Puerto Montt

Climbing Osorno Volcano is a profoundly humbling exercise in trying not to feel insignificant on an active geological celebrity-think of it as Chile's handsome, snow-capped Brad Pitt, photogenic but occasionally moody. Rising like a perfect iced cupcake from the shores of Lake Llanquihue near the tranquil hamlet of Ensenada, Osorno boasts cinematic vistas, alpine air crisp enough to invigorate the most jaded traveler, and terrain that shifts effortlessly from verdant foothills to stark, moon-like slopes. Show up early-at sunrise, the volcano blushes with spectacular shades of pink and gold, and you'll dodge most selfie-stick herds. Budget around $30-$50 for the cable car if hiking uphill sounds more masochistic than meditative; plan at least a day ahead unless you prefer your adventure sprinkled liberally with chaos. Pack sturdy hiking boots, layers to peel off as the altitude gains, and sunscreen that would earn a nod of approval from an Australian lifeguard. Skiing down Osorno's perfectly symmetrical slopes is particularly surreal, considering Charles Darwin once gazed upon this symmetrical giant and described it as "the most beautiful volcano in the world"-though to be fair, he hadn't seen many. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, a geology nerd, or just chasing epic selfies, ascending Osorno Volcano is one of those experiences worth having-even if it's simply to humblebrag at your next dinner party about skiing down a gorgeous volcano that Darwin himself drooled over.

If you've ever fantasized about channeling your inner explorer-minus the frostbite and dysentery-Pumalin Park is your ruggedly pristine playground. Founded by conservationist and outdoor enthusiast Douglas Tompkins (yes, the same guy who helped outfit your last ill-advised camping trip through Patagonia, courtesy of The North Face), this slice of northern Patagonia is a bewildering cocktail of misty fjords, lush Valdivian rainforests, and pathways that look plucked straight from a Tolkien daydream. Navigate fjords in the brisk morning hours, paddling beneath towering cliffs decked out in emerald greenery and waterfalls that plunge like enthusiastic skydivers into pristine waters below. Plan at least two weeks ahead in peak season (December to February), stash about $30-$50 per day for park fees and basic provisions, and load up your pack with rain gear sturdy enough for a monsoon-this corner of Chile boasts some legendary downpours. Above all, don't forget insect repellent; the native horseflies, locally known as tabanos, can sniff out unsuspecting tourists like ravenous food critics at a soft restaurant opening. Yet, despite its inconvenient rain showers and buzzing local residents, wandering through Pumalin Park is a soul-stirring reminder of nature's reckless grandeur. Do it for the scenery, do it to honor conservation done right, or perhaps do it simply so you have a story worthy of swapping over beers later-one featuring wild fjords, hidden waterfalls, and killer flies that make Iceland's midges look positively adorable.