Below, we present 6 of the favorite destinations to practice ecotourism in Chile.

1. San Pedro de Atacama: desert and stars

San Pedro de Atacama, located in northern Chile, is one of the most popular destinations for tourism in Chile. Surrounded by the world's driest desert, it offers a variety of experiences for ecotourism enthusiasts. Among the most notable activities are walks through the Valley of the Moon, stargazing under incredibly clear skies, and exploring the Tatio geysers.
For those who enjoy flora and fauna, the Los Flamencos National Reserve is a must-see. This natural sanctuary is home to three species of flamingos and biodiversity that includes animals such as vicuñas and foxes. In addition, you can visit salt flats, lagoons and volcanoes, ideal for those looking to connect with nature in Chile.

2. Torres del Paine National Park: Fauna, flora and hiking

Located in the Magallanes region and three hours from Punta Arenas, the Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most iconic ecotourism destinations in Chile. Famous for its rugged mountains, glaciers and turquoise lakes, this park attracts visitors from all over the world looking to enjoy nature in Chile.
The park has various trails, where you can take walks and see impressive landscapes, from dense forests to viewpoints that offer unparalleled views of the famous Torres del Paine. In addition, there are several areas for camping, horseback riding and boating, where you can see the Gray Glacier. Check more information on the Conaf page here.
As for the flora and fauna, you will be able to observe different species, such as rheas, guanacos, condors, foxes and, if you are lucky, you will be able to spot pumas. 
And if you are one of the most adventurous, the park offers a wide variety of trekking routes, with Circuit W and Circuit O being the most famous, as they allow you to see the Torres del Paine from very close up. Remember that before entering this park, whether on a tour or in a private vehicle, you must buy an entrance ticket (more info here) and present it to the park rangers upon entering.

3. Chiloé: Nature, culture and gastronomy

Chiloé Island, located in the south of Chile, Los Lagos region, is a destination that perfectly combines Chilean nature with a national cultural heritage. This island is famous for its green landscapes, quiet beaches, and its unique architecture of wooden churches, many of which have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
For ecotourism lovers, Chiloé will allow you to spot wildlife, such as Humboldt and Magellanic penguins, dolphins and a wide variety of birds, such as bandurrias, queltehues, curlews, black-necked swans, herons and seagulls. 
Additionally, Chiloé National Park allows visitors to explore native forests, wetlands, and enjoy hiking along rarely traveled trails. Here you can have a snack, camp, and enjoy hiking trails and various viewpoints. Reserve your ticket at the following link.

4. Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve: forests, animals and waterfalls

The Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, located in the Los Ríos region, is one of the most prominent ecotourism destinations in Chile. This place is characterized by its commitment to conservation and sustainability, a perfect place for ecological tourism. 
Huilo Huilo is perfect for those seeking adventures in the middle of nature. Their activities include hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and boating. In addition, the reserve has a rich biodiversity, from deer, pudúes and wild cat. On the other hand, you can spot endemic birds such as the black woodpecker and the chucao. 
In addition, you can walk the La Leona and Los Espíritus trails, navigate and cross Lake Pirehueico, and enjoy the Huilo Huilo, La Leona, and Puma waterfalls. Don't forget waterproof clothing!

5. Villarrica National Park 

One of the favorite cities to vacation in Chile is Pucón. Thanks to its diversity of activities, temperate climate and access to lakes and rivers, it has become one of the main ecotourism destinations. 
Located next to Lake Villarrica and at the foot of the imposing volcano of the same name, Pucón offers a perfect combination of ecotourism and extreme sports. Among the most popular activities is the climb to the Villarrica volcano, a unique experience that allows adventurers to walk on glaciers and, sometimes, peer into the crater of this volcano. 
If you prefer less extreme activities, the Villarrica National Park has trails that go through Araucaria forests, a typical tree in southern Chile. Here you can also spot various birds, including loicas, tiuque, partridge, pequen, choroy, woodpecker, seven-colored, condor and harrier. 
If you like swimming, rafting on the Trancura River is another excellent option to enjoy nature in Chile. But if you prefer more calm, you can rest and enjoy the warm waters of Lake Villarrica. Don't miss this experience to replenish your energy!

6. Alerce Andino National Park: A treasure of biodiversity

We have mentioned several parks, and we still need to tell you about one more. This is the Alerce Andino National Park, located about 50 kilometers from Puerto Montt, a treasure that few visitors know about. For any ecotourism lover, this is a must on your list!
This park is famous for housing one of the oldest trees in the world: the Larch. Some specimens are over 3,000 years old.
The park offers several hiking routes that allow visitors to enter ancient forests and discover rich fauna, such as the huemul and the puma. Walks through this park provide a unique opportunity to connect with nature in Chile. A panorama to do with family and friends!

Discover ecotourism in Chile

If you are a traveler looking for adventure, with impressive landscapes and a total disconnection from the environment, ecological tourism in Chile is the perfect option.