Volcan Villaraca, Chile
Chile is often overlooked by its neighbors Argentina and Peru, but this long and slender country offers much more than meets the eye. Chile’s capital city, Santiago, is a centrally-located metropolis nestled among the Andes and serves as the hub to other regions of the country. Fly to Calama in the north to explore San Pedro de Atacama and its desert, the driest on Earth, or head south to Punta Arenas or Pucon to discover the extraordinary beauty of the Chilean Patagonia.
In addition, nearby coastal city Valparaiso is only two hours via car or bus and its colorful vibe has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003. Wander the hilly streets, ride an old ascensor, join a graffiti tour, and soak up the views in this vibrant port city. Wine country is also easily accessible from Santiago. You’ll find beautiful Casablanca Valley only one hour away.
The Atacama Desert offers otherworldly marvels. Explore Valle de la Luna and its Mars-like landscape or witness the sunrise above El Tatio, a geyser field over 14,000 feet above sea level. Spot pink flamingos and vicunas (relatives of llamas), sandboard down huge sand hills and stargaze during the clearest night skies.
Torres del Paine National Park is Chile’s one-of-a-kind gem found in the Patagonia region at the southernmost end of the continent. Hike the famous W-Trek and see highlights of Glacier Grey, stunningly blue lakes, and peaks of Los Cuernos. The highlight of the park is Las Torres, vertical granite spires that seem to touch the sky.
Chile offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, wine enthusiast, or urban explorer, you’re guaranteed to plan your return trip even before leaving the country.
Excerpt by Zealous Travel Co
LANGUAGE: Spanish
CURRENCY: Chilean Peso (CLP)
GUIDES, ITINERARIES & ATTRACTIONS
7 Day Guide for Chile’s Carretera Austral (Where She Goes Today)
Spectacular Scenery in Chile: San Pedro and the Moon Valley (The Globetrotter GP)
3 Day Guide to Chiloe (Where She Goes Today)
What to Do in Valparaiso, Chile: 12 Ways to Spend Your Afternoon (Leaving Gringolandia)
Family-Friendly Torres del Paine Itinerary Without Multi-Day Hikes (Amellie)
COSTS
The Cost of Traveling in Patagonia And How To Save (Be My Travel Muse)
Chile’s Atacama Desert on a Budget (The Travel Natural)
ACCOMMODATIONS
Backpackers Guide: Awesome Hostels in Southern Chile (Lauren on Location)
FOOD
7 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Puerto Natales After the W-Trek (Zealous Travel Co)
The Cutest Cafes in Santiago Chile (Gringa Journeys)
Where to Eat in Valparaiso Chile (Lauren on Location)
INSPIRATION
Valparaiso to the Atacama Desert(Pies Lies and Thighs)
Patagonia is Incredibly Hard to Plan, But Totally Worth It Once You Get There(The Down Lo)
SPECIAL TOPICS
8 Tips for Backpacking the W-Trek (Zealous Travel Co)
Torres Del Paine – How to Make your Reservations (Patagonia Dreaming)
The Ultimate Chilean Spanish Cheat Sheet (Leaving Gringolandia)
The Adventure Traveller’s Patagonia Packing List (Worldly Adventurer)
Global Directory pages for countries near Chile
