Having Fun in Chile

Recreation

Chile can offer sports and activities for every energy, skill and enthusiasm level you can muster. Beautiful beaches will beckon sun bathers but beware of the cool waters. Fishing is a popular sport both in the Pacific and the Lake District as well as the many lakes and rivers throughout the country. White water rafting is another popular sport in Chile. If you prefer snow sports there are several very scenic and charming mountain resorts in Chile. They provide first class skiing and unparalleled accommodations.

If you want to enjoy a more relaxing day try golfing on any of Chile's well designed golf courses. Many of the resort hotels have beautiful golf courses to challenge the expert while providing hours of enjoyment for the novice. Horseback riding can give you a glimpse of breathtaking scenery at a leisurely pace. Follow trails through a primordial forest, full of gregarious birds and elusive wildlife while enjoying the temperate climate and gentle sway of a sturdy horse. Sailing or cruising along the Chilean coast will give you a taste of the salty air and sea water, not to mention gorgeous vistas featuring rocky shorelines and jagged cliffs. The coastline of Patagonia and Tierra Del Fuego is home to large colonies of sea elephants, penguins and sea lions. The south can provide visitors with day long cruises through icy glacier filled waters. The northern region of Chile is renowned for its deep sea fishing. Many charter boats are available for day long excursions and will provide fisherman with the best fishing experience money can buy. Don't be surprised when you return with an abundance of fish and great memories.

Nightlife

For entertainment after dark Chile can provide a robust and exciting nightlife. Santiago can by far offer the most diverse selection of clubs, bars and casinos. You'll have a hard time deciding with so many different choices and often the only way to decide is to visit a few of the clubs that spark your interest. Be careful though you might find the nightlife in Santiago addicting. Once you leave Santiago there are several other large resort towns than can offer similar after dark activities including the excitement of the casinos and the energy of the dance clubs and bars. If you find yourself in the northern region of Chile try the city of San Pedro de Atacama for a fun and exciting nightlife. When in the south don't forget to visit Valdivia for a very enjoyable evening.

Celebrations and Events

Celebrations, festivals and local events are serious business in Chile. Towns and cities large and small have many local events they celebrate as well as religious and historical events throughout the year. You'll find it fascinating to experience one of the local patron saint celebrations tied to the Catholic religion. They often include re-enactments and pilgrimages with the participants in colorful costume. Some of these events are enormous and attract visitors worldwide while others are small local events.

Historical events and celebrations are just as important to the people of Chile as their religious celebrations, including Columbus Day in October and Chilean Independence Day in September. Both draw large crowds with outrageous costumes, extravagant parades, local and regional crafts and foods sold in the streets by friendly vendors.

One very popular event in Chile is an annual arts and craft festival held November through December in Santiago. This festival features not only local artisans but crafts people and artisans from throughout South and Central American. You'll see beautifully handcrafted and unique art as well as crafts and handmade wares with stunning detail and amazing degrees of difficulty.