CHILE
Stretching over 2,600 miles along the Pacific, Chile packs an astonishing range of landscapes into a single country — glacial fjords, the driest desert on Earth, storied vineyards, and one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. It's also South America's most politically and economically stable country, which makes it an easy, comfortable place to explore at a very high level.
Whether you're picturing a Patagonian trek, a private wine tasting in the Andes foothills, or days spent under some of the clearest skies on the planet, we design the Chile trip around what draws you most.
Must-Sees
Patagonia
An outdoorsman's dream, and one of our five signature South American destinations. Hike along glacial fjords, raft glacier-fed rivers, mountain bike past dramatic peaks, or simply take it all in from one of the region's exceptional lodges. See our dedicated Patagonia page for the full experience.
Chilean Wine Country
Some of the world's finest vineyards sit along the fertile slopes of the Andes, running the length of the country. From bold reds to bright, crisp whites, a private tasting here pairs beautifully with a few days in Santiago or as an add-on to a longer Chile itinerary.
The Lake District
A short flight south of Santiago, Chile's Lake District is a striking corner of the country where active volcanoes slope directly down into clear, turquoise lakes. Heavy German influence gives the towns here an almost European feel, complete with small breweries and easy access to outdoor adventure.
Torres del Paine
Deep in Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is one of South America's most dramatic landscapes. Its famous granite towers rise above glaciers, turquoise lakes and wide windswept plains where guanacos roam freely. Hikers come from around the world to walk the famous W Trek, and there are comfortable lodges for those who'd rather take in the views at a gentler pace.
Unique Sites
Atacama Desert
Often compared to the surface of Mars, the Atacama is the driest place on Earth, hemmed in by two mountain ranges that block nearly all rainfall. The result is a genuinely otherworldly landscape, home to a growing collection of exceptional desert lodges and some of the clearest stargazing anywhere in the world.
Tierra del Fuego
"The Land of Fire" takes its name from the bonfires early European explorers spotted along its shores. This remote archipelago at the very end of the continent is one of the most dramatically rugged corners of South America, steeped in stories of native peoples and shipwrecks alike.
Easter Island
Home to the 887 world-famous moai statues, Easter Island belongs to Chile despite sitting over 2,000 miles off its coast. The island was originally settled by the Rapa Nui people, who carved and raised the statues beginning around 700 A.D.
Valparaíso
Known for its brightly colored hillside houses and vibrant artistic community, Valparaíso's historic center earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2003. After losing much of its economic footing, the city reinvented itself as a haven for poets and painters, and its colorful, bohemian character remains today.
Activities in Chile
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Hiking and trekking in Patagonia
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Private wine tastings in the Andes foothills
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White-water rafting glacier-fed rivers
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Stargazing in the Atacama Desert
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Guided tours of the Easter Island moai
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Exploring Valparaíso's historic hillside neighborhoods
