Chile is a land of geographical extremes, providing ideal terrain and conditions for a huge variety of sports and special interest activities. From trekking through the world's driest desert, drenched in ancient history, to rafting the wild waters of the Lake District and skiing in world-class resorts high in the Andes, Chile is able to cater for just about any sport or pastime imaginable.


Archaeology
The world's oldest mummies are displayed at Arica, and giant geoglyphs etched on hillsides are dotted around Arica and Iquique. San Pedro de Atacama in the north is Chile's archaeological capital, with Pre-Hispanic remains and ghost mining towns dotted throughout the Atacama Desert. Archaeological treasures also await further afield in the most isolated island on earth, Easter Island. The first colonists, believed to be Polynesians, arrived around the 4th Century AD and were responsible for the mammoth stone statues, or moais, which are found in their hundreds along the coastline.


Skiing
Just over an hour's drive from Santiago, there are world-class ski resorts sitting high in the Andes that provide groomed and off-piste skiing for all ages and abilities. Further south, the Chillán hot spring combines world-class skiing on the slopes of an active volcano with one of the country's premier hot spring resorts. Or ski down perfectly conical volcanoes in the Lake District, enjoying spectacular views of the pristine lakes below. The skiing season in Chile generally runs from June to September.


Horse Riding
In many of the more rural areas of southern Chile the horse remains 'king' and is the preferred mode of transport away from metalled roads. While in Chile the opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscape from horseback should certainly not be missed. From The Central Valley around Santiago all the way down to Patagonia and Tierra Del Fuego, riding excursions ranging from one to ten days can be arranged catering to all levels of experience. Canter across the rolling steppes of Patagonia by day and then overnight in traditional estancias where you can enjoy Chilean hospitality and sample tasty local dishes and wine.


Wine tours
Chile is a major producer and exporter of fine wines, as many people have come to recently discover. The wine-producing area stretches from the valley of the Rio Aconcagua in the north to the BioBio Valley in the south. The great majority of Chilean wines come from the Central Valley where the hot, dry summers guarantee exceptionally healthy fruit. Santiago lies in the heart of Chile's wine-producing region, with at least four distinct valleys and eight wineries located within easy reach from the capital. Visit the vineyards and wine cellars of well-known wineries such as Concha y Toro, Cousiño Macul, Santa Rita and Santa Carolina, as well as lesser-known producers, many of which feature elegant mansions and gardens where guests can stay.


Trekking/hiking
Trek through the world's driest desert, the Atacama, where trails lead through canyons adorned with fascinating rock art, traditional villages and wonderful swimming holes. Or, in Patagonia, the Torres del Paine National Park is said to represent some of the best trekking country around offering good trails, stunning scenery and fascinating wildlife.


Mountaineering
The non-technical volcanoes of the Chilean Altiplano provide an ideal opportunity both for novice and experienced climbers to break the 6,000-metre mark while taking in some of the world's most expansive views. Venture no further than Santiago's doorstep to claim your first 5,000 metre summits. Head further south to the spectacular Lake District where smoking volcanoes such as the Villarica (2,840m/9,315ft) allow you to peer into a cauldron of red lava at their crater. For more hard-core climbers, there is Aconcagua (7,021m/23,029ft), the world's highest active volcano and the highest peak in the Americas or the challenging vertical spires of Torres del Paine.


Rafting/kayaking
Chile claims to have the greatest white water on earth. There are some memorable rivers around Santiago, such as the glacially fed Maipo or try the historical Biobió River further south which caters to all levels. Patagonia contains Chile's wildest, most powerful rivers, such as the Futaleufú whose spectacular blue waters carve a canyon through the Andes. With so much incredible landscape inaccessible to anything except watercraft, our multi-day kayaking expeditions into Pumalin National Park in the Lake District and around the island of Chiloe are perfect for the adventurous.


Fishing
The lakes and rivers in southern Chile offer great opportunities for fishing both trout and salmon in pristine wilderness. The Lake District is popular for trout fishing. Both rainbow and brown trout are found in all the major lakes; the largest fish are found in Lago Llanquihue, while Lago Todos Los Santos is noted for quality. Further south, Patagonia and Tierra Del Fuego boast luxury fishing lodges and some of the most impressive fishing in the world. The fishing season lasts from 15th November to the first Sunday in May (except for Lago Llanquihue which starts on 15th September). A licence is required whether for one day or a longer period.


Ornithology & Wildlife
The Chungará lake in the Lauca National Park in the north of Chile is home to a full third of Chile's bird life, including three species of flamingo, condors and the ñandú (South American ostrich). Other national parks of particular interest to bird and animal enthusiasts include Las Vicuñas National Reserve and Salar de Surire National Monument, which boast four species of camelid: llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos, plus an astonishing variety of aquatic bird species. The world-famous Torres del Paine National Park also offers unique wildlife amidst a backdrop of stunning glaciers and pristine lakes.


Scuba diving
Easter Island, situated 3,700km off the coast of South America, is considered to be Chile's premier dive site. The island boasts some of the world's clearest waters, with visibility exceeding 50 meters. Its warm waters are home to an abundance of colourful tropical fish, underwater caves and escarpments, giant corals and even sunken archaeological artefacts. Robinson Crusoe Island, located in the Juan Fernández archipelago, offers an equally unique and beautiful marine ecosystem.


Boat trips
Sail via a series of ferry crossings from the picturesque fishing port of Puerto Montt to Bariloche in Argentina, enjoying stunning Andean and glacially carved lakes. Alternatively, the Patagonian channels offer a wild, romantic setting of fjords and glaciers for sailing on the modern cruise ships, Skorpios, Mare Australis or Patagonia Express.