With its unusual elongated shape, vast stretch of coastline, a multitude of mountains, iconic wildlife and a whopping 36 national parks, Chile is a destination which offers contrast and variety in abundance.
From the dry desert landscapes of the Atacama in the north to the ice-filled fjords of Patagonia in the south, this is a country full of environmental extremes, unique experiences, laid back lifestyles and complex cultural history. The people pride themselves on their hospitality and the scenery will take your breath away.
The highlights of Chile provide a fascinating addition to any Antarctic holiday, and we can recommend extensions to complement your Polar adventure.
Visit Chile as an add-on to an Antarctica voyage.
View voyagesVisitors to Chile are presented with a variety of contrasting experiences, landscapes and wildlife throughout the country’s long, thin lands from the dry desert moonscapes of the Atacama to the wild glacier topped peaks of Patagonia.
Stretching over 2,500 miles from top to bottom, Chile has a spectacular variety of landscapes spanning an equally varied range of environments and climates. Tying in with the Antarctic season, the Austral summer is regarded as the natural time to visit Patagonia, though other areas including the northern desert region are year round destinations.
Summer, between November and February, is Chile’s peak tourist season. Patagonia is the country’s most visited region and draws keen hikers to its stunning glacial backdrops. Maximum temperatures range around 15-18°C. The high altitude of Atacama keeps daytime temperatures pleasant with average highs of around 25°C, but nightfall is still marked by large temperature drops. The Lake District, one of Chile’s wettest regions, experiences its driest period during the summer and ocean breezes temper the heat of the sun.
October and March are beautiful months to visit Chile and ties in with the start of end of the Antarctic voyage season. Cooler, but less crowded, accommodation prices are lower, while much of the natural scenery bursts into colour.
Discover the highlights of Chile from the lofty Atacama − the driest non-polar desert in the world − all the way to the ‘end of the world’ at the wave-pummelled Tierra del Fuego.
The dramatic saw-toothed peaks of the Torres del Paine National Park are a magnet to keen walkers and photographers. Trek the many magnificent trails amidst cinematic landscapes or go in search of whales, penguins and glaciers on an unforgettable expedition cruise.
This tranquil part of Chile is perfect for those looking to become pioneers in a wild and picture-perfect world that are yet to be trampled by the mass-tourism trail. The famed 1,240km Carretera Austral will take you through numerous National Parks and remote colourful communities.
The Atacama Desert is home to landscapes unlike anywhere else on earth. Salt flats, geysers and magnificent stargazing are just some of the highlights to be explored.
Stretching from Concepcion in the north to charming Chiloe in the south, the Lake District’s lakes, rivers and hot springs provide a fabulous setting with plenty to see and do.
This gem of Latin America is a popular partner for those embarking on an Antarctic voyage. Though the majority of cruises depart from Ushuaia in Argentina, some fly-in options depart from Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia.
The most commonly-used airlines between Chile and the UK are British Airways, direct to Santiago, Iberia via Madrid and the newly merged LATAM Airlines via Madrid or Sao Paulo. Within Latin America, domestic carriers offer routes between the key gateways and often at a very affordable price.
How much time you spend in Chile will depend largely on which areas you want to explore. A simple add-on to explore Atacama could be 3 nights, while we’d recommend 5 nights in Patagonia.
From diverse landscapes to a vibrant and fascinating culture, take a look at our top 5 reasons that Chile makes a great add-on to a Antarctic adventure.
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From the spectacular landscapes to the thrilling wildlife, Zoe Baillargeon from Cascada Expediciones gives us her top 7 reasons to visit Patagonia...
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