Torres del Paine: Differences between the W Trek and the O Circuit

Torres del Paine: Differences between the W Trek and the O Circuit

After deciding to hike Torres del Paine, your next step is to decide which hike to do, the W Trek or the O Circuit. The differences between the two hikes fall into three general categories: the trail itself and the views along the trail, the accommodation options, and the people on the trail.

The O Circuit, also known as the Paine Circuit, forms a complete loop around the park, while the W Trek makes a "W" shape south of the park. Circuit O includes the W Trek, which constitutes the southern part of the circuit.

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What's the Difference Between the O-Trek and the W-Trek?

Trails and Sights

The W Trek is approximately 80 km/50 miles long while the O Circuit is 110 km/68 miles.
The W Trek can be completed in 4 or 5 days while the O Circuit requires 7 to 9 days.
One difference between the two treks is the degree of flexibility. Hikers on the O-Trek are only allowed to hike the circuit counterclockwise, while hikers on the W-Trek are free to hike east to west or west to east. The reason for this is that park administrators want to regulate how many people are on the backside of the park at any one time, a point we will get to later.

Difficulty level: Neither the O Circuit nor the W Trek are known for being particularly strenuous, but naturally, due to its longer duration, the O Circuit is more challenging. The O Circuit also includes trekking up and over John Gardner pass, which can be a difficult climb. For the O Circuit, trekkers spend around 4 to 10 hours trekking per day whereas with the W-Trek, trekkers spend around 5 to 8 hours a day trekking.
The W circuit is more visited and includes two of the most stunning views: Mirador de Las Torres del Paine and Mirador Britanico. Due to its shorter completion time, the W Trek receives more trekkers than the O Circuit. In reverse, the O Circuit, taking longer to complete, receives fewer trekkers. The national park does not limit how many trekkers are permitted to do the W Trek (as long as they have accommodation reserved – see below), however the park only allows 80 trekkers to be on the top section of the O Circuit at a time.

Accommodation: Lodges and Camping

Torres del Paine offers two types of accommodation for trekkers*, lodges (in Spanish called “refugios”) and campsites. Along the W Trek it is possible to stay in refugios for the duration of your trek if you so choose. Camping is also available if this is your preference and a mix of camping and staying in lodges is also possible.

Despite whether you choose to sleep in the lodges or camp, please note that along the W Trek you will eat all of your meals in the lodges/refugios.

With the O Circuit however, camping is compulsory along the north side of the loop as there are no lodges between Refugio Las Torres, near the park’s entrance, and Refugio Dickson. Once the trail reaches Refugio Dickson, lodges are available, but you can continue to camp as well if you would like. At Refugio Dickson, you can sleep in either a tent or one of their 6-person shared dormitories.


Only the first two accommodations, Serón and Dickson, have restaurants for campers. Serón treats hikers to a three-course dinner, and Dickson has a fixed menu for dinner and breakfast. Both have minimarkets where you can pick up more food and snacks for the trail. Campamento Perros doesn’t have a restaurant, but they do serve breakfast and dinner. If you want to cook your own meal, you will have to pack in ingredients and cooking equipment. Perros also has a small market that offers snacks, basic equipment and gas for cookers. For the portion of the O Circuit in which there are no lodges, it is necessary to hire the services of porter to carry your food and cooking supplies. The porter will also cook your meals for you. After the fourth day of the trek, your will no longer need the help of your porter and you can continue on without them.

Lodging within the park is limited and trekkers without reservations at lodges or campsites will under no circumstances be permitted to stay overnight in the park. Accommodation books up quickly (especially in peak season), so please be sure to make your booking well in advance. To read more about why it’s important to book in advance, please click here. *If you prefer to stay at a hotel, Las Torres Hotel is the best option. Las Torres hotel is strategically located within the national park and it is used as a base for day hikes. Please note that you will have to return to the hotel every day to sleep in your room and depart the next morning for the next trek.

Routes and People on trails

The W hike runs primarily from east to west, starting at the park entrance located in the southeast corner of the park and ending at Glacier Gray. The O Circuit also begins at the entrance of the national park but you can only walk in an anti-clockwise direction.

The first section of Circuit O heads towards Torres del Paine, where you will walk through the Ascencio Valley trail. From this point, the trail begins its loop in counterclockwise direction, following the Paine River until it reaches Paine Lake. From Lake Paine to Lake Dickson it forms the upper section of the loop. This area is more remote and there are fewer hikers, which is a great advantage for those who prefer to meet less people and the trails with less traffic. Once you reach Lake Dickson the trail heads southwest until it reaches the highest point of the hike, John Gardner Pass at 1200m / 3900ft. The trail is challenging at this point, but hikers are rewarded with stellar views of the Patagonian Ice Fields and Gray Glacier.

After descending the pass, the trail will meet the W-Trek and the area can become noticeably busier. The trail continues along the W Trek, but O loop hikers will be walking in the opposite direction of most people walking west. For the 7-day O circuit, the trip ends in Paine Grande followed by a scenic ferry ride across Lake Pehoe. Once the O circuit is completed, you will return to the starting point, right at the entrance of the national park.

Like Circuit O, the first leg of the W Trek will be towards Torres de Paine, but after descending from Valle de Ascencio instead of heading east as on Circuit O, hikers will head west along from Lake Nordenskjöld. After passing the Cuernos, hikers will climb the French Valley and observe hanging glaciers along the way. From the French Valley, the trail will head towards Paine Grande and then towards Lago Gray and Glacier Gray. The same distance and trail is covered with the Classic W Trek 5 days and the W Trek Highlights - 4 days / 3 nights. Both the O Circuit and the W Trek have guided options and for the W you can take self-guided hikes during the mid-season of September, October and April only.

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Best time of the year to visit Torres del Paine and hike the “W” Trail in Chile

Best time of the year to visit Torres del Paine and hike the “W” Trail in Chile

Many people wonder when is the best time of year to visit the Torres del Paine National Park and do the W Trail Circuit. Each season of the year has its unique advantages that make it unique, the most important thing is to be prepared. Since each season has its own distinct benefits, your trip to Patagonia can be customized for the mid-season or high season to make it your own personalized South American adventure.

Summer is Peak Season

(January to March)
The quintessential season that tourists choose to visit Torres del Paine.Summer has the longest days and the warmest temperatures and it is the most popular time of the year to visit Patagonia. Summer in Patagonia is known for its often windy conditions. For most part of the year, you can expect winds with a speed of about 15 - 20 km/h (9 - 13 mph). In the summer months however, winds pick up and they can even reach speeds of about 120 km/h (74 mph).

Quiet Trails During Fall

(From March to May) Autumn brings surprising color transformations and a silence of fewer travelers. This time of the year has quieter trails with outstanding photography opportunities of snow-capped mountains.

Winter is the least popular

(From June to September)
The winter in Patagonia can be brutal and is the quietest time for tourism with many places closing up shop. During the months of June, July, August the average temperature ranges from the temperatures ranges from low 40s Fahrenheit to low 20's (6°C to -1°C) and again much lower during the night. You will experience snow, rain and plenty of icy conditions.
People can trek the W circuit but only with a local guide. It is not allowed to do this circuit on your own.

Spring: is another Popular Time of the year to visit Torres del Paine

(Late September to mid-December)
Spring is another popular time of year to travel to Patagonia. Patagonian spring brings beautiful wild flowers and milder winds. The trails are generally a little quieter, and whilst the temperatures can be a little lower, the photography opportunities are endless, as the winter snows hang around into spring on the high peaks.

Keep in mind that despite what you read on the internet or even our recommendations, no one can guarantee what the weather will be like in Patagonia. You can travel in summer and have cold days. Therefore, it is essential to travel prepared and with the necessary equipment. In this way, you will enjoy Patagonia at any time of the year that you decide to travel.

When is the best time of the year to trek the W Trek ?

The W Trek is open to trekkers year round, while the O Circuit is only open in the summertime. A good time to hike the W trek is from September to April and for the O Circuit, November to March is best.

The busiest time in the park is from November to February.

It’s common to experience what feels like all four seasons in one day in Patagonia, so make sure you are prepared. Torres del Paine is infamous for its high winds which are present in all four seasons. On average, the warmest month is January and the coldest month is July. The driest month is November while the wettest month is May.

The weather in Patagonia is famously unpredictable, making it all the more important to have the right gear. For this reason we include our packing list so that you are well prepared for your journey to Torres del Paine!

Contact us to start planning your own dream trip today!

Chile to open its borders to foreign tourists on November 1. Travel Restrictions Update

Chile to open its borders to foreign tourists on November 1st
Travel Restrictions Update

If Patagonia, Easter Island, Santiago, or Buenos Aires is on your travel wish list, you can finally start planning that trip. Chile and Argentina have announced that effective November 1, vaccinated international travelers can enter without having to quarantine

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Chile’s Covid Protocols (as of October 20th, 2021)

Chile’s reopening comes just in time for South America’s summer season, a popular period for visiting Chilean Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. October through March are the warmest months in Patagonia. Travelers can expect pleasant temperatures in the 70s, making it an ideal escape from the chilly winter weather.

 

Thanks to Chile’s positive results with regards to the containment of Covid-19, the Ministry of Health (MINSAL) announced changes in the Protected Borders Plan with the opening of the border for foreign tourists with some entry requirements as of November 1st, 2021.

Requirements for entering Chile

  • All foreigners who want to enter Chile should show their complete vaccination program, which they must validate before entering Chile at mevacuno.gob.cl to obtain a mobility pass, which becomes active after the mandatory confinement. Vaccines must be those approved by the Chilean Public Health Institute (ISP), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA)**;
 
  • Negative PCR up to 72 hours before flight departure time;
 
  • Medical insurance with a minimum coverage of US dollars $30,000;
 
  • Upon entering the country: maintain isolation until receiving a negative PCR test result, performed upon arrival in Chile;
 
  • Chileans and foreign residents can enter Chile via any border crossing with Sworn declaration;
 
  • Negative PCR taken up to 72 hours before international flight;
 
  • If they arrive without a Mobility Pass, they will have to carry out a seven-day quarantine.

* A Mobility Pass may be granted upon providing proof of being inoculated with any of these vaccines: Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Janssen (Johnson&Johnson), Oxford/AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac, CanSino y Generium (Sputnik-V) and a minimum of 14 days have passed from either the second dose (for two-dose vaccines) or inoculation (for one-dose vaccines).

 

* Children under 6 years of age will be able to leave the country without the «Mobility Pass», an essential requirement that was not granted until now. The Under-Secretary indicated that this age group does not yet have an approved vaccine, so they will not be able to count on the vaccination certificate granted by the «Mobility Pass».

As of October 19th, 2021 …

International airports that can receive foreign visitors are:

  • Arturo Merino Benitez Airport in Santiago.
  • Iquique Airport.
  • Antofagasta Airport.
  • Punta Arenas Airport (this facilitates the transfers to Torres del Paine).

• 96% of the target population have been vaccinated in the Magallanes region – where Las Torres National park is located in Patagonia.

• 90% of the target population have been vaccinated in Chile with the 1st dose and 70% with a complete vaccination schedule

You may want to read about Argentina’s covid protocols and updated covid restrictions:

• LEARN MORE

Do you want to travel to Chile? We are regional travel experts and pride ourselves in designing tailor-made trips that are a perfect fit for our clients. If you’re interested in planning an adventure combining several regions in Chile, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Trip Specialists for a free consultation. We are glad to help you with your lifetime trip in Chile.

Best Restaurants in Santiago de Chile

Best Restaurants in Santiago de Chile

Like their South American counterparts, popular restaurants in Santiago de Chile source fresh local ingredients. Here, you can savor Chilean specialties and seafood stews made with freshly caught fish from the Pacific Ocean. Or you can enjoy meat-focused meals, such as pastel de choclo (a pie with chicken or ground beef, plus hard-boiled eggs, olives, and corn).

To eat like a local, head to the Bellavista and Vitacura areas, where restaurants serve authentic dishes like caldillo de congrio (a fish stew filled with tomatoes and potatoes) and ceviche made with fresh sea bass or scallops. Among our favorites, we especially recommend Borago, Boca Nariz and 040 restaurant.

What are some of your favorite Santiago restaurants? Let us know in the comments!

Ambrosia

Ambrosía is not only one of the best restaurants in Chile, but also number 30 on the list of the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. An internationally renowned list of the 50 Best Restaurants in the region.

Another important milestone of this Restaurant is to have the Carolina Bazán seal, better known as "La China" and the Best Latin American Chef of the moment.

Located in the heart of Vitacura, it is a very romantic and elegant place to celebrate birthdays, special occasions such as weddings or anniversaries with the couple. Among its most iconic dishes we have the "Strogonoff", a plane originating in Russia that in Ambrosia is prepared with a base of different exotic mushrooms.

Phone: +56 9 5639 7877
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, call ahead to verify hours, and remember to practice social distancing.

Boragó (Sustainable Chilean gastronomy)

Chef Rodolfo Guzmán brings the best Chilean resources to the table, from local fishermen and butchers, to working with the best Chilean vineyards to combine their dishes exceptionally. He has become famous for his experimentation with food, the use of local ingredients and indigenous plants, and the recreation of ancient techniques and ancestral Patagonian recipes. Boragó was ranked fourth in the 50 Best Restaurants in Latin America in 2016, so enjoy a sublime night of dining out.

Phone: +56 2 2953 8893
Address: Av. San José María Escrivá de Balaguer 5970, Vitacura, Santiago, 7640804
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, call ahead to verify hours, and remember to practice social distancing.

Peumayen Ancestral Food

Celebrating pre-colonial cuisine, Peumayen Ancestral Food will introduce you to the wide range of Chilean ingredients. A deeply ingrained cultural project, this restaurant is an authentic find in Santiago. Using rare and original ingredients, and exposing old cooking techniques, Peumayen Ancestral Food investigates the roots of Chilean cuisine.

Phone: +56-2-4262303
Address: 136 Constitucion, Santiago, Chile
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, call ahead to verify hours, and remember to practice social distancing.

Boca Nariz

Bocanariz has been consistently praised by Wine Spectator for having one of the best wine lists in the world, with nearly 400 varieties. Bocanariz is a 'Meeting Place' for tourists and locals who love wine. Boca Nariz is located in the heart of Lastarria district, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of the city. Bocanariz is a wine bar and at the same time an innovative restaurant, where gastronomy has been designed to enhance the pairing with an extensive selection of wines.

The atmosphere is warm and casual, where the magic of an old restored house and the technology necessary to deliver an excellent service. Their team of sommeliers is oriented to guide you in an 'Experience around wine', telling you the story behind each label and its perfect combination with the flavors of the cuisine.

Phone: +56 2 2638 9893
Address: Jose Victorino Lastarria 276 , Lastarrias, Santiago

De Patio

Asian inspiration, European training and Chilean ingredients are setting Santiago’s food scene alight thanks to dynamic young chef Benjamín Nast at De Patio – named as one of the five most exciting Latin American restaurants to watch in 2019. The sophisticated décor of wood tables, plenty of glass and low dark ceilings reflects the fresh and elegant tasting menu, which comes in 5, 8 or 11 courses. Star dishes include confit sea bass with tapioca, and cuttlefish with apple.

Good to know: Choose a seat at the chef’s table bar for close-ups of the kitchen team in action.

Phone: +56 2 3245 0340
Address: Av. Vitacura 3520, Vitacura, Santiago, 7630000

Restaurant 040 (Avant-garde Chilean)

A smart establishment hidden away in an anonymous hotel in Santiago’s Bellavista neighborhood. Sergio Barroso Urbano takes inspiration from his Spanish motherland and adopted home at this Latin America’s 50 Best regular. His avant-garde techniques – picked up during time spent with the Adrià brothers at the legendary El Bulli – match the sophisticated ambience and, in keeping, the dress code is formal. Top bites from the 12-course tasting menu include sous-vide egg yolk, rich broth and bacon foam, and paella rice onigiri and Béarnaise butter. Ask to see Room 09 after dinner for access to the rooftop speakeasy bar located behind a secret door.

Phone: +56 2 2732 9214
Address: Antonia López de Bello 40, Recoleta, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Osaka (Chile’s Nikkei flavors)

Peruvian and Japanese (known as Nikkei cuisine) flavours seamlessly fuse together with Chile’s finest fish and seafood at the Santiago branch of Osaka, a regular on Latin America's 50 Best list. Helmed by Ciro Watanabe, the stylish restaurant, which moved premises to Vitacura in 2017, serves up sophisticated dishes. Sushi is creative – think braised beef tongue with cured egg yolk ceviche – while must-eats include smoked pork belly and tacu tacu (the Peruvian version of refried beans and rice) straight from the wok. Finish off with yuzu cheesecake.

Phone: +56 2 2381 9070
Address: Av. Nueva Costanera 3736B, Vitacura, Santiago, 7630428

Siete Negronis

Siete Negronis is part cult cocktail lounge and part restaurant. It’s where locals and travelers alike come to enjoy some of the best drink creations Santiago de Chile has to offer. As the name suggests, there is a large selection of inventive Negronis, but the bartenders here push the envelope out further, with South American flavours playing a dramatic part in changing up the usual profiles of the drinks. Add in the tasty dishes – think croquettes and langoustines on the grill – and it’s no wonder that this venue has top-tier status in the city.

Phone: +56 9 5408 8251
Address: Mallinkrodt 180, Bellavista, Santiago, 7530217

99 Restaurante

The hipster ambiance clashes nicely with sophisticated dishes created by young chef Kurt Schmidt at 99, a regular on Latin America’s 50 Best list. Reserve a seat at the counter to watch the kitchen team prepare the tasting menus. Simple sounding dishes such as ‘razor clams’, ‘grilled octopus’ and ‘pantrucas [a traditional Chilean soup] and rabbit’ are elevated to another level by elegant presentation and smart cooking. But the desserts are, arguably, the real stars of the show. Expect the unexpected from Gustavo Saez, Latin America’s Best Pastry Chef in 2016. A six-course menu is available at lunch for a wallet-friendly $30.

Phone: +56 2 2335 3327
Address: Andrés de Fuenzalida 99, Providencia, Santiago.

We hope you enjoy learning about the best restaurants in Santiago de Chile. Make sure to check out our recommended Chile Trips

Contact us to start planning your own dream trip today!

Places to visit in Chile

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Places to visit in Chile

With one of the most diverse landscapes on the planet, Chile has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years, especially among nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here in this long and narrow nation on the west coast of South America, travelers will find a variety of impressive travel opportunities, from the high peaks of the Andes and endless beaches to lush temperate forests, ancient volcanoes and a spectacular coastline such as that. found at Cape Horn.

Chile also has magnificent national parks and conservation areas, which are ideal destinations for those who love hiking and trekking, as well as those who enjoy adventurous activities such as climbing, rafting, biking. mountain and horseback riding. .

To make sure you see the best points of interest in this incredible South American country, be sure to read our list of the best things to do in Chile.

Torres del Paine National Park

In this moment, Torres del Paine National park is an extremely popular destination. Located more than 62 miles north of the city of Puerto Natales in southern Patagonia, this area of incredible beauty encompasses mountains, glaciers and countless lakes and rivers.

The most important region of the park is the Cordillera del Paine, an area that marks the transition from the Patagonian steppe to the northern subpolar forests. Perhaps most notable of its many wonderful features are the 9,350 feet-high granite peaks of the Macizo Paine, which dominate this already impressive landscape.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, with numerous well-marked trails, many of which offer overnight shelters with the basics needed for longer walks around the mountains. If you are planning more than just a day of hiking, professional guides are recommended and in some areas are a must.

One of the best guided treks of the park is the five-day W Trek, one of the best treks in Patagonia. This 45-mile route includes some of Patagonia's main landmarks, including the massive Gray Glacier and the Paine Grande Mountains.

Adventure Trips

The Atacama Desert and the Moon Valley

Some notable features of the Atacama Desert are the numerous caverns in the region, some with evidence of pictographs created by primitive man and where some of the oldest mummies in the world were found, preserved by the aridity of the area. The most famous of them, the Chinchorro mummies, are now exhibited in the archaeological museum of San Miguel de Azapa.

Also of interest is the Laguna Cejar sinkhole, famous for its turquoise waters.

The Valley of the Moon is located 8 miles west of San Pedro de Atacama in the extreme north of the country, near the border with Bolivia.

This rugged and inhospitable landscape in the heart of the Atacama Desert draws many visitors for its uncanny resemblance to the surface of the moon, an effect caused by the erosion of its sand and stone features by wind and water over countless millennia. Yet despite its remoteness, this strikingly beautiful landscape has sustained life for centuries, both human and numerous species of flora and fauna.

Among its most interesting features are the dry lake beds which are dazzling white from deposited salt and prone to producing fascinating natural saline outcrops.

Easter Island and Rapa Nui National Park

Despite being more than 2,174 miles from mainland Chile, this fascinating island with its remarkable stone sculptures remains the most recognizable attraction in the country.

Over 880 of these statues have been identified, known as Moai, created by the island's first Rapa Nui population, most of them now protected by the National Park National Park. The Island was declared an Unesco World Heritage Site.

In Rapa Nui there are the country’s best beaches including Anakena, a beautiful yet short stretch of white coral sand that's the perfect spot for a break from hiking.

Santiago: Chile's Cultural Capital

Santiago is not only the financial and business capital of Chile, it also serves as the country's cultural and entertainment center and is home to endless fun things to do, including its museums and art galleries, along with excellent shopping and dining.

Centrally located and the country's main transportation hub, Santiago is where most visitors begin their Chilean travels before heading to the Andes or other areas of outstanding natural beauty, such as Easter Island. The smartest travelers, though, will make time in their Chile travel itinerary to get to know Santiago.

Chilean Lake district

Stretching over 330 kilometers from Temuco to Puerto Montt, Chile's Lake District is worth exploring. This beautiful region of the Andean foothills boasts rich farmland at the base of its many snow-capped volcanoes, surrounded by thick forests and pristine lakes.

For adventure lovers, a typical Chilean Lake District itinerary includes endless possibilities for hiking and biking, fishing along with other fun activities like climbing a volcano; whitewater rafting; kayaking, canoeing; horse trips; and, if you visit during winter, skiing. Road trips to the region are also very popular and spectacular.

Valparaíso

Chile's third largest city, Valparaíso, sits between the sea and the coastal mountain range. It is a perfect city to visit from Santiago de Chile since they are 1 hour-drive away from each other. Valparaiso is popular due to its cobble stone streets, colorful houses, colonial architecture, its harbor and beaches.

Lauca National Park

Located in the extreme north of Chile, just 140 kilometers east of the city of Arica, Lauca National Park (Parque Nacional Lauca) covers an area of 1,300 square kilometers and made of of high plains and mountain ranges with an important presence of volcanoes.

Highlights include hikes around its many unspoiled mountain lakes, such as Cotacotani and Chungara, which reflect the surrounding landscape to stunning effect.

The park also features several important archaeological sites, as well as evidence of early European settlers who left their mark on the many old colonial buildings and churches in the region.

This national park is a dream destination for people who enjoy bird watching.

Pumalín Park

Pumalín Park has become one of the most important and popular conservation areas in Chile. Covering a vast area of more than 988,000 acres stretching from the Andes to the Pacific, the area boasts some of the most pristine coastlines and forests in the country and stands out for being almost entirely untouched by human development.

In addition to protecting the area's rich flora and fauna, including the Larch, the world's oldest tree species, the park, owned and operated by the US-based Conservation Land Trust, is easily accessible to visitors and offers one of the best experiences in the nature of the country.

Thanks to its extensive network of trails, campgrounds, and visitor facilities, Pumalín Park is a pleasure to explore, whether for a short nature hike or as part of a longer ecotourism adventure that includes a stay in cabin-style accommodations.

Los Pingüinos Natural Monument

As its name suggests, the monument is home to one of the largest penguin colonies in Chile, consisting of some 60,000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguins. Accessible only by guided boat tours, the islands of Marta and Magdalena are also home to large colonies of seals and sea lions. Another of Chile's important natural monuments is El Morado, an easy drive from Santiago and the site of the San Francisco Glacier and the 4,674-meter-high Cerro El Morado mountain.

The Humberstone and Santa Laura nitrate works

Situated near the northern port city of Iquique in the remote Pampa desert and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, this fascinating ghost town was once home to a bustling community.

For more than 60 years beginning in 1880, thousands of Chilean, Bolivian, and Peruvian workers worked in the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeters (Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeters), a hostile environment that included some 200 saltpeter mines. In the process, these workers formed a distinct culture and way of life that has been preserved here.

Although abandoned since 1960, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into the harsh conditions these "pampinos" face, with many of the site's largest structures still standing and ready to be explored. Professional guides are recommended given the remoteness of the area and the severe climate.

Chiloé Island and Chiloé National Park

Located on the island of Chiloé, the second largest island in the country, the Chiloé National Park is worth adding to your travel itinerary. While not as rugged as most of the country's most impressive landscapes, the island of Chiloé is quite unique. Chiloé National Park itself has become increasingly popular with tourists in recent years. The highlight of a visit to this area of exceptional natural beauty is the opportunity to observe wildlife as diverse as blue whales and dolphins (tourist excursions are available), and the large penguin farms at the nearby Islotes de Puñihuil Natural Monument. Available adventures include sea kayaking, hiking, and ecotourism.

Valle Nevado

Once a well-kept secret, the fact that Chile is home to some of the best skiing in the world is now common knowledge among skiers. By far the most popular ski area in South America, the tourist region of Valle Nevado (Valle Nevado) in the foothills of El Plomo de los Andes is well served by public transportation from the country's capital, Santiago, located just 46 kilometers west of the slopes. .

With mostly clear skies and heavy snow thanks to its high elevation (it's 3,000 meters above sea level and you can ski 112 days a year), the resort has 37 trails and 11 lifts, and is so popular with families as well as experienced skiers and snowboarders.

In addition to its three hotels, a variety of rental chalets and condos are available, suitable for short and long stays, and the resort also has eight restaurants. There is a snow school on-site, along with a ski shop and a tour company offering heli-skiing adventures. Other notable Chilean ski resorts close to Santiago include La Parva and El Colorado.

Mylodon Cave Natural Monument

As popular with tourists as with nature lovers, the Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument (Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument) is located in the heart of Chile's Patagonia area, a short distance from Puerto Natales.

The highlights of this fascinating natural wonder, part of the popular End of the World Scenic Walk, include a series of easily accessible caves located around a formidable rock formation known as the Silla del Diablo (Devil's Chair).

The main cave, known as the Cave of the Milodon, was where, in 1895, the well-preserved remains of a prehistoric Mylodon were discovered (a tall statue of this extinct creature marks the site where the discovery was made), along with the remains of other ancient animals and even human bones.

This impressive cave is about 200 meters deep and is fun to explore. If you have time, take the signposted path that leads to the top of the cave, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the nearby Eberhard Fjord.

Other fun things to do include exploring the park's many other hiking trails, which include a series of raised tree-lined sections that are fun to hike.

Cochamó Valley

Known as the "Yosemite of Chile", Chile's beautiful Cochamó Valley region is a delightful area to explore. Located in the Los Lagos de los Andes region and named after the Cochamó River, is a region that, like Yosemite, has become extremely popular with hikers and climbers, the latter drawn here by the opportunity to tackle its many 1,000-meter granite walls.

Hikers, meanwhile, can choose from a variety of trails of varying degrees of difficulty, most of which lead directly to popular tourist spots, including the beautiful waterfalls that dot the region.

Besides the varied flora and fauna here, people are also drawn to great fly fishing.

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park sits in the heart of Chile's Lake District. Easily accessible from the city of Puerto Montt, the great tourist attraction here is the spectacular Saltos del Petrohué (Petrohué Falls).

Here, the fast-flowing Petrohué River plummets down a volcanic rock slide into Todos los Santos Lake, an especially impressive sight during the rainy season. After descending the falls and rapids, the water is deposited into the crystal clear lake, a popular spot for fishing and bird watching.

The area is also known for its diverse wildlife, including deer and cougars, as well as its hot springs. Add to this picture-perfect location a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes, and you've got the perfect selfie spot for that memory of your Chile vacation.

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Carretera Austral: Explore Chilean Patagonia

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Carretera Austral: Explore Chilean Patagonia

How to Explore Chile’s Aysen Region: A land of gigantic mountains, pristine lakes and awe-inspiring glaciers. Winding for 800 miles through the Aysen region, the Carretera Austral showcases some of Chile’s most spectacular scenery. Running between the towns of Puerto Montt and Villa O Higgins, the Carretera takes you through Aysen, a little visited region of Patagonia located between the Lake District and Torres del Paine Park in the south. More than 41,000 sq miles of mountains, fjords and archipelagoes. Remote, diverse, and stunningly beautiful, Aysen is a destination for those seeking the best of Patagonia without the crowds.

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Reasons to visit Carretera Austral in Chile
• The Carretera Austral is a world-famous road, perfect for a road trip or slower bicycle tour; • Get an insight into the gaucho culture and traditional warm hospitality that has dominated here for centuries; • Discover each of the three contrasting landscapes: listen to birds call in the temperate rainforest, hike peaks in the mountains, and gaze at sunset over the steppe; • Spot the wildlife: The untouched nature of the Aysen region means wildlife has flourished. • Close to Coyhaique you can visit a condor nursery, where condors fly within meters of you. • In the Chacabuco Valley, puma numbers are steadily increasing due to an abundance of guanacos, and in the Tamango area of the Patagonia National Park there is a higher density of the endangered huemul deer than almost anywhere in Patagonia.

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Carretera Austral: Plan your Next Road Trip
A number of companies offer nonstop flights from the US to Santiago. There are connections available from Santiago de Chile to Balmaceda, Aysen’s regional airport, with Latam and Jetsmart. You can rent a 4x4 at the airport (essential for tackling Aysen’s roads) or you can hire a local professional driver and/or local guide. It is essential that you bear in mind that cell-phone reception is almost nonexistent along the Carretera Austral. Remember that Carretera Austral is a 1,240-kilometre, mostly unpaved route that winds itself from the Chilean Lakes District deep into the heart of Aysén, Chile’s least populated region. The biggest challenges you face driving is the state of the road; most of the Carretera Austral are unpaved gravel, which can be dangerous to drive on if you take it too fast. Punctures are also a possibility, while flying gravel can chip and even crack windscreens. We strongly recommend that you hire the services of a local professional driver who knows the road and knows what to do in case a problem arises.

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Top Things to See and Do on Carretera Austral

Coyhaique

The regional capital is a 45-minute drive from the airport, and every visitor to Aysen will pass through it. It is worth stopping at the Museo Regional Aysen which tells you all you need to know about the region’s fascinating history and ecology. The best hotels in town are the Nomades Boutique Hotel and El Reloj.

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Queulat National Park

As well as hikes to the Hanging Glacier, there are kayaks for rent on the lagoon, and you can take boat trips to get close to the glacier. Don’t miss the Puyuhaupai Lodge and Spa, a secluded hot-springs resort on the far shore of the Puyuhuapi fjord.

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Cerro Castillo

The rugged landscape around the mountain, an easy 90-minute drive south of Coyhaique, is arguably the most dramatic in the region.

Lake General Carrera

The Carretera Austral follows the shores of the vivid blue Lake General Carretera, so as you drive south, you will have plenty of time to take in the scenery. Millin Colorado Ecolodge has beautiful wooden cabins on a hillside overlooking the lake and its own secluded stretch of shoreline for anyone brave enough to take a dip in the glacier water. The Hacienda res Lagos has rooms on Lago Negro and a private pebble each with a sauna and hot tub. You can book excursions on and around Lake General Carerra with one of several activity companies in Puerto Rio Tranquilo. You can go kayaking to the Marble Caves and hiking.

Tortel

This enchanting village, constructed from wooden boardwalks winding their way around the bay at the mouth of the Baker River, was our southernmost stop along the Carretera Austral. It is a long climb-up moss-covered steps to the Entre Hielos Lodge but it is worth it for tis stylish tranquility.

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