Nature Tourism in Chile

Chile’s territory combines over 4,000 kilometers of wind-blown, ocean-swept coastline, the immense, mineral-rich northern desert, the majestic peaks of the Andes range, with thousands of active volcanoes strung along its length, and the hushed mystique of the southern evergreen forests. Come and experience the full glory of nature in Chile!

Visit the vast salt flats of the Atacama desert and the ice fields of Patagonia, passing through the fertile sun-soaked central valleys, famed World Biosphere Reserves and the myriad natural parks and reserves throughout the country.

Get away from it all and truly unwind in a remote desert oasis in the north of Chile, or revitalize your senses in rich southern landscapes filled with native species like the Araucaria pine.

Contemplate the immense Pacific ocean, swim in the cool waters of the calm southern lakes and absorb the invigorating energy of fast-moving Andean rivers. Breathe deeply in the purest air and delight in nature at its finest in Chile.

If you’re an animal lover, you’ll see well-known species in abundance and discover others that are simply unique to Chile. From the delicate miniature pudu deer through to giant cetaceans, Chile’s national parks and marine reserves are a veritable haven for fauna. Multiple species of flamingo and penguin, camelids like alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas and an infinite variety of small creatures will enliven your travels in Chile.

ECO-TOURISM
Landscapes with a unique and pristine beauty bring life to ecosystems that have abundant biodiversities. Come and enjoy constant contact with nature, be amazed by each native setting and patiently observe Chile’s endemic species. Travel to some of the country’s main national parks and reserves to have an experience of complete respect for the environment and ancient cultures.

Visit the Pan de Azúcar National Park in the north of Chile. You’ll be able to see native species as well as go kayaking or biking during the summer. The campsites and cottages will let you rest up and the small restaurants, offering local produce, will help you recharge your batteries.

In Chile’s central area, explore the La Campana National Park, a declared Biosphere Reserve, which has campsites as well as interpretative trails. A bit further south, you can visit the Radal Siete Tazas National Reserve, which will amaze you with the natural water show of the Claro River.

Don’t miss out on the Villarrica National Park where you’ll see Andean lakes, snow-capped volcanoes and araucarias, or enjoy the thrill of adventure at the Vicente Pérez National Park, which will fascinate you with its rapids, where rafting is ideal. In Patagonia, trek around the trails of the Torres del Paine National Park, and sail along Grey Lake. You won’t regret it!

FLORA AND FAUNA
With its unique and intriguing ecosystems, Chile’s many native species will ensure your journey overflows with color, nature and energy! When the climactic conditions are right, witness the remarkable phenomenon of the desert in flower: over 200 wild species bloom and transform the Atacama with their intense hues, shapes and smells. You’ll love springtime in the north of Chile!

Discover the amazing northern wildlife: you’ll meet llamas, vicunas, alpacas, guanacos and rheas. See flamingos and other Andean birds display their ‘dance moves’. Plants including cacti, tamarugos and yaretas will provide a constantly changing backdrop to your northern adventure.

Native Chilean palm trees are beautifully showcased at the La Campana National Park, a World Biosphere Reserve located close to Valparaiso.

You might be fortunate enough to spot the magnificent puma that stalks furtively throughout the Andes Mountains. Perhaps you’ll be rewarded in the south with a glimpse of native deer species; the elusive pudu, the world’s smallest deer, or the majestic huemul.

In the Conguillio, Villarrica, Huerquehue and Alerce Andino national parks you’ll find acres of larch trees and elegant araucaria pines. If you’re planning a trip along the Pacific Coast, keep a keen watch for whales and dolphins and delight in the antics of penguins in the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, on Chiloé or close to Punta Arenas.

LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY
Countless incredible landscapes await you in Chile, ranging from the world’s driest desert to the awe-inspiring glaciers of Antarctica and Patagonia. Witness sunrise over the majestic Andes and glorious sunsets on the Pacific coast.

The amazing landscapes of northern Chile simply beg to be photographed; the Altiplanic lagoons, the geysers at El Tatio and the stunning national parks will make an indelible impression. If you come in springtime, the extraordinary phenomenon of the flowering desert near Copiapo is a photographer’s dream.

In Rapa Nui (Easter Island), the moai are patiently aligned so you can capture them from their best angle; a spectacle that can not be seen anywhere else on earth but in the remote “Navel of the World”, that distant place in the Pacific Ocean.

From man-made mysteries to natural wonders … The Torres del Paine wholly deserves its title of the eighth wonder of the world. Give in to the thrall of these breathtaking landscapes. Breathe in its incredibly pure air and the scent of abundant native vegetation as you walk. Gaze in awe at the massive Patagonian glaciers and enjoy a whisky on the rocks with millennial ice from the San Rafael Lagoon. Immortalize with your lens each one of these intense, magical Chilean moments!

CAMPING
People say that sleeping under the stars is one of the greatest pleasures in the universe. Try it and enjoy the dozens of ecological reserves, beaches and amazing landscapes where you can camp in Chile.

Set up your tent and relax admiring the beauty of the desert coastline in the Pan de Azúcar National Park. Do you want to get in touch with your inner self? The eco-friendly campsites of Cochiguaz set in the Elqui Valley, allow you to meditate right by the river and by clear water pools.

In the central area, unwind by listening to the waterfalls, looking out towards the imposing Andes and exploring the wide array of adventure sports at Cajón del Maipo. Or visit the La Campana National Park and take the opportunity to rest at one of its campsites.

Further south, Pucón and Lican Ray have become favorite destinations for campers during the summer. Their beautiful lakes and famous outdoor parties become a magnet for the younger tourist.

But it is at Cucao, in the Chiloé National Park where setting up your tent will become a mystical experience. There are more than 25 different campsites and enjoying its rich vegetation, calm waters and scenic beauty make this a must-see destination. Beware though, as the legends of Trauco and Pincoya will send chills down your spine when it’s time to tell stories around the campfire.

BIRDWATCHING
Waking up to the sound of birdsong is a rare pleasure, but in Chile you’ll enjoy the tuneful dawn chorus of innumerable birds. In the forests, on the beaches and hilltops, from the Andean Altiplano right down to Patagonia, you can spot countless species of bird, many unique to Chile.

Chile is the ideal destination for bird-watching enthusiasts. In its 101 protected wilderness areas covering almost 20% of the entire country, you might come into close contact with even the shyest of species. Visit Lake Chungará in the Lauca National Park, where you’ll spot Andean seagulls and avocets, Eurasian coots and giant red-gartered coots, as well as plentiful colonies of flamingos making a bold splash of color on the landscape.

We guarantee you’ll swoon at the cuteness of baby penguins in the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve (you can also see them on Chiloé and in Punta Arenas), and be awestruck by the legendary Andean condor soaring gracefully through the skies over the Torres del Paine National Park, near the San Rafael glacier or in the Alerce Andino National Park.

For an adventurous bird-watching expedition, visit the Omora Ethnobotanical Park on the shores of the Beagle Channel. Its most emblematic inhabitant is the Magellanic woodpecker – listen out for its characteristic (and very loud!) knocking on wood.

NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES
Come and discover unique native species in the forests, salt flats, glaciers and dozens of other distinctive environments which make up Chile’s System of Protected Wilderness Areas! Visit them on foot, on horseback or by bike, but remember that their care and preservation is vital to the country.

In total, almost 20% of Chile’s extensive territory is currently protected. Between the ocean and the mountains, from the world’s driest desert to the Patagonian glaciers, there’s a tremendously rich variety for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore.

Camp within earshot of waterfalls and wake up to the song of countless species of birds. Walk among thousand-year old trees and observe the enormous variety of wildlife, including small Andean foxes and vizcachas (a rabbit-like species of chinchilla). The Pacific Ocean is also home to a multitude of creatures: if you’re lucky, you’ll spot dolphins, sea lions and great whales. Don’t miss Chile’s magnificent national parks and reserves!