Remarkable Tales

​​​​​​​​​​s​​​​​​​​​​​Whilst well-versed travellers are familiar with heralded treks through San Pedro de Atacama or the Torres del Paine National Park, head to Conguillio National Park for something a little different.

A lesser-known area of exceptional natural beauty, hidden within this volcanic region are ancient forests, lakes, lagoons and unprecedented lava fields. Offering a window into a prehistoric yesteryear – it was the filming location for Walking with Dinosaurs – a charred stretch of land blends seamlessly with a canopy of leafy foliage and araucaria trees (known locally as Monkey Puzzle trees due to their curious shape).

Framed by the dramatic silhouette of the looming Llaima Volcano and Sierra Nevada Mountains, saunter along the Sierra Nevada Trail for picturesque trekking highlights including Conguillio Lake. An abundantly rich area for flora and fauna, look out for native species such as Pudu (South American deer), wild cats and the Chilla Fox. ​​​​

Alternatively, if hiking Atacama and conquering a volcano feature high up on your bucket-list, the Licancabur Volcano awaits. Held in high esteem locally for good reason, this soaring peak sits 5900 metres above the Bolivian/ Chile border. Whilst not for the faint-hearted (or altitude-affected!), the two-day climb to summit here makes for an unforgettable experience beyond the norm. Expect unspoilt views of ancient Inca ruins as well as one of the world's highest crater lakes. ​

​One of the very few places you can ski and snowboard from July to September, alpine sports are another huge draw for Chile. With incredible slopes etched through the Andes mountain range, seasoned skiers flock to the surrounds of Santiago, including the buzzy Valparaiso area or Valle Nevado for virgin snow. However Southern Chile, namely the Lake and Volcano District and Patagonia, are fast becoming a haven for skiers of all abilities.

Home to snow-capped peaks and unchartered back-country routes – as well as offering reliable snowfall and astounding volcanic views – Chile's Corralco Ski Resort remains a hidden gem. Perched atop of the spectacular Lonquimay Volcano and Malalcahuello back-country, off-piste skiing, trekking and boarding tours tread through Monkey Puzzle trees and crater rims of the volcano's southern edge. Dotted around the mountain range are surrounding villages, secluded alpine huts and thermal hot springs for the ultimate mountainous escape. Pack your GoPro to document all the unmissable high-altitude highlights.​​

​Slowly but surely, Chile has been drawing in crowds of connoisseurs looking to indulge in fine vintage wines. One such iconic place is Vik Chile. Nestled in the rolling Milahue Valley, acclaimed for its optimal grape-growing conditions, this all-suite art hotel boasts an extensive private vineyard producing award-winning wines.

Stored within subterranean casks beneath a series of shallow architectural lakes – all designed to cool the wine vaults to the ultimate temperature – fine bottles of Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlots are masterfully produced here.

Offering private wine-tastings, tours to the equally abundant Colchagua and Cachapoal Wine Valleys and its very own 'Wine Spa' with grape-inspired treatments, embrace a James Bond-style retreat in an exclusive Andes setting. 

​Home to a shimmering expanse of polar activity (the world's second largest), you couldn't be further from terra firma on the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

​Encompassing mesmerising views of ice, rocks, glaciers and fjords, guided treks through this region will lead you to the ancient formations of Torres del Paine and San Rafael Lagoon National Parks or through the glacial crevasses of picturesque Carretera Austral.

After experiencing the arid Atacama Dunes and lush mountainous Lake District, scaling this icy terrain – armed with only your wits (and axes) – will leave you with a lasting impression of Chile's otherworldly landscape. ​