One of the world’s last surviving wilderness, Patagonia has fired the imagination of travellers for centuries. Chile’s section of this huge region – neighbouring Argentina has the other half – is sparsely populated but jam-packed with natural wonders: swathes of temperate rainforest, shimmering lakes and iceberg-strewn fjords, ancient glaciers and, of course, ranges of jagged Andean peaks, many of which are volcanic.

The scenic Carretera Austral (Southern Highway) winds through northern Chilean Patagonia, taking in a series of national parks and reserves, most of which are criss-crossed with hiking trails and an incredible array of hotels and lodges to suit all tastes and budgets. Highlights include Parque Nacional Patagonia, a stunning expanse of seemingly endless steppe, soaring mountains and crystal-clear lagoons, and Parque Nacional Queulat, whose remarkable V-shaped ‘hanging glacier’ looms above an icy lake. The route also passes the Futaleufú Valley, which offers adrenaline-charged whitewater rafting and kayaking, and the village of Puyuhuapi, home to a set of soothing hot springs.

Further south, the historic architecture of the remote port-city of Punta Arenas is a reminder of Patagonia’s sheep-ranching boom of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Nearby, the tiny island of Magdalena is home to one of the continent’s biggest colonies of Magellanic penguins.

Latin Routes’ 10-day Highlights of Patagonia itinerary showcases one of Chile’s foremost attractions: Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, a glorious reserve that offers world-class hiking –  including the famous W trek – in the shadow of its eponymous mountainous ‘towers’. It also whisks you across the Andes into Argentine Patagonia to see the Perito Moreno Glacier, a formidable wall of creaking, blue-and-white ice.

 

Nestled between the Biobío River in the north and Patagonia in the south, the Chilean Lake District is carpeted with dense, emerald-green forests of monkey puzzle and alerce trees, some of which are thousands of years old. As its name suggests, this lush region is interspersed with glimmering lagoons, rivers and waterfalls, and backed by ranges of snowy mountains and volcanoes.

Long inhabited by the Indigenous Mapuche people, the Lake District boasts an array of spectacular national parks, notably Conguillío, whose abundant wildlife includes pumas and condors, and Villarrica, which is dominated by its namesake volcano, one of the most active in Chile. The attractive lakeside cities Pucón and Puerto Varas – the latter features prominently on Latin Routes’ 13-day Highlights of Chile itinerary – are both havens for adventure sports enthusiasts, offering countless opportunities for hiking, climbing, skiing, horseriding, rafting, kayaking and even dog-sledding.

After your day of adventure, how better to unwind than in a soothing soak in a hot spring? There are myriad to choose from across the Lake District with one favourite being the Geometric hot springs linked by wooden walkways hidden in the forest in Villarica National Park.

For a glimpse at the history of the Lake District, head to the regional capital of Valdivia, one of Chile’s oldest cities. As well as enlightening museums, it has some impressive 17th-century forts, a lively fish market and – thanks in large part to the German immigrants who made their home here – excellent locally brewed beer.

Just off the coast of the Lake District is the Chiloé archipelago, whose relative inaccessibility has helped to preserve its distinct culture and way of life. These rugged, mist-shrouded islands have an evocative folklore, tasty seafood-based cuisine, 70-strong set of UNESCO World Heritage-listed wooden churches, and innumerable palafitos, brightly coloured fishermen’s houses raised on the stilts, some of which have now been turned into charming places to stay and eat. 

Nicknamed the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’ in the 19^th century, Valparaíso was once one of the most important ports in South America, prospering from Chile’s silver and copper industries, as well as the California gold rush. The opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 brought the good times to an end by providing a handy short-cut between the Atlantic and the Pacific. But while the local economy fell into decline, the city’s treasure trove of architecture remained largely intact. Moreover, a host of artists, writers and musicians were attracted by the cheap rents, giving the place an enduring bohemian vibe.

Today, Valparaíso (or Valpo, as it’s known locally) is one of the most beguiling cities on the continent. Set around a sweeping bay, the busy port area is overlooked by a cascade of hills covered with a mosaic of colourfully painted houses – including La Sebastiana, once owned by Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda and now an idiosyncratic museum.

Accessed via creaking funicular lifts from the downtown area, the most attractive hills are neighbours Alegre and Concepción. Best explored on foot, their narrow, steep and often cobble-stoned streets are lined with elegant homes originally built for wealthy merchants, as well as a churches, museums and viewpoints. Many of the historic buildings have been turned into gorgeous boutique hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, bars and galleries.

As you discover on Latin Routes’ nine-day Spirit of Chile itinerary, which includes a two-night stay in Valpo, there’s also a vibrant creative scene with plenty of exhibitions, performances and concerts to check out. And as an added bonus, some of Chile’s finest beaches are close at hand.

The fertile valleys of central Chile are the heart of the country’s internationally renowned wine industry. A patchwork of green hills rolling south from Santiago towards the Biobío River, the region is sprinkled with picturesque vineyards, ranging from small-scale, family-run concerns to major household names.

Some vineyards back several hundred years and many are open to the public for guided tours, tasting sessions and overnight stays. They include the Santa Rita vineyard, which was founded in the late 19^th century and is included in Latin Routes’ 15-day Leisurely Chile itinerary. Guests stay at the atmospheric Casa Real hotel and can combine a wide range of wine-based activities with relaxed hikes through the foothills of the Andes, horse-drawn carriage rides through the verdant grounds and visits to the on-site museum, which contains more than 3,000 artefacts.

The beautiful Casablanca, Colchagua and Maule valleys – among others – have well-designed wine routes that make it easy to visit a string of different vineyards over the course of a day or two by bike, bus or car. For keen oenophiles, there are opportunities to take part in the grape harvest and get a first-hand taste of the wine-making process. Some vineyards even offer wine-based spa treatments.

But it’s not just grapes that this region’s fertile soil is so good at growing, with fruits and vegetables thriving here. Chile is one of yeh biggest exporters of Avocado, and you’ll be able to taste their fresh-from-the-tree flavour. At meal times, pair local food with those locally produced wines, with crisp whites complementing fresh-from-the-ocean seafood dishes such as ceviche and seafood stews. Or get involved with local cowboy culture and enjoy a fireside barbecue of local meats paired with a glass or two of red. 

Chile’s wine region also immerses you in the slow-paced rhythms of rural life, allowing you to wander around historic villages, shop at bustling market towns or watch the local huasos (cowboys) show off their skills in the saddle at one of the regular rodeos. Alternatively, you could simply kick-back with a glass of award-winning carmenère, cabernet sauvignon or merlot and watch the world drift by.