The unique geography and long latitudinal expanse of Chile have created a country that is packed full of majestic landscapes and diverse ecosystems for the active adventurer to explore. This itinerary is designed for adventure aficionados wishing to experience Chile’s magnificent landscapes by climbing, hiking, cycling, and paddling their way through the country’s different ecosystems, from the Atacama Desert to the Lakes District to Patagonia.
A short flight from Santiago to the north will introduce you to the otherworldly allure of the Atacama, the world’s oldest and driest desert, where you will be captivated by the stark beauty of lunar landscapes, rugged canyons, and surreal salt flats. Warm up with some day hikes to learn about the unique plants and animals that call this desert sanctuary home and marvel at the grandeur of the region’s geysers, hot springs, and distant volcanoes that dot the horizon. Before you leave the Atacama, tackle a higher-elevation summit (13,000+ feet) to exert yourself and gain a different perspective of the surrounding desert.
Depart the vast expanses of the Atacama and fly south to Puerto Montt. The azure lakes and snowcapped volcanoes of Chile’s Lakes District provide a stark contrast to the arid expanses of the Atacama. Your home base in this adventurer’s paradise is located on the shores of a luminous glacial lake near the picturesque town of Puerto Varas. Paddle the emerald waters of the Rio Petrohue on a whitewater rafting adventure and pedal across the magical local landscapes, taking in the views of the native forests, looming volcanoes, and enormous lakes that surround you.
The culminating experience of this active itinerary is four days trekking in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile’s most iconic destination. Complete the three main treks of the world-famous W trek as day hikes. Lose yourself in the raw beauty of the jagged peaks, dynamic glaciers, and mirror-glass lagoons that surround you. Return to your cozy basecamp each night and sip a pisco sour by the wood-burning stove.
After 13 exhilarating days of hiking, biking, and rafting your way across Chile, a flight from Punta Arenas brings you back to Santiago to catch your departing flight home.
