Destin-Nation Chile: An Adventurer's Southern Playground

by Kraig Becker Subscribe to Kraig Becker's posts Posted Jun 22nd 2011 07:00 AM

TEXT SIZE:

A A A

When it comes to adventure travel options, few places on the planet can rival Chile. Squeezed between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, the South American country has long been a popular destination for backpackers, climbers, and paddlers looking to explore some of the most remote and beautiful wildernesses on the planet.

Over 4,000 miles long, but averaging just 110 miles wide, Chile offers widely varying climates for visitors to enjoy, from the incredibly dry deserts of the north to the windswept mountains and fjords of the south.

The gateway to Chilean adventure is Santiago, the country's capital and cultural hub. Centrally located, it can be reached by overnight flight from several U.S. cities and its airport offers regular domestic flights to Tierra del Fuego and Punta Arenas in the south, as well as Calama in the north. Visas are available on arrival and are good for the life of a passport, making adventurers' inevitable return visits a breeze.

Kraig Becker/Aol Travel

« Prev Next »

Backpack Torres del Paine National park

Located in Patagonia, the southern region of Chile, Torres del Paine National Park is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. Its spectacular mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, and rushing rivers are huge draw for backpackers, who come from all over to explore the park’s natural wonders, such as Lago Pehoe, an incredible crystal blue lake formed from a melting glacier.

Day hikes offer a taste of what Torres del Paine has to offer, but to really experience the place, you’ll want to devote more time. The popular “W” trail takes approximately five days to finish, while the full Paine circuit requires upwards of nine days to complete. Be sure to book one of the “Refugios” (beds from $40) well in advance.

Getting There: Take the two-hour bus ride from Puerto Natales to the trailhead. There are buses to Natales from Punta Arenas further to the south, which is in turn accessible on domestic flights aboard LAN Airlines for around $240 round trip.

1 of 9 Photos

Filed Under: EcoTravel, Destin-Nations

Add a Comment

Sign in »

2 Comments

Filter by:

visitpatagonia

For more information on visiting Chile and specially on a personal guided tour to the southern part of the country please contact us at: visitpatagonia@aol.com

June 25 2011 at 11:37 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

visitpatagonia

For more information on visiting Chile and specially on a guided tour to the southern part of the country
you may contact us at: visitpatagonia@aol.com.

June 25 2011 at 11:32 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply