We know it can be difficult to travel abroad in times like these. However, it is possible, provided sanitary measures in your home country allow it. Chile right now offers ideal destinations for those who want to travel at a slow pace and to come in contact with nature away from the crowds.
Chilean Patagonia is one of them. Read on and be inspired by these 8 powerful reasons why you must visit this destination for your next trip.
If you feel the need to travel, exploring the beautiful Chilean landscape both in the north and south is a great option.
Here, you'll find unique places where you can come in contact with nature, people, and other explorers while you are the constant during the whole experience.
The south of Chile requires special mentioning. It makes the perfect destination to disconnect from everyday life and enjoy safely. Why are we so confident? We’ve got some powerful reasons:
The Lakes Region is the heart of what is known as Green Patagonia, a place where lush landscapes, fantastic food, and history await you.
This region has it all, from adventurous experiences like rafting on the Futaleufú River, to German-inspired cuisine and more than 12 wildlife protected areas.
A must-see is Puerto Montt, of course a gateway destination to the southernmost region in the country and where the route of Navimag's Patagonian fjords begins and ends.
The climate ranges from mild to cold. Sunny and rainy days, sometimes in tandem, surprise visitors, all the while its beautiful lakes, ancient vegetation, unique animal species, and imposing peaks and volcanoes stand as lead characters.
Therefore, no matter where you decide to travel in Patagonia, we recommend that you always carry a backpack with accessories to protect you from weather changes.
Visiting southern Chile also means seeing a territory that was considered "the end of the world" for a long time.
Imagine what it must have felt like for the explorers who crossed Cape Horn and saw Antarctica for the first time? Like they were standing on the edge of the Earth, undoubtedly. Visitors today feel the same, standing on a land that combines prehistoric eras and modern life; a transforming experience for everyone who lives it.
If long hikes and camping trips are your "thing," you can't miss Torres del Paine National Park, recognized worldwide as the Eighth Natural Wonder and listed by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.
In Torres del Paine, you can choose between different hiking routes, the most famous being the "O" and "W" circuits; the first takes 8 days of hiking, and the second, between 4 and 5.
To get to the reserve, you can fly to Punta Arenas and ride a bus or car to Puerto Natales, the nearest city. Or you can relax and prepare for the hike by setting sail from Puerto Montt across the Patagonian fjords for 4 days and 3 nights onboard a Navimag ferry before arriving in Natales and then head on to adventure.
In any case, be sure to take into account these tips to ensure that everything goes smoothly in Torres del Paine.
We also recommend that you visit the Park's official website for updates on schedules and seasons, which differ depending on the dates you travel:
Chilean Patagonia has a lot to offer to extreme sports enthusiasts. Its geography is excellent to host events such as the Patagonian International Marathon in early September and recreational activities like the Sangregorian Week in the Summer. Here, visitors witness typical games like playing rayuela, Chile’s version of hopscotch, climbing the palo encebado, which consists on climbing a long greasy pole, and greyhound racing.
If you’d rather have a close encounter with the local culture, Patagonia offers several choices.
We recommend an itinerary that starts in the Lake District, connecting cultural destinations such as the cities of Valdivia, Frutillar, Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt, and Chiloé to Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas. Each city hosts its particular festivals and traditions.
This cultural route is rich in traditional events, walks-through sites that date back to prehistoric times, like the Milodon’s cave and the Nao Victoria Museum in Punta Arenas that features full-size replicas of historic ships that sailed throught the Magallanes trait.
A must-have is the cuisine of the Chilean south, which mixes traditional ingredients from original cultures and the flavors from the European migrants who settled in these lands.
During your trip, be sure to try:
If you are looking for a truly local experience, be sure to include in your itinerary sailing through the Patagonian fjords onboard Navimag Ferries.
This journey connects Puerto Montt with Puerto Natales; 4 days-3 nights if you depart from Puerto Montt, or 3 days-4 nights if you leave from Puerto Natales.
You will live an unparalleled experience on a ferry that transports passengers and cargo in either trip.
Onboard our Esperanza ferry, you'll have everything you need to experience a pleasant journey. You'll connect differently with nature and your inner self in peaceful, healthy coexistence while contemplating landscapes that can only be seen from the water.
Chile is the ideal destination to reconnect with nature's beauty, detach from everyday life, and return renewed to your activities after a well-deserved vacation.
