8 outdoor activities in Chile that show its true beauty

8 outdoor activities in Chile that show its true beauty

From cycling through parched deserts to exploring mountain lakes, we share our favorite outdoor activities in Chile

There's a charming folk tale about Chile that claims that when God created the world, he had a bit of everything to spare - deserts, lakes, mountains, glaciers and volcanoes - so he threw it all together and created Chile.

The country, which stretches like a spine along the west coast of South America, is one of the most diverse in the world. From the parched Atacama Desert to the lush greenery of the Lake District, Chile swings from one extreme to the other.

In a land of endless opportunity, deciding what to do can be downright daunting. Here we list eight specific outdoor activities in Chile that offer an unparalleled view of the country's beauty and diversity.

1. Hiking in Torres del Paine

Hiking in Torres Del Paine is one of the best outdoor activities in Chile. In 2013, the national park was voted the fifth most beautiful place in the world by National Geographic. With stunning jagged mountain peaks, ultramarine glaciers, sapphire lakes and the granite towers of Las Torres, it's easy to see why it received so much praise.

alt="Hiking in Torres del Paine is one of the best outdoor activities in Chile">DreamtimeHiking in Torres del Paine is one of the best outdoor activities in Chile

There are several day hikes as well as a number of multi-day trails, of which the W (4-5 days) and The Circuit (7-9 days) are the best. Visit between November and April for the best weather, but remember that the Patagonian climate can be fickle!

Check out 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. NASA even repeated the tests they conducted on Mars and discovered that parts of the Atacama "missed current signs of life in soil samples," essentially making them alien.

alt="Atacama offers one of the best outdoor activities in Chile">Atlas & BootsThe Atacama Desert is the driest place on earth

The desert receives an average of 15 mm (0.6 in) of precipitation per year. Periods of four years without rainfall have been recorded in the central sector, and some weather stations have never received any rain at all.

It may not sound ideal for cycling, but the red rock formations, narrow gorges and 150m high sand dunes of Valle de la Muerte and Valle de la Luna are a sight to behold. The weather changes little from month to month, so visit any time of the year.

For more information, see Visiting the Atacama Desert

3. Horse riding in Maipo Valley

The Maipo Valley offers some of the best outdoor activities in Chile, including horseback riding through the stunning Andean landscape. Cascada de las Ánimas runs excursions that begin with a short introduction before heading into the mountains through a plateau forested with thousands of trees.

alt=“Horse riding is an excellent outdoor activity in Chile”>Cascada de las AnimasHorse riding in the Maipo Valley

Drive across the Meseta Plateau to Manzanito Gorge and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. End the day with a delicious dinner and a glass of Chilean wine before retreating to a cozy bungalow under the starry Andean sky.

See Cascada de las Animas for more

4. Rafting on the Maipo River

Chile is known for its whitewater rivers and the Maipo is one of the favorites among them. The boulders scattered across the narrow riverbed create a challenging obstacle course through the exciting rapids.

alt="Rafting is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Chile">Cascada de las AnimasWhitewater rafting on the Maipo River

Take part in a rafting experience on a day trip from Santiago or as part of a multi-sport adventure tour that includes several exciting outdoor activities and two nights in a charming suite.

Guests begin at Cascada de las Ánimas and raft 9.5 km downstream toward the town of San Jose de Maipo. Visit Class IV rapids between November and February (for advanced rafters only) and the rest of the year for lower levels (including beginners). Of course, all rafters must expect to get wet!

See Cascada de las Animas for more

5. Kayaking on the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers

To see the stunning Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers up close, consider a one- or two-day trip from Toro Pier at the entrance to Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.

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

This quiet corner of Patagonia is reserved almost exclusively for kayakers, with a campsite dedicated just for them. Excursions take visitors close to Balmaceda and Serrano and offer unparalleled views of these breathtaking glaciers.

See Kayak en Patagonia for more

6. Trekking to Villarrica Volcano

Villarrica Volcano is one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Chile. At 3,160 m (10,367 ft), Villarrica is one of the most active volcanoes in the country. In fact, it last erupted just three years ago in March 2015.

alt="Villarrica is one of the most active volcanoes in Chile">DreamtimeVillarrica is one of the most active volcanoes in Chile

That hint of danger doesn't stop tourists from flocking to one of the country's greatest challenges and best views. Trekkers are provided with ice axes and crampons and a short tutorial for those without experience.

See Summit Chile for more

7. Skiing in Valle Nevado

The Valle Nevado ski resort, 60km east of Santiago, is purpose-built and growing rapidly. 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 ResortValle Nevado offers a variety of long runs

Valle Nevado offers a connecting ticket to two neighboring resorts for a total of 7,000 hectares, making it one of the largest ski areas in the world. It offers an excellent selection of expansive slopes and is currently the number one summer training destination for European and US ski teams. Visit from July to September to ski and dine under some of the best skies in the world.

See Valle Nevado for more

8. Exploring the southernmost settlement in the world

Ushuaia in Argentina is the southernmost large settlement in the world and is known as the “End of the World”. However, the Chilean town of Puerto Williams on the island of Navarino is the southernmost human settlement anywhere (apart from research stations in Antarctica).

alt="Puerto Williams in the southernmost settlement in the world">DreamtimePuerto Williams is the southernmost settlement in the world

Puerto Williams is a port of entry to Antarctica and an important hub for scientific activities. There are opportunities for trekking and kayaking, but not much happens in the city itself. No matter – it’s worth a visit for the bragging rights alone. You can reach the city by plane or ferry.

See Turismo Shila for more

Outdoor Activities in Chile: Map

old=““>

Lonely Planet Chile is a comprehensive travel guide to the country, ideal for those who want to both explore the main attractions and take the road less traveled.

Main image: Maciej Bledowski/Shutterstock

      .