Chile is home to some of the most impressive landscapes in South America and its nature is on truly a colossal scale. In Chile you can enjoy the nature of Torres del Paine, the landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama and indeed the stunning cityscape of its capital, Santiago de Chile.
One of the advantages of traveling to Chile is that you can make the most of the outdoors activities and breath-taking vistas before returning to a boutique or luxury hotel to be pampered or simply relax.
Whether you like to put your feet up on vacation or lace up your boots to hike for miles and miles, Chile will always ensure you feel welcome making it one of the best destinations for your South America vacation.
San Pedro de Atacama
The quaint and small oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama has beautiful narrow streets lined by attractive adobe buildings which add to the attractiveness of the stunning surrounding landscapes. At an altitude of over 7870ft. the Atacama Desert is the world’s second driest region after the icy expanse of Antarctica with most areas only receiving moisture from occasional fog or a rain shower every few decades.
If you are looking for a rain free vacation, the Atacama Desert should definitely be on your list of places to visit as some of the rain gauges have never recorded any measurable precipitation!
There is no doubting that the Atacama Desert will keep you busy and amazed. You can visit 80 gurgling El Tatio Geysers and flamingo filled Atacama Salt Flats in the day; the moonscapes of Valle de la Luna and Valle de la Muerte at sunset and lose yourself in the unbelievable star cloth of the night sky.
Torres del Paine
Without a doubt, the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile’s Patagonia is one of South America’s finest national parks. After receiving 5 million votes in 2013, Torres del Paine was named the 8th Wonder of the World by Virtual Tourist, beating more than 300 entries from 50 countries and once you get there you’ll understand why. Taking its name from the Tehuelche word, ‘Paine’ meaning ‘blue’, this National Park encompasses stunning scenery with different colors everywhere you look.
The unique and impressive UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Torres del Paine is known for its shimmering azure lakes, extensive glaciers, cascading waterfalls and lofty granite towers.
At the center of the National Park is the impressive granite massif which rises to over 10,000ft. and are known as the Torres (towers) and Cuernos (horns) of Paine. Nothing can really prepare you for your first view of the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine and when the weather is clear, you will be spoilt with panoramas which will blow your mind!
Santiago de Chile
Changing the high mountain peaks for the skyscrapers of downtown Santiago de Chile, you will begin to experience the true range of landscapes that exist in Chile. The city of Santiago is situated in one of the most spectacular settings of any city in the world!
Through the gaps left between the blocks and buildings of central Santiago, you catch views of the mighty Andean peaks that watch over the city.
The infectious energy of Santiago will carry you to explore the coffee culture, leafy suburban parks, spectacular contemporary museums and colonial buildings seamlessly bringing together the modern, traditional and natural beauty of Santiago and its surroundings. Although Santiago has to battle with popular city destinations in South America, its cultural scene makes it one of the best places to gain an understanding of Chile’s identity, helping you make the most of your time in this natural and colorful country.
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