Chile: South American Penta champions for Adventure Tourism!

From the extreme north to the extreme south of the country, from the mountains to the sea, Chile has a uniquely powerful and diverse nature that makes it a very special place on our planet. Deserts, volcanoes, glaciers, lakes, mountains, ancient forests, thousands of miles of coast that reach ancient ice fields are what allures visitors to come live unforgettable and adrenaline-filled experiences.

In honor of our landscapes and the adventures they offer, Chile has been named the Best Destination for Adventure Tourism in South America by the World Travel Awards for the fifth consecutive year! Popularly known as the “Oscars of Tourism”, this prize is given by popular vote, and describes Chile’s endless list of activities offered to visitors.

To name a few, rock climbing, trekking and mountaineering throughout the Andes Mountain range, skiing the best slopes in Latin America, surfing impressive waves in the north and central regions, cycling on extensive highways and ascending to the summit of frozen slopes that date back to the last ice age in the southern-most part of the world… just a sample of the country’s attractions.

But if towering peaks and powerful waves are not enough, perhaps rafting is more to your liking.  This fascinating adventure is available to those who visit the south of our country. Rushing down the Trancura or the Futaleufú Rivers is an experience that challenges even the most adventurous.

Do you dream of flying like a bird? Then accept the dare of flying through the forests in the south of Chile at more than 25 meters of altitude on a zip line canopy. Check out the route of “El Cóndor” in Pucón.  It’s the longest line in South America and extends for 3,500 meters with six stations that cross the Villarrica, Quetrupillán and Lanín volcanoes.

If you prefer your feet on the ground, try high velocity sandboarding on the dunes in the Atacama Desert! Or if you’re closer to the central coast, take advantage of the dunes in Reñaca where you can feel the sea breeze under you board and enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean views. Here you can also change your board for a surfboard and take on the waves.

Nearby you can test your bravery by paragliding over the beaches of Viña del Mar and Maitencillo. These attractions are guided by experts that know how to use the wind currents to attain new sensations at high altitudes.

Still another reason Chile is the Best Destination for Adventure Tourism is its 40 National Parks and over 20 Forest Reserves that can be visited throughout the country. Choose your favorite mode: trekking, cycling or camping in any of them. Throw out your line and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of fly fishing, or an entertaining horseback ride while photographing the beautiful surrounding with its native flora and fauna.

The latest adventure tourism tendencies in Chile

If you believe you’ve already seen and done all the outdoor activities that exist, in Chile we can assure there’s still more! Proving why Chile is the five-time winner of the Best Destination for Adventure Tourism in South America.

An activity that has become more popular over the last few years is canyoning, an adventure sport whose objective is to descend into canyons and narrow, very steep rivers, with a lighter flow, through which you face obstacles requiring some skilled maneuvering and the use of different techniques and the help of ropes, climbing equipment and your body.

The adventure begins by walking to the mouth of the canyon and continue to descend river cliffs and waterfalls, rappelling with ropes, and jumping from rocks of many heights into crystalline pools of pure water. From here you’ll have to swim and slide the natural toboggans formed by water erosion. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

If you’re afraid of heights, this is the best way to overcome the fear since the safest and most entertaining part of the adventure is when you’re hanging from a system of ropes that can resist your weight and much more.

Another sport you may want to try is stand up paddling. For those who don’t already know it, it’s a mix of surfing and yoga, carried out by standing on a board that floats in the water using a paddle as support to move in all directions. You can surf waves or simply coast along the sea, lakes or canals.

Stand Up Paddling is a sport for the entire family and is very easy to learn. It’s fun from the get-go and a great way to relax in the water. You’ll be able to see some wonderful sights and if the water is crystal clear you’ll have a chance to see aquatic flora and fauna.

Parasailing is yet another option. If lakes are your main destination, this adventure involves a parachute that’s pulled by a motorboat.  It’s a formidable experience to safely contemplate the waters from the air, combining adrenaline with relaxation.

Everyday there are more fans of this activity in Chile and professionals are ready at almost every lake in the south of the country to help you get started with this new form of adventure.

Last but not least, the Puclaro dam has become the epicenter of a new, favorite activity in Chile: Kitesurfing. You’ll glide over the water propelled by the wind that is captured by a kite and harnessed onto your body.  You navigate your board over the water, and as you become more expert, you can skilled do twists and turns in the air.

There are so many adherents of this water sport, that the most important tournament in South America is celebrated at the Puclaro dam, located close to La Serena. This is where both national and international competitors show their stuff year after year.

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Chile, our country that’s truly blessed with natural beauty, celebrates winning this prize once again because of the long list of adventurous experiences that can be enjoyed throughout the country. Chile has become a Must See on the Wish List of those who love to mix travel with sports and nature. We are the Penta-champions of Adventure Tourism in South America and we’re waiting to share all of this beauty with you!