Essential stops on a journey of a lifetime through
Chile
1. Santiago
Fly into Santagio and spend a day in Chile’s colourful capital to get your journey off to a memorable start. From soaking up the skyline from the top of San Cristobal Hill to strolling through the art-soaked streets, there’s plenty to do. Here are just five highlights…
1. Go back in time
With its medieval cathedral, neoclassical presidential offices, the cobbled streets of the Barrio París-Londres and the historic Plaza de Armas, a walk through Santiago can be like going back in time. Don't miss the Cementerio General, a cemetery where you can find the graves of ousted president Salvador Allende and folk hero Victor Jara.
Finish up in the National History Museum to learn more about Colombia’s storied past, and see exhibitions and artefacts from pre-Columbian culture, its colonial past, the industrial revolution and the military coup in 1973.
2. Explore the museums
The National History Museum is just the beginning of the city’s eclectic and plentiful range of cultural spaces. The Mirador Interactive Museum has to be the most fun. As its name suggest, this museum is all about getting hands on, and includes innovative ways to understand science and astronomy through all of the senses.
Fashionistas will be left impressed by the Museo de la Moda which houses more than 17,000 pieces of century-spanning fashion.
The Museum of Memory and Human Rights makes for a harrowing yet important visit, and is dedicated to the victims of the civic-military regime of 1973 and 1990.
3. Meander the markets
Where better to soak up local life than at one of the city’s markets? Mercado Central is certainly one of the best, a busy and bustling fish market filled with the shouts of vendors and corridors lined with fresh fish from huge tuna to bright crabs. Over at La Vega Central market, meanwhile, pallets filled with a rainbow spectrum of fruit and vegetables take centre stage.
4. Admire the art
Chile’s capital has more art galleries than you could count on all your fingers and toes. The bohemian Lastarria district is one of the finest places to soak up the local art scene, and a walk here reveals boutiques with chic window designs, antique shops, trendy wine bars and cafes, bookstores, theatres, cultural centres and local art galleries. Similarly, the Italia district is a maze of antique shops, live music, interior design stores and artsy cafes.
For more formal art viewings, head to the National Museum of Fine Arts to admire the sculptures, paintings, drawings and photographs of many Chilean artists. The Museo Ralli also celebrates local talent, with its lower floor dedicated to 20th Century Chilean art. The Museo de la Solidaridad Salvador Allende showcases work from some 1,400 international and national artists.
5. Soak up the view
Climb up the San Cristóbal Hill for a panoramic view over the city’s glittering skyscrapers, surrounded by greenery and back by the Andes. Another good view of the entire city can be had from the top of the Sky Costanera tower, the highest viewpoint in Santiago.
2. Puerto Varas
From Santiago, take a flight to Puerto Montt and take a scenic drive to the picturesque town of Puerto Varas. With its mirror-like lakes, rushing waterfalls, forest trails and dominating volcanoes, this place was custom made for adventure…
1. Go for a hike
Where better to immerse yourself in nature than in the almost 40,000 hectares of the Alerce Andino National Park? This mountainous natural playground is covered in larch forest which is a home to a large variety of wildlife including ray fox, skunks, monito del monte (a small opossum) and even puma. Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for kingfishers as well as the mighty condor. Many hiking trails weave through the forest and following them will lead to magnificent sights such as some of the 50 lakes and natural ponds in the park, including views over the Chapo Lake and the Choices and Lenca rivers. Following the walking paths of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park also throws up extraordinary watery views, including Lake Todos los Santos and the frothing Petrohué waterfalls.
2. Get out on the water
Getting on the water in the Chilean Lake District is a must and there are many adventurous ways to do it. From the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, join a boat tour to sail over the waters of the Todos Los Santos Lake, admiring the view of the snow-capped volcanoes and thick forests that surround it. At Lake Llanquihue, push off from the black sand shore and jump in a kayak to explore some of this 860 square kilometre expanse of water, gazing out at the views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. For a more relaxing aquatic adventure, soothe your aching bones in the thermal baths of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.
3. Soak up the culture
Situated on the banks of the Llanquihue Lake, Puerto Octcay is a quaint town with a fascinating heritage. The architecture is influenced by Germany, who colonised the town in 1852, and a stroll around the town will reveal the wooden houses. The food here has also been heavily influenced by the Germans and you can try unique dishes that fuse German and Chilean flavours.
Trailfinders says...
"From Puerto Varas, visit the magical Chiloé Island. Take the ferry from the mainland and explore the Island's striking landscapes and unique traditions."
See more on Trailfinders' Classic Chile tour
3. Punta Arenas
From Puerto Varas, make your way back to Puerto Montt to fly to the southernmost city in Chile, Punta Arenas…
Facing the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas is a city of contrasts, its colourful buildings with corrugated iron roofs set among elegant European architecture. Explore it by foot to see the churches and temples of the main square. Don’t miss the Punta Arenas Cemetery where you can see the tombs of some of the significant figures from the city’s past, and admire the architecture within the graveyard.
Sail through the Strait of Magellan to visit the wildlife-filled Magdalena and Marta islands. At Magdalena island, you’ll be joined by some 60,000 penguins which you can observe waddling and swimming in their natural habitat. Nearby Isla Marta is famous for its sea lions as well as birds including condors.
While on the water, keep an eye out for the humpback whales that frequent the Strait of Magellan.
4. Torres del Paine National Park
Punta Arenas is a gateway to adventure, and just up the road is the iconic Torres del Paine National Park. Here are just some of the many unforgettable travel experiences that await...
1. Go hiking
The iconic W trek traced out the shape of a W over a 73km trail and its most famous site can be soaked up at Base Torres lookout, where the three jagged peaks that give the park its name glow purple and pink at sunrise. The trail continues to Francés Valley where you can see and hear giant glaciers calving and crashing in the icy waters.
Another incredible hike to be had here is the slightly longer and more challenging O circuit. At 93km, this trek stretches further north than the W Trek, affording hikers with a bird’s eye view of the spectacular Grey Glacier from the top of the 1,200m John Garner Mountain Pass.
2. Get out on the lakes
Torres del Paine’s awe-inspiring glaciers and giant icebergs are best seen up close, so why not jump in a kayak and paddle up to them? Kayaking across the 500m deep Lake Grey will have you craning your neck at the glistening bergs, while following the wall of the six metre wide and 30 metre high Grey Glacier is a sight that will likely be locked in your mind forever.
Pehoe Lake also offers unforgettable views and a boat trip along its glass-like waters reveal eyefuls of the Curenos del Paine Mountains reflected in the lake’s surface.
3. Watch wildlife
Torres del Paine National Park is home to 100 bird species, including Austral parakeets, Chilean flickers and Megellanic woodpeckers. But the avian highlight has to be the huge Andean Condors that sweep around the cliff faces in blue skies.
In the park’s woodland, keep your eyes peeled for skunks, deer, armadillos and foxes. The guanacos on the plains have become an icon of Torres del Paine, and when they are near, you may be lucky enough to spots its incredibly rare predator – a puma.
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Pack like a pro with Gandys
Chile’s diverse landscapes are undeniably awe-inspiring, but they mean you need to be prepared for all weather and eventualities. That’s where Gandys can help. With a focus on sustainability and quality, Gandys provides a vast range of high-quality clothing and accessories for every type of adventure. Here’s just some of the Gandys items you should be packing on your travels to Chile…
1. Waterproof jacket
You’ll want to stay warm and dry when exploring the likes of Torres del Paine National Park, so be sure to pack a waterproof jacket. Gandys Lofoten Waterproof Jacket is fully waterproof and is designed to combat the elements and push the limits in style.
2. Layers
Whether your exploring the desert, the glaciers or the rainforest, layers are key to staying comfortable. Gandys offers a range of t-shirts, fleeces and jackets that allow you to layer up and strip back off again to match the pace of your adventure.
3. Rucksack
Whether you’re spending a day on a kayak, hiking in one of the national parks, or simply exploring the city, it’s good to have a rucksack with you to carry your essentials. Not only are Gandys’ new range of Namaste backpacks water resistant and durable, they are sustainable too, made from 10 recycled water bottles.
To stay up to date with Gandys and make the most of their latest offers, be sure to follow the company on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
5. The Atacama Desert
Leave the dramatic landscapes of Torres del Paine behind in search of more natural drama and geographical wonders the Atacama Desert. With its lunar-like rock formations, vast salt plains, green-fringed hot springs and traditional villages, the landscapes here are as varied as the travel experiences found within them. Here are just five highlights…
1. Atacama Salt Flats
This horizon breaking salt lake covers 3,000 square kilometres, reflecting a mirror image of the sky above it, the mountains around it and anything that walks across it. Small holes in the salt layer have formed lagoons which attract numerous aquatic birds such as Andean seagulls, swallows, and red-gartered coots, as well as many species of flamingos, whose long legs and pink necks reflected in the salty surface makes for a postcard-perfect picture.
2. Moon Valley
It won’t take long to realise how Moon Valley got its name. Take a hike around the wind-shaped tunnels, gaze up at the strange twisted rock formations, and climb to the tallest dune to see the lunar landscape from above. When night falls, the valley becomes all the more spectacular, lit up by countless stars in a dark sky devoid of light pollution.
3. Salar de Tara
Situated on the Vilama Volcano, the Tara Salt Flat offers a colourful landscape of vibrant greens and vivid blues. It is home to the Pacana Monks, two rock formations that have been carved by the wind to resemble monks. As well as the natural statues, you’re also likely to see some of the wildlife that call the salt flat home, such as Andean foxes, llamas and flamingos.
4. Chiu Chiu
This highland village is an unexpected sight in the middle of the Atacama desert. The small settlement is home to the oldest church in Chile. Constructed from mud and cactus wood, the San Francisco Church has stood here since the 1600s.
5. Puritama Hot Springs
Surrounded by ancient cacti, the Puritama hot springs are famous for their healing properties. The staggered hot sulphur pools are rich in minerals and are the perfect place to relax and unwind after an adventure of a lifetime through Chile.
Trailfinders says...
"Rise early to capture the famous El Tatio Geysers at their most active. Marvel at the swirling columns of steam from 64 geysers, flanked by soaring volcanic peaks."
See more on Trailfinders' Classic Chile tour
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