The 15 Most Incredible Adventures To Have In Chile

Adrenaline junkies, look no further than this glorious South American country that has virtually everything you could dream of to satisfy your thrill-seeking needs. You can ski the Andes, whizz through the forests or desert and gallop through the stunning countryside in the south. Read on to discover the most incredible adventures you can have in Chile.

Sandboard in the Atacama Desert

The Atacama is home to some of Chile’s most spectacular landscapes, and it shouldn’t be missed. In between visiting Valle de la Luna, Geysers El Tatio and Lagunas Altiplanicas, why not try your hand at sandboarding? If you’ve had some experience, you will be able to cruise down the steep 120-metre (394-foot) dunes.

Heli-Ski in Valle Nevado

Commandeer the Tallest Volcano in the World

On the Argentinian–Chilean border is one mammoth volcano. Climbing Ojos del Salado is not for the fainthearted, as it reaches a daunting height of 6,893 metres (22,614 feet). Not only is it extremely tall, it is in fact still active; the last-known eruption was 1,300 years ago.

Ice Ice Baby

The third-largest ice mass in the world, after those in Greenland and Antarctica, is found in Chile. The Patagonian Southern Ice Field stretches over three national parks, including the Torres del Paine and San Rafael Lagoon National Parks. It is one of the most exciting treks in the world, so grab some crampons and a warm jacket and go.

Surf in Pichilemu

Whether you rate yourself as a surfer, or you absolutely don’t, Pichilemu has waves for all standards. Beginners can easily pick up lessons on the main beachfront, Calle Costanera, where the waves are smaller and easier to learn on. Surf lovers can head to Punta de Lobos, where the waves are huge and many competitions are held.

Sky Diving

There’s no need to travel far from the capital, because in Santiago you can jump out of a plane at a height of over 4,000 metres (13,123 feet); perhaps not an activity for those with vertigo, but if you’ve always dreamed of flying like a bird, here’s your chance.

Ride Around Patagonia

The scenery in Patagonia is out of this world. The Torres del Paine National Park boasts soaring mountains that you can admire while you’re cantering through the golden pampas. Keep an eye out for guanacos and maybe even a puma, although the latter mostly prefer to come out at night.

White-Water Rafting in Pucon

Chile’s top destination for whitewater rafting is along the River Trancura in Pucon. Beginners can gain their courage along the calmer grade III rapids in the lower sections of the rivers, while those looking for a thrill can test the higher grade IV section, all while admiring the beauty of the surrounding area.

Kayaking

Central Patagonia boasts some wild waters. Head to the Futaleufu River, which can be found off the Carretera Austral, or the Baker River near the General Carrera Lake. These routes are adrenaline-filled, with rapids and waterfalls to add to the fun.

Embark on the W Trek

One of the most popular treks in South America is the Torres del Paine W or O trek. The W trek takes five days, and will lead you to the crown jewels, the Torres. The O trek is a little more challenging, taking between six and ten days, depending on your route.

Scuba Dive on Easter Island

The warm, crystal-clear waters of Easter Island are like something out of Finding Nemo, with mysterious caves to explore and sinking Moai statues to locate along the Las Áncoras reef. This is all easy to see, because the visibility is perfect; you can go as far as 60 metres (197 feet) under the sea.

Kitesurf Along the Chilean Beaches

Grab your kite, lock in and find the whistling winds that will give you the ride of your life. The Chilean coast has some stunning beaches; for the best of them, speed along either Matanzas or La Boca de Rapel.

Zip Lining through Cajón del Maipo

Strap in, lock on and enjoy the ride, whizzing through the trees at high speed. You’ll be begging to go again as soon as you stop. Zip lining can also be enjoyed near Puerto Varas.

Mountain Bike Through Pan de Azucar National Park

Weave along the downhill paths towards the gorgeously clear blue ocean waters, where you will be teased into taking a dip by the alluring beauty of it all.

Parasail Above the Villarrica Lake

Combine water sports with flying high up in the air, being pulled along by a motorboat on the Villarrica Lake. Up 700 metres (2,300 feet) high, you will be able to enjoy the panoramic views over the quaint town of Pucon, as well as seeing the domineering Villarrica volcano from a whole different angle.

Where are the best ski resorts in Chile?

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.