While the country remains closed to foreign visitors, Chile seeks to provide travelers with inspiration for a future winter escape by sharing the destination’s top seasonal experiences
SANTIAGO, CHILE (August 9, 2021) – Stretching along South America’s Western coast, Chile is an idyllic escape from the heat of summer in the northern hemisphere. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, the country is the ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic travel experience full of natural wonders, exciting outdoor adventures, and enchanting snow-filled regions. With an extensive roster of experiences that incorporate sports and outdoor recreation, Chile is a thrill-seekers playground. It is undoubtedly an extraordinary place to connect with Mother Nature during its winter months from June to September, with even more activities to enjoy and captivating sights in all their wintry glory. These must-try activities include:
Skiing and Snowboarding: Considered one of the best spots in South America for skiers and snowboarders of every level, The Andes Mountain range borders Chile from north to south providing incredible ski centers. Resorts are scattered through volcanoes and among forests providing the most spectacular views. Incredible slopes for beginners to intermediate levels are found in places such as Nevados de Chillán, Corralco, and Ski Pucón. Nevados de Chillán is a group of stratovolcanoes known for their off-piste ski areas and thermal baths, ideal for soaking after a long day of exploring. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will enjoy intricate slopes in Valle Nevado, Portillo, and La Parva. La Parva Ski Resort features a beautiful view of the valley of Santiago.
Ice Field Walking: Winter is the best time to see the world’s largest ice fields in the Chilean Patagonia. Surrounded by ancient ice formations, Torres del Paine and San Rafael Lagoon National Parks are great attractions to discover. Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve home to soaring mountains, bright blue icebergs, and golden grasslands. Visitors can also discover the crevasses, rivers and tunnels formed by the glaciers while walking along the Yelcho Ice Field in the Carretera Austral.
Patagonian Cruises: The Patagonian fjords and channels offer an unforgettable voyage. Visitors can board small vessels and luxury cruise ships to explore the territories of sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and killer whales along Chile’s famous glaciers. Cruises typically depart from Puerto Montt, one of Chile’s main port cities, famous for their rich cuisine and architecture. Surrounded by the glaciers from the Southern Ice Fields, The Bernardo O’Higgins National Park is a great area to visit that keeps the purity of nature intact. Voyages also cruise on to other areas of Antarctica for more spectacular views.
Stargazing: An ideal destination for nature lovers, the Atacama Desert offers many opportunities to experience the stark mountains, salt flats, clear high-altitude lakes, and cultures. During the winter months, the sky in the desert is at its clearest with scarce light pollution making it the perfect destination for stargazing. Visitors can discuss the mesmerizing skies with local astronomers specialized in constellations and planets while looking through a telescope. The Atacama Desert is home to the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter Array), the largest radio telescope in the world.
Presenting the perfect meld of nature, adventure, and thrilling experiences, Chile is a versatile destination for an unforgettable winter vacation. Although the country remains closed to foreign travelers at the moment, it’s never too early to begin planning an unforgettable trip. To learn more about Chile and the country’s offering for a winter escape, please visit chile.travel.