the wonders of southern Chile, and sample a true slice of heaven.
PUNTA ARENAS
With port and sheep-breeding history, the gateway into Antartica will captivate you with its clean air and sophisticated European architecture.
Take a boat or a kayak along the Magellan Straits and you’ll be surprised by the penguins as they welcome you to Magdalena Island. Go on an adventure to Tierra del Fuego and discover the best kept secrets of the Kawesqar and Selk’nam people, indigenous to the southernmost part of Chile.
Go back in time walking around Punta Arenas’ cementary. Its beautiful gardens bring elegance to the tombs of historical characters of the area. If you like shopping, the duty free area is the ideal location to get souvenirs from your trip.
Stretch your legs walking around the Main Square and take in its traditions. The Statue of the Indian is waiting for you to kiss or touch its feet, which people say means you’ll be back.
TIERRA DEL FUEGO
Ferdinand Magellan discovered and gave this place the name Tierra del Fuego because of the bonfires the Selk’nam Indians used to light, and you can see these while sailing. Come visit one of the most extreme landscapes of Chile and be amazed by its steep slopes where the guanaco and wild horses run free and where lonely condors soar above the Darwin Mountain range.
Learn about the history of its ancient inhabitants and of the settlers that risked their fate to work in the southernment tip of the planet. Visit Porvenir and the Fernando Cordero Rusque Museum that have interesting exhibitions of Tierra del Fuego fauna, archaeology and anthropology, and stories from the gold rush of this part of Chile.
Do you want a reward for walking? The Fagnano and Deseado Lakes are good resting points for the long walks and trekking routes available in these pristine landscapes that offer an unforgettable experience for fly fishing lovers.
Get on one of the cruise ships that sail to Puerto Williams and Cabo de Hornos (Cape Horn) and then go deep into the Tierra del Fuego fjords. Don’t forget your camera to capture the spectacular wilderness and ice floes. This destination offers the challenge of trekking around the Dientes de Navarino trail, the southernmost trek in the world, one that’s not for the faint-hearted. Do you dare?
PUERTO WILLIAMS AND CABO DE HORNOS
Do you see yourself in the middle of the southernmost town in the world? Visit Puerto Williams and be surprised by its great biological diversity and the awesome natural beauty of its landscape. While there, discover the ancient ethnic culture of the Yagan, one of the most amazing in Chile. Their oral tradition and their ability to survive in the glaciers and archipelagos, the strong winds and complex environmental conditions, will fascinate you.
Follow the footsteps of Charles Darwin and explore Wulaia Bay, a living treasure of southern geography and relive the past visiting the most important settlement of the Yamana culture.
Behold the majesty of the Cabo de Hornos National Park, declared World Biosphere Reserve by Unesco. Lose yourself horseback riding along the shores of the Beagle Channel and the Dientes de Navarino mountain range. Be taken aback by the archaeological sites that are proof of the Yagan’s presence on this island at the end of the world.
COYHAIQUE AND PUERTO AYSÉN
If adventure runs through your veins, this is the right place for you. This corner of Patagonia challenges you to climb its amazing peaks, like the Mackay or the Castillo. Trekking is a must and fly fishing gives you time to relax on the amazing rivers.
Wonder at the untouched nature of this area in the heart of Patagonia, with its evergreen forests and lengthy Carretera Austral, which will captivate you with beautiful views. This is the perfect destination if you want to push your senses to the limit and get in touch with your wild side.
Visit the arts and crafts fair in Coyhaique’s Main Square. You’ll find handmade products on the stands made with materials like native wood, leather, stone and wool, souvenirs that will remind you of your trip through the south of Chile.
GENERAL CARRERA LAKE
Picture yourself sailing through the very heart of Patagonia on turquoise waters rippled by the constant breezes. Come aboard and discover the splendor of Chile’s largest lake! This body of water shared by two countries reaches the town of Chile Chico on its southern shore, an oasis with a temperate climate and thriving agriculture. It also offers a direct route to reach Argentina.
Embarking at the Port of Río Tranquilo, head first to the incredible Marble Chapel Nature Sanctuary to visit its network of caves, especially the famous ‘Chapel’ and ‘Cathedral’ caverns. Get ready to kayak through the many tunnels whose unique colors, textures and volumes make for an amazing photographic record. This natural wonder is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Chilean Patagonia.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll enjoy sport fishing, horse riding or trekking to see the fantastic flora and fauna on the shores of this great lake. In need of a proper rest? Relax and recharge your batteries at one of the luxurious lodges in the area, where you’ll enjoy first-rate accommodation and scrumptious food.