Experience Beauty and Adventure on Chile Tours
Chile tours are for travelers who are looking for a combination of natural beauty, history, and exciting adventure.
The long, skinny South American country of Chile holds lots of unique experiences for adventuresome tourists. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the rugged, volcanic Andes Mountains on the other, Chile is a diverse country full of diverse activities.
About Chile
Looking at a map, one would think that perhaps there isn't much to this narrow country, which is a whopping 2,700 miles long but never more than 150 miles wide at any point.
There's a narrow depression between the sea and the mountains, with the arid Atacama Desert to the north and the rough and wild Chilean Patagonia at the far southern end. The desert here is considered one of the most inhospitable places on the entire planet and the Cape of Good Horn, in the south, is plagued by constant storms.
But there's a bright side to Chile as well. In the center of the country is a beautiful river valley, where grapes grow to produce fine wine, where the forests are lush and thick, and the lakes are clear and inviting.
The capital city of Santiago is the fifth largest urban area in South America and offers travelers everything they'd expect from a big city, including museums, performing arts, and plenty of history.
Adventurous Chile Tours
Adventure travelers love this narrow South American country because there are plenty of multi-sport adventures waiting for them at every turn.
If you're a skier, you'll want to head for the Portillo Ski Resort during the South American winter, from the months of June through early October. This uncrowded ski area north of Santiago welcomes those from the North who like to ski or snowboard all year round.
However, if you want real adventure, travel to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, literally the end of the earth. Here you'll find the Torres del Paine World Biosphere Reserve.
Hiking and trekking here is amazing! You'll make your way through small mountain passes and climb glaciers, travel to crystal-clear mountain lakes at high altitude, and view incredible flora and fauna unique to this area.
Civilized Chile
If you're more of a sightseer or a history lover than an adventurer, Chile tours will nonetheless offer plenty for you to see and do.
Start by visiting the northern town of Arica, which is not only the gateway to the Atacama Desert but also a town full of rich history and excellent leisure pursuits.
Make a stop at the Museo Arqueologicò San Miguel de Azapa for a good history lesson on Chile. Stick around and visit the pretty year-round beaches in Arica, dubbed the "City of Eternal Spring."
Wine country tours are becoming more and more popular in Chile. Head to the Maipo Valley (not far from Santiago) where you'll find some of the oldest vineyards in the country. Not unlike California's Napa Valley, guests can stop at many vineyards all in one day.
If you'd like to explore the beautiful Lake District, start at Temuco, home to Chile's indigenous Mapuche Indians. You can enjoy a myriad of leisure activities here, such as biking, jogging, and walking, boating, and even windsurfing.
When to Go
Situated in the Southern Hemisphere, Chile experiences seasons at opposite times from North America. So, if you're an avid skier, you'll want to schedule your Chile tour during their winter months of June through September.
If you're inclined towards activities like hiking, mountain biking, climbing, or sightseeing, the best time for Chile tours is when it's cold in the Northern Hemisphere and warm and comfortable down there. Spring and fall are ideal as well.