4 Trips to Take in Chile for Every Type of Adventure
The longest nation on the planet, Chile stretches for some 2,650 miles, bordered by both imposing mountain ranges and the lapping waters of the Pacific Ocean. As a result, Chile’s diverse landscapes form some of the world’s most spectacular scenery — and the South American country has become a bucket list destination for travelers of all types.
Chile's varied topography and cultures make it possible to have a number of extraordinary — and extraordinarily distinct — adventures, all in the same nation. Pick your favorite, or string them together for the trip of a lifetime.
Stargazing in the Atacama Desert
Travelers flock to the high-altitude Atacama Desert — the world’s driest desert — for a number of reasons. Every few years, the arid landscape, which stretches for more than 40,000 square miles, erupts in a riot of wildflower blooms. But more reliably, the desert’s clear, cloudless skies and lack of light pollution make it one of the most famous destinations on Earth for stargazing. Astronomy enthusiasts should base themselves in the town of San Pedro de Atacama, and register for a free weekend morning tour of the ALMA Observatory.
Best for: Astrotourists
Exploring the Lake District
Known as Zona Sur to Chileans, this region’s forested landscape is spotted with volcanoes and pristine lakes. Home to the indigenous Mapuche people, travelers interested in exploring the Lake District should book a regional flight to Puerto Montt (roughly two hours from Santiago). During your trip, carve out time to visit the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, where you can go rafting on Class III and IV rapids; take a boat ride or swim in Lake Pirehueico; and bathe in hot springs. Adventures in the Lake District can also be combined with a visit to picturesque Chiloé Island, famous for its colorful, stilted houses, wooden churches, fantastic seafood and excellent kayaking.
Best for: Water sports enthusiasts
Hiking in Southern Patagonia
Puerto Natales is the gateway for hardcore backpackers searching for sensational trekking in Torres del Paine National Park. Perhaps best known for the Cuernos del Paine, a trio of emblematic granite spires that frame an emerald lake, this park is also the natural habitat for an array of Chilean wildlife, including condors, llama-like guanaco and the stealthy puma. Travelers following the most popular W trek can either begin or finish the trip at the Grey Lake, which harbors the eponymous glacier and massive ice flows. Though Torres del Paine is the most iconic section of Chilean Patagonia, intrepid travelers can also look for exceptional backpacking in the less-traveled parks of Northern Patagonia, like Cerro Castillo in the Aysén Region.
Best for: Serious backpackers
Eating, Drinking and Sightseeing in Santiago
Latin America’s most organized capital, Santiago de Chile, is home to colonial churches, lush green spaces and Costanera Center, the continent’s highest skyscraper. It's also cultivated a surprising street art scene in the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista. Santiago is a flavorful city — get a taste by booking a table at Boragó, which has been hailed as one of the 50 best restaurants in the world. Helmed by foraging chef Rodolfo Guzmán, the restaurant’s incredible tasting menu only features ingredients found within a 60-mile radius of the restaurant. Be sure to order (and Instagram) Guzmán’s dramatic dry-ice dessert. And because it’s located just 90 miles from one of the country’s finest wine regions, the Colchagua Valley, day trips to sample Chile's distinct cabernet sauvignons, syrahs and carménères are totally feasible.
Best for: Oenophiles, gourmands and art aficionados
Though these adventures are four of the most popular — and beautiful — ways to experience Chile, they're hardly the only ones. Thanks to Santiago's proximity to the Andes Mountains, for example, skiers can easily head out to Valle Nevado for a day on the slopes — and be back in time for dinner. (The ski season begins in earnest in July, during the southern hemisphere’s winter.)
And for a seriously far-flung adventure, travelers can catch a five-and-a-half hour flight to Easter Island, one of the world’s most remote destinations. Famous for its ancient, imposing Moai statues — almost 900 carved monoliths — the mystery-shrouded Chilean territory is a dream trip for visitors interested in the fascinating Rapa Nui culture, and the island's excellent snorkeling and diving sites.
Getting There
Whether you’re interested in backpacking to see glaciers at the end of the world, or stargazing in a high-altitude desert, most Americans will reach Chile by first flying into Santiago’s Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL).
SCL is serviced by nonstop flights on American Airlines from Dallas (DFW) and Miami (MIA), with award redemptions starting at 30,000 miles one-way in economy and 57,500 in business. Delta Air Lines flies nonstop from Atlanta (ATL) — it no longer publishes award charts but the lowest award rates are 35,000 miles one-way in economy and from 80,000 miles in business.
United, meanwhile, flies nonstop from Houston (IAH), with award rates starting at 30,000 miles one-way in economy and 60,000 miles in business. For LATAM flights from New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Orlando (MCO), Miami and Dallas, you can use Oneworld partners American AAdvantage or British Airways Avios, or Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, which also partners independently with LATAM.
From SCL, you can catch a domestic flight — though not necessarily a fast or inexpensive one — with LATAM or the regional airlines JetSmart and Sky Airlines.
The flight can take nearly 11 hours from the East and West coasts, but there’s no time difference between New York City and Santiago — meaning you won’t waste any time on the ground recovering from jet lag.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.