The world is divided into two types of people: those who love winter and those who hate it. 

If you are one of those who belong to the second group and suffer when the thermometers drop, you should know that there is life beyond sheltering at home under the blanket and drinking unwise amounts of hot chocolate. In fact, it may be the perfect time to travel, because being low season, prices are more affordable and you can avoid the typical crowds of the season. 

In order for you to enjoy this winter in South America in style, we have selected five ideal destinations to enjoy your winter vacations in Chile and recover the joy of life and the color of your cheeks.

 

Chile is a great "snowy" destination, perfect to visit during the winter and enjoy outdoor sports / Photo: Sergey Novikov

 

Pucon Villarrica and its snow-capped volcano

Many travelers dream of visiting Japan in winter to see the famous Mount Fuji. Well, did you know that you don't have to go so far from home to see that famous postcard with the reflection of a beautiful snow-capped volcano on the water of a lake?

In South America we have several options to do so and probably the closest is the prestigious resort of Pucón, located in the heart of the Chilean Araucanía. Renting a cabin in Pucon and its surroundings in winter is a delight, as you will find much more peace than in summer when the lake resort becomes one of the most visited in the country.

In addition, the magic of the snow-capped Villarrica volcano and the possibility of skiing in its ski center Ski Pucón Resort are other strong points to choose to vacation in Pucón during the winter vacations.

Dare to take the Villarrica Volcano Climbing Tour and conquer the summit of one of the most active volcanoes in Chile. Click here to book this Villarrica Volcano Climbing Tour and don't miss one of the best adventure tourism experiences!

 

Chillán Hot Springs

Another of Chileans' favorite winter vacation panoramas is to spend a few days in the famous hot springs of Chillán, in the Ñuble region. When visiting them, one quickly understands why. Located more than 5 hours by car from the capital, in the Las Trancas Valley, a multitude of cabins in the forest offer greater disconnection than the winter centers of the Metropolitan Region.

As its own name indicates, the thermal waters that spring from the bowels of the volcanoes of Los Nevados de Chillán, Chillán Nuevo and Chillán Viejo, are the main attraction of the zone, of course next to the snow and the skiing. The ski center of the Nevados de Chillán is unique in Chile for having a large part of its slopes between forests, which contributes, according to some experts, to have the best snow quality in the country.

 

The Termas de Chillán is a must at any time of the year, the landscape, the hills, the volcano, and if you add snow, much more. / Photo: source

 

Travel tip: Walk through the beautiful nature trails or sip a cup of hot chocolate, while enjoying the peaceful view of the valleys and lagoons.

 

Historical tour of Sewell

Did you know that Chile's mining activity is recognized worldwide?  Visiting some historical places related to this theme is a great option for a getaway around the Chilean capital during your winter vacations. 

Sewell is located 150 kilometers from Santiago, and has been a small -big- mining town for more than 100 years. Today it is of extreme patrimonial and historical importance, reflected in its buildings preserved for the visits of travelers and tourists. 

A key detail of Sewell is that the streets are literally non-existent, and are replaced by stairs throughout the site, a situation that makes them blend perfectly with the Andes Mountains, the snow and the colorful buildings.

Travel tip: Sewell was declared a World Heritage Site, so it can only be visited through an excursion, with an accompanying guide.

 

Sewell is one of those places that surprises with its history, architecture and location / Photo: Source

 

The Cajón de Maipo 

One of the most visited places during the winter in Chile is El Cajón del Maipo and more specifically the Embalse del Yeso, which has become a true place of pilgrimage for many new Santiago residents from different parts of the world where snow is rare or non-existent.

The Embalse del Yeso is a reservoir located in the heart of the Cordillera at an altitude of more than 2,500 meters and surrounded by peaks that exceed 5,000 meters. A dark blue contrasts with the radiant white of the snow on the opposite slope to the route that reaches the reservoir is a jaw-dropping landscape. 

Although it is usually a popular day trip, it is highly recommended to stay at least 2 days to enjoy the tranquility of staying in a cabin in the beautiful landscapes of Cajón del Maipo and do tours and other treks such as the El Morado Glacier or Termas Colinas. 

The Embalse El Yeso and Cajón del Maipo Tour is one of the best excursions in the central region of Chile that you can't miss, enjoy this unforgettable experience with Daytours4u! Click here to reserve your place. 

 

Elqui Valley

Located in the Norte Chico, specifically in the foothills of the Coquimbo Region.

One of the strong points of the valley is its agriculture, here are the most important national producers of Pisco! Among the best known factories in the sector are the Cooperativa Agrícola y Pisquera Elqui Ltda. known for the Pisco Capel and also those of Pisco Mistral, Tres Erres and the Artesanos de Cochiguaz. 

In addition you will find many entertainment options, ranging from swimming in the Rio Claro, to horseback riding and trekking, downhill biking or an astronomical tour. The truth is that Elqui Valley has something for all tastes and ages. 

 

Elqui Valley is characterized by its picturesque style that enchants all who visit it / Photo: jkraft5

 

In this article you can find out what to eat, where to stay and other interesting information.

 

Keep in mind that from March to November is considered low season in Chile, covering autumn, winter and spring, so traveling during these dates will make your stay in Chile a unique and much more economical experience. Take advantage, travel and enjoy with Daytours4u!

 

 

By: Nathaly Bosch, social communicator by profession and curious traveler by choice. Spanish editor for Daytours4u.