Chile Thrills & Spills
Chile
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With a sport for every season, Chile has something for everyone. This slender South American country stretches over 4,300km in length and offers a diverse and accessible range of activities set amongst breathtaking scenery. The beautiful wilderness creates a sense of space, yet allows you to get close to nature at its best. Whether you want to cycle across the driest desert on earth, kayak glacial mountain lakes, hike through spectacular national parks, ski the peaks of the Andes or surf the foamy Pacific coastline, you are guaranteed exhilarating escapades and new discoveries in this unique country.
Despite its incredible length, Chi... (Read more...)
le averages at around just 175km wide. Backed by the Andes and facing out to the Pacific Ocean it manages to pack in an extraordinary range of landscapes and climates. While this provides a fantastic array of activity choices for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, it also demands you plan your travels carefully. December through March is summer and also high season. April and May are autumn. June to September is winter and spring is October and November. Chile is split into six climatic and geographic regions: Big North, Small North, Centre, The South, North Patagonia and South Patagonia
Trekking
Chile is a dream for those who like to enjoy nature on foot as visitors can explore trails in every part of the country. You won’t regret packing thick socks and sturdy boots as you discover lush valleys, desert canyons, glacial lakes and volcanic peaks. The world famous hiking destination of Torres del Paine national park in Southern Patagonia is often where people gravitate, but try autumn instead of summer - there’s colourful foliage but fewer crowds. For something more remote you can try Tierra del Fuego, which offers more challenging 4 and 5-day circuits. Central Chile, with is milder climate, rich flora and fauna and peaks shouldn’t be overlooked as a trekking destination as it offers something for everyone with a range of landscapes and trail lengths. The Lakes District in the south offers ‘Region de Los Lagos’, an area well equipped for visitors wanting to explore the area by foot, but avoid the rains and flies of midsummer.
Mountaineering
With over fifty active volcanoes and hundreds of peaks to choose from, climbers will feel truly inspired by what Chile has to offer. The Altiplano area of the north has high volcanic peaks among the salt flats and lakes and is best suited for those who can deal with altitude. The central Andes feature climbs that are easily accessible and enjoyable with the temperate climate, but that still require technical skill. The volcanoes of the south are probably best suited to beginners or those who want an easier climb.
Skiing
For a country bordered by the Andes there is naturally a big attraction for lovers of snow sports. The mountains offer exceptional quality skiing and snowboarding from June to October and most resorts are within an hour or so of Santiago. Beginners could try Termas de Chillan and Volcan Lonquimay. El Colorado and Valle Nevado is good for all levels, and for the adventurous you may want to check out legendary Portillo for downhill speed or Parque Nacional Villarrica if you want to ski a smoking volcano!
Mountain Biking
It’s easy to hire bikes in Chile and repair shops are generally plentiful. If you want to bring your own bike you can and most airplanes and coaches are amenable to transporting them. The former for a reasonable fee, although the latter not so much in the busy peak season! San Pedro de Atacama in the north is a popular destination, as is the arduous but rewarding Carretera Austral, a 1200km ‘highway’. The Lakes District also offers great bike trails. Wherever you decide to explore on two-wheels, always plan your route carefully and be prepared with repair kits, weatherproof gear, sunscreen and water.
Horse Riding
If you want a rest from trekking, the back of a horse offers a fantastic way to see the iconic scenery while saving your legs. With many organisations offering single and multi-day excursions, there is a great opportunity to cover the more rugged regions, and where the riding trails are led by local guides, you’ll also be supporting rural community initiatives. This is an affordable way to see the panoramas and is suitable for both beginners and the more experienced rider. Highlights include: Patagonia, Majada Vieja in Centro, the Maipo valley and river (not far from Santiago) and the Lakes District. The best time of year for equine adventures is generally October to March.
Whitewater Rafting
Southern Chile is all about water. The abundance of turquoise lakes, fjords and cascading rivers ensure water-sport junkies keep returning. Whether you want a gentle kayak in the Lakes District, a more challenging sea kayak in Patagonia or a crazy, adrenalin rush white-water rafting session on the Futaleufu River, it’s all here. Summer is best for kayaking, winter for rafting.
Kitesurfing
It might not be the first surfing destination that springs to mind, possibly due to the chilly waters that generally require you to don a wetsuit, but Chile has some fantastic breaks along its Pacific coast. Middle and northern Chile are home to some serious surf culture, with the best breaks in July. People describe Pichilemu’s ‘Punta de Lobos’ as a place to catch the classic wave, while La Puntilla, in the same area, offers a good place for beginners. Iquique has shallow reef breaks and Arica’s ‘El Gringo’ offers some serious waves, which are not for the faint-hearted. It is possible to kitesurf here, but only in some of these locations. As it’s not yet a mainstream activity, be aware that equipment and lessons may not be readily available.
Scuba Diving
Again, Chile is probably not a destination that leaps into the mind for scuba-diving, yet Santa Maria Island, off Antofagasta in the Big North region, and Coquimbo, Pichidangui and Los Molles, in the Small North region have waters teeming with undersea plants and fishes. These dive spots are virtually untouched by divers - marine photographers will love it!
Canyoning
Armed with helmet, harness and ropes, canyoning is best for the fit and the brave. Scrambling up hills and mountains and then descending through waterfall cascades and pools is certainly a unique way to enjoy the Chilean landscape at Rio Petrohue in the Lakes District.
Canopying has becoming increasingly popular in this area too, as it allows you to whizz through the tree tops on a zip line, providing a buzz with little exertion. For both activities ensure you use a reputable operator.
Fishing
From November to May you can gain a licence to fly fish in the Lakes District of Chile; a calmer activity for those who want to enjoy this area and take advantage of the high quality lodges. These can provide a great base for those with a bigger budget. And there’s nothing to keep you from venturing further than the lakeside. There is lots to be discovered, and many more activities available to the plucky traveller than you’ll find in your average destination guide
Classic Itineraries
It’s key to choose your route carefully and time your activities with the seasons. Chile is very wet; on the Argentinean border winter rainfalls are up to 5000mm per year.
Travelling from one end to another is one way of taking on this challenge. Climbers, however, might prefer staying closer to Santiago as there is a large number of good routes to master. Otherwise, on arrival, make your way south to the Lakes District, via Villariiica national park. Enjoy some fishing to relax from your ski session and if the mood takes you, get adventurous again with some climbing and canyoning. If time is no object you should push south to the cape of Hope, entering North Patagonia and getting the skis out once more. Returning up the Chilean coast the climate warms and once again there’s time to get back into the water, before getting back on your flight
The multitude of sports and activities on offer in Chile is quite mind-boggling. While not exhaustive, this broad overview will hopefully provide some useful guidance and tips for those planning an energetic trip to this wonderful country.
Other Activities
Well, if that lot’s not enough for you, Chile has even more to offer: If surfing isn’t for you but you want a rush, try paragliding off the cliffs at Iquique to view the sea from a different angle. Armed with helmet, harness and ropes, canyoning is best for the fit and the brave. Scrambling up hills and mountains and then descending through waterfall cascades and pools is certainly a unique way to enjoy the Chilean landscape at Rio Petrohue in the Lakes District. Canopying has also become increasingly popular in this area too, as it allows you to whiz through the tree tops on a zip line, providing a buzz with little exertion. From November to May you can gain a licence to fly fish in the Lakes District of Chile; a calmer activity for those who want to enjoy this area and take advantage of the high quality lodges. These can provide a great base for those with a bigger budget. And there’s nothing to keep you from venturing further than the lakeside. There is lots to be discovered and many more activities available to the plucky traveller than you’ll find in your average destination guide.
