Contrasts within a country or city is a true gift to a traveler, providing the priceless opportunity to diversify the experiences had (and ultimately memories made) on a trip. It's expensive as is to take an international vacation, so what better use of your money (not to forget time and energy) than choosing a dream destination that offers an assorted array of adventures? Look no further, as the charming contrasts of the Chilean soil and sand will have you packing a suitcase (or backpack) in no time!
Desert Dream Scenery
The Atacama Desert, located in the north of lengthy Chile, offers a wide variety of unique desert adventures and sightseeing. Covering approximately 105,000 km squared, the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) is found here and is notorious for its exotic and rugged resemblance to the surface of the moon. Due to ancient floods and powerful winds, stunning rock layers and outcrops have sculpted this region into the dazzling desert it is today. From the Valle de la Luna, it is possible to visit four different volcanoes; the Licancabur, Aguas Calientes, Lascar, and Acamarachi volcanoes play an important role in maintaining the order of the various rivers that run through this ecosystem.
Right next door is the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountains). Named for their white-dusted appearance, these rocks get their color from their high quantity of calcium sulfate, making them a rare and striking sight. The Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley) is nestled in the middle of the Cordillera de la Sal and (to no surprise) is renowned for its very low survival rates for plants, animals, and humans. In fact, both animal and human bones have been found in this valley due to its extremely arid climate! Be sure to bring along plenty of water to remain hydrated while visiting this desert district.
- Car Rental Costs: average cost $52/day
- Atacama Valley Popular Season: December-February
- Accommodation: Sleep Under the Stars
Consider renting a car and driving through the Atacama Desert to ensure that all desired destinations and sights are seen timely and effectively.
Apart from some ground-level sensational sightseeing, try hopping on a hot air balloon tour and floating over the Atacama Desert, taking in the view from an elevated angle. This hot air balloon tour company offers both English and Spanish tours, transportation, a snack, and sparkling wine, as well as free rescheduling and cancelation should travel plans change (as they often do).
For hikers and trekkers alike, this region has 14 different routes, which are divided evenly into full-day and half-day excursions, providing not only diverse views but also hike durations options. This site even has four unique camping itineraries to choose from, ranging from 3 to 5 days depending on the itinerary; this option allows the traveler to get a closer, more in-depth experience with the Atacama Desert by extensively exploring various trekking routes with a guide.
Finally, this desert region is conveniently one of the most exquisite areas in Chile (not to mention on the planet) for stargazing, all due to its ideal environmental conditions. This intimate astronomical tour often sells out, so consider booking a star tour in advance.
Looking for a desert adventure further south? A must-see on the Patagonian peninsula is the Milodon Cave National Monument, located in the acclaimed Torres del Paine National Park. Travel through time by learning about the first humans who took refuge and lived in the depths of these historical caves. Aside from ancient caves, Torres del Paine offers jaw-dropping views of snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes.
Craving caves and water combined? The Marble Caves is another famous Chilean cave that is found on the border between Chile and Argentina. Completely made of natural marble, these spectacular swirly caves are secluded and can only be reached via kayaks or small boats due to their narrow waterways.
Sea, Shore, And Island Adventures
- Easter Island: visit during May-August for cheaper prices
- Los Pingüinos Natural Monument: bus and ferry transportation options
- Lake District: visit during October-March for warmer weather
Constructed by the early indigenous Rapa Nui peoples, Easter Island, an island and territory of Chile, has to be one of the world's most intriguing and bewildering spectacles on planet Earth. At Rapa Nui National Park, a protected wildlife area on Easter Island, the culture and heritage of these inhabitants can be studied and appreciated; their enormous stone moai statues are what this culture is best known for. Green Island Tours is an award-winning tour company that offers a wide range of tour experiences through Rapa Nui National Park and Easter Island itself, ranging from small tours to cruise ship shore excursions.
Easter Island is an expensive destination. As with other islands, a large part of the cost is transportation. Dining also gets costly since all necessary goods must be transported to the island as well.
Another incredible island trip is where you'll find the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument... which in fact is exactly how it sounds: a penguin sanctuary! Situated in the center of the Straight of Magellan, found in the southern tip of Chile, the main part of the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument spans across two islands: Magdalena Island and Marta Island. Founded with the purpose of protecting the Magellanic penguins from the risk of fishing, an estimated 60,000 breeding pairs are found here, making it the area with the largest number of penguin colonies in Chile.
Although it isn't the sea, Chile's expansive Lake District offers beautiful blue bodies of waters, waterfalls, thermal hot springs, forests, and snowy volcanoes. Within the lake district, which spreads across two Chilean regions (La Araucanía and Los Lagos) there are 12 major lakes, as well as many other smaller ones sprinkled within the landscape. Besides drooling over these views from a comfortable seat, try appreciating this abundant land by cycling, hiking, skiing, or kayaking, getting a more interactive, engaging, and even exhilarating experience.