Andreea SerbChile boasts some of the most dramatic and stunning landscapes in the Southern Hemisphere. The sheer length of the country is quite astounding, and even more captivating is the diverse array of geographical wonders; you’ll encounter everything from otherworldly deserts to rugged mountains, colossal glaciers, relaxing beaches, and verdant vineyards producing some of the finest wines on the planet.
With the Atacama Desert in the north, the extensive wine regions in the central part, and the untamed beauty of Patagonia in the south, this Latin American gem certainly knows how to make a lasting impression on both first-time visitors and seasoned globetrotters. If you’re feeling that South American travel bug biting, don’t resist! Quotient’s list of must-do experiences in Chile will provide you with a fantastic starting point for that incredible journey to a faraway continent.
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1. Hike in the surreal-looking Torres del Paine National Park
A solitary guanaco roams freely in the beautiful Torres del Pain National Park.
The landscape here is definitely not the barren expanse that covers much of the awe-inspiring region of Patagonia, but a breathtaking meld of glorious glaciers, dazzling azure lakes and craggy snow-capped mountains. And there’s more — a raw, thrilling beauty can be felt and seen in Torres del Paine National Park, a remote wilderness, where the puma still hunts, the rivers and lakes are pristine, the forests are lush, and jaw-dropping vistas can be enjoyed at nearly every point along the main trails. With a superb hiking infrastructure, Torres del Paine is an incredibly rich place to explore.
Depending on your fitness level, you can tackle different trails, which will require a few hours to a few days. The most popular remains Mirador Las Torres, two granite pillars, which are mesmerising in shape and appear to dominate the infinite steppe below.
2. Explore the otherworldly Atacama Desert
Valle de la Luna or the Moon Valley in the Atacama desert resembles a Martian landscape.
Stretching all the way from the northern coast of Chile to southern Peru, the Atacama is considered the world’s driest streak of land. Weird and wonderful, this alien-looking desert teems with salt lakes, exploding geysers, moon valleys, lavender-hued mountains and even Andean flamingos.
For astronomy enthusiasts, this lunar landscape also boasts low-to-zero light pollution and is home to cutting-edge observatories, which allow you to enjoy unobstructed views of the Milky Way.
3. Get your urban fix in quaint Valparaíso
Valparaíso is a vibrant little port town, which brims with art, culture and a rainbow of colourful buildings perched on a hill.
A visually appealing city, the coastal town of Valparaíso or Valpo as the locals call it, needs little introduction. Referred to as “Little San Francisco” thanks to its similar climate, coastal location, historic transit system and funicular, and hilltop neighborhoods, this gem awaits with plenty of street art, a UNESCO World Heritage old town brimming with restaurants and cafes, several small museums and quirky art galleries, and a maze of cobblestone streets, which lure you for long strolls. Besides, the dominant Andes in the distance and the nearby glittering Pacific Ocean are always a nice bonus!
4. Visit world-class wineries in the fertile Central Valley
Chile teems with lush vineyards, which produce world-class wines.
Located between the Andes and Coastal Range, Chile’s Central Valley is home to fertile lands bathed by swift rivers; this is the heart of Chile’s wine country where lush vineyards, bountiful orchards and verdant pastures dominate the landscape. Here, there is plenty of opportunity to taste the delicious wines, from full-bodied reds to refreshing, crisp whites.
In Casablanca Valley, Loma Larga has been the first winery in the valley to plant red varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Syrah; over in Colchagua Valley, get a taste of the Chilean countryside and its bounty at Viña Casa Silva, one of the most attractive wineries in the Colchagua Valley, which impresses with the colonial architecture of its old cellar. But before visiting these don’t forget to make your appointment!
5. Take in the tranquility of Lake District
Image credit: CC BY-SA 2.0 (Dan Lundberg, 2013)
Kayakers enjoy a sunny day on Llanquihue Lake as Osorno Volcano looms large in the background.
Known as the Switzerland of Chile, this scenic region is easily lovable for its slew of shimmering blue lakes, lush valleys, ancient forests and ice-capped volcanoes. Stretching over 300 kilometres from Conception in the north to Chiloe and Chilean Patagonia to the south, this region is a visual and adventure treat for any inquisitive traveller.
For a dose of adrenaline, head to Pucón, which is considered a mecca for adventure sports. While Lake Villarica is the main draw here and attracts kayakers, adventurers also opt for one-day hikes to the lava-fulled crater of Villarica Volcano or activities such as horseback riding, hikes in national parks and visits to hot springs. Over at Llanquihue Lake with Puerto Vara as the largest town on its shore, you will have plenty of opportunities to try canyoning or rappelling through waterfalls, mountain biking, horseback riding, motorbike and quad bike riding, trekking, kayaking and rafting.
Contributed by Quotient Travel Planner
