Chile has been recognized, for the fifth consecutive year, as the best adventure tourism destination in South America at the World Travel Awards, awards known as ‘the Oscars of tourism’ that are awarded by popular vote. This land of contrasts, stands out for the large number of activities and experiences it offers: from climbing and mountaineering, to skiing at the foot of the Andas mountain range, surfing both in the north and in the central area, cycling, or climbing in the millenary ice of the last corner of the world.
Another reason that has made Chile the best adventure tourism destination, are the 40 National Parks and more than 20 Forest Reserves that can be visited in the country. You can go trekking, cycling or camping. In these corners you can practice sport fishing with fly, or enjoy a ride through its surroundings while photographing the native flora and fauna.
The dunes also take center stage in the field of adventure, the Atacama desert can be surfed by sandboard lovers who can glide through the sand dunes. And the adventurers who prefer to cross the sand with the sea breeze, will find in the dunes of Reñaca the ideal place to practice sandboarding and at the same time enjoy the Pacific Ocean.
For some years now, canyoning has also been gaining strength, an adventure sport that aims to descend narrow canyons and rivers of low flow and high slope, in which you must move through obstacles with different techniques only with the help of the body, ropes and climbing equipment.
Another booming sport in Chilean waters is stand up paddle, a mix between surfing and yoga, which is done standing on a board that floats in the water using an oar as a support to move in any direction.
You can surf waves or just cross the sea, lakes or canals. Also ideal for lovers of water sports, parasailing is the latest trend in Chile, this adventure combines a parachute and a boat.