Exploring Chile holidays through the eyes of Latin Routes

Chile holidays are difficult to define in just one sentence. For some, Chile is all about the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia and Torres del Paine. For others, it is the stillness of the Atacama Desert, the rolling vineyards of the wine region or the mystery of Easter Island. What makes Chile so special is the way the country constantly changes as you travel through it.

Our team recently shared their favourite moments from travelling across Chile, from sunrise excursions in the Atacama Desert to hiking beneath the granite peaks of Patagonia. Their experiences reveal why Chile holidays continue to surprise even the most experienced travellers.

As Product Executive Oliver explained:

“Chile is one of the most rewarding countries in Latin America because of the sheer contrast between each region. You can experience deserts, glaciers, lakes, vineyards and remote islands all within one journey.”

Why Chile feels unlike anywhere else

One thing that stood out across every team member’s experience was the sheer diversity of the country. From north to south, the scenery shifts dramatically, creating journeys that feel like travelling through several destinations in one trip.

As Giuliano explained:

“Nature here is different. It feels more wild and untamed.”

Alex described Chile as:

“The land of landscapes and scenery that will leave you gasping.”

Meanwhile, Gaynor summed up the experience perfectly:

“Travelling through Chile feels like you are travelling through multiple worlds, with its vast deserts, beautiful cities, tranquil lakes and wild landscapes.”

This variety is what makes Chile holidays so rewarding. One day you can be exploring salt flats and volcanoes in the Atacama Desert, and a few days later find yourself surrounded by glaciers, forests and fjords in Patagonia.

Oliver also recommends allowing enough time to experience the contrasts properly:

“Chile rewards travellers who slow down and spend longer in fewer places rather than trying to rush through too many regions.”

Patagonia and Torres del Paine

For many of our team, Patagonia became the defining moment of their Chile holidays.

Giuliano described the first sight of the Paine Massif as unforgettable:

“Seeing the Paine Massif for the first time is unforgettable. Listening to the avalanches from afar is amazing. There is nothing like it.”

Alex experienced the famous Las Torres hike first-hand and shared one of the more memorable moments from the trail:

“The view at the top was stunning even though the wind literally blew my glasses off my face and into the famous lagoon at the top never to be seen again! Worth it!”

Gaynor also reflected on the scale of the landscape:

“That first entry into the national park and seeing the mountains in the distance. They are much bigger than you expect.”

Torres del Paine continues to be one of the highlights of Patagonia holidays, offering hiking, wildlife, scenic drives and incredible accommodation surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in Latin America.

Our team also highlighted the changing colours and atmosphere throughout the seasons. Autumn in Patagonia was a particular favourite thanks to quieter trails and golden forests.

Oliver particularly recommends combining Patagonia with another contrasting region:

“One of the best ways to experience Chile is by combining Patagonia with the Atacama Desert. The contrast between the two is extraordinary.”

The Atacama Desert and Moon Valley

While Patagonia often steals the spotlight, the Atacama Desert left just as strong an impression.

Alex described his favourite moment in Moon Valley:

“It was like nothing I’d ever seen before. Other worldly!”

Gaynor also recalled a sunrise excursion over Moon Valley:

“Watching the sun rise over the Andes was just incredible. The colours came to life once the sun hit the valley.”

The Atacama surprises many travellers because of how varied the scenery becomes as you move through different altitudes. Giuliano noted:

“The higher you go, the more green and the more life you will see.”

From salt flats and geysers to lagoons filled with flamingos, Atacama holidays combine adventure with extraordinary scenery. San Pedro de Atacama itself also became a favourite among the team thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and adobe-lined streets.

Easter Island and Chile beyond the mainland

Chile holidays can also include one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world.

For Gaynor, Easter Island became one of the standout experiences of her entire trip:

“Seeing the Moai statues is special. They are much larger than you would expect and have that air of mystery around them.”

She also explained how unexpected the landscapes felt:

“Sometimes it felt like being in remote Devon or Cornwall with the wild horses and rolling hills.”

Easter Island combines archaeology, Polynesian culture and beautiful coastal scenery, making it a fascinating addition to wider Chile holidays.

The Chilean Lake District and Carretera Austral

Southern Chile offers another completely different side to the country.

Alex loved the scenery around the Chilean Lake District:

“The volcano views surrounding Lago Llanquihue are amazing.”

Giuliano, who once lived in Pucón, reflected on the region’s outdoor experiences:

“This is a great little town with ancient forests, glaciers, rivers and volcanoes all around.”

The Carretera Austral also stood out for its remote landscapes and national parks.

Giuliano described it as:  “A vast place with dozens of national parks. There isn’t anywhere else on Earth like it.”

These regions are ideal for self-drive journeys, scenic lodges and travellers looking to experience a quieter side of Chile.

Chilean wine regions and Santiago

Chile holidays are not only about dramatic landscapes. The central wine regions provide a slower pace and some exceptional food and wine experiences.

Gaynor recalled horse-riding through the vineyards before a wine tasting experience:

“It was such an incredible experience heading out on the horses with one of the gauchos through the vineyards.”

Alex recommended ending a trip at Casa Real Santa Rita:  “It was just the nicest way to end the trip.”

Santiago also surprised several members of the team.

Gaynor loved the atmosphere of Bellavista:  “It has a bohemian feel with its cobbled streets and colourful buildings.”

The city works particularly well as the starting or ending point for Chile holidays, with excellent restaurants, boutique hotels and mountain views.

Our teams top tips for planning your Chile holidays

One of the biggest misconceptions about Chile is how easy it looks to cover on a map.

As Gaynor explained: “The last thing you want is to spend all your time at airports so take in fewer places but spend longer to appreciate them.”

Giuliano also recommended travelling during the shoulder seasons for quieter experiences and fewer crowds.

Our team agreed that Chile rewards travellers who slow down and allow enough time to experience the contrasts between regions.

Plan your Chile holidays with Latin Routes

From the deserts of the north to the glaciers of Patagonia and the mysterious landscapes of Easter Island, Chile holidays offer extraordinary variety and unforgettable experiences.

As Oliver explained:  “Chile is a destination that constantly surprises people. Every region feels completely different from the last.”

Our specialists have travelled extensively throughout Chile and can help you create a tailor-made holiday based on your interests, pace of travel and preferred style of accommodation.

Contact our Travel Specialists to start planning your Chile holidays with Latin Routes.

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