UNCHARTED® · Magazine · Autumn 2026

Global Safari
Field Notes · Latin America

Ultimate Adventures in UNCHARTED Chile

This wilderness at the bottom of the world is the place to let your active imagination run wild—from the Atacama Desert to the mountains of Patagonia, adventurous experiences abound.

March 22, 2023

By The UNCHARTED® editors · 2 min read

YOUR NEXT TRIP

in UNCHARTED® Chile

In Chile, you can scramble up volcanoes, hike glaciers, and ride horseback through remote estancias – all in one day.

Person in outdoor gear raising hand on grassy hillside with mountains and blue sky in background
Person in outdoor gear raising hand on grassy hillside with mountains and blue sky in background

In the south, experience hardwood forests, deep fjords, wild coastlines and beryl-colored lakes; in the north, take in the bone-dry, interstellar landscapes of the desert.

The 49,000-square-mile Atacama Desert is one of the driest parts of the planet, yet life is abundant, rich with flora and fauna not found elsewhere. The rivers and peaks of Patagonia are also home to glacial lakes, grazing guanacos, soaring condors, and roaming pumas. Winding down with cozy alpaca blankets, local wine and cheese, pisco sours at an UNCHARTED Outpost completes the sensory experience.

With its outsized natural and cultural wonders, visiting this end of the earth is a must for the adventurous nature lover.

TORRES DEL PAINE

Hike a Labyrinth of National Parks

With protected parkland encompassing a third of Chile, there’s no shortage of incredible trekking. Combine the best of the best, including Torres del Paine and San Pedro de Atacama National Parks, for an absolutely epic itinerary of active adventures. Patagonia's rugged landscape, alpaca herds, lenga forests, staggering peaks, and general alpine magnificence are unbeatable. After a day’s exploration, soak in a hot tub under a trillion stars.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP

Futaleufú NATIONAL RESERVE

River Raft the Mighty Futaleufú

Futaleufu means “Big River” in the native Tehuelche language, and this glacial-fed giant provides some of the world’s best whitewater and endless miles of immaculate fly fishing. Stay at PATA Lodge Outpost and learn about estancia life and snacking on sheep’s milk cheese around a campfire. Majestic mountains dusted with snow and draped with rich forests shape this wild, scenic landscape.

PACIFIC COAST & CHILEAN LAKE DISTRICT

Kayak Chile’s “Big Sur” Coast

Coined the “Big Sur” of Chile, the area west of the Chilean Lake District is essentially just that: Think enormous old growth pine, biting water, and rocky outcroppings. Kayaking along this coast is sure to get you glimpses of sei and pilot whales while exploring sea caves. Alternatively, head slightly inland to paddle glistening Lake Llanquihue, the second-largest lake in Chile, with views of smoldering Osorno volcano in the distance, and a temperate rainforest hugging the shore. Hike the Argentina San Sebastián Trail, which has 6,000 feet of

Lunar Biking & Horseback Riding

However you prefer to ride to Moon Valley or Salt Ridge, take in the red plains and Mars-like atmosphere of the Atacama with expert guides. Sand dunes lie in the distance, crystallized salt creeks snake alongside you, and the stone walls are full of petroglyphs. This area is also known for its hot springs, solar eclipses, and exceptional stargazing, and it is in the process of being declared a nature reserve, thanks in large part to Explora Atacama’s conservation efforts. In the evenings, kick back in the camp’s on-site observatory and take in the endless night sky with a pisco sour in hand.

Ultimate Adventures in UNCHARTED® Chile

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