Where to go in Chile

Often called South America’s finest national park, the granite spires of Torres del Paine rise for more than 6,500 feet above the wild Patagonian landscape. One of the world’s most stunningly beautiful destinations, if you’re willing to venture to the southernmost region of Chile, you’ll discover miles and miles of scenic trails for hiking that wind through dense forest, passing jewel-hued lakes, rushing rivers, and glistening blue glaciers. The glaciers carved this jagged landscape and now lie hanging over cliffs, sweeping down to valleys before calving into turquoise lagoons. If you’re looking to do something active you can hike, explore on horseback, mountain bike, or kayak. There’s plenty of wildlife here to watch too, with the park home to Andean condor, flamingos, rheas, and guanacos, a relative of the camel. Guanacos were nearly hunted to extinction but after years of protection, the herds are now large and continue to grow.

Remote Easter Island sits over 2,300 miles from the Chilean coast and is known for one of the world’s greatest unsolved mysteries. It revolves around its famous giant rock statues called moai, created by the Rapa Nui people. Centuries ago, a small group of Polynesians rowed wooden outrigger canoes across the vast open sea, navigating by the stars. They chiselled away at the volcanic stone to carve the moai, believed to have been built to honour their ancestors. We don’t know why they left their native land or how they were able to move the massive stones, which weigh 14 tons and stand 13 feet high on average. They were placed on various ceremonial structures throughout the island, something that has puzzled archaeologists, ethnographers, and visitors alike ever since the first Europeans arrived in 1722. In addition to marvelling at the moai, one can enjoy white sandy beaches, surfing, snorkelling, and diving.

The largest island in the 41-island archipelago of the same name, Chileo is a favourite vacation destination among Chileans but it’s become increasingly popular among outsiders as well. An extension of Chile’s coastal mountain range, separated by the Chacao Strait, there is little development here. The island is characterized by historic wooden churches and colourful stilted homes, stunning natural scenery with everything from wild beaches to dense temperate forests, finely made handwoven woollen sweaters, and tasty cuisine, including rich seafood stews, called curanto. They’re made of seafood, meat, and potatoes which are place on hot coals in the earth, covered with large leaves, and allowed to steam. Just some of the activities enjoyed here include hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, whale watching, and kayaking. The island’s seafaring people attract many too, with an interesting spiritual culture based on a distinctive mythology of ghost ships, witchcraft, and forest gnomes.

The second largest city in Chile behind Santiago, Valparaiso is located 90 minutes north of the capital along the Pacific coast. A historical city with colourful ramshackle streets, tucked into the hills, it’s renowned for its bohemian culture. A walking tour is a workout, with pathways meandering around the slopes, while magnificent Victorians and tin-walled buildings cling to the steep hillsides. For those who prefer, there are rickety funiculars to get you to the hilltops. The city offers lots to do, with its bohemian vibe found in the street art, architecture, and nightlife. As it’s near the coast, there are lots of beaches, including two of the most popular in the country, Vina del Mar and Renaca. Enjoy sunbathing or join the surfers who come to ride the solid swell. Renaca even hosts international surf championships. There’s a happening art scene and thriving food scene, with dishes often paired with outstanding local wines.

Tierra del Fuego which translates to “Land of Fire” is the kind of destination that frequently lands on bucket lists. It sits at the southern tip of South America, famous for its remarkable natural beauty. It’s in the heart of Patagonia, which covers both Chile and Argentina, filled with jagged mountain peaks, rushing rivers, sapphire lakes, and glistening glaciers. The wild landscapes are so stunning it’s hard to believe they’re real, making the unpredictable weather worth the reward when the clouds part. Adventure seekers come in droves to hike, fly fish, and embark on cruises to the Antarctic. In Tierra del Fuego National Park there are easy trails to hike bringing jaw-dropping views that include seasonal wildflowers blanketing the forest floor, red foxes, and “flag trees,” double bent by powerful Patagonian winds. It’s even more impressive in April with beautiful fall colours highlighting it all.