Sports and leisure activities Chile

The Observatory of La Silla is located 160 km north of La Serena. It is in a way the historical observatory implanted in Chile by the Europeans. The ESO (European Southern Observatory) has built no less than 19 domes there, housing as many telescopes and measuring instruments to study a large number of eclectic celestial targets. Today, La Silla is the largest active observatory in the southern hemisphere. For the visitor, it is also the epitome of the modern observatory as one imagines it, with its mostly traditional domes, set against a backdrop of intense blue skies, on a mountain peak some 2,400 m above sea level. The view of the surrounding desert at this altitude is magnificent and worth the trip alone, as is the slow climb to the observatory gates on a road that seems to lead straight to heaven. The guided tour begins with a video presentation of the observatory. Then we head towards the two "must-sees" on the site: the 3.6 m diameter telescope, which has become one of the most powerful instruments for detecting planets orbiting stars other than the Sun, and the NTT (New Technology Telescope), the first telescope in the world to have used new techniques to compensate for atmospheric turbulence (in order to increase its ability to "see" fine details), foreshadowing the VLT located further north, towards Antofagasta.

The Very Large Telescope is probably the best in the field of sky observation, apart from space telescopes! Installed on the summit of Mount Paranal at an altitude of more than 2600 m, it is composed of 4 giant telescopes, each equipped with an 8.2 m mirror, operating separately or in concert depending on the needs and the types of objects to be studied. Mount Paranal enjoys ideal climatic conditions with more than 300 clear nights per year, low humidity and a very stable atmosphere. The VLT has made it possible to make important discoveries: in 2004, an extra-solar planet was photographed through its telescopes for the first time. During the visit, you can see the domes with their metallic shapes and colours, before discovering one of the telescopes used by professionals. It must be admitted that at this stage the most blasé of travellers remains amazed at the gigantic size of the telescope and its main mirror. The mirror is surprising because of its thin monolithic design, only 17.6 cm for 23 tons (!). If you are lucky enough to visit the observatory during a technical maintenance, you can admire the telescope turning on itself in a cathedral-like silence, hardly disturbed by the noise of the accessories working 24 hours a day. The visit also includes the observatory's control room, from which the astronomers and technicians control the telescope and prepare their manipulations.

A French-speaking agency renowned for its cheerfulness and professionalism. All year round, a host of mountain activities are on offer: climbing the Villarrica volcano, river kayaking, hydrospeed, rafting, climbing, canyoning, paragliding, fly-fishing, dog-sledding (book in advance)... and much more. It also rents out bicycles (the best in town) and a variety of equipment (snowboards, skis, snowshoes...). Last but not least, this is the place to find out all you need to know about the weather. In short, you're in good hands!

Assisted by a brilliant team of specialists and cheerful lurons, Richard (a Frenchman) runs a friendly and efficient agency. The base is now located in Ensenada, but you will be picked up in Puerto Varas anyway. On the program: rafting on the Petrohue river or on the San Pedro river, sea kayaking from Ralún a Cochamó (to observe sea lions). Up to three days are possible, either in tents for the tough ones, or in lodges for the others. And finally, trekking to Paso Desolación including a 7-hour walk on the Osorno slope.

The Cerro Castillo is still little known but some people already talk about it as the next Torres del Paine, and we understand why: we enjoy the same beauty regarding the landscapes for a price, let's admit it, much cheaper. The beginning of the four-day trek is at km 64, that is to say before the village (31 km exactly). Some 5 km before is the Conaf gatehouse, where you have to pay an entrance fee (do it to maintain the park). We can keep your things if you ask nicely. There is a (paying) campsite with hot water.

This exceptional lodge is primarily intended for sky lovers who wish to immerse themselves in their passion for the time of a stay, while taking advantage of the absolute change of scenery specific to the site chosen for its establishment: in the mountains, in a desert area accessible only by 4x4 (we'll come get you!). It is a French couple, Nadine and Raymond, who have embarked on the adventure... And the result is a delight for the enthusiast because the services offered, as much by their quality as by the kindness and the efficiency of the owners, are efficient.

Kayak Agua Fresca is a local agency in Punta Arenas specialized in kayaking in the Estrecho de Magallanes. The incredible expeditions they offer are led by Cristian Argel (owner of the agency) and are unique, dynamic and personalized experiences to discover the nature and history of the region. All expeditions allow magical encounters with the local fauna. Between fjords and mountains, you will also be able to get to know thousand-year-old glaciers: a unique experience in the middle of nature!

Los Leones Golf Club is a golf club located in Las Condes, in the Santiago metropolitan area. The club has an 18-hole par 72 golf course, 7,132 yards long.

Only 20 minutes away from Pucon, the slopes of the Villarrica volcano usually delight ski lovers in winter. Nine lifts and 20 runs are installed in this increasingly popular resort. There are even facilities for major international competitions. Normally, we rent skis and give lessons, private or group. The winter season takes place in July. An unforgettable experience and a unique souvenir: it is not every day that you will have the chance to ski on the slopes of an active volcano!

Located on the slopes of the Chillán volcano within the grounds of a 5-star hotel, the thermal baths feature nine pools with natural steam, sulfur and iron baths. A spa offers massages and other pampering treatments. In winter, this beautiful place becomes a renowned ski resort for wealthy Chileans. Its special feature is a 13 km-long slope. At 2.5 km, the Don Otto chairlift is the longest in South America.

You can visit Medialuna (Half-Moon) from Rancagua: this is, of course, the arena for rodeos. Opened in 1997, it can accommodate up to 12 000 people. 

Between July and September, you will have the joy of skiing on one of the 11 slopes of the domain and remember that Cerro Mirador is one of the most southern resorts in the world (beautiful panoramas on the Strait of Magellan await you, you ski while contemplating the sea!). Equipment rental, ski school and restaurant-cafeteria on site. The Club Andino offers individual or group ski and snowboard lessons. In the summer, the chairlift operates and takes you to the viewpoint; from there, pretty paths wind through the forest.

The W, which is the most famous and popular trek, consists of following the valley that leads to the foot of the Torres, then the Valle del Francés and finally along the Grey Lake towards the glacier of the same name and then back to the park administration... or vice versa. The west-east direction (i.e. from the park administration) is easier: the walk along the Grey Lake is much less strenuous than the one along the Valle del Francés, which is itself less difficult than the one to the viewpoint of Les Torres. However, we prefer the panoramas in an east-west direction, except perhaps for the views of the Cuernos on the last day. The W circuit can be completed in four days for good walkers, five days for regular walkers who want to enjoy the joy of early mornings in nature.

On the first day, from the hotel Las Torres, you can climb up to the camp Las Torres in about 3 hours 30; another 30 to 45 minutes are needed to reach the lagoon and the Torres. That said, you can climb up and down the same day; it is much more convenient. Don't think that the campsites at the top are necessarily less crowded than those at the bottom: many nice hikers will have exactly the same idea as you and, by running away from the crowd, you might find it again.

On the second day, you reach the Los Cuernos camp and hut, or even the Italiano camp. The first one is paying, the second one is free.

On the third day, we visit the Valle del Francés, a marvel. Leave your things at the Italiano camp, climb to the top and come back down to sleep in the same place. That said, if you slept the first night at the Las Torres hotel campsite, you had time to get to the Italiano campground in the early afternoon the night before and visit the valley until sunset. Lovers of wide open spaces and solitude will sleep at the Británico campground.

On the fourth day, you can go to the Grey hut and campground, superbly located on the lakefront, and especially convenient in terms of timing. It takes about 5 hours to walk from the Italiano camp via the Cerro Paine Lodge. Walk around the glacier in the afternoon.

On the fifth day, return to Paine Grande Lodge, and cross to Puedeto hut with the catamaran, or walk to the administration. Don't forget the bus return times: if you plan to walk to the administration, leave early from the Grey campsite and don't spare your efforts.

To make the Circuit O (Circuito), it is necessary to count at least 7 days and consider the possibility of being blocked by bad weather at the John Garner paso. The circuit, more strenuous and longer than Circuit W, consists of starting from the Laguna Amarga station (for example, but you can start in the opposite direction, from the administration or from Cerro Paine Lodge), going around the massif and coming back along the Grey Glacier to the Pehoe sector. It is of course recommended to combine this circuit with the W, in order to get to know the superb Valle del Francés and the ascent to the belvedere on Les Torres. You never get tired of the show, nature becomes mesmerizing very quickly! Here is the program:

The first day: from the entrance, go to the hotel Las Torres (count between 1 to 1 hour 30 of walk, but there are paying shuttles). Turn right (a sign indicates the direction) and you will arrive in about 4 hours (3 hours for good walkers) at the Serón campsite, where you can spend the first night. It is also possible to continue to the Dickson campsite, but it will take about 9 to 13 hours to walk from the entrance to the Laguna Amarga (a little less or... a little more, depending on your pace). It's up to you... From the Las Torres hut, next to the hotel of the same name, it takes between 8 and 12 hours to walk to the Dickson hut. The sooner you leave, the better.

On the second day, you will leave the banks of the Paine River and turn left at Campamento Coirón, then at the Dickson hut and campsite, which can be reached in about 6 hours of walking. You can spend the night there or continue for 4.5 hours to the Los Perros refuge and campsite (but be advised: you will have to prepare for a very long day). Paying or not camping there, incredible panorama of glaciers and waterfalls. If you have walked to Dickson on the first day, we advise you to take a moment to discover the surroundings, sublime at dawn, and to spend the night in any case at the Los Perros hut: the ascent to the paso Garner is complicated and it is better to start it in the morning, well rested.

On the third day, you will tackle the most difficult part, the one that leads along the río de los Perros to the campamento Paso, 9 or 10 hours away from the Dickson campground and 5 hours from the Los Perros campsite. We have to admit that the weather is usually bad in the area and the path is a bit tricky. Don't get involved if, in the early morning, you notice that the weather is really "rotten": you might regret it. You might as well wait in Los Perros. Moreover, the panorama on the glacier, when you've finished your ascent (because it's quite steep, especially in this direction), is Dantesque when the sun is shining. To sum up, we recommend sleeping the second night in Los Perros, whether you slept in Dickson or Serón the night before. It should be noted that the Paso camp has recently been improved and now has a shelter and a cooking area. If you are not dead tired, you may have time to reach the Las Guardas camp, 3 hours 30 minutes away. But it's a bit rough on the legs! This last campsite is free and has a cooking shelter and toilets.

On the fourth day, you will walk along the eastern side of the glacier. It will take you about 5 hours of walking to reach the Grey hut and campsite from Campamento Paso (about 2 hours from Las Guardas). Enjoy the long walk as close as possible to the glacier.

On the fifth day there are several options. First of all, you have the possibility to take the boat to approach the glacier and finish at the hostería Lago Grey (departures take place every day). You can also decide to continue to Cerro Paine Lodge (a 3.5 hour walk) and sail to the Pudeto hut (to catch the bus). Finally, for those who would like to prolong the pleasures of walking, you can hike along the Grey River (4 hours 30 of walking) to the administration (to catch the bus as well).

If you are still hungry for wonders, continue your trek by circuit W. Roughly speaking, sleep at the Italiano camp (which is free), visit the Francés valley on the sixth day, then spend the night at the Los Cuernos campsite and refuge and, on the seventh, reach the area of the Las Torres hotel (about 4 hours and 30 minutes walk). If you have enough strength, you can climb up to the free camp Las Torres (3 more hours) to visit the lagoon and the Torres at sunset (camping) and, on the eighth day, you will go down to the Laguna Amarga. Take the bus back in the morning to Puerto Natales which you can leave in the afternoon.

Of course, this route is not exhaustive and depends on the weather conditions, your physical condition and a whole host of elements that make walking so attractive. It is important to note that this trek, although increasingly popular, is still much less busy than the W circuit. You should therefore expect to be alone, sometimes for several hours at least, and therefore arm yourself accordingly with all the equipment that might be necessary (medication, water, food, etc.).

This agency proposes to discover Cochamo and its surroundings through different activities and one goal: to enjoy the beauty of the region. Horseback riding, climbing and trekking are offered for one or more days. The speciality of the house is still their faithful steed: horseback rides will take you all the way to Argentina. Tatiana and her brother Favian have been running the family business standing for more than three generations, an authentic option where you will be warmly welcomed.

For a few hours or for a whole day, you will have the opportunity to access the remote corners of the island. On the northern coast in particular, hikes are organized on the volcanic sector of Roiho, where underground caves, 360° viewpoints, petroglyphs, boat houses and other archaeological sites far from the island's beaten tracks can be found. It is possible to organize group or private tours, the guides are professional and the horses particularly calm, beginners can go with their eyes closed.

If you want to be on a first-name basis with the mountains while enjoying the thermal waters, this resort is for you! Its design architecture blends perfectly with the exterior setting: located at the foot of the volcano, the hotel enjoys an exceptional location. The central room, composed of large bay windows, is impressively elegant and the rooms have a privileged view of the araucaria forests or the volcano. On the program: skiing, heated swimming pool, massages and relaxation.

The absolute reference for flying over Iquique and its surroundings! Even before paragliding was a must in Iquique, the Puro Vuelo team was already flying in its skies! The agency recruits the best instructors in the country, all of them are certified pilot instructors and have participated in championships. They are friendly and dynamic and will even let you maneuver if you feel comfortable. A unique experience to feel free as a bird, overlooking a breathtaking landscape.

This surf school, run by Alfredo, a real local character, will give you the opportunity to practice surfing in one of the most important spots in South America. Whatever your level, the courses are adapted and directed by professionals of the discipline. But beware, here we don't always take ourselves seriously and the fun atmosphere is also a must! The school also has its own youth hostel, but there is one condition for staying overnight: keep surfing! Equipment available for hire.

Created in 2008, Chilean Cuisine offers a cultural experience based on Chilean gastronomy. You'll start your day at the market to procure the necessary ingredients, then begin cooking a typical Chilean dish: pastel de choclo, charquican, cazuela, empanadas or even pisco sour, the possibilities are numerous and mouth-watering! Last but not least, tastings are accompanied by local wines. A great way to discover Chile in a different way. Al and Sebastián will take care of you!