Chile is one of South America’s most exciting walking destinations, stretching from desert landscapes in the north to the wild fjords and mountains of Patagonia in the south.
Travelling here offers remarkable contrast, allowing you to experience diverse environments, cultures and activities within a single country.
Patagonia is the defining highlight for many travellers. In the far south, dramatic granite peaks, glaciers and windswept plains create one of the world’s great outdoor landscapes. Adventures here range from achievable walks and wildlife-focused exploration to challenging multi-day treks through remote mountain terrain. Whether you’re hiking beneath towering spires, cruising glacial waterways or watching wildlife in open landscapes, Patagonia rewards time spent outdoors at any pace.
Beyond Patagonia, Chile offers depth and variety. The stark beauty of the Atacama Desert reveals salt flats, volcanic scenery and night skies unlike anywhere else on Earth, while the Lake District combines forests, volcanoes and rural communities ideal for walking and cultural exploration. Along the coast, colourful towns and ports reflect Chile’s maritime history and creative spirit.
Chilean culture adds further richness to every adventure. Influenced by Indigenous traditions and European heritage, daily life places strong value on food, wine and the outdoors. Time in cities and regional towns provides cultural context, while efficient transport and infrastructure make it easy to move between regions.
Explore our Chile adventures and discover a destination where wildlife, culture and trekking come together - from gentle exploration to demanding routes - along some of South America’s most spectacular paths less travelled.
Torres del Paine W-Trek - Self Guided
Moderate
5 days
Guided W-Trek EcoCamp in Torres del Paine
7 days
Great Patagonian Traverse
Moderate to Challenging
15 days
Patagonia Adventure
Introductory to Moderate
10 days
Dientes Circuit on Navarino Island
Challenging
6 days
Patagonian Horse Trek
Torres del Paine Circuit
11 days
Paine & Fitz Roy Trek
12 days
Patagonia - Condor Trail Adventure
Patagonia Cycle - Southern Austral
Easter Island
Discovery and Cruising
4 days
Patagonia Cycle - Northern Austral
In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.
Our lodges provide comfortable accommodation that is well maintained and with good facilities.
Stay with a local family as they open their home to you and gain a wonderful insight into the local culture.
Enjoy our fully supported camping in quality two person tents erected in scenic wilderness.
Andreas has always made our South America programs special. He has lived in South America for over 30 years, much of this time in Peru. His special knowledge of the mountains and passion for supporting local communities is evident in our program in Peru and Bolivia. Each year Andreas travels to different parts of the world to impart his vast knowledge, so stay tuned, he may be in your city soon!
Simon has been at the very forefront of mountaineering for almost two decades with first ascents in the Andes, Himalaya and Karakoram. Best known as the climbing partner to Joe Simpson in Touching the Void, Simon has developed a strong reputation as an engaging expedition leader.
Sarah joined World Expeditions in 2006 and became operations manager in 2010. South America is her second home and she has enjoyed many adventures in its beautiful landscapes. Her travels include 'across the circle' into Antarctica, among many others. When Sarah is not planning itineraries you'll find her out on the 'rock' and in the Australian bush with her avid interest in rock climbing and bushwalking.
There's nothing Greg enjoys more than setting out in search of adventure in Latin America. This passion shines through in the breadth of unique adventures reflected in the fantastic line-up of trips on offer. Greg is drawn to the beauty of this region's scenery, fascinating history, varied cultures and most of all, its people.
Dr Anderson lives with his wife in a small town near the Lakes District in the north of England. He is a family doctor and spends much of his spare time travelling as an expedition doctor. He has more than 10 years of altitude and travel medicine experience. Previous treks and expeditions have focused on the Himalayas, with others in the Scandinavian Arctic and mountainous areas of Africa. He also enjoys trail running, cycling and open-water swimming.
We employ staff from local communities and provide them with training, good wages and innsurance benefits under the labor law. We also use locally run accommodation and encourage travellers to shop and dine at locally operated stalls and establishments.
We operate our itineraries following the principals of Leave No Trace, ensuring that we take out all waste that we bring in.
Chile offers some of South America’s most dramatic landscapes, from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia’s glaciers, with the best regions to explore including Santiago, Torres del Paine, the Atacama Desert, the Patagonian fjords and Easter Island.
Santiago & Central Chile: Chile’s capital Santiago sits beneath the Andes where travellers explore vibrant neighbourhoods, historic plazas and the cultural heart of the country.
Torres del Paine & Patagonia: Torres del Paine National Park features towering granite spires, glaciers and turquoise lakes where classic trekking routes cross Patagonia’s wild landscapes.
Atacama Desert: Northern Chile’s Atacama Desert reveals salt flats, volcanoes and high-altitude lagoons in one of the driest landscapes on Earth.
Patagonian Fjords: Remote fjords and glaciers along Chile’s southern coast offer spectacular journeys through wild coastal landscapes.
Easter Island: Isolated in the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island reveals the monumental stone statues of the Rapa Nui civilisation.
The best time to travel to Chile for hiking, trekking and adventure touring is generally during October-April, when temperatures are mild and landscapes are vibrant.
Chile has a varied temperate climate with warm summers and cooler winters. Temperatures typically range between 5°C and 30°C (41°F–86°F) depending on the region.
Summer often brings long daylight hours and green countryside, while winter can offer crisp air and quieter destinations for travellers exploring natural and cultural landscapes.
Chile is -4 hours behind UTC/GMT time
Spanish (99.5% - official); English (10.2%); indigenous languages (1% - includes Mapudungun, Aymara, Quechua, Rapa Nui); other
Peso
US dollars are easily changed.
Credit card facilities and ATM’s are available in most major cities, however it is not recommended to rely on these solely.
+56
Electricity in Chile is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C (2 round prong, also known as the standard ‘Euro’ plug). Type L is also widely spread (3 round prong).
Passport holders from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States and Canada do not require a visa for entry up to 90 days. You will however need to show a return or onward ticket.
All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.
When travelling to Chile, you'll receive a tourist card (small slip of paper, similar to a receipt) on arrival at customs. You must keep the card and present it to immigration officials when departing Chile. The tourist card (paper) is also needed to present to tourist accommodation or you will be charged an additional tax of 19%. If you happen to lose the Tourism Card, you can request a duplicate through the following website: https://pdivirtual.cerofilas.gob.cl/
Specific requirements apply for travellers to Easter Island, see the permits and permissions section of the Easter Island predeparture information for details.
Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.
Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.
We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.
We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.
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Travel with purpose, placing local communities at the heart of your adventure.
Led by experienced local guides and supported by regional crews and partners, your trip helps sustain livelihoods, build skills and strengthen long term partnerships.
Every adventure is designed to encourage respectful cultural exchange and ensure the benefits of tourism are shared with the communities you visit.
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