Chile holidays

From Patagonia’s looming, icy glaciers and striking peaks, to the Atacama Desert’s fascinating formations, Chile is a hiker’s dream. You can discover tumbling waterfalls, mountain views and rumbling volcanoes. Or, if you’d prefer a shorter walk close to the city, Chile has a diverse range of hiking trails to suit every kind of walker.

However, the most famous of Chile’s hikes is the ‘W’ trek in the picturesque Torres del Paine National Park. This hike in Chilean Patagonia usually takes around four to five days to complete, and includes some pretty challenging hills. Alternatively, shorter trails are available at either end of the route, so you can still see parts of this stunning area.

Torres del Paine National Park welcomes around 150,000 visitors every year. And, once you marvel at the ‘Torres’ – the postcard-perfect tower-like peaks of the park – you’ll soon understand why.

Thanks to Chile’s diverse geography, the country has a variety of exotic wildlife, including Andean foxes, deer, and many types of penguins.

The Magellanic penguins are commonly sighted in Patagonia, most notably on Isla Magdalena. These cute critters are offshore, foraging creatures can be seen on the island between September and March, before they migrate north during the colder months. In February, you’ll might even see penguin chicks.

The furry Andean foxes have similar features to a red fox, with grey and reddish coats. They live in the wilderness of Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and the western slopes of the Andes.

Although the natural sights are sure to be a highlight of your Chile tour, it’s best to spend some time in the cities, too. Chile’s cosmopolitan capital, Santiago, is thriving with buzzy restaurants, bars, craft breweries, and shops. You can visit cultural museums, art galleries and theatres. And don’t miss a night out on the town – you can try fruity Chilean wines and tasty pisco sours.

Valparaiso is another of Chile’s much-loved cities. Perfectly placed for a daytrip from Santiago, Valparaiso is famous for its street art. You’ll be able to see huge murals along the laneways and steep hills. Keep an eye out for the pretty, colonial architecture, too.

Another scenic city is Puerto Varas. Curving around the shores of Lake Llanquihue, this place offers brilliant views of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. The city has a fair range of quality restaurants and hotels, but it remains small enough for a quiet, relaxing stay. Plus, it’s ideally situated for trips and sightseeing.

Wine-lovers, rejoice! You’re in for a treat on your Chile tour. This country’s wines are delicious and exceptionally good-value – a winning combination.

Chile is a ‘new world’ wine region, known for its fruity and herby wines. Cabernet sauvignon is the most commonly planted grape variety in Chile. Chilean cab-savs are usually lightly coloured, and often packed with flavours of black cherry, pepper, and plum. You might also get a hint of mint, if you’re tasting a premium vintage.

Other popular red varieties include pinot noir and syrah, and Chilean sauvignon blanc is also very popular. Now, imagine yourself sipping on a delightful glass of Chilean wine, as you admire a pin-striped vineyard and the Andes beyond – perfection.