South America Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips!

If you’re thinking of taking a tour to Chile, then the Atacama Desert might be on your list of places to visit. If it isn’t then it’s about time it made it on that list! The Atacama Desert is a rare piece of natural beauty, sporting the driest non-polar climate on Earth. With its salt lakes, lagoons (and accompanying flamingoes), geysers and multicolored rock formations it’s a sight to behold. It also has lots of activities for both the adventurous traveler and those interested in archeology.With San Pedro being the main location where travelers base themselves on a trip to Atacama, here are some incredible things to do when there.

Patagonia is staggering by all measures. Incredible vistas of glistening glaciers, jagged mountains, windswept steppes, and blue ice-melt lakes — these are just some of the highlights of this incredible region that occupies southern Argentina and Chile. Hiking in Patagonia promises unforgettable experiences and encounters with awe-inspiring forces of the natural world. Whether you're a seasoned trekker seeking remote trails or a nature enthusiast craving unparalleled vistas, a trip to Patagonia offers a realm of exploration waiting to be discovered, one footstep at a time.

While Chile offers plenty of things to do, adventure-seeking holiday-goers from around the world flock to Chilean Patagonia to complete the Torres del Paine Treks. Amongst the three trekking routes in the Torres del Paine National Park — the W trek, the O trek, and the Q trek, the Torres del Paine W trek is the most sought-after.Also known as the W circuit, the trek is popular for the up-close view of Las Torres; the iconic rock formations for which the park is famous. It also offers spectacular views of glaciers and skyscraping mountains. The fact that all these sights is packed into a relatively short and easy trek compared to the other two, contributes to the Torres del Paine W Trek’s attractiveness.

Valparaiso is a tapestry of mesmerizing chaos, old architecture, ramshackle funiculars, colorful street art, and the beautiful Pacific coast. Home to 45 historic hills, it is Santiago’s bohemian hideaway, a favorite among artists, philosophers, and romantics. In 2003, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Since then, more and more tourists on their Chile tour have been attracted to visit – and some, to stay.There are two primary modes of transportation you can use to get from Santiago to Valparaiso. The 120 kilometers land distance can be covered either by bus or car. Unfortunately, Valparaiso cannot be accessed by air as there is no airport near Valparaiso.

Chile won the award for “Best Adventure Travel Destination” two times in a row during 2015 and 2016 in the World Travel Awards. That alone speaks about the amazing adventure activities the country has to offer. Albeit its small size, Chile has one of the most diverse landscapes in South America that plates up a contrasting assemblage of mountain ranges, deserts, fjords, glaciers, and volcanoes, making Chile one of the best adventure playgrounds in the world.If you are an adventure bug, craving for your next big adrenaline rush, a trip to Chile will fulfill your wishes. Below are seven big outdoor activities in Chile, listed in random order, that will satiate even the most adventurous people.

Easter Island is a beautiful, isolated island in the South Pacific Ocean, known for hundreds of colossal moai statues strewn all over the island. The island which also goes by its indigenous name Rapa Nui, remains one of the biggest archeological enigmas. Despite its remote location, more than 2,500 kilometers away from the nearest inhabited island, Easter Island receives more than 80,000 tourists every year. There are two modes of transportation to reach the island: by flight and by boat. However, it is the flights that are popular, safer and a much more convenient option. The yachts sail to the island from January to March, but are infrequent and the treacherous waters of the South Pacific Ocean can make for an extremely troublesome voyage. We therefore recommend you to visit the Island by air, and not by sea, as it’s too risky.

When it comes to ancient mysteries, there are few as fascinating as the one surrounding Easter Island. Undoubtedly one of the major tourist attractions on any trip to Chile, the island was once populated by the Rapa Nui people who mysteriously disappeared in the mid 1800s. Nowadays, the island is frequented by people who want to experience the mystical vibe of this curious patch of land.You have probably seen photos of the giant head statues that populate the island. These are called moai and are yet another of the island’s mysteries as it is still unknown why they were built and what or whom they are supposed to represent. But, these enigmatic statues are not the only reason to visit Easter Island. There are fantastic surfing, snorkeling and hiking opportunities to keep you occupied during your Easter Island tour. Nothing quite compares to navigating through the rugged natural beauty that prevails across the island in thick swathes or lounging around on one of the island’s pristine beaches. Below, we give you top reasons to travel to Easter Island (in particular order):

Although Chilean food has taken much inspiration from its European heritage, it has carved a niche for itself in the world food culture. The Chilean food dishes menu is a list of bright, flavorful, and wholesome meals that can put a large smile on the face of any foodie. Mostly comprising of meat, seafood, and vegetables, depending on the dish’s geographic origin, they are best eaten alongside local wine or pisco sour, a tangy local drink.Let’s look at the 10 most popular Chilean foods you must try during your tour to Chile.

When people think ‘skiing,’ they often think of the Alps in Europe or the Rockies in the USA, but there is a lesser-known gem in South America just waiting for snow bunnies. Chile boasts more than 10 world-class ski resorts sprinkled north to south through the Andes Mountains, with the large majority concentrated around Santiago. Every year more and more skiers learn about the wonders of skiing in Chile, increasing the popularity of this hidden gem. This year, Chile is expecting to see 1.4 million skiers hit their ski slopes due to its incredible snow, slopes for all skill levels, and outstanding accommodations. This adventure destination will have you alpine, heli-skiing, freestyling, and backcountry skiing through the iconic Andes Mountains, at amazing resorts, and over volcanos. Ski Chile from July through September to take advantage of the deeper snow and longer days of the southern hemisphere winter. So when the summer heat gets too much for you, grab your skis and prepare for a Chile tour to cool off. Below we are highlighting some of the best ski destinations in Chile for you (in no particular order):

Despite its humble size, Chile packs a punch with its offerings. This slim but long South American nation (average 180 km wide and 4300 km long) flaunts diverse terrains from the moon-like dry Atacama desert in the north to vineyards running through its length, the Andes Mountains forming its spine, lakes and volcanoes along the way, and glaciers in Patagonia in Chile’s south. Visitors are spoiled for choice! Most flock to Patagonia to explore Torres del Paine National Park and its amazing hiking trails, others opt to holiday in the mysterious Easter Island, and some enjoy the Bohemian cities.If you are planning a trip to Chile and are looking for inspiration, our handy list of 18 things to do in Chile below is a good place to start.

Massive glaciers, breathtaking mountain ranges, dense forests, churning rivers, and turquoise lakes as far as the eye can see - these are just some of the magic you’ll witness inside Torres del Paine National Park. The sprawling 227,298-hectare of land in Chile; a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a recently declared eighth wonder of the world, is also home to three gigantic rock towers called Las Torres, from which it gets its name.Located in the Chilean Patagonia, it is home to some of the best hikes and treks in Patagonia. Hikers and trekkers from every corner of the globe come to Torres del Paine National Park to explore the more famous Torres del Paine Treks which includes the 3 following treks: The W Circuit The O Circuit, also known as the Full Circuit The Q Circuit. Bring your adventurous spirit and prepare for an extraordinaire Torres Del Paine trekking experience — a must do when on a Chile tour. Below we’re giving you a snapshot overview of each of the 3 treks:

Santiago in Chile is a cosmopolitan metropolis with much to offer the South American adventurer. A culturally diverse city, its lively neighbourhoods are peppered with verdant parks, art galleries, museums, cafes and restaurants. There are many exciting things to do in Santiago if it’s your first time in the city. If you are unsure of what to do when in Santiago, here are our top 10 highlights.

Patagonia is an adventure paradise, famed for its expansive wilderness, jagged mountain peaks, icy blue glaciers, and stunning lagoons. The region, shared by Argentina and Chile, draws a large number of visitors every year, who come here for activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and mountaineering. The best time to visit Patagonia depends on the type of experience you seek. During the summer months, from December to February, Patagonia comes alive with vibrant colors and milder weather, making it ideal for trekking through the iconic Torres del Paine National Park and exploring the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier. Spring and autumn, from October to November and March to May, are also good times to visit if you wish to avoid the peak season crowds. Patagonia in winter, from June to September, sees colder temperatures and snowfall, creating an enchanting setting for winter sports enthusiasts and those looking for a quieter, serene escape.

Unless you arrive on foot via the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you will certainly have to spend a night in the town of Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo or Machu Picchu Town) while visiting Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is a short bus ride from Machu Picchu itself, where there are many accommodation options to suit all budget and group size. If you are wondering where to stay in Machu Picchu, look no further. We have assembled 10 of the best hotels near Machu Picchu from luxury to affordable options for a comfortable stay.

The Huayhuash trek route involves a circular route of 120 km around the mighty Huayhuash mountain range with several peaks above 6,000 m. The highest point in the trek, Yerupajá (6,617 m), is the second highest mountain in Peru, while another peak, Siula Grande (6,344 m), achieved notoriety as the setting for Joe Simson’s gruelling ordeal in his book Touching the Void. The Huayhuash Circuit trekking trails are less visited than the popular trekking trails of Cordillera Blanca, but the Huayhuash mountain range offers a challenging trek in a remote and sparsely inhabited part of the Andes where few trekkers venture.