Chile, South America’s longest and thinnest country, is best known for Patagonia and the Torres del Paine National Park, Easter Island and its wine. There are a plethora of world-class vineyards in the valleys near its capital city, Santiago, and the fascinating UNESCO world heritage port city of Valparaiso. In addition to its world-famous cable cars, on new year’s eve it puts on the largest fireworks show in South America! But there is more to Chile’s natural wonders than the traditional bucket list destinations.
Chile’s Lake District combines Patagonian charm with volcanoes, culture and wildlife
Chile boasts the continent’s most active string of volcanoes (second in the world to Indonesia). Fly from Santiago to Puerto Montt and head to nearby Puerto Varas, and explore Chile’s Lake District, with the Osorno Volcano in full view. Don’t wait too long – its snow cap might disappear soon! While in the area, visit the nearby island of Chiloe, where in addition to experiencing remnants of indigenous Mapuche culture, one can see its colorful stilt houses, and if you’re lucky, penguins!
Chile’s Atacama Desert is the driest place on the planet and boasts some of its most stunning landscapes
Most travelers don’t go to Chile for stargazing, but the north of the country has some of the world’s largest telescopes. Its high altitude and lack of precipitation offer ideal conditions for astronomic activity. Some places there do indeed look and feel out of this world! Fly to Calama and get transferred to a hotel in San Pedro de Atacama or one of the first-class or luxury lodges on its outskirts.
Four or five day visits here usually include excursions to such amazing places as the Tatio Geysers, one of the coolest high-altitude geothermal fields in the world. Then there’s the aptly named Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), where one can see some of the most unusual colors and rock formations this side of the North American Southwest. And few experiences can top driving around Salar de Tara – a huge stretch of salt flats and lagoons, including random wind carved walls of rock. Despite appearing completely desolate, don’t be surprised if you see wildlife, such as Andean foxes, vicunas and flamingoes!
For more information on tours to these places, here is an informative link: Chile – Lakes and Atacama