Chile Archives - crunchy kat explores

chilean road trip: exploring the carretera austral

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queulat national park bridge Carretera Austral

The famous Carretera Austral – otherwise known at Chile’s Route 7 which runs 1,240km/770mi from Puerto Montt in the North to Villa O’Higgins in the South. This mostly unpaved road is the jumping off point for some of the most of the beautiful parts of Patagonia.

This road trip is easiest to see with your own car, but (infrequent) public transportation (bus), hitchhiking, and biking are also options. I didn’t manage to see the entire route, only about half, but it marks some of the best times in South America (but also, some of the hardest travel wise!).

Beautiful scenery, rugged nature, wild camping, endless trekking opportunities – this Patagonia road trip is 100% full of adventure.

Chile, South America

from deserts to beaches: exploring northern chile

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After visiting San Pedro de Atacama, I thought I was heading straight to Salta and spending my days drinking Malbec. So yeah, that didn’t happen. Luckily, a friendly local heard the panic in my voice at the bus station and suggested a few places north of Santiago I could stop at. So, naturally, I bought a ticket to Caldera on the spot with no research.

Northern Chile is often skipped, and instead people will hop on a 24 hour bus (or a cheap flight) down to Santiago. However, if you have the time, I recommend heading down the coast and seeing an often skipped (but beautiful and worthwhile!) portion of Chile.

Chile, South America

valparaiso, chile: exploring the colorful city

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When my original plan of heading to the wine region of Argentina after San Pedro de Atacama collapsed (how are buses full for ten days?!), I realized I had a lot more time in Chile before I needed to fly down to Patagonia to meet my friend from home. I had some beach recommendations, but as I had heard how people fell in love with Valparaiso, I figured hey, may as well spend more time there.

Not a bad decision! Like others, I fell in love with the city. There is no real stand out “must visit” place in Valpo, but really the vibe of the city is where the attraction is. Below is how some suggestions on what to do on your travels to Valparaiso.

Chile, Mountains, South America

torres del paine, patagonia: views from the o circuit

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Torres del paine o circuit lago grey mountain

Torres-del-paine-o-circuit-Dickson-to-Los-perros-view-2

By the time I got to Santiago, it seemed everyone I met had already been to Torres del Paine, and it started to feel a little less special that I was going because it felt like the entire world had already been there. But the fact is, less than 300,000 people visit the park every year. Planning and reserving all the campsites may be a hassle, but there is a reason for all the hype surrounding Torres del Paine – it is absolutely beautiful.

After reading my previous post, it is probably clear that if you have the time, I 100% recommend doing the full O circuit in Torres del Paine. Need proof as to why? Check out the pictures below!