Chile Family Holidays

Chile is an exceptional destination for families with a sense of adventure. With its vast landscapes, excellent infrastructure, and warm welcome, it’s a country that works brilliantly for children of all ages – whether you’re exploring the Atacama Desert, hiking through Patagonia, or sampling life among the vines in the central valleys. Direct flights from the UK and a straightforward self-drive option make it surprisingly accessible too.

Santiago is a safe and lively starting point, with leafy parks, colourful markets and plenty of child-friendly restaurants. The Artequin Museum is a favourite with local families, thanks to its creative exhibitions and regular kids’ events. In the winter months (June to September), you can even take a day trip up into the Andes to ski at Valle Nevado – less than 60km from the city.

In the far north, the Atacama Desert is a natural playground. Giant dunes, salt flats and surreal rock formations invite imaginative adventures, while the clear desert skies make stargazing a real highlight. The Valley of the Moon is a particular favourite – a dramatic, otherworldly setting that feels ready-made for games of lunar landings.

At the other end of the country, Patagonia offers wild landscapes and active days out. Teenagers especially will relish the sense of freedom here, with kayaking, hiking, horse riding and condor spotting all on the cards. Comfortable family lodges provide a warm base after days spent exploring glaciers, forests and remote fjords.

Chile’s central wine country is ideal for slower-paced days. Parents can enjoy tastings and vineyard walks, while many estates offer grape-stomping or garden games to keep younger ones entertained. The scenery here is stunning – rolling hills, wide valleys and colonial-style haciendas that speak to Chile’s rich heritage.

Although Chile is long and distances can be vast, travelling is straightforward. Roads are good, internal flights are efficient, and self-driving holidays give families the freedom to stop and explore at their own rhythm. Everywhere you go, you’ll find Chileans warm, welcoming and proud to share their culture, making it easy to feel at home wherever your journey takes you.