Santiago, the capital and largest city of Chile, is nestled in a valley bordered by the snow-covered Andes Mountains and the Chilean Coast Range. At the city's historic core lies Plaza de Armas, featuring two prominent neoclassical buildings: the 1808 Palacio de la Real Audiencia, which now serves as the National History Museum, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, dating back to the 18th century. Nearby, La Chascona, the former residence of poet Pablo Neruda, has been transformed into a museum.

At the base of the snow-dusted Andes, Chile’s vibrant capital, Santiago, awaits. Known for its unique natural splendour and lively atmosphere, Santiago has transformed from a traditionally reserved city into a hub of contemporary art, exceptional wine, and delicious cuisine.

Santiago has transformed into a bustling metropolis filled with excellent restaurants and luxury hotels. It stands unique as the only city worldwide where you can ski high in the stunning Andes and, just 45 minutes later, enjoy beach strolls and surfing along the Pacific Ocean.

Travel through South America on this Patagonia guided tour, crossing Chile and Argentina to experience one of the world’s most remote and striking regions. Visit Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares national parks, cruise past towering icebergs and walk beneath the peaks of the Andes.

Learn about traditional ranch life at an estancia, meet a glacier expert and discover how climate change is shaping the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Along the way, explore Santiago and Buenos Aires, gaining insight into the political and cultural histories of South America’s southern capitals.

Alerce, a distinctive conifer related to cypress, stands as the tallest tree in South America and ranks among the longest-living tree species worldwide. These trees dominate many areas of the Valdivian forests, growing to heights of 60–70 metres, and serve as vital indicators of pristine forest ecosystems. Within the alerce forests, the kodkod—a small wildcat and the tiniest feline species in the Americas—thrives, relying entirely on old-growth forests. It preys on small birds, lizards, and rodents. These alerce habitats support a rich diversity of unique wildlife, including several species like the kodkod that are endemic to this region.

The Valdivian Temperate Forests ecoregion is located in the southern cone of South America. It spans a narrow continental strip nestled between the western slopes of the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. In central Chile, the tree line reaches approximately 2,400 metres in altitude, while in the southern part of the Valdivian region, it descends to around 1,000 metres. The Andes in this area rise to elevations exceeding 3,000 metres.

Few regions on Earth remain as untouched and pristine as Patagonia. The lesser-known northern section of Chilean Patagonia offers a unique experience, where enchanting rainforests, steaming volcanoes, powerful rivers, and jagged fjords vie for admiration. Perfect for adventurers, here are seven unforgettable outdoor experiences you simply must explore.

Northern Patagonia features lush valleys such as those along the Nahuel Huapi Traverse near Bariloche, Argentina, the valleys surrounding El Chaltén by Mount Fitz Roy, and the valleys and fjords within Queulat National Park as well as along Chile’s Carretera Austral. These regions are celebrated for their untouched natural beauty, encompassing glaciers, volcanoes, and expansive glacial lakes.