Chile, South America

A LONG, NARROW SLIVER OF LAND clinging to the edge of the South American continent, Chile offers an incredible diversity of travel experiences to match its jaw-dropping geography and landscapes. Encompassing the world’s driest desert, fertile vineyards in the central valleys, cosmopolitan Santiago and eclectic Valparaiso, the lush temperate rainforests of the Lakes Region and down to the peaks of Patagonia, this country pinched between Pacific shores and Andean peaks unveils incredible natural beauty and cultural intrigue at every turn.

About Central Chile

Imagine a place where you can ski breathtaking mountain peaks in the morning, lunch in a vineyard, and catch the sunset on a beautiful beach. This is Central Chile.

SANTIAGO Bustling streetside markets, countless museums and parks, and a lively international and regional culinary scene lie amongst architectural styles both old and new in this capital city.

ANDES MOUNTAINS World-class ski resorts and an infinite amount of backcountry terrain lie just an hour outside Santiago.

WINE COUNTRY The world is waking up to Chile’s over 400-year-old tradition of winemaking. Virtually the only producer of the Carmenere varietal, Chile has an increasingly refined approach to winemaking and is winning praise across the globe.

VALPARAISO Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003, ‘Valpo” is undoubtedly one of South America’s most intriguing cities. Wander its labyrinth of cobblestone streets and ride the cable car elevators through eclectic hillside neighborhoods

Classic Knowmad Trips in this Region

Countryside, Culture & Coast

  • 7 days / from $1,880 / light to moderate
  • Discover Santiago
  • Vineyard visits and tastings
  • Pacific Coast and Valparaiso

Walking South America’s Vineyards

  • 6 days / from $2,420 / light
  • Chile & Argentina’s top vineyards
  • Barrel tastings and gourmet cuisine
  • Pacific Coast, high Andes & Mendoza

Ski The Andes

  • 7 days / from $1,935 / vigorous
  • 2 days SnowCat skiing
  • Ski 5 of Chile’s premier resorts
  • Hacienda stay and vineyard visit

About Easter Island

Some 2,000 miles off Chile’s coast lies Easter Island. Its gigantic Moai statues continue to mystify archeologists and anthropologists who know little about them or their Polynesian sculptors. Examine cave petroglyphs, discover deserted beaches and learn to dance Rapa Nui style while searching for answers in this tropical paradise.

 

Easter Island

  • 5 days / from $910 / light–moderate
  • Visit sites of over 600 Moai statues
  • Relax on deserted beaches
  • Legend, culture and mystery in Polynesian paradise

About the Atacama Desert

The well doesn’t run dry of things to do in the Atacama Desert. Stroll the adobe streets of Atacameno villages, see petroglyphs and ruins, or visit bubbling geysers and salt flats. If you’re feeling more active, you can mountain bike through remote high-country villages and fly down sand dunes, horseback ride in the canyons, or hike a volcano. Just be sure to stay awake for the out-of-this-world moonscape and stargazing.

 

Atacama Desert Oasis

  • 4 days / from $1,390 / light–vigorous
  • Excursions to salt flats, geysers, petroglyphs and volcanoes
  • Visit traditional Altiplano villages
  • Stay in a charming adobe boutique hotel

About Northern Patagonia

Volcanoes, fjords, temperate rainforests and lush valleys make this stunning natural paradise ideal for fishing, rafting and other outdoor activities. The region also features colorful and varied cultures.

PUERTO VARAS & LAGO LLANQUIHUE Enjoy views of the volcano-filled skyline in the towns along Lake Llanquihue, an area characterized by a large 19th century German migration and the original Mapuche inhabitants.

COCHAMO VALLEY The ‘Yosemite of Chile,’ this little-known valley surrounded by granite peaks and azure rivers is home to gauchos and homesteaders who continue to live as they have for centuries.

CHILOE Known for its folklore, craftsmen, seafood and colorful stilt houses, Chiloe is a mystical group of Patagonian islands.

Classic Knowmad Trips in this Region

Northern Patagonia Odyssey

  • 9 days / from $1,680 / moderate
  • Visit Lakes Region towns
  • Journey to remote mountain valley
  • Discover traditional Chiloe Island

Andes Lakes Crossing

  • 6 days / from $1,960 / light
  • Cross Andes Mountains by boat
  • National parks of Chile and Argentina
  • Visit Chiloe and Bariloche

FJords & Islands by Sea

  • 8 days / from $1,950 / light
  • 6 day Patagonian boat cruise
  • Traditional cultures of Chiloe
  • Temperate rainforest & natural hot springs

Futaleufu Whitewater & Multisport

  • 9 days / from $3,100 / moderate–vigorous
  • Raft the Futaleufu
  • Bike, hike & horseback ride Patagonia
  • Safari-style luxury camping

Fly Fishing The Patagonia

  • 8 days / from $4,600 / light
  • World-class fishing and private guiding
  • Remote, comfortable lodges
  • Gourmet cuisine

About Southern Patagonia

This remote region at the end of the Andes is worth every mile of travel. Including Cape Horn and the Tierra Del Fuego, it is as vast and sparsely populated as it is dramatic.

TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK Endless trails are set amongst an inspired backdrop of jagged granite peaks, massive glaciers, cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes and rivers. A mild microclimate and long days make for very pleasant conditions between November and early March in this park at the end of the world.

Classic Knowmad Trips in this Region

Patagonia Lodge to Lodge Hiker

  • 6 days / from $2,935 / moderate
  • Hike breathtaking mountains, lakes & glaciers
  • Stay at charming estancias and inns
  • Enjoy gourmet local cuisine

Torres Del Paine Explorer

  • 8 days / from $2,865 / vigorous
  • Hike famed ‘W’ route
  • Sea kayak amongst icebergs and glaciers
  • Ice hike atop massive Grey Glacier

Estancias of Patagonia by Horseback

  • 11 days / from $3,950 / vigorous
  • Canter across open plains of Torres Del Paine
  • Stay at historic estancias & lodges
  • Visit Grey Glacier