Adventurous travelers, get ready. You are about to discover a country that is woefully underrated as an active travel mecca. Here's just a selection of what awaits you in Chile: trekking through primordial rainforests and some of the highest peaks in the world; kayaking pristine lakes and fjords; rafting one of the world's top-rated rivers; mountain-biking on hushed country lanes lined with tall poplar trees; skiing powder that lasts for days, not hours; climbing a smoking volcano; or galloping across the Patagonian pampa like a true gaucho. Best of all? Even Chileans don't fully appreciate the natural wonders bestowed to them, so national parks and reserves are, for the most part, empty.
Adventure and active travel journeys can be pieced together as day excursions or your trip can be planned from start to finish by a tour operator. The latter option is often more expensive, but undoubtedly these planned journeys put far more emphasis on personalized attention and service than a run-of-the-mill day-tour operator. There is also a handful of all-inclusive resorts and lodges around the country that plan daily excursions that are either included in the price or at additional cost. Some of these resorts have their own horses, guides, and/or equipment, while others subcontract a local outfitter.
