8 outdoor activities in Chile, which show their true beauty

Veröffentlicht: 15. Juli 2022, 12:24 Uhr

Aktualisiert: 09. Juni 2025, 22:51 Uhr

Von: wom87

of bike tours through dry deserts to exploration of Bergseen we share our favorite outdoor activities in Chile

There is a charming folk tale about Chile who claims that when God created the world, he had something left of everything - deserts, lakes, mountains, glaciers and volcanoes - so he threw everything together and created Chile.

The country that extends like a backbone along the west coast of South America is one of the most diverse in the world. From the drained Atacama desert to the lush green of the Lake District, Chile fluctuates from one extreme to the other.

In a country of endless possibilities, the decision as to what to do can be extremely discouraging. Here we list eight specific outdoor activities in Chile, which offer an incomparable view of the beauty and diversity of the country.

1. Hiking in Torres del Paine

hiking in Torres del Paine is one of the best outdoor activities in Chile. In 2013, the National Geographic National Park was elected fifth -scale place in the world. With breathtaking rugged mountain peaks, ultramarine glaciers, sapphire green lakes and the granite towers of Las Torres, it is easy to see why it was given so much praise.

alt = “Hiking in Torres del Paine is one of the best outdoor activities in Chile”> Dream time Hiking in Torres del Paine is one of the best outdoor activities in Chile

There are several day hikes and a number of hiking trails lasting several days, of which the W (4-5 days) and The Circuit (7-9 days) are the best. Visit us between November and April to have the best weather, but remember that the Patagonian climate can be unstable!

Take a look at the 6 best hiking trails in Torres del Paine to learn more

2. Cycling in the Atacama desert

The Atacama desert is the driest place on earth and is regularly compared to Mars. The NASA even repeated the tests that they carried out on Mars and discovered that parts of the Atacama "overlook current signs of life in soil samples", which essentially made it strange.

alt = “Atacama offers one of the best outdoor activities in Chile”> Atlas & Boots The Atacama desert is the dryest place in the earth

In the desert, an average of 15 mm (0.6 inches) falls per year. Periods of four years were registered in the central sector without precipitation, and some weather stations have never got rain at all.

It may not sound ideal for cycling, but the red rock formations, tight gorges and 150 m high sand dunes by Valle de la Muerte and Valle de la Luna are an unforgettable sight. The weather hardly changes from month to month, so visit it in every season.

For more information, see the Atacama desert

3. Riding in the Maipo Valley

The Maipo Valley offers some of the best outdoor activities in Chile, including ride through the breathtaking Andean landscape. Cascada de las ánimas carries out excursions that start with a short introduction before going to the mountains through a plateau forested with thousands of trees.

alt = "Riding is an excellent outdoor activity in Chile"> Cascada de las animas riding in the Maipo Valley

drive via the Meseta plateau to Manzanito Gorge and enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Let the day end with a delicious dinner and a glass of Chilean wine before withdrawing into a cozy bungalow under the starry sky of the Andes.

See Cascada de las animas for more

4. Rafting on the Maipo River

chile is known for its white water flows and the Maipo is one of the favorites among them. The boulders scattered over the narrow river bed form a challenging obstacle course through the exciting rapids.

alt = “rafting is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Chile”> Cascada de las animas Wildwasser rafting on the Maipo River

take part in a rafting experience on a day tour from Santiago or as part of a multisport adventure tour that includes several exciting outdoor activities and two nights in a charming suite.

The guests start at Cascada de Las ánimas and raft 9.5 km downstream towards the city of San Jose de Maipo. Visit class IV rapids between November and February (only for advanced rafters) and the rest of the year for lower levels (including beginners). Of course, everyone has to expect to get wet!

See Cascada de las animas for more

5. Kayaking on the glaciers Balmaceda and Serrano

To look at the breathtaking glaciers of Balmaceda and Serrano up close, you should consider a one or two-day excursion from Toro Pier at the entrance to the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.

alt = “The Balmaceda glacier offers one of the best outdoor activities in Chile”> Balmaceda glacier

This quiet corner of Patagonia is almost exclusively reserved for kayakers, with a campsite that is only intended for them. Excursions bring visitors near Balmaceda and Serrano and offer incomparable views of these breathtaking glaciers.

See Kayak en Patagonia for more

6. Trekking to the Villarrica volcano

The Villarrica volcano is one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Chile. With 3,160 m (10,367 ft), Villarrica is one of the most active volcanoes in the country. In fact, he last broke out in March 2015.

alt = “Villarrica is one of the most active volcano chiles”> Dream time Villarrica is one of the most active volcano chiles

This hint of danger does not stop tourists from getting one of the greatest challenges and best prospects in the country. Trekker are provided with ice cream pimples and crampons and a short tutorial for those without experience.

See summit Chile for more

7. Skiing in Valle Nevado

The Valle Nevado ski area, 60 km east of Santiago, was specially built and grows quickly. Skiing takes place between 2,700 m (9,000 ft) and 3,600 m (12,000 ft) and most hotels are ski-in-ski-out.

Alt = “Valle Nevado offers excellent skiing in Chile”> Valle Nevado Resort Valle Nevado offers a variety of wide descents

Valle Nevado offers a connecting ticket to two neighboring resorts for a total of 7,000 hectares and is therefore one of the world's largest ski areas. It offers an excellent selection of extensive slopes and is currently the number one summer training goal for European and American ski teams. Visit from July to September to go skiing and dining under some of the best sky in the world.

See Valle Nevado for more

8. Exploration of the southernmost settlement in the world

Ushuaia in Argentina is the southernmost major settlement in the world and known as the “end of the world”. However, the Chilean city of Puerto Williams is the southernmost human settlement on the island of Navarino (apart from research stations in Antarctic).

alt = “Puerto Williams in the southernmost settlement in the world”> Dreamzeit Puerto Williams is the southernmost settlement of the world

Puerto Williams is an entrance port to Antarctic and an important node for scientific activities. There are opportunities for trekking and kayaking, but not much happens in the city itself. No matter - a visit is worth it because of the boast. You can reach the city by plane or ferry.

See Turismo Shila for more

outdoor activities in Chile: Map

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Lonely Planet Chile is a comprehensive travel guide for the country, ideal for those who want to explore the most important sights and take less busy roads.