Pichilemu, Chile
Internationally known for its point breaks, surfers come from around the world to experience this part of the coast of Chile.
Pucon, Chile
Known as an international hub for travelers from all over the world and one of the most popular vacation spots for Chileans and Argentines, Pucon, Chile is a center for adventure during the day and nightlife in the evening. Pucon sits on the shore of Lake Villarrica and at the base of Volcano Villarrica. The best places to stay and / or eat in Pucon is Ecole (it is vegetarian) and La Tetera, but be sure to call or e-mail for reservations ahead of time. Activities in and around Pucon include hiking, white water rafting, repelling, horseback riding, hotspring lounging and sunbathing on the beach of Lake Villarrica. There is also a climbing wall in town and national parks nearby.
San Martin de los Andes, Argentina
A small ski town just north of Bariloche, Argentina, San Martin is known for its skiing. It is close to national parks, forests, lakes, and rivers. Generally crowded in the winter with skiers, San Martin is a peaceful town in the summer. Summer activities in the area include hiking, white water rafting and other water related adventures.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
The Atacama of northern Chile is considered the driest desert in the world. San Pedro de Atacama began as an Inca settlement and stronghold linking the northern Incan cities of Peru to Santiago. Located at one of the few year-round springs in the middle of the desert, the adobe built town of San Pedro is now a base for tourism leading out into the dry expanse. Tours are available to visit the Tatio geysers and Valle de la Luna as well as to see the abundant desert animals.
Valparaiso, Chile
Home of the famous poet Pablo Neruda, the coastal town of Valparaiso is about an hour drive from Santiago, Chile and next to the famous Vina del Mar, the sister town of Sausalito, CA
National Parks:
The most popular park to visit in Chile is Torres del Paine. Though it is beautiful, it requires days of travel just to get there. If you do venture to the Punta Arenas area consider visiting Tierra del Fuego just outside of Ushuaia, Argentina, the southern most inhabited town on the mainland of South America.
Although there are hundreds of other national parks to visit throughout Argentina and Chile, the following are our favorites in the southern regions:
Chiloe, Chile
Conguillio, Chile
Huerquehue, Chile
Lanin, Argentina
Los Alerces, Argentina
Torres del Paine, Chile
Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Nahuel Huapi, Argentina
Pumalin, Chile
Puyehue, Chile
Queulat, Chile
