Best for those looking for a mix of all climates and landscapes and can’t choose only one.
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Let’s be honest: Chile is a weird looking country on paper. Extremely long and thin, it clings to the western side of South America for almost 4,500km. This is from as high north as Peru to the very southern edge of the continent. It’s exactly this geographical range however that gives Chile its incredible diversity. It has both the extreme isolation of southern Patagonia to the driest desert in the world (excluding Antarctica), the Atacama. Any country that has both desolate deserts and penguins is pretty diverse.
In case that wasn’t enough, throw in some epic glaciers, amazing wine regions and dramatic mountain ranges and you have a taste of what Chile has to offer. And don’t forget the hidden jewel lying secretly off the coast, the mysterious Easter Island. Given its length Chile (beginning through Santiago) is often a starting or finishing point for many trips. This may be travellers making their way down from Peru or Ecuador or up and across from Patagonia and Argentina.
Travelling through Chile is pretty easy. Most attractions are in almost one straight line, easier than having to maintain an elaborate highway system. Long distance bus services are easy and comfortable so are a good option. Private vehicles can also manage easily, but be prepared for long drives. If travellers are looking at highlights, some flights between destinations will help to make things easier.
Drawing hikers from around the world, the epic ‘Blue Towers’ provide a wonderful natural backdrop for nature lovers amongst its sparkling lakes, rich forests and diverse landscapes. Spend time with the local guanacos or spend time gazing at the Andean condors lazily circling the sky. Not every trip has to be roughing it either, there are options for people at all comfort levels.
A UNESCO World Heritage City and the art capital of Chile, Valparaiso is famed for its bohemian nature that has long inspired artists, poets and writers. Built on steep hills you can spend hours exploring this city by foot or by funicular (elevators on rail tracks), soaking in the wonderful architecture of the city and taking in great food and art with each step. Pack some good shoes and your efforts will be rewarded.
A seemingly desolate area, the Atacama Desert is teeming with visitors keen to take in its dramatic and otherworldly landscapes. From gushing geysers to volcanic fringed salt lakes, the area is ripe for exploration by bicycle, 4×4, dune buggy or ATV. Of course, this remote area also comes to life at night as the altitude and lack of light pollution, combined with almost constant clear skies, means an incredible celestial skyscape can be viewed.
Drawing hikers from around the world, the epic ‘Blue Towers’ provide a wonderful natural backdrop for nature lovers amongst its sparkling lakes, rich forests and diverse landscapes. Spend time with the local guanacos or spend time gazing at the Andean condors lazily circling the sky. Not every trip has to be roughing it either, there are options for people at all comfort levels.
A UNESCO World Heritage City and the art capital of Chile, Valparaiso is famed for its bohemian nature that has long inspired artists, poets and writers. Built on steep hills you can spend hours exploring this city by foot or by funicular (elevators on rail tracks), soaking in the wonderful architecture of the city and taking in great food and art with each step. Pack some good shoes and your efforts will be rewarded.
A seemingly desolate area, the Atacama Desert is teeming with visitors keen to take in its dramatic and otherworldly landscapes. From gushing geysers to volcanic fringed salt lakes, the area is ripe for exploration by bicycle, 4×4, dune buggy or ATV. Of course, this remote area also comes to life at night as the altitude and lack of light pollution, combined with almost constant clear skies, means an incredible celestial skyscape can be viewed.
An isolated and intriguing island, Easter Island/Rapa Nui has captivated travellers for centuries as they explore its remote beauty and the story of its mysterious stone guardians, the Moai. These enormous structures, weighing as much as 14 tons, were moved into position for reasons unknown and still captivate any visitor. Travellers to Chile are often unaware that incredibly remote Easter Island is accessible from the mainland.
Hemmed in by mountains on all four sides, the Colchagua Valley is the home of the Chilean winelands and the Carmenere, Chile’s signature wine. Spend a few days here amongst the sun-kissed orchards and feel the pull of the clock slowly begin to disappear.
The Capilla de Marmol, or ‘Marble Chapel’, are a series of islands and inlets that over time have had their limestone eroded by the waves, leaving an elaborate and beautiful cave system. These caves, sometimes able to be sailed inside, create the image of a beautiful marble cathedral and give the area its name.
At The Explorer Society, we are always discovering new pockets of wonder on our own adventures and through chats with our local logistics team. Get in touch with us to find out what hidden gems you might discover on your trip.
At The Explorer Society we firmly believe that there is no right or wrong time to go anywhere.
Instead, we think that each time of the year offers different experiences that better suit different travellers.
After all, high and low season often refers to the amount of travellers present, not whether something is ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
Northern Chile and the Atacama Desert are always warm and sunny so you can visit almost any time year-round. The busiest months are between October and March. This ties in with South America’s high season, the Patagonia high season and onward journeys to Antarctica. April to May will see fewer crowds and good wildlife spotting around Torres del Paine (despite lower temperatures). But if you visit Patagonia between June to September there will see some wild conditions. If you haven’t properly prepared, you should reconsider.
Chile is a large country but quite narrow. A minimum of two weeks will see you visit most of the major attractions, but at a fast pace. If Easter Island is part of your planned itinerary, allow three weeks in case of plane delays to/from the island.
Everyone is different, so please note that these guidelines are general in nature.
Ultimately it will depend on your own expedition’s requirements.
Planning travel should be exciting, but it can be exhausting. There is so much information and so little clarity, you often end up more confused than when you began.
Sometimes it’s simple and easy to figure out. Sometimes it means asking you more questions and diving deep into your motivations.
We’ll walk you through the whole planning and booking process. We want to make sure you are travelling on the trip that best suits you, not anyone else.
We will be there from the first moment you get in touch until after you come back home with countless memories to share.
