In this article, discover three extreme activities to enjoy with friends and family: rafting, paragliding, and sandboarding. You won’t regret it!

Rafting

Rafting is one of the most exciting activities in Chile. With its rushing rivers, the country offers options for all skill levels. The best time for rafting is between November and March when the rivers are at their fullest. Here are three of the best rivers for rafting, combining affordability, skill levels, and tour operator options:

1. Futaleufú River: Considered one of the best in the world, it offers class V rapids surrounded by spectacular landscapes. It is located near the city Futaleufú in the Los Lagos region, in central Chilean Patagonia.
There are various tour operators that carry out this type of activity, some of them are companies such as Futaleufú River Expeditions and Expeditions Chile, who offer complete packages. The price ranges from $90 to $150 USD per person. 

Experience level: Advanced, due to the intensity of the rapids.

2. Maipo River: Ideal for beginners and located near Santiago, Metropolitan Region, it combines adrenaline and accessibility for all travelers. Some tour operators that carry out tours and packages are Cajón del Maipo Rafting and Andes Explora. The prices adjust to more accessible budgets, since their packages range from $30 to $50 USD per person.
Experience level: Beginners and intermediates.

3. Trancura River: In Pucón, La Araucanía Region, near Lake Villarrica is the Trancura River, an option that offers various possibilities depending on the number of people, whether they are families or expert adventurers. Among the most recommended tour operators are Aguaventura and Trancura Expediciones. The estimated price per person ranges from $40 to $70 USD.
Experience level: From beginners in the lower reaches to experts in the upper reaches.

Paragliding

Flying over the Chilean landscapes is an unforgettable experience. Paragliding combines adventure and spectacular views, an activity that increasingly attracts more travelers and local tourists. 

Places to practice paragliding

1. Iquique: Recognized worldwide, this city offers constant winds and takeoffs from high dunes, providing a view of the Pacific Ocean that you absolutely must visit. Paragliding in Iquique is ideal for those looking for long flights. There are several recognized tour operators, among them, we recommend Iquique Parapente (visit the website here), Puro Vuelo (website here) and Parapente en Iquique (website here). 

2. Valparaíso: Enjoy views of the ocean and the colorful hills. Some of the tours are in Maitencillo, Reñaca, Concón, which have various packages, including those offered by Andes Fly (website here) and AltaVentura (website here).
3. Santiago: Fly over the capital and contemplate the majesty of the Andes mountain range and Chilean birds. These tours will allow you to make the most of your time in Santiago. Some tour operators are Alma Outdoor (website here).

Sandboarding

Sandboarding is the most fun alternative to snowboarding, but on sand. Chile, with its Atacama Desert, is perfect for this activity. Furthermore, it can be done in the central area of ??the country, thanks to large sand dunes. Cheer up!

Places to practice

1. Death Valley (San Pedro de Atacama): One of the most popular places for sandboarding thanks to its high dunes and fine sand for sliding. Various places offer board rentals, such as Cicles Atacama (website here). In San Pedro de Atacama, guides often include beginner classes before you slide down the dunes.
2. Concón Dunes: An option near Santiago and suitable for all levels, although you will not be able to rent boards here. 
3. Iquique Dunes: popular with athletes from the north and with one of the largest dunes in Chile, Dragon Hill. 
4. Dunes in Antofagasta: an ideal place for those visiting northern Chile, with huge dunes accompanied by great landscapes. Check out the Extreme Desert tour (link here), where you can schedule and attend classes.

Why choose Chile for extreme sports

Chile has a great geographical diversity, from torrential rivers to deserts and mountains, perfect places for this type of extreme sports that other countries do not offer. Furthermore, Chile is characterized by having a varied climate. You can enjoy activities all year round, whether in the north with sandboarding or in Santiago with rafting. 
Finally, the country's tourism infrastructure is growing more and more, with experienced guides and high-quality equipment. Take advantage of it!

Tips for a safe experience

Hire certified operators: this way you can travel without worries and with greater security. 
Use proper equipment and follow directions
Check the weather before planning your activity: although Chile has a great climate, in the south there is usually rain and strong wind most of the time. 

Chile is the ideal destination for those looking to challenge their limits. From rafting on stunning rivers to paragliding and sandboarding, this country has something for everyone. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!