Between the desert, cities, valleys, and mountains, Chile is a country with many adventurous environments that can seem inaccessible those of us who aren’t in the best shape of our lives. But the truth is that this distinctive South American country is one of the best destinations in the world for senior travelers. From horseriding in Patagonia to picnicking at a luxury winery and watching the sunrise through bursting geysers, Chile offers a wealth of once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will ensure your retirement is one to remember. To find out all you need to know about visiting Chile as a senior traveler, read our luxury senior traveler’s guide to Chile and Patagonia. It breaks down the best destinations to visit in Chile and what tours, experiences, and must-see sights are most suited to senior travelers. With this specialized info to hand, you’ll be able to start planning your next big trip.

The Senior Traveler’s Guide to Chile and Patagonia: Where to go and what to do

Santiago and Valparaiso

Begin your trip to Chile in Santiago, a metropolitan capital surrounded by snow-peaked mountains — a view well worth seeing from atop the Sky Costanera building. At the city’s center lies the Plaza de Armas and La Moneda Palace, the finest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in Chile, with a juxtaposition of glass skyscrapers and landscaped parks surrounding it. Soak up the unique atmosphere each area brings as you explore the city, saving time to immerse in its shocking recent history and relish in its trendy food scene. From Santiago, head one hour east to The Jewel of the Pacific, the colorful port city of Valparaiso known for having one of the biggest art scenes in South America. Wander the hillside neighborhoods to see its world-famous street art and explore its boutiques, galleries, and cafes to feel its creative, free-spirited energy.

What to do in Santiago and Valparaiso as a senior traveler:

• Private guided walking tour of Santiago: see the Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, business district, and Santiago Central Market
• Sky Costanera: see the city’s breathtaking skyline from the tower’s impressive viewpoint
• Museum of Memory & Human Rights: learn all about the period of human rights violations that took place in late 20th-century Chile
• Parque Bicentenario: enjoy the city views as you stroll through this city park
• Private guided walking tour of Valparaiso: visit the city’s most iconic street murals whilst learning about its artistic heritage and creative influence 

Chilean Lake District and Chiloe

A landscape painted with Andean mountains, glacial lakes, volcanos, and ancient forests, the Chilean Lake District might just be Chile’s most scenic destination. Of course, it’s a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers, but it’s also the perfect place to find peace, rest, and relaxation. As a senior traveler, you can enjoy all that this magical region has to offer at a slow and considered pace blending morning hikes and boat trips with afternoons spent at your luxury resort spa or golf course. Next, head to Chiloe, a historic island known for its rich wildlife and deep cultural heritage. Explore the Chiloe Coast to spot penguins, sea lions, and dolphins and head inland to visit the locals and listen to local folklore.

What to do in the Chilean Lake District and Chiloe as a senior traveler:

• Hike in Conguillio National Park: witness the Sierra Nevada, Llaima Volcano, and the iconic lakes on an easy hike through this protected region
• Ski down a volcano: put on your skis and head for the slopes at Villarrica or Osorno for a ski session with extraordinary scenery
• Meet the Mapuches: spend the day immersing in indigenous Mapuche culture in Temuco browsing the expansive artisan market and visiting local homes
• Chiloe Island Wildlife Boat Tour: explore the Chilean coastline on a private tour with a naturalist guide to spot whales, dolphins, and penguins
• Chiloe Island culture: visit the world’s oldest UNESCO World Heritage church along with traditional shingled houses and other cultural highlights on a heritage tour of Chiloe

Atacama Desert

As the driest desert in the world, nowhere else on Earth can be likened to the Atacama. From geysers and hot springs to salt flats and color-changing lagoons, it has created a series of landscapes that display our planet’s most fascinating natural forms. In fact, its dusty red valleys featuring unusual rockscapes are famously likened to Mars. A trip to the Atacama is all about overlanding across the desert, immersing in its unusual landscapes, and witnessing these incredible natural phenomena for yourself. Meanwhile, the rustic indigenous desert town of San Pedro de Atacama awaits to inspire you with its colorful culture, heart-warming food, and life deeply rooted in the Earth. 

What to do in the Atacama Desert as a senior traveler:

• Valle de la Luna: take a private driving tour through the valleys, stopping along the way for small hikes to its best viewpoints
• Guided desert 4×4 drive: join an expert desert guide on an adventurous drive across the Atacama, stopping at the region’s best salt flats and lagoons
• Sunrise at Tatio Geyser: wake up at daawn to watch the sunrise through the haunting mist of these impressive geysers as they burst from the ground
• Stargazing: join an astronomer for an awe-inspiring evening of stargazing with a professional telescope to see the galaxy from the planet’s clearest skies
• San Pedro de Atacama: spend a day exploring the charming town’s local artisan shops and eating northern Chilean food

Chilean Wine Region

Stretching 1300 km along the length of Chile, exploring the Chilean wine region allows you to see the diversity of this stunning country while tasting some of the world’s best wines in their respective wineries. From globally established wineries like Concha y Torro and Clos Apalta to boutique, eco-conscious, and state-of-the-art wineries, makes Chile an exceptional wine destination. While some offer traditional winery tours and wine tastings, others offer delicious dinners with wine pairings, bottling experiences, vineyard picnics, and much more. Whether visiting wine regions close to Santiago like Casablanca and Maipo or venturing out to Elqui Valley, take the opportunity to immerse in rural Chilean life by exploring the valleys by foot, bike, or horseback.

What to do in the Chilean Wine Region as a senior traveler:

• BBQ at Viña Chocalan: enjoy a full-day wine experience beginning with cheese and white wine followed by a tour of the cellars, tastings, and a barbeque buffet lunch
• Cooking class at Casas del Bosque: get a delicious taste of fine Chilean wine and hospitality as you learn to cook with local flavors at their onsite restaurant Tanino
• Dinner at Clos Apalta Residence: wine and dine in the family home of a world-renowned wine brand
• Horseback riding: from the Maipo Valley to the Malleco Valley, find a horseback riding trail to discover the local landscapes
• Estancia experience: visit a traditional Chilean estancia and immerse in the culture and traditions of Chile’s cattle farmers

Learn more about visiting the Chilean Wine Regions here.

Torres del Paine

Boasting breathtaking peaks, glaciers, steppes, lakes, and forests, Torres del Paine is one of Patagonia’s most visited national parks. While typically known as a destination for hikers and adventure-seekers, Torres del Paine is ideal for every kind of outdoor enthusiast including senior travelers. Based at a remote luxury lodge surrounded by nature, you can take the rare opportunity to enjoy some tranquility away from noisy world. Spend your days exploring the national park in whichever way suits you best whether that’s by hiking or a private 4×4 drive. At the end of each excursion, return to sit and read by the lodge’s fire, recalibrate in the mountain-view sauna, and dine on nourishing Andean-inspired cuisine.

What to do in Torres del Paine as a senior traveler:

• Grey Glacier boat trip: board a boat on Lago Grey and sail around gigantic icebergs as you approach the edge of the Grey Glacier to be humbled by its grandeur
• Hike Torres del Paine: choose from a vast selection of beautiful hikes throughout the park that suit your preferences
• Puma and bird watching: join an expert wildlife guide for the rare opportunity to spot majestic pumas and Patagonian birds in their natural habitat
• Kayaking: enjoy the scenery of Torres del Paine from the lakes and rivers on a relaxed kayaking excursion
• Explore the park on horseback: join a guided horseriding tour through Torres del Paine to experience the park in a unique and memorable way

Inspired by our luxury senior traveler’s guide to Chile and Patagonia?

Start planning your once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Chile now with the help of our travel experts at TLA. Tell them the destinations you most want to go, the experiences you don’t want to miss, as well as your personal needs and preferences as a senior traveler. In no time, they will prepare a bespoke luxury itinerary that’s completely tailored to you based on your favorite suggestions from this luxury senior traveler’s guide to Chile. Find out more by contacting us here or call toll-free at +1 855 217 9045, or direct on +51 84 656 421.