Chill Out In Chile

Stretching down most of the length of South America, Chile is one of the most diverse countries in the world when it comes to terrain and climate. There are mountains, deserts, glaciers and rainforests. On top of this, the country has an amazing culture worth exploring. Here are just five ways to chill out in Chile.

Go sightseeing in Santiago

Chile’s capital is a buzzing place with lots of things to see and so. Historic monuments include the presidential palace (La Moneda) and the mighty Cerro San Cristobal statue. You can stay in luxury in the Renaissance Santiago Hotel or hop from hostel to hostel if you’re on a budget. There are plenty of restaurants here to try out native Chilean food and other cosmopolitan flavours, as well as plenty of experiences for shopping. You can also take a trip outside the city to nearby attractions such as the Casablanca Valley vineyards and the scenic national park of Cajon Del Maipo in which you can climb mountains and gaze at the crystal clear lake.

Stargaze in the Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert has been compared to the surface of Mars for it’s barren landscape. The impressive Moon Valley is like a scene out of a sci-fi film. Due to the lack of urban settlements in this area, the stars at night in Atacama are also extremely vivid making it a great place to go stargazing. There are all kinds of ways to explore the Atacama – you can rent a car or hike it or go on a coach tour or even ride on horseback with the Atacama Horse Adventure company.

Go wine tasting in the Colchagua Valley

Chile is a popular wine producer and there are multiple regions to go wine tasting. The largest and most popular is the scenic Colchagua Valley. For those wanting a romantic getaway, this is the perfect activity – there are plenty of luxury restaurants with scenic views here and horse and carriage rides through the vineyards. There are also several museums to visit in the area for getting a taste of the region’s history.

Hike the Torres Del Paine in Patagonia

Perhaps not everyone’s idea of ‘chilling out’, a hike through Patagonia can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain and temperamental weather. However, the scenic landscapes make it all worthwhile – there’s no shortage of Instagram-worthy sights including the iconic spiky mountains, giant glaciers and sparkling lakes. Companies like Cascada offer guided treks for seeing all the natural sights.

Relax on the beaches of La Serena

For those simply looking for a beach vacation, Chile has the popular La Serena to offer. Here you’ll find long sandy beaches and plenty of hotels and restaurants. You can get involved in watersports and even take tours out to spot dolphins (there are even penguins on the nearby island of Isla Damas). The historic architecture may also appeal to those wanting some cultural sights.