Chile Adventure Travel

See also: Atacama Region • Northern Patagonia

Chile Adventure Travel
Taking advantage of Chile's many trails, rivers, lakes, glaciers, beaches and waterfalls isn't difficult and a variety of sporting activities await both those wishing to gently explore the outstanding scenic landscape as well as offering those who seek out more adrenaline fuelled activities plenty of options, which can include the following:

Skiing
There are several very well equipped ski resorts in both the central and southern regions. Many resorts offer both equipment and instruction if required. Popular locations include just outside of Santiago and along the Southern stretch of the Andes Mountain ranges and Lake District where there are trails around the Villarrica volcano.
Surfing
Central and north Chile offer some superb surfing opportunities for both beginners and those with more experience, Pichilemu which is approximately 200 kilometers south of Valparaiso is a popular surf location and has board hire and equipment. Playa Cavancha and Playa Huaquique which surround Iquique also offer excellent surf and it is here that the World Surfing Championships take place.
Beaches And Swimming
The beaches in central Chile are particularly well known for their scenic locations and quality of sand although take great care swimming as strong under currents are common, popular beaches include Viña del Mar and Pichidangu. North Chile is also is also popular with Coquimbo, La Serena and Iquique well known for their beauty, swimming and water sport activities. Some beaches are not suitable for swimming and will often have signs on display to warn you of this.
Kayak
The Lake District and other areas of Northern Patagonia are perfect for kayaking and boating where you will find yourself being visually entertained by some spectacular scenery such as snow tipped mountains, beautiful waterfalls and fast flowing rivers as well as coming across other attractions such as unique hot springs which can be found in the area. Futaleufu, Villarica and Pucon are particularly well known for kayaking and white water rafting.
Mountain Bike
The Lake District offers some excellent varied terrain through the forests around lakes and up the side of volcanos and to the North the Chilean Altiplano and Atacama Desert in the North provide some dramatic scenery especially around the National Parks of Isluga and Lauca where the rugged, arid landscape will not fail to impress.

Hike
The Torres del Paine National Park in Southern Patagonia and the Los Lagos region in Northern Patagonia both offer some of the most spectacular scenery that Chile has to offer that ranges from dramatic snow capped volcanoes, waterfalls, lakes, rivers and hot springs. Other areas of Chile also provide some superb coastal stretches as well as trails through the forest, deserts and even around glaciers. If your really keen you will soon be able to hike the Sendero de Chile hiking trail which covers the full length of Chile and connects several of the countries major trails together forming a route around 9,700 kilometers in length.
Horse Riding
Another great way to enjoy the Chilean countryside is on horseback. Within central and southern Chile you will be able to enjoy the superb setting of the Andes mountains and lush green forests while splashing your way through rivers and streams or even explore the glaciers that frequent the area. Travel north and you can ride through the Atacama desert visiting the salt lagoons, dunes and mountain ranges with their rugged canyons and rock formations. The area around central Chile, especially near Santiago and around the Lake District are both popular for horse riding due to the varied terrain, spectacular scenery and Mediterranean climate. Horse riding in southern Chile is best achieved in the summer months and the Torres del Paine National Park offers the perfect setting.
Canyoning
For those complete adrenaline thrill seekers Chile's varied terrain is the perfect set up for the sport of canyoning. Patagonia's lake district is one of the most popular places for canyoning where you be will be able to descend down waterfalls, dive into pool and scrabble through narrow gorges and down rivers, either laughing or screaming as you go!
Sandboarding
The Atacama desert in the north of Chile has plenty of sand dunes perfect for the sport, with a popular location being around the Valle de la Muerte.
Scuba Diving
Around Valparaiso, Los Molles and Pichidangui you'll find plenty of good dive sites for beginners and more experienced divers with ample sea life such as fish and dolphins. There are several places offering courses in diving and equipment.