Chile's geography makes it one of the most diverse countries on earth for outdoor activities and cultural experiences. A few of the best.
Hiking
From the Torres del Paine Circuit in Patagonia to day hikes in the Atacama altiplano, Chile has trails for every level. Well-maintained paths, no tropical diseases, no poisonous snakes — trekking here is remarkably straightforward compared to other South American destinations.
Wine Tasting
Chile produces some of the best-value wine in the world. Carmenere is the signature grape — a varietal nearly extinct in France that thrived after being brought to Chile in the 19th century. The Maipo, Colchagua, and Casablanca valleys are all within day-trip distance of Santiago.
Stargazing
The Atacama Desert has the clearest skies on the planet. International observatories, amateur telescope tours, and a Milky Way bright enough to cast shadows. You do not need special equipment — just look up.
Food Tours
Chilean cuisine flies under the radar. Seafood along the coast, asado in the south, markets bursting with unfamiliar produce. Cooking classes and market tours run in Santiago, Valparaiso, and increasingly in smaller towns.
More Activities
- Surfing — world-class breaks at Pichilemu and along the coast
- Rafting — Class IV-V rapids on the Futaleufu, Trancura, and Baker rivers
- Cycling — from the Carretera Austral to wine country
- Skiing — Andes resorts above Santiago and in the Lake District
- Hot Springs — volcanic thermal baths throughout the south
- Horseback Riding — gaucho-style rides in Patagonia and the central valleys
- Whale Watching — blue whales in the Gulf of Corcovado
- Fishing — fly fishing in Patagonian rivers
- Puma Watching — guided tracking in Torres del Paine
- Culture and Heritage — museums, churches, and colonial history
- Indigenous Peoples — Mapuche, Rapa Nui, and Aymara cultures