Chile is one of the world’s most recognizable countries on a map, stretching over 2,500 miles (nearly the width of the U.S.) from the northernmost point to the southern tip. With the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes Mountains to the east, the unique geography of Chile creates a country of remarkable diversity, where travelers can experience a wide range of climates, landscapes, and ecosystems.
Explore Chile's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures, all while emphasizing sustainably with Global Family Travels. Here are five unique aspects of Chile that make it a great destination to visit!
1. Explore Chile's Natural Beauty and Diverse Geography
Chile is a land of remarkable natural wonders that captivate travelers from around the world. From the otherworldly Atacama Desert, known as the driest place on Earth, to the rugged beauty of Patagonia's glaciers and fjords, and the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park, Chile boasts a diverse tapestry of ecosystems.
Patagonia, which is the southernmost region of Chile, is an area that showcases the country's unparalleled natural beauty and wilderness. With its stunning snow-capped peaks, towering glaciers, and pristine waterways, Patagonia mesmerizes visitors with its dramatic landscapes. It is one of the world’s most well-known regions, and its natural areas are among the most protected as well. Renowned for its towering granite peaks, sparkling lakes, and pristine forests, Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park is a popular destination for trekking, camping, and wildlife viewing. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Patagonia is just one example of why Chile is a great choice for a vacation.
In stark contrast to the glaciers of Patagonia lies the Atacama Desert, a region renowned for its arid expanse and captivating landscapes. Atacama is known for being the home of Chile’s most breathtaking natural geological formations, vast salt flats, stunning geysers, and crystal-clear night sky. Despite arid conditions, Atacama boasts diverse wildlife across its vast landscape.
2. Chile's Vibrant Cultures
From the bustling streets of Santiago to the remote corners of Patagonia, each region in Chile offers its own unique contribution to the country’s cultural mosaic. Whether its traditional rhythms playing in the countryside, or colorful harvest festivals and celebrations of local traditions, Chile’s diverse cultural offerings are always vibrant, exciting, and unlike anything you’ve experienced elsewhere. Art, music, food, and language combine to form a multifaceted expression of Chilean identity that travelers can experience anywhere across the country.
From Mapuche communities in the South to Aymara villages in the North, Indigenous Chileans play an important role in preserving and enhancing the country’s rich cultural heritage. Even as we move further away from the colonial era, Spanish influences are evident in Chilean architecture, language, and religious traditions, which coexist alongside Indigenous customs. Through its unique balance of “old” and “new”, Chile offers a fascinating range of cultural experiences that allow travelers to truly immerse themselves in the country's daily life and customs.
3. Chile’s Rich History
Chile wasn’t always a top travel destination, just a few decades ago there was no tourism industry in the country at all due to political unrest and the 16-yearlong military dictatorship from 1973-1990. In the 1990s, after General Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship ended, the country saw widespread economic and social development. Chile implemented initiatives designed to promote its tourism sector, such as investments in its international airports, better roads, and increased funding for the hospitality sector to make it more appealing to international travelers.
Additionally, the rich history of Chile’s Indigenous populations and early colonial era make for a beautifully unique country with much for visitors to learn about and explore. Today, travelers can delve into Chile's rich past in many ways including by exploring Santiago's historic neighborhoods and visiting Valparaíso's colorful streets, both of which offer glimpses into the past.
4. Chile's Incredible Gastronomy & Wine
As for food, Chilean cuisine reflects the country’s diverse roots, combining Indigenous flavors, Spanish culinary traditions, and influences from various immigrant communities across a variety of geographies, utilizing a wide range of local ingredients. From hearty stews like cazuela and comforting dishes such as pastel de choclo (corn pie), to the iconic seafood staple, ceviche, Chilean food celebrates fresh ingredients sourced from its stunning coastline and farming regions. The fusion of Indigenous traditions with Spanish and other immigrant culinary techniques has created unique flavors and culinary masterpieces. Don't miss trying other traditional dishes too like empanadas and, of course, Chilean barbecue known as asado.
Additionally, the distinctive terroir of Chile’s warm and dry central valleys and cool climate of the coastal areas enable the country to produce some of the best wines in all the Americas. In fact, Chile is one of the world’s top wine-producing countries, known for its high-quality varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, and Sauvignon Blanc. Wine enthusiasts can visit the country's many vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and learn about Chilean winemaking traditions.
For travelers who are particularly interested in the gastronomic side of Chile, our Chilean Culinary Adventure offers an in-depth experience of local cuisine. On this tour you will travel around Santiago, Valparaiso, Santa Cruz, and Pichilemu while fully immersed in delicious local food and amazing wine. Not only will you have the chance to learn how to cook some of the dishes mentioned above, but you will also be learning about the ingredients and traditions that go into each bite. From the exceptionally bright food markets to the fishermen’s docks, this journey allows participants to explore Chile with your eyes and your stomach.
5. Chile's Adventures with Sustainability and Regenerative Travel Principles
Chile offers a wide range of adventure activities, including hiking, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, kayaking, and mountaineering. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences or leisurely outdoor pursuits, Chile has something for everyone.
One of the most exciting aspects of traveling to Chile is its emphasis on sustainable tourism and regenerative travel. Global Family Travels has long urged travelers to go beyond ordinary sightseeing in a country and truly take a hands-on approach to exploring and immersing themselves in a country’s beauty and culture. With our partners in Chile, our trips have been designed to allow travelers the opportunity to physically contribute to some of the most important work being done throughout the country to protect nature and wildlife.
For example, Tompkins Conservation, an organization that we work with on our Conservation of the Parks Trip, donated seven national parks while expanding three others in Chilean Patagonia, all of which totaled more than two thousand square miles of land. In addition, the organization's protection program for wildlife zones and waterways is effectively safeguarding biodiversity, which is critically important in the face of the current climate crisis.
From natural conservation efforts in Patagonia (which according to the United Nations Environment Programme, is a “game-changer for earth”), to the beautiful integration of nature throughout urban areas, sustainability and regenerative practices can be seen and experienced no matter where you are in Chile.
For these five reasons and many more, Global Family Travels is excited to announce its first series of regenerative adventures to Explore Chile!
For travelers who are seeking true immersion in nature, our Learn, Serve & Immerse Conservation and Rewilding in Patagonia trip is an ideal to explore Chile. During this adventure along the Route of the Parks, you'll have the chance to experience the rich culture of an Indigenous community, hike up an active volcano in Pumalín National Park, contribute to rewilding efforts in Park Patagonia, and paddle your way to the stunning Marble Caves of Lago General Carrera!
Another Learn, Serve & Immerse journey to explore Chile takes participants up north to Chile's Lakes District to discover Chiloé and North Patagonia. On this trip, you will have the opportunity to explore the lesser-traveled North Patagonia and truly immerse yourself in the culture of quaint towns and stunning nature. You'll also have the chance to explore the homes of local chefs, ascend a volcano in Vicente Perez Rosalez National Park, contribute to rewilding initiatives in Park Patagonia, and trek through the scenic valley of El Callao. On this trip you will also be serving with the Chilean NGO Legado Chile, an organization that works to create, promote, and articulate natural heritage conservation projects to contribute to the sustainable development of Chile.
Chile is great for Families to Explore!
For those traveling with little ones, or who may be interested in a less active trip to Chile, we are also pleased to offer our Patagonia Paradise family adventure. This itinerary allows participants to explore ancient caves adorned with primitive paintings, immerse in the fjords of Patagonia, journey through the stunning Grey Glacier by boat, and even hike among the last wild Patagonian horses. Our 5-day Patagonian experience is meticulously crafted for families of all types, ensuring a truly unforgettable trip.
Explore Chile with Global Family Travels!
With conservation and connection to nature and local communities at the core of Global Family Travels journeys to Chile, it is the perfect destination for those who want to make a hands-on contribution to protecting our planet’s beautiful biodiversity. As always, we want you to depart as a changemaker, and we encourage everyone to explore Chile and other exciting regenerative adventures on our website.