Published 6th Feb. 2024
Written by Oliver Rodwell
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On a research trip to Chile and Bolivia, our Americas specialist Ollie visited some of the countries’ most sought-after spots. From the dramatic salt plains of southwest Bolivia to crowd-free corners of Chile, Ollie arrived home more in love with the countries than ever before. Read on to discover what made his trip special, along with top tips for your next South American adventure.
I visited Chile and Bolivia over 16 nights (plus two nights in the air) and went to hot spots like the Atacama Desert in Chile, and Salar de Uyuni (salt flats) in Bolivia. I also had a very swift 12 hours in Lima, Peru’s capital.
I took part in so many unforgettable activities. I went on a self-drive down a section of the Carretera Austral, also known as Chile’s Southern Highway, which spans an impressive 770 miles. I also hiked and biked around Chile’s Atacama Desert and Patagonia National Park, before more taking on more outdoor adventures in southwest Bolivia.
Getting to visit remote places with expert guides. Their insight was invaluable, and the remote corners of Chile and Bolivia really thrive without the crowds. It was also really special getting to experience the freedom of the open road while driving down Carretera Austral, one of the continent’s most beautiful drives; it was also unlike anything I’ve ever done. Coming face-to-face with a puma outside my hotel room in Chilean Patagonia was also something that doesn’t happen every day!
The whole of southern Chile’s Aysen region was a hidden gem for me. It’s filled with incredible natural beauty and has few crowds, giving you the very rare feeling of being away from mainstream tourism.
During my quick 12 hours in Lima, I tried Nikkei cuisine – a combination of Peruvian and Japanese flavours – and it ended up being my favourite! Aside from that, I had some succulent stake and grilled veg on a parrilla (Chilean grill) in Patagonia National Park that I can’t stop thinking about.
That it’s possible for nature to regenerate even in the most unlikely of areas, such as those ravaged by over-farming. This was a huge part of the experience at Explora Patagonia National Park, which is home to Rewilding Chile, an organisation dedicated to restoring Chile’s ecosystems. I also learnt that it’s possible to have four seasons, not just in a day, but all at once in Patagonia. On one occasion, there were blue skies and sunshine above, but the wind was blowing snow off a nearby mountain, creating a unique situation of walking through a snowy rainbow.
I tried out some local dancing in Bolivia. It’s a cheerful, colourful experience, but I was absolutely awful! Safe to say, I'll be leaving it to the locals next time.
Southwest Bolivia, especially the salt flats of Uyuni. It’s the world’s biggest salt flats and at times the surface is covered in a layer of crystal-clear water, transforming the landscape into a natural mirror which is truly jaw dropping. There’s nowhere else quite like it in the world.
Yes – how Bolivia is still very much the same as it was when I backpacked there 18 years ago.
Make sure you acclimatise properly when visiting high-altitude destinations. By adding in an extra day, you’ll ensure you can really enjoy the beauty of Chile and Bolivia’s high-altitude areas.
Header Image by Alix Pardo
Chile is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, something our passionate team of experts can vouch for. They’ve journeyed from the salt flats in the north to Patagonia’s wilderness in the south, uncovering the best guesthouses and outdoor adventures along the way. If you’re craving a road trip, we know the crowd-free Carretera Austral inside out and can recommend national parks off the beaten track. While you’re away, our trusty in-country Concierge is on hand to help with hiking suggestions, winery visits, restaurant reservations and more.
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