Best time to visit Chile

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Chile

Best time of year to visit Chile

The best time to visit Chile depends on the region you choose to visit. The high season to travel there runs from October through May. It brings enjoyable weather and unforgettable scenery. Even though these months are usually busy, you have a whole world of activities to entertain yourself with: stargazing, white river rafting, paragliding, and so many more. Just take care of booking your accommodation in advance.

April through August makes a great non-touristy time to discover the country's abundant wildlife. On top of that, a variety of festivals like Fiesta de La Tirona or Fiesta del Quasimodo are offering fun party time. Northern regions and central valleys are stunning in September when Chile is less packed and the weather is typically milder.

43 THINGS TO DO IN CHILE (DECEMBER 26 - JANUARY 04)

La Fiesta Grande de Andacollo

La Fiesta Grande de Andacollo

December 23–December 27 • event

December marks the peak of colourful religious celebrations held monthly in Andacollo

Marble Caves or Cuevas de Mármol

Marble Caves or Cuevas de Mármol

September–February • nature

This 6,000-year-old formation of marble caverns is washed with turquoise blue waters

Patagonia Wildlife

Patagonia Wildlife

September–April • nature

The fauna of Patagonia includes cute llamas, fast pumas, grand Andean condors, penguins, sea lions, and dolphins

Stargazing

Stargazing

September–March • nature

The driest place on the Earth appears to be the best gateway to observe the cosmos and look for life on Mars

Penguin Safari

Penguin Safari

late September–March • nature

Along with cute Chilean penguins you can see their friendly cohabitants including sea lions and lots of birds

UFO

UFO

all year round • activity

If you still mock people speaking about aliens, unknown flying objects in the Chilean sky may change your sarcastic attitude

Hiking in Patagonia

Hiking in Patagonia

November–March • activity

The wilderness of Chilean Patagonia is a natural refuge at the end of Earth able to cure the weary soul

Hot Springs of the Atacama Desert

Hot Springs of the Atacama Desert

September–March • nature

A warm bath amidst steam pillars towering in the middle of the chilly desert—an invaluable experience

Ice Field Trekking

Ice Field Trekking

November–March • activity

Ten days spent in an endless ice field—challenging and gruelling, but also amazing and a truly unforgettable experience

Wildflowers of Patagonia

Wildflowers of Patagonia

October–February • nature

Gorgeous​ colours paint the roadsides, grasslands, waterfalls, national parks, woods, and steppes of Chile

Cycling

Cycling

September–May • activity

Stunning bike trails run from north to south all along the country, and on the border between Chile and Argentina

New Year Fireworks in Valparaíso

New Year Fireworks in Valparaíso

December 31–January 1 • event

A stunning pyrotechnic spectacle that once broke the world record for New Year's fireworks

Kayaking and Canoeing

Kayaking and Canoeing

December–April • activity

Some of the most isolated parts at the End of the World are accessible only by the Patagonian water network

Laguna Roja or Devil's Lagoon

Laguna Roja or Devil's Lagoon

late November–March • nature

Discovered in remote Andean area only in 2009, this place has already gained a notorious fame as a cursed possession of the devil himself

Wild Horses

Wild Horses

October–April • nature

Meet incredibly fast and graceful animals living in the pristine corners of Argentina and Chile

Pudu Deer

Pudu Deer

November–February • nature

The world's tiniest deer are found in small numbers in dense Chilean forests—such a wildlife encounter is a rare blessing

Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego

October–April • nature

The southernmost tip of the planet is often named "fin del mundo" or "end of the world"

Paragliding

Paragliding

mid-September–February • activity

Chilean landscapes are particularly beautiful when observed from the sky in flight

Whale Watching

Whale Watching

December–April • nature

Only recently discovered, blue whales are regular visitors of the krill-abundant Corcovado gulf

Mountain and Volcano Climbing

Mountain and Volcano Climbing

December–February | June–August • nature

Though most volcanoes have been climbed thousand times, several summits are still waiting for daring enthusiasts

Pan de Indio or Indian Bread

Pan de Indio or Indian Bread

October–April • food

Native Chileans used edible fungi​ as a substitute for bread, and nowadays it is applied in salads, jams, and souvenirs

Carretera Austral

Carretera Austral

November–April • activity

A splendid route in Patagonia is second to none

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

December 31 • event

Prepare your best yellow outfit and ring in the New Year to Latino music in one of Chile's most vibrant cities

Greater Rhea

Greater Rhea

August–January • nature

There is a theory that the greater rhea is the first flightless bird and all kinds of ostriches are derived from them

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

October–March • activity

Strong Antarctic winds make Chile a paradise for experienced riders

Cascada de Ventisquero Colgante

Cascada de Ventisquero Colgante

December–February • nature

Visit the relatively new glacial waterfall at its fullest power!

Guanaco Fighting

Guanaco Fighting

early December–early January • nature

According to the strict rules of the animal world, a male has to win the coveted female in a fight

Sailing and Cruising

Sailing and Cruising

September–April • activity

The network of Patagonian waterways allows to discover the virgin beauty of gorgeous​ natural landscapes and local fauna

Rodeo

Rodeo

September–March • activity

For the explorers of national cultures worldwide, seeing a round of Chilean rodeo is a must

Grazing Sheep

Grazing Sheep

September–May • nature

Remember the proverb: "Eagles fly alone, but sheep flock together?" Imagine what chaos could 60,000 sheep cause

Chilean Curanto

Chilean Curanto

November–February • food

Meat, seafood, and veggies were originally cooked together on hot stones in a pit, and today—in pots or over a grill

White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting

December–April • activity

Deep blue waters, white currents and breathtaking scenery make​ the Futaleufú River fabulous for rafting

Sea Urchins or Erizos

Sea Urchins or Erizos

November–July • food

An unusual and prickly sea delicacy

Football

Football

February–December • activity

Tickets are sold out long beforehand for the matches of the famed Chilean "big three"

Nispero

Nispero

December • food

The high price of this delicious, but scarce and short-lasting fruit, is certainly justified

Corn Season

Corn Season

January–February • food

The best way to enjoy the season is to order pastel del choclo, humitas, porotos granados, or better all of them!

Dock of Souls (Muelle de las Almas)

Dock of Souls (Muelle de las Almas)

December–March • activity

A mystical and philosophical dock installation on Chiloe Island

Cola de Mono

Cola de Mono

late December–early January • food

Gourmet connoisseurs must sample this appealing coffee and milk drink infused with liquor

Mount Vinson Climb

Mount Vinson Climb

December–February • activity

The coolest and remotest of the world's top 7 summits, Mount Vinson lies at the very bottom of the world

Fishing

Fishing

mid-November–April • activity

Fishing enthusiasts may try their luck in approved areas, or also discover their own fish-abundant locales

Southern Giant Petrel

Southern Giant Petrel

November–March • nature

This truly giant bird impresses with its dimensions, as well as carrion-based diet, and is best observed in breeding colonies on Patagonian coast

Diving

Diving

September–May • activity

Slugs, crabs, fish, sharks, dolphins, and whatnot roams along Chile's lengthy coastline

The Chilean Bellflower

The Chilean Bellflower

September–May • nature

​Its tender appearance​ is deceptive – this vine flower is really strong and long-lasting

21 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Flowers in the Atacama Desert​

Flowers in the Atacama Desert​

out of rangeSeptember • nature

Once every 5 to 7 years the driest place on the globe is transformed into a pink carpet of wildflowers

Indigenous New Year or We Tripantu

Indigenous New Year or We Tripantu

out of rangeJune 24 • event

Mapuche Indians along with other Chilean indigenous nations celebrate their traditions in June

Cuecas Mil

Cuecas Mil

out of rangeSeptember 18 • activity

This is the only occasion to see a thousand Chilean national dances at one spectacle

Patagonian International Marathon

Patagonian International Marathon

out of rangeSeptember 7, 2024 • event

The running route winds through one of world's finest wild landscapes, breathtaking without any exaggeration

Termas Geometricas

Termas Geometricas

out of rangeMarch–August • activity

Alice would be amazed by this hot spring wonderland in Chile

Fiesta de La Tirana

Fiesta de La Tirana

out of rangeJuly 15–July 16 • event

The evil spirits are scared off by the rhythms of the devils' dance

Vendimias

Vendimias

out of rangelate February–early May • activity

Besides high-quality wine sampling, visitors can partake in grape stomping or harvest queen competitions

Palín

Palín

out of rangeJanuary 6 • activity

The first Chilean sport introduced by an indigenous nation partially resembles hockey

Fiesta de Cuasimodo

Fiesta de Cuasimodo

out of rangeApril 7, 2024 • event

Colourful religious processions of priests and Chilean cowboys mesmerise street-walkers on their way to the sick

Lúcuma

Lúcuma

out of rangeJune–November • food

Food adventurers should definitely try it raw, but it is more common in a range of desserts

Horseback Riding in the Andes

Horseback Riding in the Andes

out of rangeMarch–May • activity

A ride in the formidable Andes atop of a trained Chilean horse will surely provide a memorable experience

Carnaval Andino con la Fuerza del Sol

Carnaval Andino con la Fuerza del Sol

out of rangeJanuary 26–28, 2024 • event

A huge celebration in Northen Chile featuring thousands of dancers and musicians

Grape Harvest

Grape Harvest

out of rangeFebruary–early May • food

Only in Chile can you enjoy this noble drink of world-class quality for so cheap

Centolla or King Crab

Centolla or King Crab

out of rangeJuly–November • food

Sefood lovers will appreciate the sweet taste of red Centolla meat

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and Snowboarding

out of rangemid-June–October • activity

The grand Andes Mountains and bizarre Chilean pipe-like volcanic slopes ensure a great skiing holiday

Surfing and Windsurfing

Surfing and Windsurfing

out of rangeMarch–May • activity

Thousands of kilometres of coastline, huge Pacific waves, and the mild crowds​ fall season makes for great surfing

Calafate or Berberis

Calafate or Berberis

out of rangeFebruary • food

Some might bid it a silly superstition, but others will eat the berries to ensure they visit the Andes once again

Dog Sledding

Dog Sledding

out of rangeJuly–September • activity

A great way to discover the winter-time Patagonia

Atacama Crossing

Atacama Crossing

out of rangeSeptember 24–30, 2023 • event

One of the toughest races on the planet features stunning landscapes and natural wonders

Wild Berries

Wild Berries

out of rangeFebruary | April • food

Prickly Heath and Wild Currant harvested at the end of the world's unpolluted wilderness are truly delicious

Autumn Colours

Autumn Colours

out of rangelate March–early May • nature

When autumn comes to the Lake District, the area burst into seasonal colors

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