This former fishing port, situated in the Patagonian region of southern Chile, has blossomed into a tourist haven. This trendy town offers boutique beers, wine tastings and famous brand shops catering to the international set, but it has lost nothing of its relaxed pace in the process. From Puerto Natales, visitors can take a trip to the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine with its impressive rock formations and ice field (the third largest in the world); travel by ferry through the Chilean fjords; or visit the prehistoric caves at the Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument (where the remains of the giant ground sloth were found in 1895).
Set close to the tip of Chile's southern Patagonia region, Punta Arenas is the southernmost continental city in the world. Situated on the Strait of Magellan, it is best known as a departure point for trips to Antarctica and other bioceanic travelling. The city's charms, history, tax-free shopping, good travellers' services and hospitality make it a popular destination in its own right. It has much to offer by way of history – visit the Mayorino Borgatello Salesian Museum, the Shepherds Monument 'Monumento al Ovejero', and the Patagonia Institute. Don't miss the Nao Victoria Museum, where visitors can view a full-size replica of the first ship to circumnavigate the world, Ferdinand Magellan's ship 'Victoria'.
Known for its spectacular beauty, Torres Del Paine National Park is a rich biosphere reserve in Chile’s Patagonian region. The park stretches over 242 000 hectares of magnificent landscape, featuring snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, golden grasslands and several lakes that attract a variety of water birds. Three iconic granite pillars of the Torres del Paine tower over the landscape of emerald forests and the impossibly blue lake. Travellers may be able to spot the endemic guanaco llama, Andean condor, foxes, cougars, guanacos, Chilean Huemul, and around 15 birds of prey. Neighbouring Bernardo O'Higgins National Park to the west and the Los Glaciares National Park to the north, Torres Del Paine is the perfect place for extended trips in the Chilean wild.
As previously described
As previously described
As previously described
As previously described
Set on the shores of the vast Llanquihue Lake in Chile, the picturesque Puerto Varas is known for its stunning natural scenery, traditional German-style architecture and excellent range of accommodation. The town offers incredible views of the snow-capped but active Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes and magnificent waterfalls of the lake. The Alerce Andino National Park, in the Andes Mountains to the south, provides another world to explore nearby, featuring lush green forests perfect for hiking and turquoise blue waters ideal for canoeing. Many German families settled in this southern Chilean town at the end of the 19th century and their influences are still evident in the local architecture, cuisine and traditions today. Puerto Varas features an excellent range of guesthouses, hotels, and restaurants serving traditional German food.
A bustling seaside city in southern Chile, Puerto Montt has humble beginnings as a German settlement in the 1850s. Today, it is the thriving capital of the Lakes District and the region's key port, transit and business hub. Begin by exploring the popular Angelmó harbour market to sample local gastronomy in the beckoning row of quaint, two-storey restaurants on the picturesque port and the streetside stalls selling smoked mussels, cochayuyo – an edible sea plant – and assorted trinkets. Other places of interest include the Iglesia Cathedral – the oldest building in the city – on the Plaza de Armas and the Casa del Arte Diego Rivera, where local artists, sculptors and photographers are showcased. From the harbour, it's a short boat ride across to Tenglo Island for views of the snow-capped volcanic peaks.
Idyllically sandwiched between the massive Lake Villarrica and the active Villarrica Volcano in Chile’s scenic Lake District, the little town of Pucon is a popular destination for travellers looking for an authentic Chilean adventure. Pucon is a mecca for adventure sports enthusiasts and boasts the best small-town tourism setup south of Costa Rica, offering visitors well-organised excursions and activities, comfortable accommodations, a wide selection of restaurants, cafes and bars. Popular activities include: water sports such as kayaking on the beautiful lake, hiking through the spectacular Villarrica National Park, whitewater rafting down the Trancura River, as well as snowboarding and skiing on the magnificent slopes of the snow-capped Villarica Volcano.
Resting in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean Coast Range, Chile’s vibrant, cosmopolitan, the capital city of Santiago is famous for its beautiful parks, a wealth of historical attractions, and exciting arts and music scenes. The Cerro San Cristobal Park, the largest green space in the city, lies on a hill and is reached by a funicular ride. It offers visitors stunning sweeping views of the city, as well as a picturesque botanical garden and two huge swimming pools. The colonial Plaza de Armas, in the old town centre, is a delight to explore with its numerous Neoclassical buildings and museums, most notably the home-turned-museum of renowned poet Pablo Neruda. Visitors can also look forward to wonderful live shows, concerts and exhibitions.
Resting just 1.5 hours from the capital city of Santiago, Valparaiso (or Valpo as it has been affectionately dubbed by locals) is one of a string of coastal resort towns on Chile’s magnificent central coast. What sets Valparaiso apart from its neighbours is its charming collection of ramshackle, colourful houses spilling chaotically down its 45 steep 'cerros' (hillsides). While Valparaiso lacks white-sand beaches, it certainly makes up for it with its endlessly charming quirky character, its thriving street art scene, its fantastic funicular railway system and its spectacular seaside views. To see Valparaiso at its bohemian best, visit at the end of December during its week-long carnival festivities which typically ends in a jaw-dropping New Year’s Eve spectacle of fireworks.
The small town of San Pedro de Atacama is a scenic oasis in the Atacama Desert, surrounded by the imposing volcanic peaks of the Chilean altiplano and located close to several major archaeological and natural attractions. The fascinating ancient sites of Tulor and Quitor, the enthralling Atacama Salt Flat, the jaw-dropping turquoise Altiplanic Lagoons, and the other-worldly Tatio Geysers all lie nearby, and as a result, the village has become a significant tourist destination. Despite its small size it encompasses a wide range of restaurants; however, it is also known for its ‘western feel’ and retains an old-world charm. History enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the atmospheric 17th-century Iglesia San Pedro. However, it is really the breathtaking surroundings that make this destination special.
Situated in the Atacama Desert, some 16km north of the copper mining area of Chuquicamata (Chile’s main economic exploit), at an elevation of 2 260m, Calama is the gateway to the geological and archaeological wonders of Chile’s high central desert. The town welcomes visitors with its charming layout, most notably the Ramírez Promenade, where one can enjoy tradition-rich sites, such as de Marzo Square (where locals ply their trades of piercing, tattooing and braiding) and the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral with its magnificent copper ceiling. From Calama, visitors can explore an array of enticing attractions, including the El Loa National Park, the village of San Pedro, the Valley of the Moon, the Licancabur volcano and the Atacama Salt Flats.
Located in Chile west of South America’s Andes Mountains, the Atacama Desert is a desolate wonderland of dramatic scenery and captivating attractions. Its remote landscapes range from the pale beauty of salt flats dotted with the ostentatious pinks of flamingos and the surreal, steamy landscape of the Tatio geysers at sunrise, to the bizarre rock formations of Moon Valley and the ancient archaeological sites of Tulor and Quitor Pukara. The region’s culture is unique and welcoming, and an abundance of small villages continue to practise timeless traditions among the often extreme, although highly photogenic, terrain. One of the favourite activities in the area is stargazing, as the desert is has the clearest skies in the entire southern hemisphere. The Atacama is also home to one of the most famous astronomical observatories in the northern half of Chile, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array.
