North, Center or South ... choose your next destination !!
Valley of the Moon
San Pedro de Atacama
Come and discover the Atacama Desert, the driest in the world !
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Main attractions:
Atacama Salt Flats
Valley of the Moon
Cejar Lagoon
Tatio Geysers
Highlands Lagoons
Uyuni Salt Flats (Bolivia)
Location
In the north of Chile at 2,400 meters above sea level, about 60 miles from the city of Calama, where you can access border crossings with Argentina and Bolivia.
It can be reached by air via Calama, approx. 2 hr 30 min flight from Santiago, plus 1 hr 30 min by land, or by bus from anywhere in Chile.
About
It is a small, rustic town that has maintained its architecture over time, with adobe houses and roads. On its main street, Caracoles, there are numerous places with typical crafts from the highland area, made by the inhabitants themselves, and various restaurants to taste traditional chilean cuisine. It has a large presence of tourists from all over the world throughout the year.
Weather
The weather is desert, hot during the day, reaching up to 86°F in summer, but with sudden temperature changes at night, which can reach 39°F in winter.
It rains occasionally, except between January and March, when rain is more frequent due to the Bolivian winter.
Season​
It can be visited throughout the year.
Recommendations
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​As a precaution due to the altitude, drink plenty of water and eat lightly throughout your stay.
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Bring medication for dizziness, headaches and stomach pain, which can be caused by the altitude.
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If you suffer from high blood pressure, epilepsy, respiratory or heart problems, ask your doctor for specific recommendations and authorization.
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Bring clothing for all types of temperatures, without forgetting comfortable shoes for walking or trekking, thermal clothing, parka, gloves, hat, t-shirts, shorts and/or swimsuit.
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Even if it is cloudy, wear sunscreen, sunglasses and hopefully a hat.
Ahu Tongariki
Eastern Island
Be impressed by this
mysterious and exotic Polynesian island !
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Main attractions:
Moais
Rapa Nui National Park
Orongo
Anakena beach
Location
Better known as Rapa Nui, it is the most famous island in Chile. Its main characteristic is the Moais, its history and its caribbean vibe. It is located in Polynesia, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, with an area of 101 ml². It is only possible to get there by air. It is approximately a 5-hour flight from Santiago.
About
It has a resident population of around 5 thousand inhabitants and its main language is Rapa Nui, although Spanish is also spoken due to its connection with the chilean continent and French due to its connection with French Polynesia (Tahiti).
The main shopping centers are located in the town of Hanga Roa. On its main street, Atamu Tekena, you can find souvenir shops, rent a car, restaurants, pubs, supermarkets, cafes, its famous church and much more.
It has 3 main volcanoes. To the north is Maunga Terevaka, which at 539 meters is the highest point on the island; To the southeast is the Puakatike or Poike with 377 meters and to the southeast is the Rano Kau crater with 324 meters.
Weather
A tropical climate prevails, with oceanic influence with little daily or annual thermal oscillation. Precipitation is distributed regularly throughout the year. The average annual temperature is 68°F, reaching its maximum of 73°F in February and the minimum of 64°F during August.
Season​
If you want sun and beach, combined with the traditional Tapati Rapa Nui festival, we recommend January or February; if you are looking for relax, beach and culture, we recommend October, November, December, March or April. The winter months are generally rainy, although not cold.
Recommendations
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To learn about the history of the Moais and the island in general, it is essential to book tours with guide in advance.
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Bring windbreakers, good walking shoes and summer clothing.
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If you are interested in religion, it is very nice to see the Sunday mass, very different from the chilean custom, with a lot of music and joy.
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Once you pay the entrance fee to the park, keep your ticket as it is valid to enter other attractions on the island.
Valley of Colchagua
Santiago
Enjoy one of the most modern cities in South America and its surroundings !
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Main attractions:
Viña del Mar and Valparaíso
Vineyards and wine tastings
Andes mountains
National Parks
Shopping Centers
Gambling Casinos
Location
Santiago, capital of Chile, is located in the center of the country, Metropolitan Region. It can be accessed through its international airport, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez, where it is possible to connect with domestic flights to different destinations in the rest of the country, such as the Atacama Desert, Easter Island, Patagonia, etc.
About
It is a modern, safe and clean city, the largest in Chile, considered one of the most developed in South America, with approximately 5 million inhabitants. The city is divided by districts, with Santiago Centro, Providencia and Las Condes being the ones that tourists generally prefer to stay, due to their better connectivity and easy access.
From any point in the city you can see in all its magnitude the Andes Mountains that make the city something unique.
There are activities for people of all ages: restaurants with all kinds of specialties, modern Shopping Centers with exclusive stores in South America, Gambling Casinos less than 1 hour away, famous vineyards in the surrounding area where you can taste their award-winning wines, direct access to the Ski Centers in the Mountains, and countless places for those who like to go out at night (bars, pubs, etc.).
Weather
The climate is dry and changes according to the seasons of the year, which are well marked. In spring, we see the plants flowering, summer gives us a temperature that sometimes reaches 95°F, in winter is where the Andes dazzles us with the white of its snow and in autumn, we are enchanted by the beautiful landscape of the leaves falling from the trees.
Season​
It can be visited throughout the year. To enjoy the snow you should visit between June and September (depending on rainfall).
Recommendations
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Although tap water is drinkable, we recommend preferring bottled water.
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If you come in winter, we recommend bringing warm clothing for temperatures that sometimes border on 32°F, such as a parka, gloves, hat, etc. In summer, shorts, t-shirts and sandals are essential.
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If you are going to visit the Ski Centers, we recommend taking medication for sickness because the road to the mountain has quite a few curves.
Corralco
Ski Centers
Live the adventure in the Andes Mountains !
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Main attractions:
El Colorado / Farellones
La Parva
Valle Nevado
Portillo
Corralco
Location
Less than an hour from Santiago is the Farellones area, where the most important Ski Centers in the country are located.
About
They have the largest ski area in South America, one of the most modern on the continent. There are slopes for skiing and snowboarding.
During the journey you can make a stop to equip yourself with everything you need to practice skiing or snowboarding, depending on your preference.
Weather
The climate in these mountain areas is typically alpine type, with cold, snowy winters and milder summers.
During the winter season, cold temperatures with daytime highs that often remain below 32°F.​
In summer, temperatures are significantly warmer, with daytime highs ranging between 68°F and 77°F.​
Season​
It can be visited throughout the year. ​The ski season generally begins in June and can extend until September, depending on snow conditions. In summer, many outdoor activities, such as hiking and mountain biking, are popular.
Recommendations
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Check current conditions and opening dates before planning your visit.
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Be prepared for rapid changes in weather conditions during the winter season.
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Take medication for sickness because the road to the mountain has many curves.
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Wear warm clothing appropriate for the cold and snow. Includes layers to regulate temperature and waterproof clothing. Don't forget gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen. You can rent the appropriate equipment for skiing or snowboarding at the Ski Centers.
El Colorado / Farellones
Llanquihue Lake
The Lakes region
Come to be dazzled by the landscape
of Lakes, Volcanoes and National Parks!
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Main attractions:
Llanquihue Lake / Osorno Volcano
Puerto Varas
Peulla
Andean Crossing Bariloche (Argentina)
Puyehue National Park
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Petrohué Falls
Location
The Lakes region is located in southern Chile. By plane it is only possible to get to Puerto Montt since Puerto Varas does not have an airport. By plane, from Santiago it is approx. 1 hr and 45 min of travel and from there you can access Puerto Varas by bus or car in approx. 25 min trip (13 miles). From Puerto Varas you can connect to Bariloche in Argentina by traveling through the Andean Crossing by boat or by land vehicle (bus or car). It is also possible to travel from Santiago by vehicle or bus directly to Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, in approx. 12 hours of travel.
About
Its capital is Puerto Montt, a port city that lives off salmon farming, commerce and tourism. International cruise ships arrive here and ferries leave for Chiloé Island and the boats that travel through the Aysén and Magallanes fjords, such as the Skorpios to Laguna San Rafael. It is the starting point to begin traveling the Southern Highway. It is inevitable not to visit its fishing cove in Angelmó, an open-air market, where you will find fresh marine products and Chilote crafts, with wool as the protagonist.
13 miles away is Puerto Varas, a small typical town with classic architecture. Located in the unique environment of Llanquihue lake, where you can walk along its waterfront with views of the Osorno volcano. It has many styles of hotels and lodges as well as a Gambling Casino and a wide gastronomic offer, in which craft beers, meats and lomitos (typical Chilean pork sandwich) stand out. From there you can book excursions to visit Frutillar, Puerto Octay, the Petrohué Falls, the Osorno Volcano and Ensenada or navigate All the Saints Lake to Peulla or Bariloche in Argentina.
​Weather
The climate in winter is low temperatures with plenty of rain. In summer is hotter but equally rainy, therefore you should take proper precautions. Don't forget to wear appropriate clothing for the cold and rain.
Season​
It can be visited throughout the year.
Recommendations
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​Bring windbreakers, good walking shoes and something for the rain, which always threatens in this area.
Castro stilt houses
Large Island of Chiloé
Where the magic of the island is mixed with its history and legends !
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Main attractions:
The Route of the Churches
Chiloé National Park
Castro stilt houses
Puñihuil penguin colonies
Bird watching
Location
It is located 737 miles from Santiago, 56 miles southwest of Puerto Montt. You can get there from Santiago by air to Castro airport (approx. 3 hours of travel) or by air to El Tepual airport in Puerto Montt, accessing Chiloé by land to Pargua and then by sea by ferry to Chacao. By bus or vehicle from Santiago it is approx. 15 hrs of travel.
About
Archipelago formed by the large island of Chiloé and more than 40 smaller islands. It is said to be a magical island because it has many traditions, stories and customs of its own. Among its attractions are its wooden architectural constructions, its stilt houses, its 16 churches declared a world heritage site by Unesco, as well as its great variety of birds that can be seen in Pullao Bay. The customs of its inhabitants mix mythology and catholicism. Its craftsmanship and gastronomy stands out based on seafood, such as the famous Curanto and its wide variety of potatoes.
Weather
The climate in the winter is low temperatures and plenty of rain. In summer it is hotter but still rainy, so take proper precautions. Don't forget to wear appropriate clothing for the cold and rain.
Season​
It can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is in the summer, when there is less rain.
Recommendations
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If you plan to visit the Puñihuil penguin colonies, consider your visit between September and April, which is when you will find penguins.
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Bring windbreakers, good walking shoes and something for the rain, which always threatens this area.
Paine Towers
Paine Towers
Discover mountains, lakes, glaciers and dazzling landscapes in a unique experience in the Chilean Patagonia!
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Main attractions:
Torres del Paine National Park
Gray and French Glaciers
Pehoé and Nordenskjöld lakes
Trekking W and O
Puerto Natales
Punta Arenas
Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina)
Location
Torres del Paine National Park is located in Region XII, between the Andes Mountains massif and the Patagonian Steppe, in the province of Ultima Esperanza.
It can be reached by air via Punta Arenas, approx. 3 hrs 30 min flight from Santiago plus 3 hrs by land to Puerto Natales, which is only approximately 2 hrs by land to Torres del Paine.
About
The National Park has an area of 181,000 hectares. It has roads for vehicles and trails for hiking. It has 3 entries, an administrative headquarters and seven nurseries located in various sectors. It was declared the 8th Wonder of the World.
Its main attraction is the Paine Mountain Range, a mountain system independent of the Patagonian Andes Mountain Range, made up of sedimentary rock in the highest part and granite at the base. Its imposing shapes were shaped by the advance and retreat of glaciers more than 12 million years ago.
The park is the habitat of wild animals and unique sub-Antarctic flora.
You can stay in the park or in Puerto Natales, where most of the excursions depart from. It is a small city but very active in high season, full of restaurants, bars and tourists. You can also visit Punta Arenas, where you can take the boat to Magdalena Island and share with the thousands of penguins that inhabit that area. Another alternative is to cross to Argentine Patagonia, specifically Calafate, where you will be surprised by the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier.
Weather
The climate in Patagonia is a very important factor to consider. The maximum temperature reaches 68°F in summer and drops to 32°F in winter. Wind gusts of up to 93 mile/hr can occur anytime along the year. With a little luck you will have a clear day to appreciate the Towers in all their magnitude.
Season​
The National Park is open all year round, however the best time to visit is between October and April, which coincides with spring and summer.
This time of year is characterized by having sunnier days, less rain, regular departures for excursions and navigations and more than 16 hours of natural light, a product of the position of the earth. Also most hotels are open.
Recommendations
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Because this area experiences strong winds, rain or snow on certain days, it is very important to wear appropriate clothing for these occasions.
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Wool or fleece hat (one pair), fleece collar, sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen of at least factor 45, lip balm, quick-drying t-shirt, fleece jacket, water-repellent jacket, fleece gloves (two pairs), quick-drying fiber legs or leggings, water-repellent pants, shorts for when it's hot, fleece pants for camping, fleece socks, high-top trekking shoes, lounging shoes and gaiters.
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Plan your excursion according to your physical abilities and appropriate equipment.
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Do not contaminate. The park has toilet services in each shelter.
Saint Raphael Lagoon
Southern Highway
Discover amazing landscapes and adventure at its best !
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Main attractions:
Hornopirén National Park
Marble Chapels
Queulat National Park
Tortel Cove
Saint Raphael Lagoon
Baker River
Location
The Carretera Austral (Route CH-7) is located between the southern and extreme southern of Chile. There are approximately 770 miles from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins, which goes through forests, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, fjords, mountains and glaciers. Its surface is gravel and in some sections it is necessary to transfer by barge.
It can be reached by air via Puerto Montt (start of the road), approx. 1:45 hr flight from Santiago, or by bus or car. The other option is to arrive by air to Balmaceda, approx. 2:30 hrs flight from Santiago and begin the road trip from Coyhaique, heading north or south.
About
It has established itself worldwide as one of the best scenic routes to visit. Although most of it is gravel (only 124 miles paved), it has many curves and unpredictable weather, the reward is incredible: every mile has somewhere worth photographing.
You will be able to appreciate the impressive hanging glacier of the Queulat National Park, sail on General Carrera Lake through the famous “Marble Chapels” and/or visit the Saint Raphael Lagoon with its imposing glacier, among other wonders.
Weather
The climate is unpredictable, quite rainy and low temperatures in winter, warmer and sunny during summer days, although its nights are still cold. In areas closer to the sea, from Chaitén to Mañihuales, we find a rainier climate with a temperature that never drops below 32°F; from Coyhaique to Cochrane, we find a drier and colder climate.
Season​
Although it can be visited throughout the year, the best time to travel the southern highway is during the summer months, where there is a less cold climate and a greater tourist offer in the area. In autumn, the landscape turns reddish and yellow and in spring, flowers fill the edges of the path with multiple colors.
Recommendations
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It is recommended to always use a windbreaker or rain jacket, as well as high hiking and rain shoes. Ideal to dress in layers to adapt to weather variations. Hat or cap for the sun and/or rain. Sunglasses, minimum factor 30 sunscreen, binoculars and camera.
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It is important to have enough cash because in many places there are no automatic teller machines (ATM) nor is it possible to pay with a credit card.
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Although there is internet and mobile phone coverage regionally, in some more remote locations the signal is limited.
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Due to the limited hotel offering in the area, it is necessary that you make your reservations in advance.
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If you go to Tortel Cove, we recommend bringing a backpack for your belongings. As there are no streets and only pedestrian walkways with stairs, vehicles must be parked 4 miles outside the town, so a suitcase is not a good idea, even if it has wheels.
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If you are going to drive, fill the fuel tank whenever you can, since not all towns have gas stations. It is important to consider in the travel hours that on gravel the times are tripled compared to a paved road. The average speed varies between 25 and 30 mile/hr.
