Many are the times when adventurers focus on touristy spots in Chile. It could be Easter Island, which never ceases to baffle with its mysterious statues, or the world-famous Torres Del Paine National Park, which surpasses the dreams of avid hikers with its dramatic topography. While these two should be on every globetrotter’s travel agenda, Chile has secret spots that prove how blessed this South American country is.
These 10 astonishing gems range from parks and deserts to lakes, all leaving thrill seekers with great admiration and excitement. Fortunately, adventures can explore them at their own pace since Chile has luxurious all-inclusive resorts that make their stay worthwhile.
10 Archipelago Juan Fernandez
Lying in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and about 400 miles west Of Valparaiso, Chile, is the fascinating Juan Fernandez Archipelago, consisting of three distinct islands. The islands are Alejandro Selkirk, Santa Clara, and Robinson Crusoe, with the latter getting featured in Daniel Defoe's novel about Alejandro Selkirk's survival story.
Today, this hidden gem attracts nature lovers who revel in the lush sub-tropical woodlands, home to over 130 endangered native plant species. Bird watchers also spot remarkable native birds such as the Juan Fernandez Firecrown hummingbird and Tit-tyrant.
9 Araucania Region, Pucón
Volcanic mountains, dazzling water bodies, and a rich indigenous culture characterize the Araucania region. The rich Mapuche culture is worth observing for its traditional clothing, handicrafts, and delicious food. Shoppers will find a wide variety of items to carry home, including woolen goods, Mapuche-designed jewelry, wood, and horsehair products.
Alternatively, adrenaline seekers choose from the grueling hike to the Villarrica Volcano (one of Chile's terrific hiking spots) or the trek to a hidden lagoon in Huerquehue National Park. Watersport enthusiasts also have the option of whitewater rafting the Trancura River.
8 Laguna De Inca
Between the majestic Andes Mountains is the shimmery Laguna de Inca, also known as the Lake of the Inca. The lake changes from a mesmerizing emerald green color to a stunning deep blue to create a picturesque scenery with the rugged mountains as the backdrop.
One of the must-do things in Laguna de Inca is to have finger-licking meals while overlooking the lake at the Hotel Portillo. The hotel features a grand dining room with huge windows that provide unobstructed views of the splendid lake.
7 Ski Portillo, Andes Mountains
A combination of blue skies and sunny days topped with great snow make Ski Portillo a skier's dream come true, and also one of the perfect destinations to ski in South America. Portillo features more than 2900 acres of ski-able terrain and numerous runs suitable for novice and intermediate skiers. Expert skiers challenge themselves on the off-piste or longer 1.5-mile runs.
Besides skiing, Ski Portillo offers impressive areas for stargazing as no other lights compete with the star and moonlight. Stargazers get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the spectacular Southern Cross constellation in this secret corner.
6 Desierto Florido, Atacama Desert
Depending on the climatic conditions, the Desiertio Florido, or Flowering Desert, comes alive with blooming flowers. The desert preserves seeds blown by wind, birds, and wildlife until the region experiences a rainy season to help them grow in the next season. Tourists get to see this phenomenon once every five to ten years.
This secret spot boasts some of the world's clearest skies, making it the ultimate stargazing destination. For an otherworldly experience, astronomy enthusiasts should schedule to visit this secret spot when there's a full moon.
5 Glacier Grey
Situated in the famous Torres del Paine National Park is the blue-hued Glacier Grey splitting into three sections and partially filling Lake Grey. The lake further complements its precious stone color, making it a sight to behold.
Adventurers can reach the glacier by hiking, boat excursion, kayaking, or ice hiking. A boat excursion trip is one of the easiest ways to get to Glacier Grey, while ice hiking is the most challenging. Although kayakers paddle for about two hours, they get impressive views and even touch the glacier.
4 General Carrera Lake
General Carrera Lake boasts some of the most intricate caves in the world, The Marble Caves. Tourists marvel at the magnificent light show the lake puts on as the water laps on the cave walls. During spring, the cave walls have a navy blue hue and change to pink, white, and cobalt blue when the glacier melts.
Although the cave pathways are narrow, tourists explore them by kayaks or small boats. Moreover, the caves are on an off-beaten path, making them a perfect choice for tourists looking for seclusion.
3 Queulat National Park
Queulat National Park is a laid-back park with a glacier, native forests, enchanting waterfalls, and a gorgeous alpine lake. The main attraction in this park is the strikingly blue Hanging Glacier, also known as the Ventisquero Colgante. Travelers access the glacier from an approximately 2-mile-long out-and-back trail.
Hikers should wear suitable hiking boots as the route gets muddy and slippery during rainy seasons.
Besides the glacier, Queulat Park is a birdwatcher's paradise with abundant hummingbirds, Magellanic woodpeckers, condors, and kingfishers.
2 Pan De Azúcar National Park
The Pan de Azúcar National Park offers an off-the-beaten-road destination for adventurers to immerse themselves in nature without lots of crowds. Surfers get unparalleled solitude as they ride the stunning waves of La Playa Blanca beach. Alternatively, explorers go for boat excursions to observe the marine life and see the Humboldt Penguins.
Meanwhile, adventurers looking for on-land activities choose from numerous trails, such as the Mirador, Las Lomitas, and Quebrado del Castillo trails. The Mirador trail is the most accessible, rewarding hikers with awe-inspiring views of the Pan de Azúcar Park.
1 Conguillio National Park
With native araucaria trees and plants, the majestic Llaima volcano, and shimmering volcano lakes, Conguillio National Park is a must-visit when in Chile. This park is ideal for adventurers wandering from Chile's other famous attractions.
Conguillio Park lures hikers with the Sierra Nevada, Las Vertientes, and Las Araucarias trails. The 7.5mile long Sierra Nevada trail takes around 5 hours to complete. It is best suited for active adventurers due to its 2,300 feet elevation leading to the slopes of Llaima Volcano.