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Who needs a theme park when the world is your playground? Bring the geography books to life with a trip to awe-inspiring Chile, a country with the most spectacular scenery on the planet and packed with an array of fascinating wildlife. Penguin and flamingo colonies, alpacas, sea lions, migratory blue whales and even pumas make Chile’s diverse landscapes their home. Backed by the rugged mountains of the Andes, this long sliver of a country packs in the vast Atacama Desert, the Patagonian wilderness, pristine coastline and lush forests. The wide variety of ecosystems provides a home for a rich variety of species and some thrilling opportunities to connect with nature. Read on for our guide to the best family-friendly wildlife experiences in Chile.
Chile is a very family-friendly country, with a well-established tourism infrastructure. The country’s rich biodiversity, commitment to conservation and focus on sustainability make it an exceptional destination and a safe and memorable experience for families. There are dozens of activities and tours on offer, depending on which area you decide to visit and the ages of your children. You can join a whale safari and see penguins play in Patagonia, take a llama for a walk in the Andes, watch sea lion antics in the Strait of Magellan, or even go puma-tracking in the Torres del Paine.
Chile is a natural wonderland and if your children love being outdoors, there are ample opportunities to immerse them in nature. Think wilderness hikes, kayaking on the fjords, rafting on wild rivers, surfing, paragliding, horse riding and zip-lining. See the Tatio Geysers, a volcanic geothermal field where water and steam columns surge violently from deep under the ground. Go stargazing under the dark skies of the Atacama Desert, or glamping in Torres del Paine or the Elqui Valley where you could spend the night in a geodesic dome with a transparent roof.
Learn about local culture in the country’s capital, Santiago, with its world-class museums, vibrant street art, lively markets and kid-friendly parks. Visit the colorful town of Valparaíso and San Pedro de Atacama, the tiny town of mud brick houses, or follow in the footsteps of Chilean families and head for the Lake District, filled with hot springs and thick forests where glamping provides the perfect combo of comfort, affordability and connection to nature. Chile has world-class vineyards so mum and dad can taste some of Chile’s renowned wine, and if time allows, you could take in the statues on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), home to nearly 900 monolithic human heads known as moai.
Chile is home to an array of unique and rare wildlife. Native species include the Andean condor, the guanaco – like a small camel minus the humps – and the kodkod – the cutest cat on the planet with a bushy tail, big eyes and a bad reputation. Patagonia is one of the few places puma roam in the wild, while the Chilean dolphin, the blue whale and the Humboldt penguin can be seen at various spots along Chile’s 6,435 km coastline.
The best time for animal encounters in Chile depends on the region and the species you most want to see. Generally, the austral summer (December to February) offers the best opportunities for wildlife sightings, as many species are more active during this time. Southern Chile is generally warmer, while the central area receives plenty of sunshine and the north is pleasant year-round.
Wildlife encounters don’t come any more thrilling than a whale-watching excursion. In the pristine waters of southern Chile, majestic humpback and blue whales migrate along the coast, breaching and spouting in a breathtaking display of natural beauty. Dolphins can also be spotted on these tours, which can be done as a day trip or a multi-day cruise. Trips leaving from La Serena or Chañaral de Aceituno, on the Atacama Desert coast, often combine whale and dolphin watching trips with seeing penguins, seals and dolphins.
Young children will love seeing penguins waddling along the shores and interacting with each other at the Magellanic penguin colonies near Punta Arenas. Get some llama drama as you explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert while trekking alongside friendly llamas and alpacas. These gentle creatures make excellent companions for family hikes and offer a unique opportunity to learn about traditional Andean culture.
Saddle-up and join the gauchos on an unforgettable excursion into the Atacama Desert on horseback. Experience the ethereal Moon Valley and the sand dunes of Death Valley at a leisurely pace. Choose a half- or full-day trek or camp overnight in the desert and learn about the stars under some of the world’s darkest skies. Many tours are adapted for age and experience level and children learn how to care for their horse and bond with these beautiful animals.
For an unforgettable trip, head to the hallucinatory landscapes of the Atacama salt flats, where huge flocks of wild flamingos stalk the terrain. You can visit on a day tour of the high-altitude lakes in the area or take a few days and explore the geysers, hot springs and Dali-esque spectacle like nowhere else on Earth.
Chile is increasingly focused on sustainable tourism practices, with initiatives to protect its natural environments and promote responsible travel that prioritize the well-being of wildlife and their habitats. Respect wildlife viewing distances, avoid feeding or disturbing animals, and follow local regulations to minimize your impact on the environment. Where possible, choose eco-friendly tours, stay in eco-lodges and support local conservation efforts.
At TravelLocal we believe that the opportunity to see animals in the wild can be an educational and rewarding experience and our trips often include experiences with animals. Most of the wildlife excursions we offer involve seeing wildlife in open, natural environments such as national parks, reserves, jungles or forests. Animal welfare is embedded in our ethos and it’s important to us that all animals are well cared for and not exploited.
Safety is always a top priority on guided animal encounters and wildlife excursions, but it pays to ensure that children are supervised at all times and follow any safety guidelines provided by tour operators. It’s an opportunity to teach children to respect wildlife from a distance and avoid approaching or touching wild animals. Chile can be, well… chilly, so be prepared for changing weather conditions and pack layers, extra-warm clothing, and gear for outdoor excursions.
Wildlife encounters offer valuable learning opportunities for children, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the importance of conservation. Encourage children to ask questions and engage with knowledgeable guides to learn more about the animals they encounter. Take advantage of educational resources, such as interpretive centers and nature trails, to enhance their understanding of local ecosystems and biodiversity. Through firsthand experiences, children can gain a greater awareness of their role in protecting the planet’s precious wildlife for future generations.
If you’re ready to plan your next trip filled with family-friendly wildlife experiences in Chile, get in touch with our local experts who will ensure your trip is perfectly tailored to you and your loved ones.
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