Chile

Chile is a country of extraordinary contrasts and extreme beauty, with attractions ranging from the ancient forests of the Lake District to the volcanic peaks of the Andes. There are number of good parks here, and plenty of opportunities for travellers with a streak of adventure for a great holiday experience. Chile's travel highlight is Torres del Paine National Park, which is considered as the finest nature travel destination in all of South America.

The north of Chile has a desert like landscape, which attracts visitors for its natural beauty and wildlife, protected by a series of national parks. Lauca National Park is famous for its vicuñas, condors, vizcachas, guanacos, flamingos and herds of llamas and alpacas, which are kept by the Aymara shepherds. Southern Chile is one of the most attractive destinations for tourists because of its numerous lakes and lagoons, white-water rivers, fertile valleys and a chain of national parks crowned by the peaks of active volcanoes. Puerto Montt is the starting point for the Southern Road, which leads to Patagonia and the island of Chiloé. Patagonia, land of legends, ideal place for tourists who wish to have an unforgettable experience in an untouched environment. Tourists are rewarded with splendid views of pristine valleys, huge lakes, towering mountains, silent glaciers, evergreen forests and treeless plains under the clear sky of the southernmost tip of the world. Torres del Paine National Park is an absolute must and should top your list of things to do in Chile. Three islands in the Pacific Ocean are world renowned for their special features: Easter Island, for its gigantic moai sculptures, Robinson Crusoe Island, named after the protagonist of the popular novel about the man who was shipwrecked there, and Chiloé Island, a charming enclave in the South Pacific, known for its fascinating myths and wild nature.

Santiago, Chile's capital city, is the centre of the political, economic and cultural life. It is situated in the country's central valley region. Unique characteristics are the breathtaking valleys, where the famous Chilean wines originate, and the Mediterranean climate. Santiago is situated between the high peaks with winter sports centres and a coastline.

Best time to travel

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Wildlife Highlights

  • Torres del Paine National Park features mountains, a glacier, a lake, and river-rich areas. Guanacos, foxes, and pumas are found in the Park. It is also home to the endangered Chilean huemul. Birding enthusiasts can spot the Andean condor, black-chested buzzard-eagle, Rufous-tailed hawk, chimango caracara, Magellanic horned owl, and Austral pygmy-owl.
  • Tierra del Fuego National Park, which is the southernmost protected area in Argentina, and is the only National Park in the country with a maritime coast. The forest provides beautiful views over the Beagle Cannel and has a great variety of flora and fauna. The Park’s dramatic scenery comprises waterfalls, forests, mountains, and glaciers. Spot guanacos, Andean foxes, North American beavers, and muskrats. Almost 90 species of birds can be seen here including Kelp geese, Torrent ducks, Austral parakeets, Andean condors, blackish oystercatchers, and Magellanic oystercatchers.
  • Visit Cape Horn National Park and walk through a Magellanic forest of lengas, coihues, canelos, ferns, and other native vegetation.
  • Visit Los Flamencos National Reserve and Chaxa Lagoon and see flocks of flamingos.
  • Visit altiplanic lagoons of Miscanti and Miñique (4,000m). The blue waters in these lagoons flow from the top of volcanoes of the same names. The altiplanic plant ‘coirón’ that surrounds Miñique, is used for handicrafts and roofs, while Miscanti is a nesting place for ‘taguas,’ a small bird which is in brownish black color.
  • Travel to Cejar Lagoon. The Lagoon is filled with serene turquoise waters and surrounded by white shores of crystallized salt. Look out for flamingos and Andean coots that frequent this area.