Sustainable Travel in Chile

Responsible Tourism

Chile has some of the most sensitive ecosystems in the world — from the hyper-arid Atacama to the glaciers of Patagonia. As travelers, we have the responsibility to preserve these natural wonders for future generations.

Dos & Don'ts

• Leave No Trace: Especially in Torres del Paine and the Atacama. Take ALL trash with you — even biodegradable (nothing decomposes in the Atacama, in Patagonia it takes decades)
• Stay on the Paths: In the Atacama, the salt crust is extremely fragile — a footprint is visible for millennia. Shortcuts in the national park are penalized
• No Fires: Open fires are strictly prohibited in Torres del Paine since the devastating fire of 2011/2012 (which destroyed 12,500 hectares). Use stoves only in designated areas
• Save Water: Water is precious in the Atacama — take short showers, drink tap water instead of buying plastic bottles
• Local Providers: Book tours with local Chilean agencies instead of international corporations — the money stays in the community
• Respect Mapuche Culture: Always ask for permission before photographing people. Visit Mapuche communities only if they offer tourism themselves

Chile's Conservation Revolution

In recent years, Chile has undergone a remarkable conservation turnaround: The foundation of Douglas and Kristine Tompkins (founders of The North Face and Esprit) has purchased over 800,000 hectares of land in Patagonia and donated it to the Chilean state as national parks — including the Parque Pumalín and the Ruta de los Parques (Route of the Parks), which connects 17 national parks over 2,800 km. It is the largest private land donation in history.