Fantastic Futaleufu whitewater rafting on a Chile adventure tour! (Rebecca Parker)Top Ways to Explore Chile
From the stark and stunning Atacama Desert to its legendary Patagonia peaks, a Chile tour provides an outdoor playground for adventure enthusiasts and offers a landscape that seems tailor-made for the active traveler. Whether you're seeking solo exploration or planning a Chile family adventure, this country offers boundless opportunity. There is no shortage of ways to actively experience Chile travel, and here are five of our favorite ways to do just that.
Whitewater Rafting
Rafting Chile's Futaleufu River is recognized as one of the top whitewater adventures on the planet. The 'Fu' is glacial-fed from Patagonia's Andes. Surrounded by grand peaks, it has top-notch rapids, and its turquoise-blue waters are almost too vibrant to believe. The Fu offers stretches for beginners as well as Class III, IV and V rapids that challenge the most experienced rafters. Scenic and epic—these are the kinds of river runs adventure seekers live for.
Safety Highlight: Trips here are guided by certified professionals using proper gear, ensuring high safety standards for rafters of all levels.
Trekking & Hiking Torres del Paine National Park offers the quintessential Chile trekking experience. Granite peaks, enormous glaciers, waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and temperate rainforests supply travelers with incredible trails set against an extraordinary backdrop. Its ecosystem is uniquely its own—territory that is secluded, uncharted, and breathtaking.
This famed park has a well-developed trail network, offering both low-elevation hiking and opportunities for cross-country trekking. Beyond the park, the Atacama Desert, Lakes District, Easter Island, and Chiloé Island invite travelers to explore on foot. These trails are great for all kinds of travelers, from solo trekkers to those on a Chile family adventure looking for manageable and scenic routes.
Small-Ship Expedition Chile’s coastline is dotted with a labyrinth of islands, fjords, glaciers, and isolated inlets—most of which are only accessible by sea. This makes it an ideal destination to explore via small-ship Chile tours. At the country's southern tip, travelers navigate captivating places like Glacier Alley and the End of the World, following historic explorer routes.
These cruises provide unique access to remote wildlife habitats and deliver a safe and comfortable base for exploration, with expert crews and naturalist guides onboard.
Sea Kayaking
With over 4,000 miles of coastline, Chile travel includes some of the best sea kayaking in South America. Pumalin Park and the Quintupeo and Cahuelmó fjords are among the top spots. Travelers paddle between towering granite cliffs and waterfalls that plunge directly into the sea.
Keep an eye out for austral dolphins, sea lions, and endemic bird species. When the day is done, enjoy a soak in the area’s natural hot springs—perfect for unwinding after your paddling adventure.
Fly-Fishing: Catch & Release Chile is a favorite for anglers, offering rainbow, brook, and brown trout throughout the southern lakes and rivers. Atlantic salmon and steelhead trout are also found, particularly in remote areas best accessed via specially-designed fly-fishing cruises or lodges.
Even when the fish aren’t biting, the scenery never disappoints. These experiences are ideal for solo anglers, couples, or as part of a longer Chile family adventure.
Plan Your Chile Travel
Whether you're hiking through Torres del Paine, kayaking remote fjords, or fishing scenic rivers, Chile tours offer something for every type of traveler. With professional guides and well-planned itineraries, you can enjoy peace of mind while discovering one of South America's most dramatic destinations.
Ready for your own Chile family adventure? Explore our expert-crafted Chile tours and start planning your unforgettable journey today.
