How to choose your itinerary (tour) and the stages of your trip to Chile?
In order to help you prepare your trip, Antipode offers several types of stay defined according to your profile:
- Discovery, to discover the must-see sites of the country.
- Family, to travel with children in the best way.
- Trekking, for sportsmen and women who love hiking in the mountains.
- Adventure, to get to know the country's charms and culture in greater depth.
- Top of the range, for demanding travellers in search of comfort.
Here are a few important points of reference to help you make your choices, according to the main Chilean tourist areas:
The classics (from North to South)
San Pedro d'Atacama: Desert region of the Altiplano, a must for a stay in Chile.
Highlight: Breathtaking landscapes, worthy of landscapes from another planet.
Advantage: Connection with South Lipez and the Salar d'Uyuni in Bolivia.
Disadvantage: Obligatory plane ride to get there.
Santiago: Capital of the country.
Strength: Lively, urban life, hills in the heart of the city offering magnificent views of the capital.
Advantage: Santiago is the hub for all inland destinations in Chile.
Disadvantage : Urban life, lots of traffic, noise and pollution.
Valparaiso: Coastal city close to Santiago.
Strength: Pacific view and incredible colourful district entirely covered with murals. Not to be missed!
Advantage: Easy access from Santiago, quick round trip.
Disadvantage : Quick visit, no need to spend more than two days there. Impossible to swim in the Pacific because the water is much too cold.
Easter Island: Remote island in the Pacific Ocean
Highlight: The Moaïs, gigantic statues and the Rapa Nui culture, civilization of the Pacific.
Advantage : Possibility to spend several days there and to discover a piece of Polynesia, pleasant climate all year round.
Disadvantage : Expensive, return trip by plane only.
Chiloé: The largest island of the country on the Chilean coast.
Strong point: Small typical fishing villages, guaranteed change of scenery.
Advantage: Not very crowded, calm and peaceful.
Disadvantage : Rainy and cool climate.
The Extreme South (Punta Arenas): Southern Patagonia, the southernmost region in the world.
Highlight: Torres del Paine Park, incredible Patagonian landscapes.
Advantage: Numerous walks possible for all kinds of people.
Disadvantage: Cold and harsh climate. Tourist activities suspended during the southern winter from June to October.
To go further (from North to South)
Arica / extreme north: Border region with Peru.
Highlight : Deeper discovery of Chile with a culture different from the rest of the country. Connection with Peru for a multi-destination handset.
Disadvantage: Big detour.
Lakes region (Pucón): Wooded region around beautiful lakes.
Strong point: Numerous sports activities, Hiking, Kayaking, rafting, biking, skiing.
Disadvantage: Requires a detour and lengthens the stay. Little change of scenery, European style of Swiss villages.
Huilo-huilo: Magnificent national reserve covered with forest.
Strong point: Possibility to spend several nights in the forest in unusual wooden "cabins" lodges.
Disadvantage: Requires a detour from Puerto Montt, extends the length of the stay.
Isla Navarino : The southernmost land of the world.
Strong point: Famous hikes, the southernmost of the planet.
Disadvantage: For experienced walkers. Isolated site difficult to access.
Cruises: Boat trips, expedition-adventure cruises.
Strong point: Possibility to see separate sites such as glaciers or Cape Horn for example.
Disadvantage: expensive.
Carretera Austral: Route crossing the whole Chilean Patagonia.
Strong point: free travel by car. Possibility to discover more in depth the villages and landscapes of Patagonia.
Disadvantage : For independent travellers. Many kilometers.
