Tour guides Chile

5 ideas for guided tours in Chile

• Arica and Putre region

  

  In northern Chile, the Arica and Putre region unfolds in striking contrasts, between the Pacific coast and the high Andean plateaus. The sun shines almost year-round on the city of Arica, where beaches stretch at the foot of the famous Morro. The atmosphere is calm, shaped by the sea and colorful markets.

  At more than 3,500 meters above sea level, Putre offers a completely different setting. Its narrow streets, lined with low houses, open onto vast mountains and clear skies. It’s an ideal starting point for anyone venturing higher into the Andes.

  Hikers will find their place in the Quebrada de Cardones canyon, where countless cacti stand tall, and in Lauca National Park. There, lagoons mirror snowcapped volcanoes, while vicuñas and flamingos bring life to the silence of the altiplano.

  After the effort, the hot springs of Jurasi provide soothing contrast. In the steaming water, your gaze drifts toward the Andean peaks, and the day ends with a sense of timeless travel.

• San Pedro de Atacama

  

  In northern Chile, San Pedro de Atacama appears like an oasis on the edge of the world’s driest desert. Its dirt streets, whitewashed houses, and peaceful atmosphere stand in contrast to the vast mineral landscapes around it. The village is a starting point for many excursions into the Andean scenery.

  The Valley of the Moon astonishes with its sculpted ridges, sandy crests, and shifting colors at sunset. Higher up, the Tatio Geysers put on a striking show at dawn, as steam rises into the freezing air and boiling water bursts from the ground.

  High-altitude lagoons are among the region’s most memorable sights. Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Chaxa stand out with their turquoise waters, where flamingos break the desert’s silence. Each turn seems to reveal a new palette of colors.

  After these rugged landscapes, the Puritama hot springs offer a gentler pause. Nestled in a canyon, the natural pools soothe tired muscles with their warm waters. A simple, restorative moment.

• Chile’s Wine Route

  

  Chile’s Wine Route winds through varied landscapes, from fertile valleys to sunlit hills. The journey often begins in the Colchagua Valley, renowned for its bold reds. Wineries here blend modern techniques with long-standing traditions, offering tastings that tell the story of the terroir.

  Further north, the Casablanca Valley is known for fresh, aromatic whites. At estates such as Emiliana Organic Vineyards, the focus is on organic viticulture, while Viña Matetic combines contemporary architecture with biodynamic wines. Each stop reveals a different approach to the vine.

  The Maipo Valley, the country’s oldest wine region, recalls the roots of this tradition. Vineyards like Concha y Toro and Santa Rita open the doors to historic cellars, where you taste wines that built Chile’s international reputation. Here, winemaking heritage blends seamlessly with the Andean landscape.

  The route often ends in the Limarí Valley, a newer region already acclaimed for its elegant whites. Estates like Tabalí and Cono Sur craft vintages shaped by Pacific breezes, which lend freshness and character to the grapes. A final stop that captures the diversity and richness of Chilean wine country.

• Santiago de Chili

  

  Whether at the start or the end of a trip to Chile, the capital is worth a stop. Santiago blends history and modernity, with lively avenues, shaded squares, and neighborhoods each with their own character. The city stretches at the foot of the Andes, and snowcapped peaks sometimes appear at the end of a street.

  The Plaza de Armas remains the historic heart. Around it, the Catedral de la Asunción and the presidential palace highlight the site’s importance. Wandering the nearby streets, you’ll find museums, well-preserved colonial façades, and cafés that invite you to pause.

  Some districts show another side of Santiago. Bellavista comes alive at night with bars and restaurants, Lastarria draws lovers of galleries and small shops, while La Vega reveals a bustling market full of color and scents.

  For a higher view, the cable car climbs to the top of San Cristóbal Hill. From there, the panorama stretches across the city with the Andes in the background, a striking contrast between urban energy and the mountain’s timeless presence.

• Villarrica volcano

  

  At the foot of the volcano, the town of Pucón serves as the starting point for climbing Villarrica. Its quiet streets contrast with the challenge of scaling this still-active giant. Travelers gear up, guided along the way, before beginning the ascent over ash and snow-covered slopes.

  At the summit, the sight is striking. The crater smolders gently while the view stretches across the surrounding lakes, including Lake Villarrica and Lake Caburgua. All around, the Andes unfold their mountain lines, creating a sense of immense silence.

  The descent back to Pucón offers another reward. The hot springs of Los Pozones, Termas Geométricas, and the Huife Thermes welcome tired hikers. Hot water bubbling from the rock soothes the body and brings the adventure to a gentler close.