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Chile

7

Reasons To
Visit Chile

  • Atacama desert

    Endlessly referred to as the "driest desert in the world" the Atacama is a great base for the outdoor enthusiast. Mountain biking, walking, visits to salt pans and bubbling geysers are just a few of the possibilities whilst staying here.

    Atacama desert

  • Expedition cruises

    The bottom third of Chile is home to numerous fjords, islets, archipelagos and peninsulas to explore. There is no better (in fact no other!) way to explore these fascinating territories than by taking to the water. Whether it is exploring the northern ice fields, travelling down through fjords or cruising around the southern tip of South America to Cape Horn there is a journey to suit all interests.

    Expedition cruises

  • Patagonia

    The most famous National Park in Chile and all of Patagonia, Torres del Paine is remote, rugged and windswept. The eponymous "Torres" or towers and uniquely smooth and twisted cuernos (horns) of the Paine Massif are unforgettable. Once there, the incredible landscape is waiting to be explored, either by foot, boat, bike, horse or vehicle.

    Patagonia

  • Self-drive

    By comparison to neighbouring countries, Chilean roads are generally a good standard and well-signed, making it an excellent choice for self drive. Opportunities extend from heading out of Santiago, through the Winelands down to the pretty Lake District through to self-exploration of the Patagonian Steppe around Torres del Paine National Park.

    Self-drive

  • The Andes

    The mighty Andes create a magnificent natural border between Chile and neighbouring Argentina, running the full length of the country. They loom up from the Pacific providing a breathtaking backdrop to desert, vineyard and glacier and isolating the Chilean people from most of the rest of the continent.

    The Andes

  • Walking & trekking

    From gentle strolls in the lush green hills of the Lake District, to hiking a volcano in the Atacama or climbing to the base of the famous towers in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile offers some of the best opportunities in Latin America for walking and trekking at all levels.

    Walking & trekking

  • Wine

    Chile has been making wine for over 400 years and now produces some of the best Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. It is also very reasonably priced. Chile's most famous vineyards and wineries are generally located in the valleys around Santiago and make excellent day trips from the city whilst many have their own accommodation.

    Wine

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Excursions in Chile: French Valley Trek

Leaving the Paine Grande Mountain Lodge, follow signs for Capming Itialiano. You will reach the campsite after around 1½ hours walking along the base of the Torres Massif, along Lago Pehoe and across small streams and valleys.

The Torres Massif, with glacier Gray just visible on the left

French Valley Trek

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
  • Walking & Biking

Leaving the Paine Grande Mountain Lodge, follow signs for Capming Itialiano. You will reach the campsite after around 1½ hours walking along the base of the Torres Massif, along Lago Pehoe and across small streams and valleys.

A suspension bridge will mark the begining of the French Valley. At this point you should turn left and follow the red marks on the trees. This will take you up the valley at to 'Camping Britinica' around another 2 hours from 'Camping Italiano'.

Along the way you will have spectacular views of the towers from the opposite side from the trek you can do to their base. There are also spectacular glaciers whish you watch calving away, the sound of this will accompany you all the way.

If you have time to go beyond Britinica it is well worth it as the path gets higher the views get better.

Return to the Paine Grande Mountain Lodge along the same path.

Further reading:
ChileWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout ChileCountry Guides

Other countries in South America:
ArgentinaBoliviaBrazilColombiaEcuadorParaguayPeruThe Falkland IslandsThe Galapagos IslandsUruguayVenezuela

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