Football, the great popular sport
Like everywhere else in South America, it's the country's sport of choice! Chile hosted the World Cup in 1962, and La Roja (the name given to the national team, whose jerseys are traditionally red) finished in3rd place, its best result to date in a World Cup. In 2015, Chile won the Copa America for the first time in its history, on home soil against eternal rivals Argentina. A true national event... which the team repeated the following year, once again against Messi's team! Unfortunately, the two-time South American champions failed to qualify for either the 2018 World Cup or the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Andeanism, the assault on the summits!
In the Andes, the peaks are often higher than Mont Blanc. Beware of altitude sickness, don't push yourself, and take every precaution. You can rent the right equipment, especially in Pucón and Puerto Varas. Get maps from the IGM (Military Geographical Institute), based on a scale of 1:25,000. However, these maps are virtually non-existent for the entire region from the Magellanic south to Tierra del Fuego. If you choose to work with a tour operator, be sure to check the equipment available and the knowledge of the guide. Expect to pay at least $30,000/$40,000 per day. Here is a non-exhaustive list of recommended locations:
In the north, most climbs are technical. In fact, many peaks exceed 6,000 m in altitude. Don't venture into the mountains in December-January, as it can snow heavily. The skies are very clear the rest of the year, which also means that the atmosphere is very arid and you need to protect yourself from the sun. The San Pedro de Atacama region (and Socaire in particular) is ideal: see Licancabúr (5,916 m), for example, which is relatively easy to access; further north, near Lauca National Park, the Payachatas, i.e. the Parinacota volcano (6,330 m) and the Pomerape volcano (6,240 m), from Caquena; in the Copiapó region, the Ojos del Salado volcano (6,883 m), the highest active volcano in the world. The Copiapó volcano (6,060 m), from the laguna del Negro Francisco, is an alternative.
In the center, you'll find the most technical climbs, as well as others that are easily accessible. The best time is between October and January. Around Santiago, there are Las Chilcas (60 km north), La Campana (near the national park), El Manzano and Placa Roja. The cerros La Paloma (4,910 m) or El Mirador del Morado (3,883 m) are more technical than the cerros El Plomo (5,424 m), Punta Negra (4,127 m) or San José (5,856 m).
Most of the tourist infrastructure, but also the most adventurous routes, are concentrated inthe south. From April to September, the weather is very unstable and mediocre.
The wall of the Petrohué river, near Puerto Varas, is recommended for a day trip; otherwise, the granite dome of Cochamó (1,000 m high) is an excellent choice. Many volcanoes can be "conquered": Antuco (2,965 m), Tolhuaca, Llaima, Villarrica (one of the most popular), Lanín (also climbed from the Argentine side), Osorno (also very popular), Monte Tronador (superb glacier), Melimoyu (not very popular), San Valentín (4,058 m, highest peak in Patagonia, from the Exploradores Valley, west of Lake General Carrera). There's also Fitz Roy on the Argentine side and the Torres del Paine (Torre Norte and the east face of Cuerno Este) to the south.
Unmissable hikes
The only way to really get to know Chile is on foot. The possibilities are endless, and the country is safe enough to walk everywhere. From Sunday country walks to multi-day treks, the choice is enormous, from the arid, salty deserts of the north to the white expanses of the Patagonian glaciers.
In the north, the pleasure of walking and contemplating superb landscapes is enriched (at higher altitudes) by genuine archaeological and ethnological discoveries. Those unfamiliar with Peru or Bolivia will already be able to smell the heady aromas of the Andes and their age-old culture. Putre is a fabulous place to lose yourself in the midst of volcanoes, lakes and rock paintings (Incani, Viluvio and Vilacaurani). The Cerro Guane Guane (5,096 m) offers breathtaking views of Lauca Park. North of San Pedro, you can lose yourself in valleys and canyons, punctuated by thermal baths. The Meñique-Tumbre lagoon is a paradise for birds and wildlife. The Pan de Azucár park is magnificent, especially in spring, and the Fray Jorge park is no exception, with its flora reminiscent of southern Valdivia.
In the center, you'll be spoilt for choice. The most famous hike is the one that crosses the Andes north of Aconcagua. The various national parks all offer pleasant trails, most of them well signposted, from a few minutes to several days' walk. For a fine view of Santiago, you can climb above the cerro Manquehue. The Andean foothills, around the cerro Provincia, offer numerous trails (the most extensive network around the capital).
In the south, it would take too long to mention all the hikes. The region around Pucón or Lake Todos los Santos, the Cochamó valley, Pumalín Park (especially around Caleta Gonzalo), the banks of the Futaleufú river, the Cerro Castillo circuit (more difficult, no signposting, but absolutely magnificent) or Torres del Paine Park (the most famous) are all great places to visit.
Horseback riding in the wilderness
Horseback riding is an excellent way to visit remote canyons and wilderness areas, and to meet the huasos (Chilean gauchos ). The inhabitants of Patagonia, particularly in the Aisén region, still use this animal for transport (the beast is called a sillero) or to carry goods(pilchero). Generally speaking, renting a horse (always with a guide) costs at least $3,000 an hour, while a day's excursion can cost from $20,000 through rural tourism networks. Horses are used to being ridden.
To the north, the San Pedro de Atacama region lends itself well to horseback riding. To Quitor, Catarpe or the Río Grande valley, for example.
In the center, the national parks and reserves of La Campana, El Yali, Río Los Cipreses and Radal Siete Tazas are interesting options.
In the south, you can rent horses at almost any hostel. The best spots are near Valdivia, Puerto Varas, Cochamó, in the Río Puelo valley, Chiloé National Park, the Futaleufú valley, on the west coast of Lake General Carrera (Campos de Hielo Norte), near Cochrane, or around Torres del Paine.
Rivers, a real playground
Rafting - Kayaking. Chile is a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts. There are countless rivers flowing down from the Andean glaciers. The scenery is fantastic. The best seasons are between October and December for the Central and Lake regions, and between December and February for Patagonia. You can expect to pay around $300,000/350,000 per person for a rafting trip. Some operators even offer sea kayaking excursions (around Hornopirén, for example).
Fishing. Chile is renowned for its salmon and trout fishing, especially in the Lake District and Patagonia. The rivers richest in fish are those with fast currents and shallow waters. To fish with the locals, allow $50,000 for one or two people (one boat) per day. In the more reputable lodges, expect to pay $200,000 per day. Don't forget that you need a license to fish.
Nice surf spots
The summer months are the best for surfing. In the north, the most famous spots are the beaches of Arica (playas Las Machas and Chinchorro for beginners, Brava and La Capilla otherwise) and Iquique (Intendencia, with a very strong left, for pros; Saint-Tropez, north of Cavancha beach; Punta Gruesa, numerous lefts; Punta Aguila, Caleta Loa or Tocopilla). In the center, the best months are September and March. Pichilemu beach (Punta de Lobos) is internationally renowned, with the longest wave in Chile. Last but not least, true lovers of this sport won't want to miss Easter Island, still little-known but very promising.
A ski mecca on the continent
The country is indisputably one of South America's ski hotspots. The scenery is magnificent. The season runs from June to September, sometimes into October in the event of heavy snowfalls.
In the center, head for Portillo, La Parva and the El Colorado-Farellones-Valle Nevado ski area.
In the south, the infrastructure is less extensive, except perhaps at Termas de Chillán (where you can ski down a 14 km run). However, off-piste skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at Antuco, Lonquimay (also good for cross-country skiing), Las Araucarias, Villarrica, Antillanca, El Fraile (near Coyhaique) or Cerro Mirador in the Magallanes National Reserve.
By paraglider or microlight, breathtaking flights
These are increasingly popular activities. In the north, we recommend the Arica and Iquique regions. In the center, the Maitencillo site is popular, as are Colina (about 40 minutes north of the capital), Batuco (35 km northeast of Santiago), Farellones and Valle Nevado (superb scenery), and Cuesta Barriga. Finally, in the south, there's the village of Machalí, southeast of Rancagua, Lanalhue (between Los Angeles and Temuco, near the coast), Pucón, Niebla (near Valdivia) and Antillanca (near Osorno). Thrills guaranteed!
