What to do in Chile

The Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on the planet, is a destination that shouldn’t be missed on a trip to Chile. Not only can you witness some of the world’s most brilliant, almost always cloud-free night’s skies, but you can marvel at Calle de Luna, or the “Valley of the Moon.” One of the most visited places of San Pedro de Atacama, it’s characterized by massive sand dunes, stone formations, and hills and valleys of salt, mimicking the moon’s surface. The jaw-dropping moon-like landscape is found in the Salt Mountain Range that’s part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, created over time by the elements and the earth’s crust which led to the folding of watery ground beneath the salt lake. Visitors can visit the Las Tres Marias salt sculptures and watch one of the most memorable sunsets with the low light deepening the red, yellow, green, and even blue shades.

One of the most unique and memorable ways to explore Patagonia is by horseback, taking in the sights with a gaucho as your guide. The gauchos are a close equivalent to a Latin American ‘cowboy,’ with many of them living in the Patagonia region. They’re recognized for their horseback riding skills, vast knowledge of the landscape, and hearty nature, with the ability to endure the region’s weather extremes. Here they specialize in sheep herding, with the sheep used for their wool to make garments to sell, or to keep themselves warm. Rides bring the chance to experience their lifestyle while taking in the best of Torres del Paine National Park, its stunning granite pillars, forests, lakes, rivers, and glaciers. You’ll be able to tap into your gaucho’s in-depth knowledge to learn more about the geology, flora, and fauna while watching for wildlife like the Andean condor and guanaco, a relative of the camel.

Located in the southern transverse valley in Chile’s central wine region, just over 100 miles from Santiago, the Colchagua Valley is dominated by Bordeaux-style blends. Some of the most prestigious red wines in the country are produced right here, most notable Syrah, Cabernet sauvignon, and Carmenere grape varieties. Many of the wineries can be found around the town of Santa Cruz, the point where the Tinguiririca River delivers its snow-melt water from the Andes peaks, naturally irrigating the picturesque vineyards with the silt and clay creating the unmissable terroir. One of the top reasons to take a wine tour here is the diversity of the wineries, which includes everything from the charming boutique tasting room at Laura Hartwig to palatial Clos Apalta Lapostelle, perched on a slope above the Apalta Valley. You won’t want to miss a winery lunch, which can be anything from casual traditional Chilean cooking to an indulgent affair.

Located some 2,300 miles off the Chilean coast, the Rapa Nui people who settled here centuries ago from Polynesia are believed to have built the nearly one thousand giant Moai rock statues here. They serve as the last and only link to the demise of this isolated culture. A tour is one of the best ways to learn about them and the legends of the Moai. You’ll be able to explore the major Rapa Nui archaeological sites near the Rano Kau volcano crater, learn about the famous Birdman legend at the O’rongo ceremonial village and visit Ahu Akivi, a site with seven standing Moai, one of just a few in the middle of the island. Travel to Ahu Tongariki with its 15 Moai and find out how the statues were built at Rano Raraku. Tours usually end with time to enjoy Anakena Beach and its sparkling turquoise waters too.