Atacama Desert, Chile © Alain Pons
4,300 km long!
By Delphine D., a regular Étendues Sauvages traveller: “There are lands at the end of the world. Tierra del Fuego is one of them. Travelling through its fjords, discovering its glaciers, climbing Cape Horn — these were true moments of shared happiness as a family. An exploration cruise unlike any other, which left us with lasting memories.”
Discover this favouriteValparaiso is a true favourite. This legendary port city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is steeped in the legends of the Cape Horners. Its old funiculars still climb the 45 hills surrounding the city, and the stilt houses clinging to the slopes of these “cerros” give the city its vibrant colours. Valparaiso is the capital of Chilean street art — a colourful, bustling, eclectic city, rich in history and inspiring! Just 1h30 by road from Santiago, we frequently include this stop when flight schedules allow. For accommodation, Palacio Astoreca, located in the historic centre of Valparaiso, is a chic hotel set in a colonial-era port building overlooking Valparaiso Bay. The hotel is a landmark address in Chile.
Puma watching is possible in the Cerro Paine reserve and Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. It is best appreciated on foot, in close contact with the natural elements that give this remote land its character. Hard to spot as it is solitary and blends into the landscape, the puma is located by a team of trackers, who inform guides by radio so the group can approach as soon as one is sighted. Even when the puma takes its time to appear, outings are an opportunity to observe the wildlife and flora characteristic of Chilean Patagonia, from guanacos to snow-capped peaks.
European summer corresponds to the austral winter in Chile, and July is the coldest month of the year. During this period, we favour exploring the north of the country with the Atacama Desert. Consider an extension to Easter Island, which offers a mild, pleasant climate. For skiing enthusiasts, Chile boasts the continent’s finest ski resorts, just 2 hours from Santiago!