If you are looking to explore a world full of interesting opposites, Chile is the way to go. This spicy little sliver of land begins nestled next to the warm and humid places of Peru and Bolivia and slips all the way south to end a hop, skip, and a jump away from Antarctica. Where else can you cruise to a spot in the middle of the world’s driest desert and spin around to see snowy mountains on one side and wild ocean on the other?
Chile is a unique place that can offer so much to a traveler willing to dive in headfirst to see what treasures can be unearthed. There is so much to see and do in Chile, planning ahead is a great idea so you can do exactly what you want, when you want. From adventurous explorations to rocking nightlife, opportunities for fun and excitement are right at your fingertips.
Full of wild animals living deep in the old forests complete with thick foliage and towering trees, Chile is home to some fantastic national parks. Touring through these will show you a world that you never dreamed existed. Waterfalls hide behind curtains of greenery. Birds sing colorful songs to one another. You can hike along the jagged mountains of the Andean backbone or bike over worn trails. Or perhaps you’d like to horseback ride? There are plenty of ways to travel and experience the tropical goodness that Chile holds.
Whatever type of adventure you’re into, you can do it. Surf the wild waves. Climb an active volcano. Swim in the sapphire waters. Run white-water rapids. Or soar down to the southern tip of Chile to kayak through fjords carved out by thick sheets of glacial ice. Watch as huge chunks of deep blue ice crash into the ocean. Take some time to stay up at night and gaze at the stars with clarity you can’t find in any city.
Or just stay urban. Hang out in one of the many luxurious hotels Chile has waiting for you. Get pampered at a spa or lounge by the pool, soaking up the warm rays of the sun and chatting with locals. Party all night at hot clubs and eat at amazing restaurants that feature traditional Chilean cuisine. No matter what you are looking for, if you want a vacation that is as unique as your personality and full of excitement, then it’s time for a taste of Chile.
/p> } p<@!$0�)=IN>From La-Paz, head south and get on a 4×4 tour through the huge salt flats at Salar De Uyuni. You’ll end up at the Chilean border and on to San Pedro de Atacama, the centre of tourism in the spectacular Atacama Desert. You can go sand-boarding, mountain biking, horse riding and trekking with San Pedro de Atacama as your base, but however you choose to see it, experiencing the desert should be on your list.
Next, head to the Northern Chile coastal town of Iquique, a place where high desert plains abruptly meet the Pacific Ocean creating spectacular cliffs and probably one of the top paragliding destinations in the world. Amazing climate, familiar food and travelling in comfort will all probably be appreciated in Chile after a few weeks in Peru and Bolivia.
Next, head North to Arica and on to the barely discovered gem, the highlight of Northern Chile; Parc Nationale Lauca. One of the best ways to explore this area is to hire a car in Arica for a couple of days. Stay in a rural village like Putre, and explore the spectacular natural landscapes of snow-capped volcanoes reflected in crystal clear lakes, spot flamingo, alpaca and vicuna and buy Andean handicrafts from the villagers.
Continue North into Peru and head for Arequipa. This beautiful city has lots to offer the visitor, not least a trip into the nearby Colca Canyon. From the village of Cabanaconde on the Canyon rim (about 100 miles from Arequipa), you can trek into the canyon in a few hours where you bathe at the Oasis (sheer bliss) and stay in a hut by the river. Your hosts (a local family – no need to reserve, in fact it’s probably not possible to reserve) will cook you a meal, light you a fire and provide you with basic accommodation. The sense of tranquility in such a remote location and the expansive natural surroundings mean a trip into Colca Canyon should feature on every traveller’s itinerary.
After another day or so relaxing in the cafes and restaurants of beautiful Arequipa, it’s a convenient transport hub for flights back to Lima and home, or on to your next destination.
Excluding the cost of flights and travel insurance, and travelling independently as a backpacker, this trip is likely to cost around $1800 – $2500 per person.