As temperatures cool off and the leaves change colors, many travelers are looking south for some warmth and fun in the sun.
While Latin American countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina are enjoying a boom in tourism, this lesser-known country is ready and waiting.
The best place in Latin America to visit right now isn’t culturally rich Mexico or tropical Brazil. It’s Chile.
From its newly designated National Parks, festivals, and world-famous adventure tourism, Chile should be on every traveler’s radar right now.
Visit The Super Blooms Of Chile’s Newest National Park
This year, Chile opened Desierto Florido National Park in the Atacama Desert. Known as the driest place in the world, the desert is home to one of the world’s most incredible superblooms.
From late September to mid-November, visitors have the chance to see miles of bright wildflowers bloom through the desert. This incredible event brings dozens of species of wildlife and insects to feed, creating a natural spectacle like nowhere else on the planet.
Although these magnificent superblooms don’t happen every year, you can still see the world’s greatest star gazing and experience the beautiful red desert landscapes of the Atacama when you visit.
You can also head over to nearby San Pedro de Atacama to try sandboarding. Here, you’ll climb the towering dunes and descend the otherworldly red sand slopes.
This Is The Best Time To Experience Patagonia
As we prepare for colder temperatures and fall colors in the northern hemisphere, Chile is entering spring and people are getting excited.
Right now, temperatures are warming up fast. National parks like Torres del Paine in Chile’s Patagonia region are opening up, as are its popular campgrounds.
Because Patagonia stretches into the weather belt of Antarctica, winters can be brutal, with plenty of rain, snow, and high winds that make it difficult to spend time outdoors.
This is the best time of year to experience Patagonia’s snow-capped mountains, wildflowers, and wildlife before summer tourists show up and prices go through the roof. Plus, the world-famous backpacking tours start opening for business, allowing you a chance to experience Patagonia in all its glory minus the bad weather and crowds.
Prices Are Affordable
This is the shoulder season for Chilean travel, so prices are still relatively cheap. Many hostels, hotels, and Airbnbs have openings, even in the most touristy of areas.
The biggest cost of traveling to Chile, other than the plane ticket, will be accommodation. Traveling between October and November gives you the freedom of staying in some of the best destinations in the country without paying the high prices of summer.
No matter if you’re grabbing world-class ceviche or fried empanadas on the street, Chilean food prices won’t break the bank unless you’re dining at one of Santiago’s world-famous restaurants.
If the prices of home are draining your wallet and you really want to get away, now is the time to book the 10-hour flight to Chile.
Chile Remains One Of The Safest Countries To Visit In Latin America
Let’s face it. Crime is always many people’s first concern when traveling. Fortunately, Chile is still one of the safest countries to visit in Latin America.
As popular Latin American countries like Ecuador and Colombia see a spike in crime and Argentina enters a heated political election this October, Chile remains secure and safe to visit, especially in the rural areas of Patagonia and Atacama.
There has been an uptick in crime in Chile’s capital city of Santiago, but as long as you follow basic safety precautions common in other big cities, such as not wearing expensive jewelry, taking official taxis or Ubers, and going out in groups at night, you’ll be fine.
The biggest concern in Chile is natural disasters. Chile unfortunately experiences frequent earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanos, and forest fires.
But don’t panic; the country has strict building codes, tsunami warnings, and a trained populace who knows what to do when the ground shakes.
There’s Still Time To Experience It On Your Own
2022 saw tourist arrivals soar to over 971% over the previous year. This year, the country expects the number of foreign visitors to return to its pre-pandemic normal or higher.
As Latin American countries like Mexico and Argentina see soaring numbers of travelers and digital nomads, Chile is still off the beaten path.
Right now, you can experience the beautiful trails of Patagonia, the wineries of the Maipu Valley, or the desert beaches of the Atacama without rubbing shoulders with other travelers.
Will Chile always be the perfect destination for travelers wanting to get off the current digital nomad trail? Because of its safety, natural wonders, great food, and access to adventure, you should probably get there soon.
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