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vendimia festival chile

Celebrating the grape harvest in Chile

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Experience the rich tradition of Chilean winemaking by joining the country’s annual grape harvest festivals, known as vendimias.

Grape harvest

From February to May, Chile’s wine regions burst into celebration for the 2025 harvest season.

From the desert vineyards of the north to the lush landscapes of Araucanía, these festivals offer a dynamic blend of culture, featuring live music, tastings of outstanding grape varieties, traditional grape stomping, and exquisite local cuisine.

Chile’s central region is the heart of these celebrations, featuring renowned valleys like Casablanca, Colchagua, and Maipo, all just a short journey from Santiago.

Grape harvest festivals in Chile offer more than just a treat for wine enthusiasts. They are a true celebration of culture. With traditional dances, folkloric performances, and local craftsmanship, they reflect the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of the country’s wine regions.

Attending a vendimia is an ideal experience for travelers seeking authentic and unforgettable moments in Chile.

Beyond the lively grape harvest festivals, a visit to a nearby winery near Santiago, complete with a guided tasting, offers an authentic and immersive way to explore the country’s rich winemaking tradition.

Wine tours are available year-round, allowing visitors to explore Chile’s world-renowned vineyards in every season.

fiesta de la vendimia

Explore the Vendimias 2025 calendar and map, created by Corfo’s Enoturismo Chile.


For more information contact your Travel Consultant or incoming@turavion.com

Carriage ride Santa Cruz
Wine tasting
wine and gastronomy
traditions harvest festival
Andean carnival

Arica – Andean Carnival Con la Fuerza del Sol

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Arica, known as the “City of Eternal Spring” and nestled along the Pacific Ocean, boasts a wealth of attractions and rich historical and cultural heritage. The imposing 130-metre-high rock El Morro, which played an important role in Chile’s history of the Pacific War, becomes the backdrop for the largest multicultural event in northern Chile during the summer months.

The Andean Carnival “Con la Fuerza del Sol Inti Ch’amampi” (With the Strength of the Sun) is a dazzling cultural event that has taken place annually since 2002, showcasing the rich traditions and heritage of the Andean people. Held over three days in January or February, this celebration unfolds in the city of Arica, Chile, and is one of the most significant carnivals in South America.

The festival brings together thousands of participants, including local communities and groups from neighboring countries like Bolivia and Peru, emphasizing the shared cultural roots of the Andean world. It features vibrant parades, traditional dances, and colorful costumes. Over 16,000 dancers and musicians from across the country and abroad come together to participate in this vibrant celebration.

Save the Date: February 14–16, 2025

Arica Andean Carnival

Immerse yourself in a vibrant showcase of tradition, rhythm, and movement, set amidst the captivating beauty of Arica! For further information please contact your travel specialist or incoming@turavion.com

Cueca Chile

Independence Day “Fiestas Patrias” in Chile

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Fiestas Patrias, or Chilean Independence Day, is one of Chile’s most significant and eagerly anticipated celebrations. Held on September 18, this vibrant holiday commemorates the beginning of the country’s struggle for independence from Spanish rule in 1810.

In September, a visit to Chile will immerse you in the vibrant preparations for “Dieciocho” (Eighteen). You’ll see posters promoting various events, and Chilean flags proudly adorn homes and buildings throughout the country.

This is the ideal time to experience Chilean culture at its most festive. The country’s rich history of mestizaje—a blending of Indigenous and European influences—has woven a unique cultural tapestry that is deeply celebrated and integral to Chile’s national identity and heritage.

During the festivities, Chileans proudly and joyfully showcase their cultural identity and heritage. September highlights ancient gastronomic traditions, authentic handicrafts, and artistic expressions—such as music, dance, and choreography—that might not be as prominent during the rest of the year due to modern lifestyles.

“Fiestas Patrias” offers a true reflection of Chilean culture, highlighting the traditions and passions that define the people. It’s a time when Chileans come together with family and friends to celebrate and share their cultural heritage. Festivities often center around ramadas and fondas, lively gatherings where folk performances and traditional foods take center stage.

Ski en Portillo

Ski the best slopes in Chile

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Traveling to Chile during the winter months offers a fantastic opportunity to explore its numerous ski resorts. The snow season typically lasts from mid-June to mid-September, with the prime skiing period from July to August when the snow conditions are optimal.

Experience the thrill of climbing the Andes Mountains and discovering Chile’s snowy paradise. Ski the best slopes in South America, perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers alike.

Discover some of Chile’s top ski resorts with us …

SKI RESORTS IN CENTRAL CHILE:

Portillo:
located 2,850 meters above sea level, on the International Highway between Santiago (Chile) and Mendoza (Argentina). It’s the most famous and oldest ski center in South America.

La Parva:
located in a very beautiful area, 38 kilometers from Santiago. La Parva has a beautiful view to the valley of Santiago.

Valle Nevado

 


Nevados de Chillán (Mountain Resort & Thermal Spa):
located 82 kilometres from Chillán. Here you will find excellent snow quality while enjoying the stunning surroundings with native forests, thermal pools and mountain-style hotels.

Skier in Portillo


El Colorado/Farellones:
located in the Andes Mountain Range only 36 kilometers from Santiago. It’s an ideal ski center for families and young people.

Valle Nevado:
located a few kilometers from the ski resorts La Parva and El Colorado, forming “The Three Valleys of the Andes”. Valle Nevado has some of the highest quality snow in Chile, because of its location at 3 thousand meters of height.

bosque nevados de chillan

SKI RESORTS IN THE ARAUCANIA REGION:

In the Araucania region in the south of the country, about 700 km south of Santiago and 100 km from the city of Temuco, you can ski in the Corralco ski center inside the Malalcahuello-Nalcas National Reserve, on the slopes of the Lonquimay volcano. It has become a popular destination for winter holidays in Chile. You will find there hot springs, waterfalls, national parks and plenty of snow in the ski area.

Ski Pucón Resort is also located in the Araucania region and is one of the most modern ski centres in the south of the country. It is only 20 minutes from Pucón , with excellent infrastructure for skiing and snowboarding.

Ski Corralco
Antillanca

SKI RESORT IN THE LAKE DISTRICT:

In this region you will find the Antillanca Ski Center, 98 km from Osorno. It is located in the Puyehue National Park, right at the foot of the Casablanca volcano.

Find more information about Chile’s main ski resorts here.

La Tirana Chile

La Tirana

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La Tirana is a small town located in the Tarapacá Region of northern Chile. It is renowned for hosting one of the country’s most famous religious festivals, known as “La Fiesta de La Tirana“. This religious celebration takes place every year in July, attracting thousands of visitors from Chile and abroad. It’s one of the largest and most colourful folk festivals in the country. It revolves around the veneration of the Virgen del Carmen (Our Lady of Mount Carmel), who is considered the patron saint of Chile.

During the week-long festivities, the town transforms into a vibrant and colorful spectacle, with traditional music, dance, and religious ceremonies taking center stage. The main dance of the festival is called “La Diablada,” a lively and captivating performance where dancers wear intricate devil masks and ornate costumes, representing the eternal struggle between good and evil.

The roots of the festival lie in the indigenous traditions of the Atacameños, Aymaras and Quechuas, who lived here before the arrival of the Spanish. After colonisation, the religious component of the festival was supplemented by the Catholic faith, and a unique synthesis of indigenous and Christian elements developed. The Fiesta de La Tirana is a remarkable example of the appreciation and preservation of indigenous culture in Chile. It shows the deep connection between indigenous peoples and their religious heritage and has become an important cultural event that strengthens the identity of the region.

Visitors can also indulge in the local cuisine, handicrafts, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Andean region. La Tirana Festival is not only a religious event but also a cultural expression that showcases Chile’s diverse traditions and brings people together in a joyful celebration of faith and community.

If you want to join in this year, have in mind that the festival begins on July 10th, 2024. The best way to get to La Tirana is via Iquique.

Torres del Paine in winter

Torres del Paine in low season – worth the trip

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Is it worth visiting the Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean autumn and winter? We say yes and tell you some of the advantages at this time of year.

Autumn in the southern hemisphere starts in March and winter is from June to September. It is of course colder in Patagonia than in the summer time, but it also offers many benefits to the visitor to travel to Torres del Paine National Park in low season.

Torres del Paine reflection

More stable weather and stunning landscapes

There are fewer weather fluctuations as the wind is much lower than during the other months. There is also less rainfall in the park between June and October.

Due to the decrease in wind, the sky is much clearer in the winter time and the visitor has an incredible view of the natural landscape and the snow-capped mountains reflected in the now calmer waters of the lakes. Winter is simply the perfect time to take the most beautiful pictures in Torres del Paine National Park.

The chance of seeing wildlife is greater in the autumn and winter months

Wildlife watching enthusiasts will prefer to visit the park during this time of the year, as there are fewer visitors in the park and animals such as pumas and possibly even huemules can be better observed this way.

Guanaco in winter

Fewer visitors and cheaper prices

The lower number of visitors to the park is a great advantage if you decide to visit Torres del Paine at this time of year. This allows you to enjoy the tranquillity of nature to the full and, for example, to immerse yourself completely in these unique landscapes during a hike.
In addition, the prices for domestic flights and accommodation are significantly cheaper in the low season.

Turavion recommends the hotel Lago Grey during low season. The hotel will be open from May 1st to September 30th offering All Inclusive and Bed and Breakfast accommodations. Guests have the availability of the Grey III Catamaran with confirmed departures twice a week for sailing circuits around the Grey Glacier. Tours to Los Pingüinos Natural Monument on Magdalena Island are available between April 1st and October 30th on board the catamaran Fiordos del Sur.

Travelling Patagonia is stunning in autumn and winter. During autumn, colorful foliage paints the landscape. As winter sets in, snow blankets the park, creating a serene atmosphere. Activities like hiking, horseback riding, and ice climbing offer unique experiences. Whether you prefer vibrant autumn hues or snowy winter landscapes, Torres del Paine promises unforgettable memories in every season.

For more information contact your Travel Consultant or incoming@turavion.com

Pehoe lake
Guanaco baby on a natural winter background
Sunset Torres del Paine
Las Torres in winter
Tapati Festival Rapa Nui

Rapa Nui : Tapati Festival

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Easter Island is not only worth a visit because of the famous stone Moai sculptures, but also for the huge Tapati Rapa Nui festival celebrated the first two weeks of February. The festival was created more than 40 years ago and has its origin in the former spring festivals (“fiestas de la primavera”) of Chile. Over time, the Tapati Festival has become a tribute to the traditions of the Rapa Nui people and a unique opportunity to experience, share and preserve the cultural identity of Easter Island.

The reason for this festival is the coronation of the Tapati Queen. Two candidates are presented for this title and supported by their families, friends and visitors. Supporters of each candidate form an alliance and face one another in a series of tests and contests that recall the rivalries between the ancient clans who once governed the island. The group with the most points receives the symbolic right for its queen to reign the island for the rest of the year.

The Tapati Festival draws a huge participation from the island’s inhabitants; everyone is proud and enthusiastic, and many invest their time and energy in preparation and practice throughout the year.

During the festival, the citizens of Easter Island present their music, gastronomy, art, mythology, and physical abilities in various sports competitions. 

Tapati Triatlon
Tapati Festival Rapa Nui (2)

There is also a series of events linked to the Rapa Nui ancestral knowledge of carving, crafts and agriculture. The last day of Tapati Rapa Nui ends with the coronation of the winning Tapati queen on the main stage of Hanga Vare Vare and fireworks show.

As this festival is celebrated in the high season of summer, we recommend booking your flight and accommodation in advance.

Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve

Chile voted as the world’s leading green destination

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For the 4th time since 2019, Chile was voted “World’s Leading Green Destination 2023” at the World Travel Awards.
This prestigious award, also known as the “Oscar of Tourism,” recognizes Chile’s commitment to eco-friendly travel. Chile stood out among the other nominated countries such as Peru, Ecuador and Norway for its its green tourism initiatives.
The award recognizes the richness and promotion of nature attractions, together with the planning, development and promotion of environmentally responsible tourism activities.

5 green destinations that made Chile the winner in this category at the World Travel Awards 2023 are:
  • The Huilo Huilo nature reserve: a 100,000-hectare forest with spectacular waterfalls, native trees and Darwin’s frogs! This species is threatened with extinction as it is one of Chile’s protected animals.
  • Cape Horn: located in the extreme south of Chile, it is home to protected areas with Patagonian lichen forests and several ecotourism initiatives.
  • Futaleufú: located in Chilean Patagonia, this area is characterised by the conservation of the Futaleufú river basin and the care of its aquatic life.
  • Cochamó: in recent years, progress has been made in the conservation of the region’s biodiversity through the Tagua Tagua Park, which, in addition to tourism, aims to protect native species and promote scientific research.
  • Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine: This national park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1979. The area involves local communities in its tourism offer and emphasises the value of indigenous peoples and traditions as well as the protection and conservation of nature.
Guanacos

The award for “World’s Leading Green Destination” joins two other prizes awarded to Chile in 2023. These are South America’s “Most Romantic Destination” (Atacama Desert) and “Leading Adventure Tourism Destination“.

Since 2015, Chile has already received a total of 30 awards at the World Travel Awards.

For more information on sustainable tourism in Chile contact your Travel Consultant or incoming@turavion.com

Elqui Valley - Coquimbo region

Coquimbo region: scenic beauty and starry skies

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The Coquimbo region in Chile beckons with its breathtaking coastal panoramas, picturesque valleys, world-class astronomical observatories, and a tapestry of cultural heritage. This diverse and captivating destination promises an enriching experience for travelers.

Lighthouse La Serena

Approximately five hours north of Santiago lies the regional capital, La Serena, boasting a historic center adorned with colonial architecture, churches, and museums. The extensive sandy beach offers an ideal setting for sunbathing, engaging in water sports, and relishing the scenic beauty of the Pacific. Further exploration along the coastline reveals other enchanting beaches in the towns of Coquimbo, Tongoy, and Guanaqueros.

La Serena beach

Embarking on a journey from La Serena to Pisco Elqui offers a distinctive opportunity to immerse yourself in Chile’s semi-desert landscapes and rich culture. The scenic route leads from the vibrant coastal town into the idyllic Elqui Valley, renowned for its mountainous terrain, vineyards, and the crafting of pisco, a traditional Chilean spirit. A visit to a local pisco distillery provides a chance to savor the national brandy and gain insights into its production process.

Elqui Valley view

While travelling through the Elqui valley, you will also come across charming villages. In Vicuña, the birthplace of Gabriela Mistral, you can learn more about the life and works of the poet and Nobel Prize winner. This beautiful region inspired her poetry and many monuments in the surrounding area commemorate her literary legacy.

In the Elqui Valley, you will find unrivaled clarity in the night skies, providing an unparalleled view of the Milky Way. It’s no serendipity that a majority of the nation’s observatories have chosen this celestial haven. Here, astronomy enthusiasts can marvel at the stars in an environment dedicated to the pursuit of cosmic exploration.

For nature enthusiasts, venturing into this Chilean region proves to be an idyllic escapade. The Bosque Fray Jorge National Park beckons with hiking trails weaving through its renowned coastal cloud forest, while the Pingüino de Humboldt National Reserve boasts colonies of Humboldt penguins, both standing as remarkable treasures within the Coquimbo region.

Bosque Fray Jorge National Park
Pinguino humboldt national reserve

For more information on excursions in the Coquimbo region contact your Travel Consultant or incoming@turavion.com

Moon Valley

Antofagasta region – a perfect destination at any season

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The Antofagasta region in northern Chile is a captivating travel destination that enchants visitors with its stunning landscapes, historical significance, and vibrant cultural heritage.

 

The city of Antofagasta is located on the coast of Chile, inviting visitors with its pristine beaches, bustling port ambiance, impressive architectural landmarks, and a delightful blend of modern amenities and cultural attractions.

La Portada, located near Antofagasta, is a popular tourist attraction. The unique arch shape of this natural rock formation, sculpted by the forces of nature, creates a picturesque landmark against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

This region offers plenty of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts, including hiking through the stunning Atacama Desert, exploring national parks, stargazing in pristine skies, and enjoying water sports along the coast.

One of the most renowned destinations in the Antofagasta region is undoubtedly the Atacama Desert. This fascinating area is known for its spectacular landscapes, such as the Moon Valley, geysers, and salt flats. Visitors can also explore the unique wildlife and plant life, experiencing the impressive silence and beauty of the desert.

La Portada
Antofagasta
Moon Valley
Geyser El Tatio
Salar de Atacama

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