Paul Schicke
Written by Paul Schicke Manager E-Commerce & Direct Sales at Quasar Expeditions

Updated: June 06, 2022
Published: January 02, 2018


Up close with a curious alpaca in Chile

For years, Lonely Planet has been the crème de la crème of travel advice. From mainstream must-dos to quirky, off the beaten path destinations, they’re the go-to guide for high-quality travel advice that can help to transform a regular vacation into unimaginable lifetime memories. So, when Lonely Planet named Chile as the number 1 country to visit in 2018, we weren’t surprised! With rich culture, great food and unbeatable opportunities for outdoor adventure, this destination should truly be on everyone’s list. Here’s a bit about why Lonely Planet recommends Chile as the top destination of 2018!


Food, Wine and Culture in Trendy Santiago

Lonely Planet describes Chile’s capital, Santiago as a metropolis with a view and that it is! This culturally-rich city is full of energy and sophistication, backed by a long history that creates a little bit of something for everyone to love. Whether you’re the type of person who enjoys wandering expansive museums, sampling some of the world’s finest wines, dining at top-notch restaurants, feasting on street food or hitting the town after dark, Santiago is a great place to start your Chilean adventure. Read more on the wine in Chile here ---> Wine in Chile & the Carménère Grape.

Chile's wine country, just outside of Santiago

Outdoor Adventure and Photography

From paragliding in the Atacama Desert to Jeep driving the Carretera Austral and kayaking through Patagonia, Chile’s wildly diverse landscape creates almost endless opportunities for those looking for a bit of outdoor adventure. Be stunned by the towering granite peaks and glaciers of the Torres del Paine National Park, explore seemingly endless fjords, sun-parched dunes, temperate rainforests and active volcanoes. Chile houses what is without a doubt, some of the world’s most pristine natural landscapes that are just waiting to be snapped and discovered!

Woman standing next to a Quasar Jeep in Patagonia admiring the snowy mountains

Wonderful Wildlife in Chile

With such a diverse landscape, it’s only natural that Chile would also boast some of the world’s most unique species of wildlife. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the elusive puma in the wild, Chile is one of the best places to try your luck. But, there’s also llamas, alpacas, vicuna, armadillos, the impressive Andean condor and a whole lot of incredible sea life to boot.

Abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing in Chile

Easy Access getting to Chile

While getting to Chile from most places around the world used to be a mission in itself, many airlines are now offering non-stop flights. So, whether you live in North America, Europe, the UK, Australia or New Zealand, it’s never been easier to reach this once isolated country.

A map outlining all the international flight access points to Chile

A Little Bit of Luxury

While Chile, particularly its southern areas of Patagonia, used to be marketed as a backpacking destination, you’re now able to choose to travel in style. Stay in impressive, architecturally designed hotels that are designed to maximize views of their natural settings while providing all the modern luxuries and amenities you’d expect at any top establishment. Then, by day, explore the best that the country has to offer privately and intimately with your very own guided or self-guided Overland Safari Jeep tour.

Chile's top luxury boutique hotel with a view of Torres Del Paine

Planning Your Trip to World's Top Destination for 2018

Want to experience Chile, Lonely Planet’s number one country to visit in 2018 for yourself? See our Patagonia tours page for more information on where to go and what there is to see and do or simply fill out the form below and we will send you more information right away!



Paul Schicke
By Paul Schicke
Manager E-Commerce & Direct Sales at Quasar Expeditions

Hello! My name is Paul. I am a photographer, traveler, teacher and writer. I have extensive experience in travel to Galapagos, Peru, Patagonia and the western seaboard of South America specializing in ways travelers can experience these once-in-a-life destinations like locals on the road. Lover of wine, chocolate, travel, coffee, and helping others plan vacations of a lifetime!

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