Top 8 Adventurous Things to do in Chile

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Chile is renowned for its stunning adventure and natural wonders, however there are certain things to see and do that are unique to this country.

Embark on a Chilean journey, where nature steals the spotlight. From the iconic Torres del Paine to the mystique of the Atacama Desert, each destination has a unique tale. Venture to remote Easter Island or savour world-class wines in Casablanca Valley. Explore the Lake District, sail past volcanoes, and paddle through Marble Chapels. Discover Valparaíso's vibrant colours and ascend Santiago's hills for breathtaking views.

Chile's diverse experiences await—get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

So, here are eight of our favourite things to do in Chile and you can choose what to add to your itinerary.

Have a look at some of our Chile Itineraries:

Hike Patagonia and see Torres del Paine

Best for: Hiking over otherworldly terrain

Best time to visit: Spring (September to November) for mild temperatures and blooming flora

Patagonia is one of the most striking landscapes in the world, spilling across the southern edges of Chile and Argentina. Both countries hold incredible natural wonders, however in Chile, you can visit the iconic Torres del Paine National Park, one of the greatest natural treasures in Chile. It is renowned for the three granite peaks or ‘horns’ of the Paine mountain range.

The national park is packed with other natural gems including the Grey Glacier, Grey Lake, Salto Grande, and the French Valley. The Grey Glacier is a unique ice field, where you can peer into blue crevasses, explore ice caves, and cross ice cracks.

A contrasting experience is to take a horse ride across the park, and you can even go horseback riding with Patagonian gauchos (traditional horsemen). Make sure to look out for the elusive pumas!

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Check out our itineraries including Patagonia:

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Explore the Atacama Desert

Best for: Stargazing

Best time to visit: Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) brings mild temperatures and fewer tourists

Strewn for over 100,000 kilometres across Chile’s scorching north, the Atacama Desert is renowned as the driest place on Earth. It’s so dry that scientists have used it to test prototypes of the Mars rovers.

Marked by otherworldly valleys, mystical rock sculptures, towering volcanoes and dazzling lakes, the Atacama Desert is one of the best places to visit in Chile because it feels like another planet. The region also has some of the clearest night skies in the world, perfect for stargazing.

Explore this stunning region with local guides through trekking, mountain biking or driving, and learn how ancient nomadic communities survived and thrived in one of the harshest landscapes in the world.

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Accomodation in the Atacama Desert:

Venture to Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Best for: Iconic Moai statues

Best time to visit: Summer (December to February) for the Tapati Raoa Nui Festival

As one of the most mysterious and remote islands on Earth, Easter Island has enchanted travellers for decades. The island, also known as Isla de Pascua or Rapa Nui to the traditional inhabitants of the island, is set in a far-flung wedge of the Pacific Ocean, off the west coast of Chile.

Here you’ll find the famed moai statues and ancient archaeological sites, created by the Rapa Nui people between the 13th and 16th centuries. You can tour the colossal stone-carved statues, hike up volcanoes and watch the beautiful Pacific sunset on the white sandy beaches. Anakena Beach is one of the few sandy beaches on the island, boasting lovely turquoise waters fringed by palm trees. It’s the perfect place for snorkelling.

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Itineraries including Easter Island:

Casablanca Winery Tour

Best for: Tasting delicious wine

Best time to visit: September to June is the most beautiful time to visit

Chile is renowned for its world class vineyards and wineries, and one of the best places to sample their fine grapes is the Casablanca Valley. Just an hour out of Santiago you’ll find the gorgeous region, famed for their white wines, particularly their Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Stay in a luxurious property among the vineyards, go walking, driving, or cycling around the wineries, and be sure to sample their best wines.

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Adventure in the Lake District

Best for: Outdoors adventure

Best time to visit: Winter (June to August) is great for skiing

As one of the most stunning regions in Chile, the Lake District combines natural beauty with thrilling adventure. Located in the bottom half of the country, the Lake District is marked with incredible rivers, forests, and volcanoes.

One of the best things to do in Chile is to trek or go horse riding through the Lake District’s forest. You’ll discover enchanting lakes, and can zipline over the canopy, or go sailing past dramatic, snow-capped volcanoes. Plus, the Lake District has the magnificent Petrohué Waterfalls, located in the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, which is one of the most breathtaking sites in the country.

Have a look at our Family itinerary:

See the Marble Chapels of Lake General Carrera

Best for: Otherworldly formations

Best time to visit: Between December and March when weather conditions are easier to navigate

One of the best things to do in Chile is to visit the astonishingly beautiful Lake General Carrera, which spreads across the country and Argentina. The Marble Chapels are located on the shores of Lake General Carrera.

These “chapels” are incredible rock formations made of calcium carbonate that have eroded over millions of years. They’ve left behind blue and grey caves, tunnels and pillars carved out by waves and wind.

You can navigate through these caves on kayak to discover marbled patterns, swirling through the ancient rock.

Check out our Off the Beaten Track itinerary:

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Discover the colour of Valparaíso

Best for: Street art & Chilean culture

Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) as the weather is great for visiting urban dwellings

Valparaíso is one of the most beautiful cities in Chile. Located just over an hour outside Santiago, this UNESCO World Heritage city is filled with colourful, hillside homes and historic street art. The Chilean street art movement was born in the sixties, peaking throughout the seventies and eighties through the Brigada Ramona Parra (BRP). The BRP used their art to send a message of radical social change.

Set beside a major port on Chile’s coast, you can spend your days wandering the cobblestone streets and quirky buildings.

Have a look at some of accomodation in Chile:

Climb the hills of Santiago

Best for: City life

Best time to visit: Winter (June to August) for cooler weathers

Santiago is the humming capital city of Chile, brimming with lively neighbourhoods (barrios), fascinating museums and galleries, leafy parklands, and delicious cuisine, surrounded by beautiful Andes mountains.

For the best view over the city, climb the trails to the top of San Cristobal Hill (Cerro San Cristóbal), an 860-metre hill with breathtaking views towards the mountains and over Parque Metropolitano, Santiago’s largest park.

You’ll also see the famous Virgin Mary statue, a white-washed, 22-metre statue that can be seen from all over the city. Follow the trails around the hillside to discover peaceful Japanese gardens, cherry trees, and wonderful picnic spots.