Chile Safaris

From the extreme north with sprawling salt pans reminiscent of lunar-esque landscape to the vast south consisting of eternal ice and cascading waterfalls, Chile is an invitation hard to refuse. Spanning a kaleidoscope of photo-ready landscapes, Chile is home to a honeypot of wildlife thriving on untouched treasures. Here, agile pumas reign the famous Torres del Paine beneath the watch of Andean condors, a contrast to the calmness of world-class wineries, but a breath of pure wilderness to wildlife-watchers and adventurers.

One of the world’s greatest natural playgrounds for all to explore, Chile has adventures abounding in every kind of terrain. With horseback riding, white water rafting, wildlife photography and so much more, it’s time to immerse yourself in some of the greatest landscapes on Earth. Known as one of the safest countries on Earth and the most developed country in South America, Chile welcomes visitors warmly and Chile’s infrastructure is generally excellent. A trekkers paradise, incredible scenery often becomes empty wilderness with long road journeys, however high-range vehicles and good flight services entwine to make some of the most memorable journeys. A longstanding tradition of premium lodges set in stunning locations, properties will often accompany you with their own team of expert guides, providing a convenient knowledgeable service to explore the great wilderness outside

Why Natural World Safaris for your Chile safari?

Over the 17 years that Natural World Safaris has been established, we’ve sent clients all over the globe, to some of the most remote and least travelled parts of the planet. We are well recognised as the leading experts in our field; our awards and press coverage pay testament to this. Whilst most other travel companies predominantly sell trekking trips in Torres del Paine, our primary focus in this destination is the extraordinary wildlife. Often there are guides who operate using less than ethical practices, interrupting the natural behaviour of the pumas. Instead, we strictly only work with genuine experts in the field who use traditional, nondisruptive tracking methods and operate non-obtrusively with respect to the wildlife and natural environment. Our team has spent much time tracking pumas in Chile. We know the region well, and have several contacts and personal friends in-country who we can rely on. While you are away you also have access to our 24/7 emergency line so you can speak to somebody in our UK office at any time of day or night. We use the very best English speaking guides and experienced trackers. Our focus is wildlife, putting you in the right place at the right time for memorable encounters.

How Much Does Chile Cost?

For a classic puma tracking safari, expect to budget around £6500 per person for a 6-day safari in Chile. This will typically include all-inclusive accommodation, transfers to and from accommodations and several days of puma tracking with private guides. For a truly in-depth experience combining puma tracking with several higher-end properties, expect to budget £14000 per person for 14-days. Explore the best of Chile including puma tracking, exploring the Atacama Desert, and the incredible wine regions with flights, transfers and guided excursions throughout.

With the Andes running along the length of its landmass like a spine, Chile assumes a ribbon-like appearance on the South America map. A confounding length of 4,000 kilometres against a maximum width of just 180 kilometres has created a varied landscape, where geography and climate in the north is completely different to that of the south. What connects such opposing landscapes, however, is the outdoors. A Chile holiday truly does leave you feeling fulfilled.

You may wish to include the following in your Chile itinerary:

• Puma tracking - track prides of Pumas in the Andes Mountains with the best guides and trackers.
• Photography - explore wild Patagonia with expert guides and photographers.
• Walking safaris - enjoy guided excursions through glaciers, mountains and lakes.
• Easter Island - discover the cultures and legends of Easter Island.
• Snorkelling - find secret white sand beaches and snorkel in crystal clear blue waters.
• Wine-tasting - discover award-winning Carmenere, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc in the famous Maipo Valley.
• Conservation - learn about the conservation efforts of the Andean pumas and condors from researchers.
• Adventure - enjoy white-water rafting, canoeing, surfing, skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding.
• Ocean safaris - spend time on the coast spotting marine species such as penguins, elephant seals, and whales.
• Star-gazing - Chile is a gold mine for dark sky enthusiasts, with some of the world’s most powerful terrestrial telescopes situated here.

Where to Stay in Chile?

Chile offers a wide range of accommodation options, from beautiful boutique hotels to ranch style wineries and luxury eco-camping, there is something to accommodate all tastes. For those preferring to focus their holiday on the wildlife, former estancias provide a rustic welcome, with traditional wood and sheepskin decorating surroundings. For something a bit different, geodesic domes contribute to the collection of cutting edge design within Chile, complete with their own team of expert guides for authentic wildlife viewing in the plains and an array of creature comforts.

When to go to Chile?

With a long and thin shape, Chile encompasses a variety of different climates, therefore the best time to visit Chile depends on the region you are travelling to. The summer months, October through to March, are the warmest and most accessible for trekking in Patagonia, located in the south of the country whilst Santiago, the central valleys, and the Atacama Desert, prove to be year-round destinations.