Why Chile Shouldn’t Be Missed Off Your Adventure Travel Itinerary

Glacier Grey Torres Del Paine Chile
Glacier Grey in Torres del Paine National Park. Photo by Steph Dyson.

If you haven’t yet considered Chile as your next adventure travel destination, then you seriously should. Not only is this country jaw-droppingly beautiful from every angle (yup, she’s a stunner), but Chile offers adventure in spades.

Recently awarded the title of South America’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2016 in the World Travel Awards, Chile’s profile as an adventure traveller’s paradise is gaining some well-deserved recognition.

While the relatively higher cost of travelling here often makes it a less attractive destination for backpackers in South America, the old adage “you get what you pay for” is always true. In this case, it means much more reliable and higher quality tourist facilities; and proves that Chile is worth every penny.

So without any further ado, let me introduce to you to why Chile is the ultimate destination for your next adventure fix.

Torres Del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine. Photo by Steph Dyson.

1) You must have heard about the hiking – right?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock or on top of a mountain for the past decade, you’ve probably heard word of Torres del Paine. One of the favourites on the Patagonian tourist circuit, this mountain, glacier, and meltwater lake filled national park in the south of Chile will probably be the highlight of your trip

The most famous of the routes are the ‘W’ and the Circuit: the former, a four-day hike passing through forest, scrubland, and lakeside vistas to the enormous Glacier Grey, and the sky-piercing granite Torres, after which the park gets its name.

The Circuit is a seven- to ten-day hike that marches around the back of these giant monoliths, visiting a whole of host of other glaciers and desolate, barely-explored stretches of mountain.

Both are walkable without a guide, just camping equipment, a decent set of hiking clothes and shoes, and a strong desire to see quite possibly one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

Don’t miss our ultimate guide on hiking in Patagonia.

Ice Climbing On Volcan Villarrica.
Ice climbing on Volcan Villarrica. Photo by Steph Dyson.

2) There are a whopping 36 national parks begging to be explored here

Chile’s national parks – of which there are 36 – are ready and waiting for the intrepid explorer. Valle Cochamó in the Los Lagos Region is one of the least-known, but most rewarding to visit.

Accessible only by foot or on horseback, this valley is lined on both sides by vertical granite walls with excellent climbing routes. Hikers can also discover gleaming pools of water fed by gushing waterfalls as they follow trails through ancient forests.

The Radal Siete Tazas (“Seven Cups”) National Park, around four hours’ drive from Santiago, is further proof that adventure awaits at every turn when travelling in Chile.

Home to a connected set of seven rounded, cup-like pools each with a waterfall that seems to pour into the next, hikes can last from a few hours, to a few days. The views of the Descabezado Grande and other volcanos which overlook the park are also impressive.

The Hanging Glacier In Queulat National Park.
The hanging glacier in Queulat National Park. Photo by Steph Dyson.

3) You can climb an ACTIVE volcano

This is not a drill. You can actually do this in Chile. And what’s more, it’s the highest active volcano in the world. Although definitely one for the more hard-core adventurers, Ojos del Salado (which translates as the “Eyes of Salt” – a reference to the salty lagoons found up the volcano) can be climbed.

Vehicles can drive to as high as Refugio Tejos at 5,800m, but most guided walking routes involve a few days of acclimatization at Laguna Verde (4,400m) and time to bathe in the thermal springs there, before attempting the summit.

The Villarrica Volcano, a short drive from Pucón in the Araucanía Region, is another active volcano that can be climbed in one day.

From around March until May, you’ll likely see lava billowing out of the crater at the top – just watch your step and the high, gusty winds when you get there!

Part of the fun of this volcano is that, although it involves a challenging five to six hour ascent (including stretches of ice-climbing), the way down is easy.

You’ll be provided with a mini-sledge, and during the winter and early months of spring in particular (June-December) you might even make it all the way back down on your behind.

Hiking On Volcan Villarrica
Hiking on Volcan Villarrica. Photo by Steph Dyson.

4) The options for water sports aren’t too bad either

A plethora of beaches dot Chile’s extraordinarily long coastline, and you’ll find some pretty respectable surfing territory here.

The waves at Punto de Lobos (south west of Santiago) have the stamp of approval given that the National Surfing Competition is held here each year.

Further north near Antofagasta, you’ve got Cúpula – which is regarded as the best beach for surfing the Antofagasta Region.

Iquique and Arica, near to the border of Peru, also have plenty of spots for wave fanatics: El Colegio, La Besta (El Bajo), and El Buey have huge, world-class waves. Just don’t forget your wetsuits – the Pacific Ocean is a bit on the chilly side.

Surfing At Punta Lobos
Surfing at Punta Lobos. Photo by Bruno Ahlgrimm – (CC By 2.0)

Paddlers will find Chile suits just perfectly too. Rafting devotees should get themselves down to the Class V rapids at Futaleufú in the Los Lagos Region – which is regarded as one of the premier whitewater destinations in the world.

Also worth investigating is sea kayaking in the pristine waters of the Chilean fjords or – if you’re really adventurous and experienced – along the historic Beagle Channel and around the very southern tip of the continent at Cape Horn.

Rafting At Futaleufu
Rafting at Futaleufu. Photo by Zachary Collier – (CC By 2.0)

5) Wild camping is an adventure in itself

One of the best parts about travelling in Chile is the access to divine natural parks and untouched, barely-inhabited stretches of nature afforded here. To explore further south, many travellers either buy or rent a 4×4, or even try out the popular local pastime of hitchhiking.

Chilean Patagonia’s most spectacular highway, the Carretera Austral, is the finest road that you can drive. The rich selection of national parks and glacial, milky blue lakes found on this 1,240 km stretch of road will leave you in a state of stunned shock.

Top spots accessible from the Carretera Austral are Parque Queulat and the Ventisquero Colgante (the Hanging Glacier), as well as the nearby El Bosque Encantado (the Enchanted Forest).

What’s more, with a tent and some basic camping gear, Chile becomes the location of unlimited spots for pitching up and realising why this country ranks as one of the most splendid in the world.

Wild camping beneath skies so clearly illuminated that you could probably identify each and every star in the southern hemisphere is waiting for you.

Added to this, while camping in the world, you might see pumas, colourful Magellan woodpeckers, and some of the most spectacular sunsets and sunrises in your life.

Camping In The Torres Del Paine National Park.
Camping in the Torres del Paine National Park. Photo by Steph Dyson.
Picture of Steph Dyson

Steph Dyson

Steph Dyson is a travel writer and educational volunteer who writes about adventurous travel and meaningful volunteering as she believes them to be life-changing but accessible ways of exploring the world. Currently based in Santiago, Chile, she’s spent almost two years travelling, volunteering, and living in several South American countries and is still not ready to go home yet. A cheese addict and Bolivian television personality (well, almost), she’s a lover of the great outdoors and never says no to an adventure. You can check out her tips for travelling and volunteering in South America on her website, Worldly Adventurer.

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6 thoughts on “Why Chile Shouldn’t Be Missed Off Your Adventure Travel Itinerary”

  1. You are always so inspirational, guys! I love reading your blog, getting inspired and starting to plan my own journey. I have been always wanting to go to South America, especially Chile, but now want to do it even more!

    • Chile is an amazing country. So diverse. We loved travelling this country. You definitely need a good amount of time. Do not miss the Atacama desert in the north and Patagonia in the south for the hiking. Hope you get there soon.

  2. Thanks for the article, a great read. Chile seems so diverse and has been on my list for a very very long time. Hopefully next year we will have a chance to explore it and the rest SA. In the mean time, we need to learn some Spanish 🙂

    • Hi Kristina, Us too. We are heading there this year and are so excited. We will be following Steph’s guide for sure. We have been trying to pick up Spanish again. We are using the app, Duolingo. It is really good. We are so excited about hiking in Patagonia. Thanks guys

  3. This looks amazing! I’ve been seeings some amazing photos of Patagonia lately and have been itching to go. Chile is definitely high up there on my list!

    • Thank you Kassie. Steph made us really jealous from this post. We can’t wait to get to Chile. We hope you get there soon. Happy travels and cheers for reading. Happy New Year.

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