Things to do in Chile
A narrow band caught between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, Chile's wild and varied lands burst with things to see and do. Climb the snow-capped Villarrica and peer into the crater of this active volcano. Stargaze in the Elqui Valley - one of the best places in the country to admire the unpolluted night sky, or hike to the base of Torres del Paine where soaring granite towers are whipped by Patagonia's infamous wind.
Other things to do in Chile include sampling some of the country's finest wines in the Maipo Valley, and spotting flamingo along the crystallised edges of Cejar Lagoon. Alternatively, a five-hour flight offshore brings you face to face with the mystical moai statues of Easter Island.
who's been there
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Ideas for experiencing Chile
Experiences you have as you travel often hold the longest memories. As part of their research trips, our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know Chile, and the best local guides. These activities reflect some of their best-loved experiences.
El Pangue Observatory
El Pangue observatory is located ten miles to the south of Vicuña, in the middle of the Elqui valley, just an hour and a half from La Serena.
Villarrica Volcano Climb
Snow capped Villarrica looms majestically over Pucón at 2,840 meters (9318 feet) above sea level. You will be able to look into the crater of an active volcano perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
French Valley Trek
Leaving the Paine Grande Mountain Lodge, follow signs for Camping 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.
Ahus Vaihu & Akahanga
Visit Ahus Vaihu and the unrestored Akahanga on the south coast of the island. Continue on towards Rano Raraku, a quarry where almost all 900 existing statued were carved, 397 still standing or lying on the slopes of the extinct volcano with a crater lake.
Valparaiso & Vina del Mar
Travel out of Santiago towards the coast, past the vineyards and orchards of the Casablanca Valley.
Laguna Cejar & Salar de Atacama
The day begins by heading south from San Pedro de Atacama to Cejar Lagoon (the floating lagoon). This small lagoon has impressive white edges of crystallised salt and is intensely turquoise in colour, providing a home for flamingos and tagua birds.
Visit the Great Glacier
From Villa O’Higgins board a small motor vessel with capacity for 60 passengers to navigate across the Glacier Lake.
Selkirk's Lookout Hike
Follow in the steps of Alexander Selkirk, the famous Scottish sailor who was stranded here alone, for four years and four months in the early 1700s.
Maipo Valley Wineries Excursion
The Maipo Valley lies to the south of Santiago with the nearest wineries just an hour away from the capital. A guide and driver will take you to some of the best in the area where you are able to taste their products and learn about their techniques.
Full day Easter Island tour
Enjoy a full day excursion on Easter Island, taking you on a historical journey.
Base of the Towers Guided Hike
This is one of the most iconic treks in Patagonia. The Granite towers soar majestically thousands of meters into the air creating the centre piece of the whole park.
Private stargazing at Elqui Domos
With the absence of light pollution and favourable climate, The Elqui Valley provides fantastic opportunities to view the night time sky.
Casa Lapostolle tour
Casa Lapostolle is living proof of the fact that experienced winemakers are certain of Chile's ability to produce world class products.
Glacier Grey Sailing Excursion
Guests are transferred from their hotel to Lago Grey where you will enjoy a boat excursion to the stunning Glacier Grey.
Ahus Akivi
This half day excursion takes you to visit a site with 3 Tahai ceremonial platforms, all of which were restored in 1974.
Visit the Marble caves
Located on Lago General Carrera these amazingly vibrant blue and grey, partially submerged, cave chambers have been formed by over 6000 years of erosion.
Cruceros Australis Cruise
The Ventus Australis and her sister ship Stella Australis were built specifically for cruising the waters at the very tip of the South American continent.
Astronomical Tour
Join a shared excursion to observe the vast night skies of the Atacama Desert. The altitude of the town as well as the remote location makes this one of the best spots for astronomy, for both amateurs and experts alike.
Explore the Elqui Valley
A stay in the Elqui Valley provides you with a great opportunity to explore Chilean Pisco culture. Pisco is the strong South American 'brandy' distilled from fermented white muscat grapes, grown throughout the Elqui Valley and in Peru.
Orongo and Rano Kau
This half day excursion will take you to visit the extinct volcano, Rano Kau.