Exploring Chile: A Comprehensive Travel Route

Chile is a country of stark contrasts, from the hot, arid Atacama Desert in the north to the cool, glacier-adorned fjords and temperate rainforests of Patagonia in the south. The country is incredibly long and thin, stretching 2,650 miles (4,270 km) from north to south, with the Pacific Coast to the west and the Andes mountain range to the east. This makes Chile an ideal destination for a road trip, with plenty of bucket list experiences to be had.

Most travellers use a combination of domestic flights and road transfers to get around Chile. Buses are the most popular way to get around for locals and budget travellers, and are quite comfortable, with air conditioning, onboard entertainment, and WiFi. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify are also widely available in cities like Santiago.

If you're looking to explore Chile's wildest corners, renting a car is a great option. Just be aware that in rural areas, roads can be unpaved and riddled with potholes.

The Wine Route

Chile has an almost 800-mile-long wine region, with vineyards stretching from the Elqui Valley near La Serena to the Cautin Valley near Temuco. Santiago is a great base for exploring nearby wine regions, including the Maipo, Cachapoal, Maule, Bio-Bio, and Cautin valleys.

The Desert Route

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile covers an area larger than 100,000 km² and is a vast and varied region full of adventurous roads. San Pedro de Atacama is a buzzing little town that makes a great base for exploring the desert by car.

The Lake District Route

This route takes you through the Chilean Lake District, from Temuco to Castro on the mystical Chiloé Island. Along the way, you'll find emerald lakes, coniferous forests, and snow-capped volcanoes. Stop at Pucón for adventure sports, and Puerto Varas for a boat tour.

The Patagonia Route

This route takes you through the breathtaking mountainous region of Patagonia, spanning the southern tip of Chile and Argentina. It begins in Argentina's El Calafate and takes you through Chile's Torres del Paine National Park, with its famous mountain peaks and glaciers.

The Variety Route

This route combines urban exploration, wine tasting, and outdoor adventure. Start in Santiago, then head south to the wine regions of central Chile. Continue to the Lake District for outdoor activities like whitewater rafting and hiking, before ending your trip in Puerto Montt.

Santiago and Atacama: The major transport hubs of Chile, these two cities are great jumping-off points for further exploration

Santiago and Atacama are Chile's major transport hubs and great jumping-off points for further exploration. Santiago, the nation's capital, is a bustling city full of cultural attractions, including museums, restaurants, and street art. It is also known for its nearby wine regions, offering travellers the opportunity to explore renowned wineries and taste some of the world's finest wines. Santiago's proximity to destinations like Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, which are under a 2-hour drive away, makes it an ideal starting point for road trips.

When travelling from Santiago to the north of Chile, Atacama, or specifically, San Pedro de Atacama, is a popular destination. San Pedro de Atacama is a charming town nestled in the arid high plateau of Puna de Atacama. The town boasts a rich history, having grown over centuries around an oasis, with the Atacameños as its first inhabitants. Today, it attracts tourists interested in archaeology, astronomy, and outdoor adventures. The R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum, with its collection of relics and artefacts, provides insight into the region's past. The town also serves as a base for exploring the majestic Atacama Desert, which offers diverse landscapes, from salt flats to volcanoes and hot springs.

When planning a trip to the Atacama region, it is essential to consider the distance and travel options. Santiago and Atacama are approximately 1,000 miles apart, and the fastest way to travel between them is by plane, with a flight time of about two hours. Alternatively, you can opt for a road trip, which will allow you to explore the diverse landscapes and attractions along the way. However, keep in mind that the distance between these two locations is considerable, and the journey by road can take upwards of 24 hours.

When exploring the Atacama region, San Pedro de Atacama offers a range of activities and attractions. The town itself has cultural and scientific sites, including the Church of San Pedro de Atacama, a National Monument built with adobe, and the Meteorite Museum, showcasing meteorites from various celestial sources. Adventure seekers can enjoy trekking, climbing, sandboarding, and exploration tours in the surrounding natural landscapes. The Atacama Desert, with its unique features, is a drawcard for visitors from around the world.

Chiloé Island: A place that feels very different to mainland Chile, Chiloé is home to stilt houses, wooden churches, and Germanic folk music

Chiloé Island, also known as the Greater Island of Chiloé, is the largest island of the Chiloé Archipelago off the west coast of Chile, in the Pacific Ocean. The island is located in southern Chile, in the Los Lagos Region. Chiloé Island is the second-largest island in Chile, the largest island completely within Chile, and the fourth-largest in South America.

The island is separated from the Chilean mainland by the Chacao Strait to the north, and by the Gulf of Ancud and the Gulf of Corcovado to the east. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west, and the Chonos Archipelago to the south. The capital of the island is Castro, on the east side. Chiloé is also home to the second-largest town, Ancud, at the island's northwest corner, as well as several smaller port towns such as Quellón, Dalcahue, and Chonchi.

Chiloé Island has a rich history and culture that set it apart from mainland Chile. The island was inhabited by the Chono, Huilliche, and Cunco peoples before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. The original inhabitants were skilled navigators, impressing the Spaniards with their ability to manoeuvre the treacherous waters of the Chiloé Archipelago in their boats, known as dalcas. The island was originally called New Galicia by the Spanish, but the name did not stick, and it was renamed Chiloé, meaning "place of seagulls" in the Huilliche language.

Chiloé has a unique architectural style, with colourful stilt houses known as "palafitos" built on the water. The island is also known for its wooden churches, with over 150 churches built in the traditional style found across the islands. 16 of these churches have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, forming the "Chiloé Churches Route". These churches showcase a fusion of Spanish design with local techniques and materials, resulting in a unique architectural style in America.

In addition to its architectural wonders, Chiloé Island offers a range of natural attractions. The island is home to contiguous forests and swamps, as well as mountains that run from the northwestern to the southeastern corner. The northeastern sectors feature rolling hills with a mix of pastures, forests, and cultivated fields. The western shores are rocky and relatively straight, while the eastern and northern shores boast many inlets, bays, and peninsulas. The island's national parks, such as Chiloé National Park and Tantauco Park, showcase the island's natural beauty, with evergreen colours and rushing rivers.

Chiloé Island also has a distinct culture and folklore. When Chile declared independence, Chiloé wanted to remain under Spanish rule, demonstrating a strong loyalty to the Spanish crown. The island has its own music, with Germanic folk music being a notable feature. The people of Chiloé, known as Chilotes, are engaged in various industries, including agriculture, livestock, fishing, and lumbering. Traditional dishes such as curanto, which includes seafood and the Chiloé potato, cooked in a hot stone pit, are a delicious part of the local cuisine.

With its stunning natural scenery, unique architecture, and rich cultural heritage, Chiloé Island is a must-visit destination when exploring Chile.

Pucón: An adventure sports destination with hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and white-water rafting

Pucón is a captivating blend of natural beauty and adventure. Nestled in the heart of Chile's Lake District, it is considered the water sports capital of the country. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and dominated by the majestic Villarrica volcano. The pristine waters of Lake Villarrica offer a refreshing retreat for swimming and kayaking, while the nearby Huerquehue National Park beckons with its ancient Araucaria forests and picturesque hiking trails.

Pucón is renowned for its adrenaline-pumping activities, including skiing on the slopes of the Villarrica volcano, whitewater rafting on the Trancura River, and zip-lining through dense forests. For hikers, the perfect cone-shaped Villarrica volcano, with its open crater and simmering lava pool, makes for an incredible day hike in Villarrica National Park. The hike can take up to 9 hours, but no technical experience is necessary, just a good degree of fitness. The views from the 2847-metre peak are ample reward for the challenge of the hike.

Mountain bikers can experience the adrenaline rush of a steep mountain descent on the Downhill Rukapillan trail, which starts near Pucón's ski resort and allows for a descent of around 1000 metres on Villarrica's slopes. With incredible volcanic terrain and unparalleled views, it's one of the most exciting rides in the Chilean Lake District.

Kayaking is also a popular activity in Pucón, with the town situated within easy driving distance of seven different lakes. The majority of white-water rafting near Pucón happens on the Trancura River, which boasts numerous different rapids and tributaries, making it perfect for both families and adrenaline seekers.

After a day of adventure, visitors can unwind in the town's hot springs, indulging in relaxation with a backdrop of breathtaking mountain views. Pucón also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with artisan markets showcasing local crafts and a variety of dining options featuring delicious Chilean cuisine.

The Atacama Desert: Covering an area larger than 100,000 km², the Atacama Desert is a vast and varied region full of adventurous roads

The Atacama Desert in Chile covers an area of over 100,000 km² and is a vast and varied region full of adventurous roads. The desert is known for its unique landscapes and dry climate, making it a highly sought-after destination for travellers.

The Atacama Desert is a great place for a road trip, with its vast landscapes, brightly coloured lakes, and high volcanoes. The region offers a range of adventurous roads, from the starkly beautiful Valle de la Luna to the otherworldly Laguna Baltinache. The desert is also home to a variety of wildlife, including vicuñas, ostriches, and flamingos.

When planning a road trip to the Atacama Desert, it is important to consider the limited transportation options available. There is no public transportation, so most places will require a rental car or an organised tour. The roads in the Atacama Desert are generally in good condition, but some destinations may require driving on dirt roads. An international driver's license is recommended, but a domestic license may be sufficient.

Day 1: Floating in a Salty Lake

Pick up your rental car in Calama and head towards San Pedro de Atacama. Along the way, stop at the Lagunas Baltinache, a series of small lakes in a salt flat with bright blue water surrounded by white salt flats and red and brown landscapes. After exploring the lakes, visit the Valle de la Luna, just 10 km from San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy the sunset at the Duna Mayor sand dune before returning to San Pedro de Atacama for the night.

Day 2: Volcanoes, Lakes, and Flamingos

On the second day, explore the area south of San Pedro de Atacama. Drive through vast plains surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, and cross the Tropic of Capricorn. Visit the Miscanti and Miñiques Lakes, two bright blue lakes at an altitude of 4,000 metres. Continue to the salt flats of Talar and Laguna Tuyajto, known for their greenish-blue waters and red volcanic rocks. End the day at Laguna Chaxa, a great place to see flamingos, especially at sunset when the warm glow of the setting sun turns the salt flats orange.

Day 3: High-Altitude Geysers

On the final day, head north to the El Tatio geyser field, one of the highest and largest geyser fields in the world. Enjoy the unique combination of smells, colours, and landscapes. On the way back, stop at the Río Putana for a beautiful view of the plateau and colourful volcanoes. Visit the Puritama hot springs, set in a deep canyon surrounded by grass and reeds.

In addition to the road trip, the Atacama Desert offers other attractions such as stargazing. With its dry climate and lack of light pollution, it is one of the best places on Earth for stargazing.

The Lake District: Arguably the most scenic driving route in the country, the Lake District offers emerald lakes, coniferous forests, and snow-capped volcanoes

The Lake District is arguably the most scenic driving route in Chile, offering emerald lakes, coniferous forests, and snow-capped volcanoes. The route begins in Temuco, where you pick up your hire vehicle, and continues for 320 miles to Castro on the mystical island of Chiloé.

Along the way, you'll be treated to a plethora of natural wonders and exciting adventures. The first stop is Pucón on Lake Villarrica, an adventure sports enthusiast's paradise, offering hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and white water rafting. The region also boasts impressive volcanoes, such as the perfectly conical Villarrica, which you can hike or simply admire from the lake.

As you continue south, you'll encounter the volcanoes of Villarrica National Park, the tranquil Puerto Varas, and the Alerce Andino rainforest biosphere reserve. Before reaching Chiloé, be sure to stop at Puerto Montt, a gateway to the Andes surrounded by stunning nature.

Chiloé Island itself is a highlight of the trip, with its small fishing towns, thick forests, and an air of mystery and legend. It is also a hub for birdwatching, with penguins observable between November and March.

The Lake District route offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and cultural exploration, making it a must-do road trip when visiting Chile.

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