Landscapes of Chile: North or south? Discover your next destination

May 20, 2026

Planning a trip to Chile requires you to consider your interests, the climate, and your adventure style. Choosing between the north and the south can make all the difference in your experience, as each region offers unique landscapes, wildlife, and activities.

Chile, being a long, narrow country, holds diverse natural environments that make it a world-class destination, captivating both foreign tourists and locals alike. 

Chile is a land of geographic contrasts, and its climate is, perhaps, the most dramatic of all. Stretching for thousands of kilometers, the country offers an astonishing variety, from the extreme dryness of the Atacama Desert to the lush raininess of the Patagonian forests and glaciers. We'll tell you more below.

The climate is dominated by the Atacama Desert, one of the driest on the planet:

- Coastline: 15°C to 25°C. 

- Desert: 30°C to 50°C during the day, 0° to -15°C at night. 

Characterized by being windy, humid, and colder, with variations depending on latitude:

- Valdivia: Average summer temperature of 20°C.

- More austral zones: Average of 14°C. 

- Ideal if you are looking for a cool climate and outdoor activities. 

Traveling through Chile is like embarking on a journey through a geography that challenges the imagination. From the arid and reddish Atacama Desert in the north to the imposing blue glaciers of Patagonia in the south, every kilometer reveals a completely new and astonishing landscape.

The northern region of Chile is defined by the extreme aridity of the Atacama Desert and endless skies, creating unique landscapes:

- Geysers and high plateaus.

- Oases, lagoons, and wetlands. 

- Vast salt flats, otherworldly valleys, and incredibly clear skies. 

- Fishing villages and unique rock formations.

Southern Chile is a paradise of lush vegetation and abundant water:

- Crystalline lakes and Patagonian beaches. 

- Osorno Volcano and snowy mountains. 

- Glaciers, fjords, and lenga and coigüe forests. 

- Islands and scenic routes, perfect for those seeking contact with nature. 

The diversity of Chilean landscapes is matched only by the richness of its fauna. Throughout the country, nature has created a home for a myriad of unique species, from the high mountains to the cold waters of the south.

The fauna of northern Chile consists of animals perfectly adapted to desert life:

- Alpacas, guanacos, and chinchillas. 

- South American sea lions and flamingos. 

- Condors on high plateaus and in the desert, among others. 

Southern Chile is a wildlife paradise that adapts to the cold forests and icy austral waters:

- Rheas, huemul deer, and Chilote foxes.

- Humpback whales and Commerson's dolphins. 

- Magellanic penguins and fjord birds, among others. 

Chilean cuisine is a true reflection of its extreme geography. Each region, from the desert north to the austral south, offers a unique culinary identity, with flavors that range from fresh seafood to the smoky notes of Patagonia.

Among the most exotic, and also common, foods you can find are:

- Chairo: A vegetable soup with alpaca meat. 

- Alpaca roast: Grilled or in a charcoal oven. 

- Puchero: A stew of lamb and alpaca with local vegetables. 

- Fish stews, seafood empanadas, and fried fish with sides. 

Among the most famous dishes of the south, you'll find:

- Magellanic king crab: A Patagonian delicacy comparable to lobster. 

- Lamb on a stick: Cooked outdoors or in a wood-fired oven. 

- Curanto: A typical dish from Chiloé with seafood, meats, and potatoes. 

Chile is a country that adapts to every type of traveler. Whether you're looking for an extreme adventure in nature, a relaxing getaway, or a trip to connect with history and culture, its vast geography has the ideal destination for you.

The destinations in the country's north invite you to explore otherworldly landscapes, adventure, and starry skies:

- Flowering Atacama Desert: Wild flowers between November and December. 

- Valley of the Cactus: Trekking among cacti up to 7 m tall. 

- El Tatio Geysers: Impressive columns of steam at 4,200 m. 

- Humberstone: An old nitrate town, ideal for exploring history.

- Valley of the Moon: Salt and sand formations that simulate a lunar landscape. 

- Atacama Salt Flat: The largest salt flat in Chile, home to extensive flamingo colonies. 

- Miscanti Lagoon: A mirror of blue water on the Andean high plateau, at 4,100 m altitude. 

- Pan de Azúcar: The national park where the desert meets the sea, home to Humboldt penguins. 

Southern Chile is the ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts:

- Araucanía: Araucaria forests in Conguillío Park. 

- Torres del Paine National Park: Reddish pinnacles and home to Magellanic penguins. 

- Patagonian Fjords Route: Travel through channels from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales on a Navimag ferry. 

- Magdalena Island and Magellanic Penguin Natural Monument: Direct contact with unique wildlife. 

- Pumalín National Park: A sanctuary of ancient alerce trees and Valdivian forests. 

- Carretera Austral: The scenic route of Patagonia that crosses lakes, glaciers, and fjords. 

- Grey Glacier: An immense wall of ice in Torres del Paine, famous for its blue icebergs. 

- Chiloé Island: A magical destination of myths and legends, famous for its colorful stilt houses. 

With a geography that spans deserts, valleys, forests, and glaciers, Chile offers a tailor-made adventure for every traveler. Whether you're looking for a relaxing trip, a family plan, or the adrenaline of extreme adventure, the country has a destination waiting for you.

- Family or friends trip: Northern Chile, warm climate and accessibility. 

- Solo or couple experience: Southern Chile, total disconnection and contact with nature. 

- Extreme adventure: Patagonia and fjords, cycling routes, trekking, and ferry navigation. 

Tip: If you're looking for a first trip to Patagonia, Navimag offers the best way to explore the region with comfort and safety, connecting Puerto Montt with Puerto Natales and the most impressive fjords in the world. 

- North: Spring and summer to enjoy the desert and the flowering desert.

- South: Summer (December to February) for more pleasant temperatures and long days. 

- North: Trekking, cultural tours, desert wildlife and astronomical observation.

- South: Hiking, cycling, fjord navigation, wildlife sightings, and sport fishing. 

Navimag offers a comprehensive sailing experience through the Patagonian fjords, combining safe transport, unique landscapes, and easy access to national parks and iconic destinations like Puerto Natales and Puerto Edén.

No matter if you choose North or South: Chile has adventures for all tastes. But if you want to live a unique experience, with stunning landscapes and unparalleled wildlife, Southern Chile and Patagonia await you. 

Book your trip with Navimag and explore the fjords, glaciers, and national parks with comfort, connecting the best destinations in the far south of Chile.

Your adventure starts here!