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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.

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

volcano Tolhuaca

Cecilia visits Araucanía Andina

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Our team member Cecilia Rojas, Sales Manager, recently visited the central-south of Chile.  Let yourself be enchanted by the breathtaking pictures of this unique part of Chile.

Malacahuello is a beautiful destination located in the Araucanía region of Chile, at 1,5 hours away from Temuco and  known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. Here are some reasons why anyone should want to visit Malacahuello: national parks, hot springs, volcanoes, trekking, trails, the Corralco ski center and Pehuenche culture.

–Natural beauty: Malacahuello is located in the Andes mountains and is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, ancient forests, and pristine rivers.

Salto Punta Negra
Sierra Nevada glacier

Sierra Nevada Glacier trekking.

–Araucaria trees: Malacahuello is home to the ancient and iconic Araucaria tree, also known as the monkey puzzle tree. These unique and beautiful trees can be found throughout the area and are an important symbol of the region.

Cuesta Las Raíces

Fun fact: At Las Raíces Hill  it is possible to find the exact spot of the Araucarias and the Lonquimay Volcano printed on the 2000 Chilean Pesos banknote.

–Outdoor activities: There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Malacahuello, including hiking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and fishing. The area is also known for its hot springs, which are perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure.

Termas Cañon del blanco

The Cañon del Blanco hotsprings

–Cultural experiences: Malacahuello is also a great place to learn about the local culture and history of the Mapuche people, one of the largest indigenous groups in Chile. Visitors can visit Mapuche communities, attend cultural events, and learn about traditional crafts and cuisine.

–Peaceful and secluded atmosphere: Malacahuello is a small and peaceful town, perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a quiet and relaxing vacation surrounded by nature.

Mirador Pata Choique

The Pata Choique viewpoint offers a privileged view of four volcanoes: Llaima Volcano, Sierra Nevada, Lonquimay and the Tolhuaca Volcano.

There is also a beautiful lodge called Malalcahuello Thermal Hotel & Spa which is perfectly prepared to receive tourists and which Cecilia visited as well.

In addition, getting to know the Araucania Andina region will help to strengthen the local culture.

For more information about excursions in Araucanía region email incoming@turavion.com

Blue whale in Chiloé

Watch blue whales in Chiloé

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Chile is a great destination for wildlife watching. In the Chiloé archipelago it is even possible to see blue whales or other impressive marine animals.

The Corcovado Gulf, located in Chiloé, is one of the most privileged areas to see blue whales.

In the Tantauco Park, south of Chiloé, you can go on kayak expeditions to see these oceanic giants that roam the coasts of Queilén and Quellón.

Another place where you can go whale watching is in the northern part of Chiloé Island, in Puñihuil, 25 km from Ancud.

The blue whale is named after its dark blue colour. With their impressive length of up to 30 metres, these whales can weigh up to 200 tonnes. Although they normally live in the open sea, blue whales also come up to the shore to feed.

In Chiloé, besides whales, you can also see other sea animals such as Peale’s dolphins and Chilean dolphins. The best chance of a whale sighting is with experienced guides who will take you out to sea to areas where these wonderful animals are most likely to be found.

Whale

For more information about excursions in Chiloé email incoming@turavion.com

Pudú deer

Pudú – the smallest deer in the world

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The southern pudú is a species of South American deer native to the Andes of Chile and Argentina. The term “pudú” comes from the Mapuche language Mapudungun püdu or püdü.

It is characterized by being the second smallest deer in the world. It is about 35 to 45 cm tall and weighs 6 to 13 kg. It is slightly larger than its sister species, the northern pudu, which lives at higher altitudes and is endemic to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

It has a thick, dense, dark reddish-brown coat. It is generally a shy animal, which hides among vegetation, and lives solitary or in groups of no more than three individuals.

According to the IUCN Red List, the total Southern pudu population size is less than 10,000 animals. This species’ numbers are decreasing today and it is classified as vulnerable.

The southern pudú is found in dense forest, swamps with tall grass and savannahs from sea level up to 2,000 metres. In Chile, they live between the Maule River in the north and Chiloé in the south.

Pudú

Header photo: © Jorge Francisco Cardenas Vera

Torres del Paine NP_Route of Parks

Route of parks of Patagonia

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The south of Chile is a paradise for nature lovers and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.

The route of parks of Patagonia takes you to the most beautiful areas of the country. This project initiated by Rewilding Chile (formerly Tompkins Conservation) protects 11.8 million hectares, preserving ecosystems for future generations and supporting more than 60 surrounding communities.

Chile is home to over 100 protected areas, divided into national parks and nature reserves. The scenic “Route of parks of Patagonia” runs over 2,800 kilometres between Puerto Montt and Cape Horn and connects 17 national parks.

NATIONAL PARKS IN THE CHILEAN LAKE DISTRICT

Here you will find the Pumalín Douglas Tompkins, Alerce Andino, Hornopirén and Corcovado national park.

Alerces lake district CL

3,000-year-old alerce trees, beautiful lagoons and evergreen forests dominate the landscape. Numerous hiking trails invite you to explore the surroundings with its rich biodiversity.

Pumalin NP

NATIONAL PARKS IN THE AYSÉN REGION

On this part of the route are the Melimoyu, Queulat, Isla Magdalena, Cerro Castillo, Patagonia and Laguna San Rafael national park, which is the largest in this region.

Queulat NP

Wide valleys, evergreen forests and Patagonian Andeans, waterfalls, rivers, fjords and glaciers offer breathtaking panoramas. A highlight of this region is the famous hanging glacier “Ventisquero Colgante” in Queulat national park.

Torres del Paine

NATIONAL PARKS IN THE MAGALLANES REGION

In this region in the extreme south of Chile, there are 7 national parks: Pali Aike, Kawésqar, Alberto de Agostini, Yendegaia, Cabo de Hornos, Torres del Paine and Bernardo O’Higgins, the largest national park in Chile and one of the largest in the world.

Guanacos

Impressive pampas and valleys, untouched glaciers, turquoise lakes, forests, mountains, caves and fjords form a unique landscape. Torres del Paine national park, declared the eighth wonder of the world, is home to the famous granite peaks, a diverse fauna and is the perfect destination for trekking tours.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the parks are only open during the high season from October to April. For more information on opening times and required online ticket purchase, see aspticket.cl

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
There is the possibility to get a passport to travel this route and to receive a stamp as a souvenir every time you visit a park. When you apply for your “Ruta de los Parques” passport, you accept the zero footprint commitment as a responsible tourist and assume your role as guardian of the route of the parks of Patagonia.

trekking Chile

Insider tips for little known trekking tours in Chile

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Chile is welcoming more and more international visitors to practice trekking. A long and narrow strip of land filled with mountain ranges, volcanoes, valleys, lakes, rivers and glaciers make Chile a perfect place to explore its thousands of hiking trails.

There are several trekking routes throughout the country with different levels of difficulty, aimed at experienced hikers but also families.

Navarino

THE SOUTHERNMOST TREKKING ROUTES IN THE WORLD

In the extreme south of Chile there are two routes that are not so well known and therefore not so crowded: Dientes de Navarino and Cruz de los Mares. They are aimed at more experienced hikers.

Dientes de Navarino: this multi-day trail is approximately 40-50 kilometres long and is located on the island of Navarino which is part of Tierra del Fuego. The trail is named after a small mountain range that resembles a tooth.

Cruz de los Mares: this trekking route starts in Puerto Bulnes, south of Punta Arenas and has a high degree of difficulty, since rivers must also be crossed.

TREKKING ROUTES FOR THE DAY IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

The Lake District covers two of Chile’s regions: the 9th region, more evocatively known as La Araucanía, and the 10th region, Los Lagos.

Paso Desolación: journey that runs through the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park from the north of the Osorno volcano to the southeast, to the Petrohué sector, following a path that was originally a cattle trail along which animals were moved between Todos los Santos lake and Llanquihue lake. The route, doable in a day, allows to go through dramatic changes in the landscape: from volcanic slag heaps to dense nothofagus forests, all of which is nuanced by excellent views of the Tronador and Osorno volcanoes.

Caldera de Sollipulli

Caldera de Sollipulli: In the south of the Conguillío National Park in Araucania, there is a very special trail where you climb up to a huge caldera and admire the largest crater in South America. Its summit hosts a huge glacier with a diameter of about 24 km2, offering beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views.

HIKING IN THE NORTH OF CHILE

Las Lomitas: Trail in the north of Chile, in the Pan de Azúcar National Park. It is a relaxed hike over small hills in the middle of the desert with breathtaking panoramic views in combination with a perfect opportunity to discover the flora and fauna until you reach a large coastal cliff at 820 m above sea level.

El Túnel: It was part of the old road connecting Calama with San Pedro de Atacama. This route takes you over the Cordillera de la Sal with majestic views of the valleys Valle de la Muerte and Catarpe with desert landscapes and stunning contrasts of colours..

Pan de azúcar

For more information about trekking tours in Chile contact your Travel Consultant or incoming@turavion.com

100k restaurants in Chile-

100K restaurants: Sustainable gastronomy in Chile

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An initiative launched in 2014 by the Chilean Association of Chefs (Acchef) created the 100k seal. The project aims to achieve sustainable gastronomy in three areas: Reduce the carbon footprint, create production chains and enhancing the value of traditional, local cuisine.

Recent developments in Chile and worldwide suggest that visitors are increasingly demanding a stronger commitment to sustainable tourism. This is also reflected in the 100k concept, which involves sourcing raw materials from local suppliers within a radius of 100 kilometres or less. This promotes the development of a local identity and efficient use of natural resources. Member restaurants source their ingredients from producers less than 100 kilometres away, which guarantees that 50 % of the ingredients on the menu come from the region.

Now there are already several 100k restaurants in the different regions of Chile, from the north to the south of the country. Especially in the regions of Tarapacá (Iquique), Maule, Santiago & Valparaíso as well as in the Lake District & Chiloé. Some of the restaurants offer accommodation and ecotourism activities at the same time.

hotel Parque Quilquico

6 sustainable hotels to discover in Chile

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Many tourists arriving in Chile are motivated by activities linked to nature and the outdoors. For this reason, a large segment of the tourism offer has specialised in providing services of the highest quality, while promoting respect for the environment and the communities that surround them.

Discover six hotels in different destinations in Chile that operate sustainably.

Tierra Chiloé
Located on the shores of the Rilán Peninsula, 18 km from the town of Castro in Chiloé. The hotel’s sustainable architecture reflects the traditional local houses built on stilts in the water. The all-inclusive programme means you can enjoy farm-fresh food, meet local artisans, discover remote islands by private boat and explore historic wooden churches, which are World Heritage Sites.

Hotel Tierra Chiloé
Hotel Nayara Alto Atacama

Nayara Alto Atacama
It is the only lodge in the San Pedro region that is totally enveloped by a natural environment. It is located in the lush Catarpe Valley of the Cordillera de la Sal. Its design was influenced by local village architecture and conceived to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, which include panoramic views, tranquillity and silence. Environmental sustainability and a strong connection to local culture have put Alto Atacama in a high category of sustainabilty.

Parque Quilquico
It provides a sustainable experience in the areas of environmental, economic and socio-cultural protection. Its ecological and low environmental impact project integrates the inhabitants of the area in its various phases, generating quality jobs and assuming a commitment to the community. In its location on the Rilán Peninsula, the architectural project values the heritage of Chiloé, where the beautiful hills of different heights and native trees, including Luma, Coigue, Olivillo, Arrayan, Canelo, Avellano and Tepu, have been integrated and maintained. From here you can enjoy an almost untouched view of the Dalcahue Channel.

Parque Quilquico Hotel
Cumbres Puerto Varas

Cumbres Puerto Varas
The hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas is an elegant lodge located in front of the Llanquihue Lake with a panoramic view of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. In addition to excellent service, it is a place highly connected to nature and local products. It has a shop offering quality products from the region, made by local artisans. In addition, the gastronomy of the hotel combines the most delicate essences of the authentic cuisine and culture of the south of Chile.

Tierra Patagonia
Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa is located on a cliff where the South American pampas meet Lake Sarmiento. The building is immersed in the landscape and emerges from the hillside. The award-winning architecture complements the flow of the geology in this privileged location and showcases the magnificent views of Torres del Paine National Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978.

Tierra Patagonia
Ocio Territorial

Ocio Territorial
It is located on the Rilan Peninsula, in the middle of the island of Chiloé: a unique place in the world for its cultural heritage, its local identity, its people, its architecture and its geographical beauty. The owners of the hotel have always had a sustainable vision of not intervening with nature and not competing with it, therefore, this place is characterised by a sustainable development, by the protection of the culture and its people and by the contact with nature.

couple in Atacama desert

5 reasons to put Chile on your travel bucket list

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1. A large majority of climates in one country

Chile is one of the countries with the most extraordinary landscapes in the world, surrounded by high rising Andes and volcanoes. A journey from north to south can take you to enjoy landscapes like from another planet in the Atacama Desert, small fishing villages in Chiloé or untouched wilderness inside the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, which is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful nature destinations in South America.

Did you know that Chile makes part of three continents? Indeed, not only does the Chilean territory extends down South America, but also in Oceania (Easter Island), and Antarctica.

Therefore, almost all climates that exist on earth can be found here. In the north is the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world, in the lake district there are ancient forests and in the south glaciers and huge areas of ice. The large number of national parks in the country invite you to go trekking, and there are many opportunities for interesting adventure trips.

2. Open nature & vast landscapes

Chile has been relatively isolated from the rest of the world due to its remote location. Therefore, the number of tourists is not as overwhelming as in many other places, and there are areas in the country where you can be the only visitor. It’s also easy to get around by air or car: adventurers can rent a car and explore the famous  and breathtaking Carretera Austral. 

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3. Perfect destination for wildlife watching

The flora and fauna are especially influenced by the varied climate in Chile. Since almost all climates of the earth are present here, vegetation and existing animal species are depending on the climate of the region. Therefore, you can see a wide variety of wildlife in Chile from flamingos in the north in the Atacama Desert, to penguins, sea lions, whales, guanacos and the rare endemic huemul (South Andean deer) in Patagonia.

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Also called the “guardian of the Andes”, the puma can be found throughout Chile, from the region of Arica and Parinacota, to Patagonia. With its mysterious charisma it is revered by native cultures all over America. In Mapudungun (Mapuche language) the puma is known as “pangui” or “trapial”, being one of the most sacred animals of the Mapuche along with the condor and the eagle.

The Andean Condor can also be found throughout Chile. Due to its geographical and climatic diversity and its almost 500 different species of birds, Chile is one of the ideal destinations for bird watching enthusiasts.

4. Wine country

Chile is a perfect destination for wine lovers. From the Atacama region in the north of the country to the beautiful valleys Casablanca, Maipo and Colchagua in central Chile near Santiago and the Bío Bío region in the south, Chile produces world-class wines.

The numerous vineyards along the wine routes can be visited and the wine cellars and production can be discovered. Of course, a wine tasting is not to be missed. Many of the wineries are specialized in tourism and offer various tourist attractions such as guided tours, gastronomic programs or even carriage rides and visits to museums.

Try one of the first-class red wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Carménère, which is exclusively produced in Chile. Or refresh yourself with a cool Sauvignon Blanc white wine

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5. Clearest starry sky in the world

It is well known that the Atacama Desert has the clearest and most beautiful skies in the world. And it’s true. Enjoying a night here is an unforgettable experience.

Chile enjoys more than 300 clear days per year and with little or no light pollution in the north, conditions are ideal for stargazing under open skies. For a truly close encounter with the planets, visit one of the many astronomical observatories open to visitors.

Observe constellations, planets, shooting stars, and all kinds of celestial bodies in the spectacular Chilean skies – the clearest in the entire southern hemisphere.

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