Adventure tourism in Chile: 5 Sports and where to do them

Do you like adventure tourism? Thanks to its rugged geography, surrounded by mountain ranges and a long coastline, Chile is a real outdoor gym.

From the north, where the desert invites paragliding, sandboarding, and trekking, to the south, where glaciers and ancient forests offer endless routes for hiking and kayaking, every corner of Chile offers a different experience. It seems to be designed as a playground for the adventurous!

Would you like to know more? We will let you know the top five adventure sports in Chile, which made us worthy of the Best Adventure Destination in South America award in the WTA (World Travel Awards) 2024.

Rafting: Adventure tourism on the waters in the south

Thanks to its countless rivers, Chile is an ideal country to go rafting, according to your experience, with flows of different difficulties. Near the rivers, you will find tour operators that will provide you with the necessary equipment for your adventure, including transportation and certified tour guides.

For example, the Petrohué River is located in the Los Lagos Region, beautiful crystalline water surrounded by natural beauty. Its class III and IV rapids are a great option to enjoy a spectacular natural environment.

Another option is the Trancura River, the main flow of Lake Villarrica and one of the most famous options for rafting in La Araucanía. It is located near Pucón, one of the most popular destinations in the region.

You can go rafting on several rivers in Chile, such as the Trancura. Photo: @viajes_travesiatourchile

Surfing: enjoy the waves in Chile

If what you like is to enjoy the sea and glide over the waves, you have to come and surf in Chile.

With waves almost 9 meters high, Punta de Lobos in Pichilemu has some of the best waves in the world. Located three hours from Santiago, this beach attracts surfers all year round and has been the scene of world surfing tournaments.

If you want warmer waters you have to go to Arica in the north. The Chinchorro and Las Machas beaches are waiting for you with an emerald sea, perfect for enjoying the sun, the water, and of course, surfing and other water sports.

Chile has several beaches from north to south, perfect for surfing. Photo: @tonylureano_surf.

The adrenaline of MTB in Chile

Chile is an excellent country to enjoy mountain biking (MTB). From the Atacama Desert to Patagonia, you can rent a bike and feel the adrenaline rush by launching yourself along exciting trails.

Even in Santiago there are spots to enjoy the MTB in hills, dirt roads and ravines. In fact, the Parque Metropolitano del Cerro San Cristobal (Cerro San Cristóbal Metropolitan Park), is in the center of the city which has an excellent bike park.

In this area, you will find the Zorzal and Anfiteatro circuits, ideal for beginners thanks to their slight curves. And for the most experienced mountain bikers, there is The S to enjoy, which is 500 meters long in the form of a zigzag.

These tracks are located in the sector of the Pablo Neruda Amphitheater in the Parque Metropolitano de Santiago. Photo: @santiagoadicto.

Snowboarding and skiing in Chile

Chile has first-class ski centers, where you can enjoy snow sports in the middle of beautiful white landscapes.

Most of them are located just over an hour from Santiago! Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado are three high-level ski resorts located less than 50 kilometers from the capital, which offer personalized classes, hotels, and restaurants to have an unforgettable stay.

• Check out the ski centers in Chile!

In the south, there are other options such as Nevados de Chillán, Corralco, Antillanca, and Las Araucarias, located near urban centers and that also offer all the necessary services to stay for several days.

The “El Colorado” ski center is located only 36 kilometers from the capital. Photo: @athenapilato.

Climbing, an Extreme Adventure

If you like to climb with your bare hands or with pikes and mountaineering boots, Chile is the place for you.

The Ojos del Salado (Eyes of the Salty), which is in the Atacama Desert, is the highest volcano on the planet at 6,891 meters above sea level, an experience that every mountaineer should experience at least once in his/her life.

If you want something close to Santiago, you can’t miss the Cajón del Maipo, a precordilleran sector that offers exciting climbing routes such as El Morado (The Purple) or La Mina (The Mine). In addition, the capital has many wall climbing gyms to enjoy this sport without great demands.

Further south, the Valle de Los Cóndores (Condor Valley) is an essential place to visit in the Maule Region, while in Patagonia, Cerro Castillo (Castle Hill) attracts the more experienced with its complex circuits.

Photograph: @envertical.