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Chile 360° – Virtual trip to the highlights of Chile

in Newsletter 3. June 2020

In our last newsletter we took you to Chile with a list of interesting short films and hope that the wonderful landscape shots inspired you to dream and travel.

Today we would like to present you the new app Chile 360° from Imagen de Chile. Enjoy 360° pictures and videos with this application and experience Chile up close on a virtual journey to the most famous sights of the country. Explore Patagonia and the famous Torres del Paine, glide over a volcano, stroll through the Atacama Desert, tour Santiago’s cathedral, visit a wine cellar, or let yourself be enchanted by the starry night sky of Northern Chile.

Chile 360° offers a unique experience that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. The app is also compatible with virtual reality (VR) glasses, so you can rotate 360 degrees just like in real life and the image moves with you. But even without this accessory it is worthwhile to look at these fascinating pictures and picture yourself on a future trip to Chile.

If you would like to see more pictures from our country with interesting insider information, you will find them on our Instagram . We look forward to your visit.

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Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory — Chile Virtual Tour

This is the Virtual Tour v.2.0 for Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, Chile.

The Virtual Tour is fully interactive in your web browser. We recommend fullscreen viewing (double-click anywhere or click on the icon upper right side). 

The Virtual Tour can also be downloaded for offline use on a PC (.exe) or a Mac (BZip2 archive). You will need to install the Virtual Tour locally. Please accept any Firewall notices (the files are safe to install). 

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Un viaje virtual a Chile Posted by sasha on Jun 24, 2020 in Videos

Durante esta pandemia global, viajar es muy difícil (During this global pandemic, traveling is very difficult). Between border closures, limited flight options, and mandatory quarantines, many are choosing to stay at home this summer. I’ve been leading virtual tours here on the Spanish blog to help you experience different countries from the comfort of your home. Check out the past posts on Perú and México if you missed them. Hoy vamos a visitar Chile (Today we are going to visit Chile).

Amazing Torres del Paine in Chile.

Español chileno

El español chileno es interesante y un poco difícil (Chilean Spanish is interesting and a bit difficult). I had studied Spanish in Mexico, Colombia, and Peru before traveling to Chile, and I must admit I was a bit lost once I got there!

First of all, Chile uses different words for certain things. For example, I always knew of an avocado as un aguacate , but in Chile it’s una palta . Then there are the many unique Chilean expressions, such as “¿ Cachai ?”, which basically means “Do you get it?”

Before we continue with our virtual tour of Chile, I recommend reading up on some common Chilean expressions . While you’re at it, go ahead and study these 13 expressions using “ a ,” including my personal favorite – a todo chancho (at full blast).

Santiago de Chile: La Capital

El verano en Santiago es genial.

Our journey begins in la capital – Santiago de Chile. I had the good fortune of being able to spend over a month in the Chilean capital staying with a local friend who I had studied with in Indonesia. Ella es una gran maestra de español (She is a great Spanish teacher)!

With her help and patience, I put together a series of nine different videos – three for each destination. In the videos, you’ll hear her introduce the places with her wonderful native Chilean accent. First, you’ll just listen as you see scenes of the place she’s talking about. Then, you can listen again and follow along with the subtitles.

But first, I recommend you practice reading on your own. See if you can understand the text before watching the videos. Highlight any words you don’t know, look them up, and write them down. This virtual tour will turn out to be a great Spanish lesson if you do so!

Santiago es la capital de Chile. Es la ciudad más grande del país. Más de siete millones de personas viven en ella.

Fue fundada en 1541 por el conquistador español Don Pedro de Valdivia y es el centro político, financiero y cultural de Chile. 

Santiago tiene un verano cálido y seco, y un invierno frío con baja humedad.

La Plaza de Armas es la plaza principal de Santiago. Allí puedes encontrar la histórica Catedral Metropolitana, la casa central de Correos de Chile, y el palacio de la Corte Suprema.

Este edificio ahora está destinado al Museo de Historia Nacional. Ahí puedes subir hasta la cima de la torre del reloj para una mejor vista de la plaza.

Una gran forma de ver Santiago y aprender sobre la ciudad es tomar un tour en bicicleta. “La Bicicleta Verde” organiza dos tours al día. Te recomendamos tomar ambos un día.

En el tour, vas a visitar parques, probar helados típicos deliciosos, y aprender sobre la historia de Santiago. Y por ultimo también vas a visitar el Palacio de La Moneda, la residencia presidencial.

En Santiago hay un par de cerros que puedes subir, como el cerro Santa Lucía que está justo en el centro de la ciudad.

La hermosa fuente de Neptuno está en la base del cerro. También puedes ver el Castillo Hidalgo cuando estés ahí. Hay una gran vista de la ciudad desde la cima.

Por otro lado, el cerro San Cristóbal es un paseo ideal para hacer una caminata. En la cumbre puedes ver la estatua de la Virgen María. Puedes tomar el teleférico al bajar y disfrutar la vista en el camino.

Santiago es la casa del edificio más alto de Latinoamérica. La Gran Torre Santiago tiene 300 metros de altura y es parte del Costanera Center. Allí encontrarás un centro comercial gigantesco. El patio de comidas tiene un balcón con vista a la montaña. Asegúrate de probar la especialidad Chilena, el completo.

Es fácil viajar a Santiago y pasear por sus alrededores. También cuenta con un aeropuerto internacional de buen tamaño y vuelos a muchos países.

La ciudad tiene una extensa red de metro y buses llamada Transantiago.

Si viajas a Santiago, debes comprar una tarjeta BIP, la que puedes cargar y usar para viajar en buses y metro.

Santiago es grande y moderna. Es un lugar interesante con un montón de cosas para ver y hacer.

Como museos, parques, monumentos históricos, iglesias, centros culturales y una gastronomía que mezcla sabores típicos y del mundo.

Es el mejor lugar para aprender la historia y cultura chilena.

Hay muchos bares y restaurantes para elegir que te encantarán.  ¿ Quieres viajar a Santiago?

If you want to get an English translation and see some more photos from Santiago, just click here .

Valparaíso: Una Ciudad Bohemia

Welcome to Valpo.

Valparaíso está ubicado en la costa pacífica en la zona central de Chile. Está a sólo 120 kilómetros al noroeste de Santiago.

Valparaíso es la segunda ciudad más importante de Chile. Más de 900.000 personas viven en la región. 

Se le ha llamado “la joya del Pacífico” pero estos días mucha gente la llama “Valpo”.

Es una ciudad bohemia y un centro cultural muy destacado. También es un centro educacional ya que muchas universidades están ubicadas en la zona.

Como tiene muchas colinas, Valparaíso instaló un sistema de funiculares como ascensores.

Te detienes en un cafecito y luego tomas uno para subir.

Muchos artistas viven en Valparaíso, y vas a ver las asombrosas muestras de arte callejero repartidas por toda la ciudad.

Es divertido para dar vueltas por sus callecitas curvilíneas en búsqueda de arte. También puedes disfrutar los coloridos edificios y las vistas de la ciudad.

Valparaíso es un lugar muy popular para festejar el año nuevo. Millones de personas vienen exclusivamente a eso.

A medianoche, hay una muestra gigantesca de fuegos artificiales que recorren la bahía.

La fiesta sigue toda la noche, mientras la gente bebe, canta y baila hasta que el sol sale.

Cuando despiertes, necesitas probar la especialidad – chorrillana – que consiste en una base de papas fritas y cubierta en carne salteada, huevos revueltos, cebolla frita y aveces queso o crema ácida.

Te recomendamos acompañarlo con un “terremoto”, que debe su nombre a la mezcla que contiene pipeño (vino fresco), fernet y helado de piña. 

Puedes tomar un bus a Viña del Mar en la tarde. Es llamada la ciudad jardín ya que es un destino turístico muy popular y reconocido por su belleza. Hay muchas playas donde puedes relajarte.

Valparaíso también ofrece una vida nocturna genial.

Hay cervecerías artesanales donde puedes probar las especialidades mientras escuchas jazz en vivo.

También hay bares donde puedes ir a tomar por poco dinero con amigos.

Muchos músicos y artistas presentan en las calles. Siempre hay una atmósfera muy movida por las noches.

Con edificios coloridos, arte callejero, vida nocturna, y la gran fiesta de año nuevo, Valparaíso es una ciudad muy divertida para visitar.

Con un par de días aquí, podrás andar en funiculares, admirar el arte, apreciar las vistas, festejar duro y descansar en la playa.

¿Te gustaría visitar esta ciudad chilena tan cool?

For the English translation, check out this post on Valpo. I also recommend reading this post about “Oda a Valparaíso” (“Ode to Valparaíso”) by the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, whose home you can visit while in the city.

Torres del Paine: Un Hermoso Parque Nacional

Chile is amazing!

El parque nacional Torres del Paine está ubicado al sur de Chile. Está ubicado en la región conocida como Patagonia.

Es uno de los parques más grandes y más visitados del país. “Paine” no significa dolor, significa “azul” en la lengua nativa de los Tehuelche.

Cuando te bajas del bus, necesitas registrarte y comprar un ticket. Entonces puedes tomar un bus al centro de visitantes.

Haz una pausa para un café aquí antes de ingresar al campamento. También puedes anotarte para ir a dar una vuelta a caballo.

Los campamentos aquí son reservados con meses de anticipación durante la temporada alta.

Las carpas están disponibles para arriendo si no tienes una. Deja tus maletas y sal para un día de caminata a las Torres.

Es un día largo, toma alrededor de 8 horas ida y vuelta. Hay una vista preciosa a lo largo de todo el camino.

Después de un par de horas, llegarás al campamento “Chileno”. Este es un buen lugar para detenerse y almorzar. Después estarás listo para continuar con el paseo.

Cruza ríos, alza la vista hacia las cimas de las montañas, y ve las cascadas a la distancia. Pronto será tiempo de comenzar la difícil caminata hacia lo alto de la parte rocosa de la montaña.

Eventualmente, vas a ver las torres delante de ti. Esto va a darte la motivación para terminar la parte final y más difícil del camino. Cuando por fin llegues, verás que valió la pena el esfuerzo. El paisaje aquí se ve como algo salido de un sueño.

Finalmente, es hora de dar la vuelta y volver al campamento. Asegúrate de hacerlo antes de que anochezca, ya que hay pumas en el parque. Tus piernas van a estar muy inflamadas cuando logres llegar. Come tu cena y ve a descansar, mañana será otro día de caminata.

En el segundo día en Torres del Paine, puedes tomar el ferry para cruzar el lago. Es un paseo con muy buena vista.

Ingresa en el campamento “Paine Grande”, almuerza y empieza a caminar. La visión del lago está como para una postal.

Hoy vas a caminar al Valle Francés. Hay un hermoso sendero a lo largo del lago para llegar allí. Puede ponerse muy ventoso.

Después de curzar el Puente, vas a llegar al “Campamento Italiano”.  Haz una breve pausa aquí y luego sigue tu camino hacia el Valle Francés.

Esta es parte de las mejores vistas del parque, asi que quédate en pie aquí el mayor tiempo que puedas.

Para el ultimo día, puedes caminar al mirador del Ventisquero Grey. Es otro lindo día de caminata en Torres del Paine.

Asegúrate de detenerte seguido para absorber la belleza de los paisajes. Después de un par de horas, vas a llegar al mirador.

Es muy ventoso allí arriba, ¡se cuidadoso! Toma algunas fotos del ventisquero y después vuelve al campamento.

Este es el fin de tres maravillosos días de paseo en Torres del Paine.

Click here to read the full blog post that also includes an English translation. Last but not least, here are a few questions you can practice answering in Spanish:

¿Has estado en Chile? ¿Dónde fuiste? Have you been to Chile? Where did you go?

¿quieres visitar chile ¿a dónde quieres ir do you want to visit chile where do you want to go.

Build vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and more with Transparent Language Online. Available anytime, anywhere, on any device.

About the Author: sasha

Sasha is an English teacher, writer, photographer, and videographer from the great state of Michigan. Upon graduating from Michigan State University, he moved to China and spent 5+ years living, working, studying, and traveling there. He also studied Indonesian Language & Culture in Bali for a year. He and his wife run the travel blog Grateful Gypsies, and they're currently trying the digital nomad lifestyle across Latin America.

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18 immersive virtual ways to explore latin america right now.

With so many brilliant Latin American virtual tours and experiences available online, we've selected the very best to help you to enjoy its colourful cultures, cuisines and natural wonders at home...

Latin America is a vast and exciting part of the world, and its virtual equivalent is also overwhelming. That's why we've put together this virtual travel guide, to help you find the Latin American virtual experiences best suited to you. 

From whizzing around museums and touring ancient sites, to following a live cookery class and salsa-dancing up and down your living room, these virtual experiences from a mix of Latin American nations will help you to immerse yourself in their colourful cultures. 

Search based on your interests, or keep scrolling for the full guide...

Top virtual experiences for culture seekers

Top virtual experiences for wildlife enthusiasts

Top virtual adventures for thrill seekers

Top virtual experiences for learning new skills

More Latin American armchair travel ideas

 3 incredible Latin American virtual tours for culture seekers

1. machu picchu, peru.

Take a virtual tour of Machu Picchu, Peru (Shutterstock)

In real life, Peruvian authorities have closed this ancient Inca  site. In the virtual world, however, you’re granted access into every nook and cranny of this mountaintop citadel. Better still, the audio guide will ensure you know exactly what you're looking at.

Take the tour

2.  The Museu de Arte de São Paulo, Brazil 

Take a virtual look at the art on display in the Museu de Arte de São Paulo, Brazil (Shutterstock)

Over in Brazil, art lovers can take a closer look at the wide collection housed inside São Paulo's MASP. With an overwhelming 8,000 pieces of art on display, the online exhibits have thankfully been sorted by category.

With everything from textiles and pottery to realism and modern art, simply select a category to whizz through a section of the museum, zooming in on and reading about the works that particularly catch your eye. 

3.  Chichén Itzá , Mexico 

Chichén Itzá, Mexico (Shutterstock)

Mayan history can be lapped up at the virtual version of Mexico's famous  Chichén Itzá . Whether you want to stand at the bottom of the Kukulkan Pyramid, fly over the complex in a helicopter to see the temples from the top, or want to take a deep dive into the site's history - then this tour is for you. 

3 Latin American virtual experiences that are great for wildlife enthusiasts 

1. the  galápagos islands.

Meet the wildlife of the Galápagos Islands - virtually, of course (Dreamstime)

With sea lions and marine iguanas crowding the shores, sharks and whales hogging the waters and even penguins splashing in the shallows, the Galápagos Islands are probably the best place to go if you want guaranteed wildlife sightings.

And the online Galápagos  is no different. The Google experience offers up videos of animal action above and below the shoreline.

Expect up-close, 360 degree encounters with the most popular of the island's residents. There's even a 'street view', allowing you to tour the archipelago at your own pace and in a direction of your choosing. 

2. Canopy Lodge, Panama

Go birdwatching in Panama, without leaving your house (Shutterstock)

This eco-lodge in Panama's jungle-clad Anton Valley is a popular spot with birders, who come here to hear the birdsong and spot rare species of birds flitting around in the cloud forest.

The good news is that the lodge has a webcam, so you can keep your eye's peeled for great jacamar, black-billed flycatcher, macaw, and cuckoo, among other vibrant coloured species. And even if the birds are feeling camera shy, their song can almost always be heard on the livestream. 

Watch the livestream

3. Gardens of the Queen, Cuba

Gardens of the Queen, Cuba (Shutterstock)

Arguably one of the best dive sites in the world, the Gardens of the Queen is an archipelago off the coast of Cuba, that was discovered by Christopher Columbus.

Its waters hide a vibrant coral reef, home to sharks, turtles and various other species of fish. Take a virtual dive beneath the calming surface to see sharks gracefully gliding past, turtles swimming towards you and hear the bubbles from the divers. 

  3 thrilling Latin American virtual tours for those feeling adventurous

1. iguazu falls, argentina and brazil .

Take a virtual tour of the mighty Iguazu Falls (Shutterstock)

Spanning two countries and forming a sequence of drops that stretch for almost three km - and combining to create huge plumes of mist, and a  deafening sound  - standing at the top of the Iguazu Falls makes for a thrilling adventure. 

You can't witness the power of the Falls in person, but a virtual tour stimulates the thrill. You can stand on one of the viewing platforms, gaze down into the Devil's Throat, and even stand under upside-down rainbows. 

2. Chile's adventurous landscapes

Take a virtual tour of adventure-packed Chile (Shutterstock)

With the Atacama Desert, the famous Torres Del Paine National Park, a salt flat, lunar-like landscapes and Patagonia's giant glaciers - Chile is home to some of the most adventurous landscapes on Earth. 

The Chilean borders may be closed for now, but that doesn't mean the adventure has to stop. The Chile 360 app allows you to travel the entire country. You can trek through the desert, get up close to the wildlife, and even fly over to Chile's remote Easter Island. 

3. Wander around the Amazon Basin, Brazil

Go on a virtual adventure through the Amazon Basin (Shutterstock)

The Rio Negro Basin in the Brazilian Amazon is a true wilderness. The thick jungle may be remote, but it's filled with cultural and wildlife experiences. Way off the beaten track, it's the very stuff adventure is made of. 

Experience it for yourself by getting onto 'street' (jungle track) level with the help of Google. Journey down the epic river, trek one of the jungle trails, meet the local tribes and spot wild animals on an exhilarating journey through the lungs of the Earth. 

  3 top Latin American virtual experiences for those who want to learn a new skill 

1. learn to cook nicaraguan  gallo pinto.

Cook up a Nicaraguan-inspired gallo pinto (Shutterstock)

Fortunately, no travel doesn't mean we can't get a taste for the world's most unusual, inspiring and delicious cuisines. For example, G allo pinto   (beans and rice) is a staple in Nicaragua, and a great way to spice up your evening meals.

N ow, imagine you are learning to make the dish in the country itself. All you have to do is cook alongside the renowned Chef Tito on YouTube. He has a variety of Nicaraguan recipes on his channel to try, as well, including plenty of seafood dishes. 

Take the cookery course

2. Learn to salsa in  Puerto Rico

Learn to salsa (Shutterstock)

What better way to immerse yourself in the vibrant, lively culture of Puerto Rico than by joining some of its locals for a salsa dance? 

The enthusiastic teachers will take you through the routine step by step, so before you know it, your spirits will be lifted and you'll be salsa dancing like an expert up and down your house.

3. Learn to cook Peruvian food (including some delicious veggie options) 

Learn to make a Peruvian ceviche and a pisco sour cocktail (Shutterstock)

We love the food of Martin Morales, a chef and  restaurateur based in London. 

What's more, his restaurants make the most of Peru's vegetables, so it is no surprise that his Martin's Peruvian Kitchen YouTube channel includes videos on how to make a vegetarian causa or an avocado burger. But the classics are there too. 

The mix of Martin's passion and his easy to follow yet mouth-watering recipes make for an inspiring experience.

Take the class

6 more armchair wanderlust ideas for Latin America 

1. feel the rhythm of brazil .

Listen to the music of Brazil (Shutterstock)

This Spotify playlist curated by the director of tour operator Senderos mixes the many genres of Brazilian music and is bound to get you up and dancing. 

2. Listen to a podcast 

Escape to Colombia via podcast (Shutterstock)

Travel podcasts have the power to transport you all over the world. So why not close your eyes, put your feet up, plug your headphones in and journey to Colombia with the Colombia Calling podcast? 

3. Watch Latin America on TV 

Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti is on ITV Player now (ITV)

If you're anything like us, then you'll be hooked on the BBC's series   Race Across The World   right now.

The show takes you all the way through the continent, starting in Mexico and finishing all the way up in Ushuaia, Argentina.

And there's more, too. Watch  The Americas With Simon Reeves or travel through Cuba with Joanna Lumley. 

See the TV shows

4. Hear the sounds of the jungle 

Listen to the sounds of the rainforest (Shutterstock)

This playlist features two soothing soundtracks, recorded in the deepest parts of the Amazon Rainforest.

With animal calls, leaves rustling and the sounds of many insects, simply close your eyes to kid yourself you're in the middle of it all.

There are night and day soundtracks, so you'll be able to listen to how the sounds change as night approaches and different animals wake up.   

5. Read a book 

Read a book

For example, Paul Theroux's On the Plain of Snakes  takes you on a Mexican road trip, while cameraman Gavin Thurston describes his experience of filming in the Galápagos in his book Journeys in the Wild.

Countless authors can help you to travel to Latin America (and beyond) with the power of the written word.

Read the books

6. Curl up with Wanderlust magazine

Read Wanderlust magazine

In 1992, Lyn Hughes and her late husband, Paul Morrison, were on a flight to South America when they schemed out the idea for Wanderlust on the back of a sick bag.

Today, Wanderlust  magazine covers  destinations  from all over the world, but  Latin American countries remain  a firm favourite.

Make a cup of tea, get yourself comfortable, and enjoy travel tales from Latin America and beyond. 

Read the magazine

Lockdown or no lockdown, keep exploring: 

Here's our pick of the 9 best virtual tours, you can't travel, but you can eat enjoy the world's best recipes, travel through your tv with these inspiring shows, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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Get the very best of Wanderlust  by signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers.

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Tourism in Chile Where the impossible is possible

From the extreme north with the driest desert in the world to the austral south with eternal ice and inverted waterfalls, Chile is an invitation hard to refuse. Learn about tourism in Chile and be amazed by the experiences in the southernmost portion of the world.

Discover our diversity

The tranquility of vast sandy esplanades and intense sunshine contrast with deep blue lagoons, small towns where the native customs are kept intact and large cities with beautiful beaches.

Nestled in a plain of small valleys and coastal destinations, central Chile stands out as one of the most populated areas and surprises with the assortment of activities that can be performed, from the mountains to the beaches.

The mystical Rapa Nui culture floods the entire island and gives life to one of the most emblematic destinations in the world. Its pink sand beaches, volcanoes and grasslands along with more than a thousand Moais are just some of its main attractions.

The rain falls heavily on millenary ancient forests of deep vegetation and assorted wildlife, and then gives way to a deep blue sky. Southern Chile stands out not only for its wonderful green landscapes, but also for being one of the most important areas for adventure tourism in the world.

An almost untouched nature full of mountains, fjords, glaciers, forests, steppes, pioneer villages where you can breathe the cattle traditions and the gaucho culture, along with important cities, is part of what you can find in the Chilean Patagonia.

Enjoy Chile, live Chile

• Itineraries
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3 amazing destinations to visit from the PUQ Airport

Five magical cities in the south of Chile that you must visit

Los Jesuitas Route in Chile: How to get there and all the points you should visit

Visit Osorno Volcano and discover the magical surroundings of southern Chile

Neighborhoods and Activities to Enjoy Nightlife in Santiago

Salt flats, wildlife, and more: Things to see and do in the Atacama Desert

Discover the panoramas that await you in the metropolitan region

Come to Chile with your partner! What you need to know to come to Chile with your pet

Overland on the Carretera Austral and Tierra del Fuego: an adventure in nature

Pumalín National Park: preservation as an impulse in local development

Come to Chile’s most romantic destinations

The most romantic experiences that you could live in San Pedro de Atacama

Three days in the main vineyards and valleys in Chile

A few kilometers from santiago: what to do in the cajón del maipo, adventures that endure: 2 days of hikes in the andean araucanía, enjoy santiago’s mountains and the casablanca valley.

How to get to Chile?

No matter where you are! Select the country you are in and choose the airline that suits you best to get to Chile*:

(*) Official information of Nuevo Pudahuel

Travel through Chile's destinations

Are you an adventure, beach or desert person? Select the following options to give you the best recommendation according to your interests:

Travelers Recommend

The Aysén region in Chile is full of special places. Today we went to the Exploradores Glacier, and it has been quite an adventure! In total 6 hours on foot, going through forest, moraine, ice… using crampons, being cold and hot at the same time… I LOVED IT.

After an hour on the road, we began to see herds of guanacos running through the Patagonian pampas, and that confirmed that we had reached our next destination: @parquepatagonia.

After going rafting down the Baker River with @raftingbaker, bathing in icy water, seeing incredible landscapes and chatting with people who only teach and add things to our lives

April Global Children’s Book Club: Chile Activities for Kids: Chile Virtual Tour

Join us as we learn about Chile! During this virtual tour of Chile for kids, we’ll enjoy fun and inspiring Chile activities. This Chile virtual field trip as part of the Global Children’s Book Club is a perfect way to explore the world from home!}

Here’s the 2021 Global Children’s Book Club Book List ! Get your FREE Printable 2021 Global Children’s Book Club Reading Log here! Here’s the 2021 Global Children’s Book Club Printable Book List!

Be sure to sign up for the email list to stay up to date!

You can also participate in a number of FREE Chile activities for kids whenever you’d like. You can use these resources as part of a Chile homeschool unit, or just for some additional learning at home. Click through to the different subjects for all the books, activities, recipes, and more.

Chile Homeschooling & Learning Resources: Chile Virtual Tour

Thanks for learning about chile with us.

We’ve loved putting together this resource to virtually learn about Chile with kids. We’d love to hear if you do any of these activities for a homeschooling Chile unit.

We hope to inspire curiosity and connection through exploring and learning, and we hope this guide helps you and your families. Please share any activities you do with us over on our  Instagram . And we’d be delighted if you passed this Chile guide for kids and homeschooling resource along to others, as well!

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Virtual Tour – Talks

In an ideal scenario, everyone would be able to participate in an in-person visit to ALMA. But traveling to Chile or San Pedro de Atacama is not always possible. That is why we are bringing the world of radio astronomy closer through online talks called “Virtual Tours”, which cover different topics to provide new perspectives on the complex organization behind the most important observatory in the world. Through interviews with members of ALMA, specialists on diverse topics, we explain the details in a way that would otherwise be hard for the general public to understand.

The Virtual Tours are held live through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube, where the public has the opportunity to interact with our guests and ask questions. All the recordings are also available on this page.

We invite you to enjoy these live “Virtual Tours” and learn about the fascinating world of astronomy with ALMA through the voices of its protagonists!

The topics discussed until now include some of the following:

• Antenna Maintenance
• The Correlator and the Receivers
• Antenna Transporters
• Antenna Control Room
• ALMA Neighboring Communities
• Image Generation
• ALMA Software
• Interferometry
• The Scheduled Shutdown
• Photo Ambassadors
• How can you observe with ALMA?

1. Antenna maintenance

Engineers and technicians who are specialists in maintaining the ALMA antennas explain how they program the care of these 66 gigantic machines so they can detect signals from the Universe and receive as many signals as possible for scientific observation. They also explain the logistics between the team of scientists and engineers, and they discuss the extreme weather conditions at the altitude of the Chajnantor Plateau, where the ALMA antennas are located.

“We are in the most fun team of the observatory! where all the action is, where we can assembly the antennas and everything, from the smallest screw to the biggest on the transporter. We are the lucky ones”, thay said.

Guests: Fabiola Cruzat (Antenna Maintenance Supervisor) and Mark Gallilee (Technical Mechanical Lead)

2. The Correlator and the receivers

Astrophysicists, engineers and technicians discuss the operation of the receivers - “the retina” of each ALMA antenna- and the giant computer known as the Correlator, which processes all the observation data. These fundamental instruments are located in the Chajnantor Plateau, at 5,000 meters above sea level at the heights of the Atacama Desert.

“The correlator is a very complex and delicate machine, whose operation allows us to get a very faint signal from the sky. The colder are the antenna receivers, the better will be the extraction of this very weak signal from the general noise”, they stated.

Guests:  Giorgio Siringo (Senior RF Engineer & FE Technical Lead) and Lorenzo Martinez (Electronics Engineer I)

3. Antenna Transporters

The machines that transport the antennas -fundamental in changing the settings of the array based on the astronomic schedule- are the stars of this episode. To understand the complex operations of each of their parts, engineers and technicians teach us about this wonder of engineering.

“They are huge machines, 10 meters wide and 20 meters long, would be about 5 times wider than your average car, 5 times longer as well”, they said.

Guests: Mark Gallilee (Technical Mechanical Lead) and Massimiliano Marchesi (Antenna Maintenance Group Manager)

4. Antenna control room

Two rooms with multiple screens located at the base camp and in Santiago are used to operate the antennas and make scientific observations. ALMA astronomers and antenna operators invite us to learn how the different monitors operate and share their experiences during both day and night shifts.

“There are many instruments that must be monitored in some way to ensure that the quality of the observation is optimal”, they stated.

Guests: Ludwig Von Dossow (Antenna Array Operator) and Sergio Martin (Operations Performance Group Manager)

5. ALMA neighboring communities

We meet with the Public Relations Officer to learn about the work that ALMA does with the neighboring communities in northern Chile, in educational and cultural aspects and in funding projects.

"We support our neighbors with different initiatives that range from the economic -such as the ALMA II region funds, ALMA-CONICYT, educational programs such as ECBI-, to inclusion issues, and cultural initiatives", says Danilo Vidal.

Guest: Danilo Vidal (Public Relations Officer)

6. Image generation

In this virtual tour, our astronomers explain how data is gathered from the Universe, how it is processed to be received by the main researcher or “owner” of the observation time, and how images are generated from this data.

Guests: Drew Brisbin and Laura Gomez (both Science Content Archive Managers).

7. ALMA Software

The delicate tool tailored for the observatory: the ALMA Common Software (ACS) is reviewed in detail in this chapter: its operation and how it connects with ALMA’s engineering and science departments to ensure that the complex computer elements of the observatory are functioning appropriately.

"The observatory itself is a data factory, where on the one hand we have clients (astronomers) who request observations of a celestial body and we store that information", said Software team members.

Guests: Camilo Saldías and María Jesús López (both Front-line software Support Engineers), and Tomás Staig (Software Development Lead)

8. Interferometry

The Very Long Baseline Interferometer (VLBI), the same technique used to make the famous image of the m87 black hole, is the focus of this virtual tour. It is a technique similar to that is used by ALMA, but connects 11 telescopes around the world, allowing a thousand times better resolution to probe deeper into the structure of astronomical objects that are bright in radio waves.

“The level of satisfaction is maximum because we are helping to advance science, to increase the knowledge of humanity, and we hope that those who connect to these talks can get that feeling. ALMA is a spectacular observatory”, says one of the participating astronomers.

Our guests today: Geoff Crew, a member of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration and MIT Haystack Observatory, is the architect of the software used to make this possible at ALMA; ALMA's VLBI Observations Coordinator, Hugo Messias, and Deputy VLBI Observations Coordinator, David Rebolledo

9. The Scheduled Shutdown

Every year during part of February the observations are shutdown to carry out maintenance of the observatory from the engineering point of view. That date is chosen because it is usually the Altiplano winter season, which also affects astronomical observations.

“It is the major equipment maintenance plan that is carried out every year, it is scheduled in February in the middle of the Altiplano winter, when the weather conditions are very adverse,” Marcelo Jara tells us.

Guests: Iván López (Safety Manager) and Claudio Aranda (Deputy Supervisor of the Infrastructure Maintenance Group)

10. Photo Ambassadors

Who better than the ALMA collaborator himself to capture the perfect image of a unique moment in the observatory or of the starry sky. That is why we have photographic ambassadors at ALMA, team members who love photography and express it in their images.

“The most important thing for astrophotography is planning, because with cold, hunger and low light one cannot think well. You have to be clear with what parameters you are going to set the camera and only get to execute”, says Sergio Otarola, especially when it comes to obtaining an image at a high geographical altitude.

Guests: Pablo Bello and Pablo Carrillo, both members of the Array Maintenance Group.

11. How can you observe with ALMA?

Scientists from all over the world use ALMA. 10% of observation time is allocated to the host country, Chile, and 90% for the partners, according to their financial contribution to ALMA. All partners contribute observing time toward “Open Skies” such that any astronomer, regardless of their affiliation, can apply for observing time by participating in the annual call for proposals.

“Based on the ranking that each proposal has, on the time it is requesting to observe with ALMA, when it is requesting it and, on the time available by the observatory, the proposals can be awarded an A grade, which is 33% of the total time, B that 67% and finally C to fill in as the third priority”, explains astronomer David Rebolledo.

Guests: Andrea Corvillon (Proposal Handing Team Leader) and David Rebolledo (Science Operations Astronomer)

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8 Incredible Places to Visit in Chile For Your Next Adventure

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 14th November 2023

Having spent over three years living in Santiago, plus multiple other trips back to Chile where I’ve hitchhiked , road-tripped , and trekked around this country , I think it’s fair to say I know a thing or two about the places to visit in Chile.

As one of the top destinations on the planet for adventurous travelers (and #1 in South America ), there are a plethora of destinations that you really need to discover on your next trip to South America’s skinniest and stunning[ist] country.

Sure, Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park are a huge draw (and included in this list), but there are so many utterly beautiful places across the country that deserve to be on your itinerary.

So, get ready to be inspired with this list of my eight favorite locations for your next adventure when you travel to Chile – and don’t miss my article about the best things to do in Chile , either!

1. Torres del Paine National Park

If you’ve read anything about this country then it should come as no surprise that Torres del Paine National Park comes out at the top of this list of places to visit in Chile.

I first saw the granite spires of this surreally beautiful national park when I hiked the W back in March 2016 and was so enamored that I had to return to complete the Full Circuit or O.

Although I understand that a nine-day hike can take quite a chunk out of anyone’s holiday allocation or backpacking trip in Chile, I strongly recommend that you consider trekking the Circuit  rather than the more popular – and very busy – W .

Not only will you get your fill of hanging glaciers, glimmering glacial lakes, and glimpses of guanacos, foxes, and hares, but it’s a genuine adventure that accessible even to those who’ve never embarked upon a multi-day hike before.

How to get to Torres del Paine National Park from Santiago: Flights from Santiago to Puerto Natales run from the start of December until the end of February with LATAM Airlines . Out of these dates, flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas with LATAM or Sky (two per day, three hours 25 minutes) are your best option.

Where to stay in Puerto Natales: The closest town to Torres del Paine is Puerto Natales, and most travellers stay at least overnight in what has become a surprisingly hip little town. Possibly my favorite hotel in Patagonia (or Chile itself) is Simple Patagonia  ($250 USD double) where, on clear evenings, sunsets across the sound are spectacular from its vast windows. Channeling the barns that once populated the region, the buildings are simple, while inside is a modern warm design, with underfloor heating, large tiled baths, and astonishing views from the living and dining area and bedrooms (the best are rooms 8 and 11). 

2. Chilean Tierra del Fuego, Southern Patagonia

As adventurous places to visit in Chile go, this is probably the most difficult and rewarding of them all. Tierra del Fuego, the huge island at the far end of Patagonia, is only really visited on the Argentine side, with tourists making their way to Ushuaia and the southernmost city on the planet.

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But the Chilean half of Tierra del Fuego is a bewitching paradise of soaring, snow-dusted mountains, rusty peat bog, and a huge range of native wildlife that you’re almost guaranteed to see on a trip here.

In March 2017, I took not one but two road trips to the very end of the road at Caleta Maria, powering through windswept landscapes in our rental Landrover and wild camping beside vast, undisturbed lakes. In March 2024, I returned and stayed at the incredible Lodge Deseado (read about my experiences in Tierra del Fuego and how you can visit independently ).

Chilean Tierra del Fuego was truly the most beautiful place I’ve ever been in South America and for adventurous souls, it’s the ultimate place to visit in Chile.

It’s also home to Parque Pingüino Rey , a reserve protecting the 70-or-so-strong colony of king penguins that lives at the shores of Bahía Inútil in Tierra del Fuego and which you can visit as part of an expensive tour from Punta Arenas or by arriving independently.

How to get to Tierra del Fuego from Santiago:  Fly from Santago to Punta Arenas and hire a vehicle (a 4×4 isn’t necessary but a car with reasonably high suspension is a good idea) and take the ferry across at Punta Delgada to Tierra del Fuego.

There are plenty of international vehicle rental companies in town, but for the best prices and to book easily in advance (and get insurance documents in English), I always use Rental Cars .

Where to stay in Tierra del Fuego: There is a range of cabañas (cabins) run by local people en route . We stayed in Hosteria Las Lengas (four-person cabin $83,300 CLP ($125 USD), double room $134,470 CLP ($202 USD), reservations [email protected] ) on the shores of Lago Blanco and at Estancia Lago Fagnano (camping (price unknown), four-person cabin $60,000 CLP ($90 USD), contact +61 2 262 366 or +56 9 821 683 88), as well as wild camped in various lake and riverside spots.

3. The Chepu Valley, Chiloé

A growing number of those who travel to Chile head to Chiloé, the island just south of Puerto Montt in the Lakes Region. It’s best known for its rainbow-colored houses on stilts that line the estuary in capital Castro and which are known as palafitos.

Many of these former fishermen’s dwellings have been converted into swish boutique hotels and symbolize the rich culture that makes this island so distinct from the rest of Chile.

You’ll also see this singular identity in the equally quirky wooden churches dotted around the island. 150 were built by the Jesuits in the early 1600s with the help of the Chilote people, with the remaining 60 – many in pastel hues – a curious representation of the island’s boatbuilding and religious heritage. 16 have also been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites to reflect their distinctive cultural importance.

Beyond the architecture, Chiloé is a place of unique food (try curanto, a seafood and potato stew cooked underground) and untouched natural landscapes.

While Parque Nacional Chiloé is the most visited, my personal favorite is the astoundingly beautiful and wildlife-rich Chepu Valley.

Here, I kayaked at dawn through the jet-black boughs of a forest that sunk beneath the waters of Río Puntra after a 9.3 magnitude earthquake – the largest ever recorded – ripped through the island, causing the whole of Chiloé to drop 1.5m.

You might even spot Southern river otters in these silent waters, and while I failed to do so, I did manage to catch a glimpse of a whole family of pudú, one of the smallest deer species in the world.

Unfortunately, the lodge that used to offer these tours has since shut down, so your best option is a tour from nearby Ancud. The area also has one of the most beautiful coastlines I’ve seen in Chile, so it’s well worth the wander down to the beach.

How to get to the Chepu Valley from Santiago: Sky and LATAM both fly to Puerto Montt (five per day, one-hour 45 minutes, from where you need to take a bus to Puerto Montt bus station to get connecting transport to Ancud.

From here, public buses leave on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to Chepu (check at the bus station for the exact times in the morning and afternoon). Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly to Chepu or get dropped off at KM 25 on the road towards Castro and hitchhike from there.

Where to stay in the Chepu Valley: On the western shores of Lago Cucao in the southwest of the island,  Palafito Cucao Lodge  ($130 USD double, two-night minimum) is one of my favorite places to stay in Chile. The building mimics a traditional wooden-shingled palafito, with a stylish living room and wraparound terrace over the lake, where you may spot an otter meandering through the waters. It’s also just a short distance from  Parque Nacional Chiloé , which is home to a number of short hiking trails and outstandingly beautiful beaches. 

4. The Carretera Austral, Northern Patagonia

This 1,240km stretch of mostly unpaved road makes for one of the most exciting ways of traveling in Chile: road-tripping. Depending on your Chile travel itinerary, you can start the Carretera Austral at its northern tip from Puerto Montt or at its southernmost town, Villa O’Higgins.

In reality, most rent a vehicle in the former (just check the T&Cs to ensure you can take it on the Carretera Austral) and drive through the glacial and forested landscapes of northern Patagonia, stopping at Carretera highlights such as the Queulat Hanging Glacier, the Enchanted Forest, the San Rafael Glacier, and the Marble Caves.

You can also hire a car in Balmaceda, an airport halfway down the Carretera Austral.

For those with even more adventurous tendencies, travel in Chile wouldn’t be complete without hitchhiking the Carretera Austral, a both safe and highly recommended way of seeing Patagonia.

You’ll need to allow yourself more time as it’s never guaranteed that you’ll get hitch, and also to pack a full set of camping equipment (check out my recommended packing list for Patagonia for suggestions ) just in case you get stuck in the middle of nowhere and have to pitch up in a spellbindingly beautiful part of Patagonia – what a shame!

How to get to the Carretera Austral from Santiago: Sky and LATAM both fly to Puerto Montt (five per day, one-hour 45 minutes). Alternatively, the Navimag ferry leaves Puerto Montt and sails to Coyhaique, about halfway along the Carretera Austral two times per week during the Austral summer.

Where to stay along the Carretera Austral: There are plenty of places to stay en route . Check out this complete guide to the Carretera Austral for all my recommendations.

5. Puerto Varas, The Lakes Region

Puerto Varas has long been one of the favorite places to visit in Chile for travelers, not only because this small city has an incredible lakeside location and is overlooked by the snowy cone of Volcán Osorno, but it’s also a short distance away from a whole host of hikes and activities.

One option is to summit the volcano using a tour, but if you’re on a smaller budget, you’re better off renting a car from town and driving up to the end of the road near the top of the volcano, from where it’s possible to ride the cable car even higher.

At the top of the cable car, you can hike to the red crater which has stupendous panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Nearby, there’s also the Saltos de Petrohue, a set of gushing waterfalls that spill over ancient lava flows and the tiny village of Petrohué where you can walk along the beach beside Lago Todos Los Santos and even pay a small amount for a short boat trip around the lake.

How to get to Puerto Varas from Santiago: Sky and LATAM both fly to Puerto Montt (five per day, one-hour 45-minutes) and from there, it’s a short bus journey to the bus station and then 20 minutes via local minibus to Puerto Varas. Buses from Santiago also leave for Puerto Varas, taking roughly 13 hours.

Where to stay in Puerto Varas: Both times that I’ve travelled in Chile to Puerto Varas, I’ve stayed in Compass del Sur  (dorm $14,000 CLP ($17 USD), double room $39,000 CLP ($46 USD)). They have huge, comfortable rooms and their breakfast is awesome!

6. The Atacama Desert, Norte Grande

Sky-piercing volcanoes combine with record-breaking geyser fields and a sprinkling of flamingos in the Atacama Desert, one of the most popular destinations for foreign tourists and one of the truly unmissable places to visit in Chile.

At over 2,400m above sea level, the Atacama Desert is breathtaking in both senses of the word and also one of the top places on the planet for stargazing thanks to an average of over 200 cloudless nights per year.

But while a trip to this high-altitude region of desert and salt flats is always going to be memorable, one way to ramp up the adventure is by hiring a car and heading out into the Atacama Desert under your own steam.

Not only will this save you a lot of cash, but it means that you can adapt your itinerary and reach places such as the Piedras Rojas – a strange formation of lava flow from one of the many surrounding volcanoes – which was my personal highlight.

How to get to the Atacama Desert from Santiago: Seven flights per day leave from Santiago to Calama (two hours 10-minutes), after which it’s a one-and-a-half-hour bus journey to San Pedro de Atacama, the oasis town at the heart of the desert.

Where to stay in the Atacama Desert: I stumbled upon Ckuri Atacama ($48,000 CLP ($78 USD) double) online and this is definitely the nicest place you will find in San Pedro. They only have three rooms and it’s best if you’re a couple (they’re only double rooms), but they all include a bathroom with shower, a large double bed and a small dining area with fridge, cutlery, and plates.

7. Valdivia, The Lakes Region

This small university city in the Lakes Region isn’t one of the places to travel in Chile for adventure per se , but given that so few tourists ever make it here, part of Valdivia’s appeal is that you feel like you’ve made it some truly away from the crowds.

That said, there’s plenty of room for an adventure in Valdivia, which is best known by Chileans as the beer capital of the country, thanks in large to the German heritage of many of its residents.

Brewing giant Kunstmann is based here and you can even do a tour of its factory (something I’ve heard compared to a trip to Disney Land – so you may want to give it a miss), but there’s a range of tiny, craft breweries and brilliant bars selling all the local brews (a particular favorite was El Growler ).

What’s more, the resident sea lion colony that lives at the fish market is more than worth the trip to Valdivia alone – particularly as you’ll likely see a fearless local dog attempting to have a standoff with an equally fearless sea lion…

Outside of town, you can take a bus to nearby Niebla where tiny motorboats transport you across to the ruined Spanish fortifications on Isla Mancera and Corral or you can enjoy the museum at Fuerte Nieble with its commanding views across the bay.

How to get to Valdivia from Santiago: It’s a ten-hour, overnight bus from Santiago to Valdivia with a number of companies offering the route. You can also take a 3-and-a-half-hour bus from Puerto Montt.

Where to stay in Valdivia: We stayed in the incredible Airesbuenos Hostel (dorms $12,000 CLP ($16 USD), double $32,000 CLP ($51 USD)), which has a beautiful outdoor space, huge comfortable bedrooms and a really great breakfast.

7. Pucón , The Lakes Region

For many, Pucón is the ultimate destination for adventure travel in Chile, with the main highlight being the fact that you can ascend to the peak of Volcán Villarrica, an active, 2,847m stratovolcano that presides over the town and the whole area.

One of the major draws of hiking to the top is the lava lake found within the volcano’s crater and which can be seen spitting lava in the months of February and March when it’s most active.

Luckily, it hasn’t erupted for two years, when it spewed lava and ash into the air and over 3,000 people were evacuated.

But the real fun comes when you make your way down, sliding on your posterior as far as the snow will take you.

Although you’re unlikely to see the lava if you visit in October or November, you’ll definitely end up sliding down the volcano a lot further (and walking a lot less) than we did when I was there in March.

In and around Pucón there are also a wealth of hiking trails with sensational views in Parque Nacional Huerquehue, kayaking and rafting opportunities on the nearby Río Trancura, and a load of hot springs that are best visited at night so that you can relax in a geothermal pool beneath a shimmering sky of stars.

How to get to Pucón from Santiago: Most visit Pucón as part of a trip towards Santiago from Patagonia as it’s around five hours by bus to Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt. However, it’s possible to take an 11-hour overnight bus from Santiago directly to Pucón.

Where to stay in Pucón: Pucón is known as Chile’s capital of adventure and, while it’s a firm favorite with the backpacking set, if you’re looking for a high level of comfort than a hostel, there are plenty of options – although you will need a car to access the best.  Rakau Lodge  ($275 USD double) sits comfortably within this category. This sensitively-designed property is surrounded by forest and so is the ideal place for relaxation – particularly after a busy day of hitting the trails in nearby  Parque Nacional Huerquehue. It’s worth upgrading to the villa for your own private terrace surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the forest.

Saturday 23rd of September 2023

Spent 2 months traveling Chile about 15 years ago…went everywhere by Guide and public transportation. Stayed with families and camped. Chile is a gorgeous country in all aspects! Thanks for the reminder

Steph Dyson

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

Thanks Judi!

Friday 8th of September 2017

Thanks Steph for the great information! I am going to some of these places next month!

Monday 11th of September 2017

Thanks Mark! And you'll have such a great time - enjoy!

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Very Large Telescope

The world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory.

Latest available panoramic image of Paranal ( 09 Mar 2017 19:01 CET ) Please note that the webcams are currently under maintenance and will be fully operational as soon as possible.

ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) is a flagship facility for European ground-based astronomy. It is one of the world's most advanced optical telescopes, consisting of four Unit Telescopes with main mirrors of 8.2m diameter and four movable 1.8m diameter Auxiliary Telescopes. The telescopes can work together, to form a giant ‘interferometer’, the ESO Very Large Telescope Interferometer , allowing astronomers to pick up much finer details of the cosmos than would be possible with the ATs or the UTs alone.

The 8.2m diameter Unit Telescopes can also be used individually. With one such telescope, images of celestial objects as faint as magnitude 30 can be obtained in a one-hour exposure. This corresponds to seeing objects that are four billion (four thousand million) times fainter than what can be seen with the unaided eye.

The large telescopes are named Antu , Kueyen , Melipal and Yepun .

Latest available image of MELIPAL, also known as UT3 ( 09 Mar 2017 19:01 CET )

On extremely clear days the magnificent 6739-metre volcano Llullaillaco is visible in the background of this photograph. It is an amazing 190 kilometres away on the border with Argentina. ( 09 Mar 2017 19:01 CET )

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The 8.2m diameter telescopes are housed in compact, thermally controlled buildings, which rotate synchronously with the telescopes. This design minimises any adverse effects on the observing conditions, for instance from air turbulence in the telescope tube, which might otherwise occur due to variations in the temperature and wind flow. The first of the Unit Telescopes, 'Antu', went into routine scientific operations on 1 April 1999. Today, all four Unit Telescopes and all four Auxiliary Telescopes are operational.

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Chile Tours & Trips

Chile is an awesome destination for those backpacking in South America with some of the world’s classic trekking routes through the craggy mountains of the Torres del Paine National Park. This country has so many natural wonders such as the Patagonian rainforest and wildlife and the Easter Islands .

250+ Chile tour packages with 407 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Exploring the "Carretera Austral": A 6-Day Journey from Coyhaique City

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Hiking & Trekking
• Wildlife Trekking

Patagonia: Torres Del Paine ‘W’ Trek – 5 Days

Tour was well organized, although for second day, probably due to unavailability of Refugio's, the scheduled trek was too long for me (32 km). Would have preferred more balance as the next few days were a lot shorter. Company handled our request for private transfer and also a change in Itinerary that we made during our trip with efficiency. Personal that accompanied us were very positive and professional. Had a very nice trip and would recommend.

8 - Days Experience in San Pedro de Atacama & Torres del Paine National Park

I had a great experience on this trip. Everything was very well organized by Marilda from Signature Tours, and their local partners -- Turismo Gato Andino at San Pedro Atacama, and Patagonia Planet in Puerto Natales. When one of the activities on the itinerary became unavailable, Marilda organized an alternate activity -- a 3.5 hr. soft hike in the Torres Del Paine national park. This turned out to be the highlight of my trip with close views of a lot of wildlife, including two Pumas. I am very pleased with my overall experience on this tour.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Mountain Hikes

Torres del Paine - The W Trek

Had an amazing experience with Natasha, Martin and Nacho! They were so knowledgeable and kind and made the trek SO fun and enjoyable! They always had the biggest smiles on their face and shared so much kindness to everyone in the group. Would recommend this trip to everyone I know!

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing

6-Days trip to Easter Island

As perfect as a trip could be! Fantastic accommodations, amazing scenery, extremely knowledgeable guide, exquisite food and drinks, friendly people all over the island.

Winter Patagonia

Our winter trek through Patagonia was an incredible experience! We basically had a private tour of the park, only seeing two other small groups the entire time... completely different from a summer experience. Our food, lodging, and itinerary was perfect. Our guide, Roberto, was very knowledgeable and patient when we wanted to stop and take pictures, yet he kept us on track. He planned everything perfectly as far as timing goes as the days are very short in the winter (9am-6pm). It was nice there was no wind in the winter, just cold/dry air. Our trip went very smoothly and it was clear that the logistics had been planned perfectly. I highly recommend the winter trek in Patagonia!

• Wine tasting

Chilean Patagonia: Santiago, Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park & Viña del Mar - 8 days

Overall it was a wonderful trip and we enjoyed all of the experiences we had. We liked all of the people who provided services and information on the trip. There are some things which you should consider for an even better experience 1. On the trip to the glacier on Gray Lake, the driver neither spoke nor understood English. He have all instructions and information in Spanish. Some of these were crucial. Fortunately two of the people on the tour who spoke Spanish also spoke English and they translated the essential information we needed. 2. Sky Airlines was terrible. They charged for every thing extra, the plane was very cramped and instead of booking us on a direct Flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago we made a stop which meant we got into Santiago very late. I would suggest changing to Latam Airlines even it cost a little more. 3. On the Gray Lake tour the walk from the drop off point of the van to the boat was a considerable distance. In most cases this would not be too bad, but the wind was extraordinary this day and very difficult. There should be a better way to do this transfer because some people might not be able to walk this distance under vrey windy conditions. Also we were not informed that is was possible to make lunch reservations and we were lucky to have brought sandwiches otherwise only snacks were able in the gift shop.

Looking for tours beyond just Chile?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Chile.

Epic Patagonia

Epic adventure, everything was perfectly organized

Chile - San Pedro de Atacama - 9 days

Micaela was great and was able to sort out the hiccups that occurred with the local operators. Everything was well organised and the itinerary was great. My only complaint is that the transfers to and from Santiago Airport were not good, but that was down to transvip being an awful, disorganised company and so I ended up organising these transfers myself.

Santiago de Chile + Eastern Island (7 Days)

Northern Chile (9 Days)

Torres del Paine - Full Circuit Trek

It was a well organized tour and the guides did a great job keeping everyone safe and comfortable

Santiago, San Pedro de Atacama and Puerto Varas

Chile – Patagonia 7 Days W Trek in Torres Del Paine

Tailor-Made Adventure to Atacama Desert with Private Guide and Driver

What people love about chile tours.

Top Experience, I like it

The organization was excellent and Marilda from Signature extremely helpful. The Atacama portion was with a fabulous tour agency. Very professionally run. The Torres del Paine portion was a bit short so I added an extra 3 days there on my own which were great. Remember that Patagonia is very windy when you book. But absolutely beautiful and worth it!

Chile Destinations

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Chile Tours starting in

• Starting in Santiago (75)
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• Chile Travel Guide | All You Need to Know