Southern Chile is a treasure. Here's a quick 'take' on the landscapes, seascapes, adventures, culture and people. The experience is enlivening and unforgetable.
Don't Miss
While you're in Patagonia...
- Walk outside at night and look UP! The sky from the 'other side' is a whole different deal.
- Drink Yerba Mate' with the locals. It's a uniquely Southern ritual.
- Be open to discover untainted beauty everywhere.
- Go to an 'Asado' with the locals.
- Check out local crafts especially textiles.
Stepping Into Patagonia Chile
Get oriented for your southern exploration. Regional maps, sample trips and really special destinations n Patagonia.
- Chile Visitors' Overview with Maps
- A good summary of the treasures that the vast Chilean Patagonia offers.
- Ferries Through The Fjords
- Getting from Santiago to Patagonia requires going over sea, by air or through Argentina. Navimag runs a reliable ferry service through this amazing seascape.
- Map of Futaleufu' Region
- This map is the best I've found on or off line. Their guide books are also really well done.
- Alsur Sea Kayak Trips
- This company is owned by Chilean locals who are passionate, knowledgable, entertaining and experienced. The trips are equisite.
- Bio Bio Expeditions
- Rafting the Futaleufu' River (Class V) is a seriously invigorating experience. These folks have years of working on the river and offer trips throughout the Chilean summer.
- Fly Fish Southern Chile
- From Lago Yelcho to Rio Espalon, there are lakes and rivers at ever turn.
- Dos Margaritas
- A eco-tourism center with an organic farm along the Futaleufu' river. They offer courses in tourism and conservation in the heart of Patagonia.
- Outdoor Network: Patagonia
- GORP has a global service with reviews, directories, maps and gear for hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor adventures.
- Fantastico Sur
- Patagonia has its share of flora and fauna including birds from Black Necked Swans to Penguins. Fantastico Sur runs trips throughout Chile from the Desert in the North through the Lakes District to the far South.
- Punta Arenas
- One of the central 'basecamp' destinations in the Chilean Patagonia, Punta Arenas which hosts a main airport and sits alongside the Strait of Magellan.
- Natual Hot Springs: Relax
- Throughout Patagonia there are natural hot springs some along fjords, in the lakes district or in the far South. Both Chile and Argentina are rich in these 'healing waters'.
- Patagonia Lens
- Patagonia encompasses a very large region across both Chile and Argentina. This lens provides a good kick off to planning a trip.
Films, Books and Music To Set The Mood
In Patagonia (Penguin Classics)
Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 10/06/2008)
Patagonia: Notes from the Field
Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)
The Essential Neruda: Selected Poems
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 10/06/2008)
The Best of Inti-Illimani
Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 10/06/2008)
The Motorcycle Diaries (Widescreen Edition)
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 10/06/2008)
Blogs Capturing The Chilean South
- Boots N All In Patagonia
- A travelogue of a trip full of challenges and big treasures in Patagonia, Chile.
Support The Locals
Dos Margaritas runs a Center For EcoTourism in the heart of Patagonia along the Futaleufu' River. Courses are given to Chilean and Argentine locals in a whole host of topics including: search and rescue, reforestation and sustainable forestry, organic agriculture, kayaking, fly fishing and English.
- EcoTourism With Local A Touch
- Join Dos Margaritas in protecting this incredible place!
Work Abroad
After a week or three of traveling around this place, the idea of an extended stay may pervade your mind. Here's a few ways to make it real.
- Work Abroad
- A directory of opportunites in many locations including information about visas, health preparations and tips from those who have gone before.
