Who doesn’t love camping under some of the clearest skies in the world? Chile has an infinite amount of options when it comes to camping. So let’s get the list started!
North:
Antofagasta
Location: II Antofagasta Region
Just four hours west of the San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta has plenty of things to do. “La Portada”, or the “Gateway” in English, a national stone arch, is where you must visit when stopping by. Another popular destination is the “hand of the Desert”, which was created in the ’80s to represent the human rights issues that the Chilean people were experiencing.
Price: You can find campsites with all the basic amenities such as hot water and electricity anywhere from 4,000 CLP to 8,000 CLP per person/per night
Punta de Choros
Location: IV Coquimbo Region
If you want to see Dolphins, penguins and crystal clear ocean waves, then this is the campsite for you.
Punta de Choros is a small fishing village about 100 km north of La Serena and is best known for its Humboldt Penguin National Reserve. These penguins are here year-round, but the best time to see them is during the summer months when they are hunting and swimming. Plus the weather is the most favourable for visitors.
There are several campsites on the beach where you can rent a gazebo type area with fences to protect the tents from the winds.
Prices: Most places have their prices based on the number of people in your group. A gazebo for ten people will run you about 90,000 CLP per night and for two people roughly 20,000 CLP.
Camping Río Mágico
Location: IV Coquimbo Region
Rio Magico or the Magical River is known as being the location for one of the magnetic centres of the planet. During the day you can enjoy swimming in the river because your tent will be right next to it.
At night, enjoy the view above as you stargaze in one of the clearest skies in the world. Nearby is a town where Chilean Pisco is made, and you can explore and try some of the piscos yourself.
Price: 10,000 CLP per night per person. You can also go for the day for 5,000 CLP. Children and seniors don’t pay.
Central:
Radal 7 Tazas National Reserve
Location: VII Maule Región
Just about four hours away from Santiago, you’ll find that this reserve is a perfect getaway for the weekend. The name refers to a canyon rich in dense vegetation that contains seven large waterfalls that flow into Rio Claro.
Unfortunately, you can’t go swimming here, but if you walk just a little more, you’ll find Salto de la Leona, where you can take an ice-cold dip under the waterfall. Almost all campgrounds have access to picnic areas, hot showers, and there are several small shops where you can buy anything that you’re missing, or you’ve run out of.
Prices: Campgrounds anywhere from 5,000-10,000 CLP per person per night. To see the waterfalls and enjoy the trek, Chilean Adults pay 2,500 CLP, kids pay 1,000 CLP, and Senior citizens pay 1,200 CLP. Foreigners pay 5,000 CLP.
Cajon del Maipo
Location: Metropolitan Region
Located just an hour away from Santiago, you’ll find that the Cajon del Maipo is full of adventure. It’s home to thermal springs, glaciers, the Andes mountains, and the Maipo river, where you can go white water rafting. In addition, there are several places for camping, or you can rent out cabins or domes throughout the year.
Price: You can find campsites such as Cascadas las Animas or Hacienda Los castaños anywhere from 8.000 to 15.000 CLP per person per night, depending on the season.
South:
Parque Tantauco
Location: X Lake Region, Island of Chiloé
One of the unique places in Chile is Chiloe. It’s best known for its mythical creatures and old wives tale that will leave you feeling like you’re not alone.
Chiloe is Chile’s largest island and has several national parks, but this park has been declared one of the 35 most important places of biodiversity on the face of the Earth. Within its 290,000 acres, you’ll find evergreen forest, wetlands, ancient cypress trees, and countless lakes and rivers.
Price: General admission to the park for adults 3,500 CLP and 500 pesos for children. Camping Chaiguata is your option to sleep with two options: Domes that sleep eight or rent a campsite that is roofed for 20,000 CLP(high season) or 15,000 CLP (low season) per tent.
Cochamó Valley
Location: X Lake Region
Considered one of the most underrated places in the south of Chile, the Cochamo Valley is an outdoor paradise. However, it’s not for beginners as you will have to hike for about 4 hours to get to the campsite.
You must bring everything and bring back your trash. Once you reach the camp, there are showers and basic facilities available. Set up your tent on the banks of the river surrounded by granite mountains.
Price: Campsite “La Junta” during the high season (December-March) is 5.000 CLP per person per night. During the low season (September-December), is 4,000 CLP per person per night.
Patagonia
Cerro Castillo National Reserve
Location: XI Aysén Region
The Carretera Austral is Chile’s most adventurous road trip. Along the way, you can camp out in several towns. However, this route to Cerro Castillo, or Castle Mountain, is less known than other stops. That means it is just you and the beautiful nature of northern Patagonia.
Most people reach the Cerro Castillo in 4 days, so if you’re up for the hike, this is the spot for you.
Price: To enter the national park, adults pay 2,000 CLP, and foreigners pay 3,000 CLP.
Torres del Paine National Park
Location: XII Magallanes Region
This place is probably the most well-known camping site in Chile. Being well known, planning is critical when travelling to the Torres del Paine National Park. It’s now mandatory to make a reservation to enter the park. You need about four days to do the “W” and 8 to complete the “O”.
Price: To enter the park: foreigners pay 21,000 CLP and then anywhere from 10,000 CLP – 55,000 CLP per person per night depending on which camping style you want and location.
