7 Chile Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten Path in Patagonia, Mapuche Culture, and More with Steph Dyson
Zero To Travel Podcast
Hitchhiking the Carretera Austral
Steph introduces the Carretera Austral, why she recommends hitchhiking, and what the experience reveals about remote Patagonian life.
Want to explore volcanoes, wine valleys, remote wilderness, and vibrant indigenous cultures, all in one country? Why not make Chile your next adventure?
Steph Dyson is a travel journalist, guidebook author, and founder of the website Worldly Adventurer. She has spent nearly a decade living and travelling across Latin America, including three years in Chile, and is the author of Moon Chile With Patagonia & Rapa Nui (Easter Island).
In today’s episode, we explore Chile’s incredible geographic and cultural diversity through seven hidden‑gem destinations, with stories and advice for exploring them responsibly.
Steph breaks down her favorite hidden corners of Chile, from wild Patagonia to volcano climbs, ancient mummies, and the vibrant island culture of Chiloé. You’ll hear tips for hitchhiking the Carretera Austral, visiting Indigenous communities with cultural respect, and building a flexible mid-range travel budget in Chile. We also talk about how to approach destinations more consciously as travelers, not just tourists.
Plus, you're going to hear Part 2 of the Best in Travel Tech series!
What’s the one hidden gem you’ve discovered in your travels (or want to discover) that changed how you think about a place? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
Tune In To Learn:
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How a burned-out teacher bought a one-way ticket to Bolivia and ended up building a new life across Latin America
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What makes the Carretera Austral a must‑visit, and why she recommends you hitchhike
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How Chile’s wine valleys offer cultural and culinary depth beyond the typical vineyard experience
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How the Mapuche people in the south of Chile maintain ancient traditions, and how travellers can engage respectfully
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How to choose when to travel in Patagonia to avoid crowds and still get wild‑land experiences
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How to climb a volcano near Pucón and what to expect (terrain, season, logistics)
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Why a remote island like Chiloé delivers cultural and natural surprises that few visit
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Advice for budget mid‑range travellers in Chile: transport, accommodation, local costs, and how to balance comfort with adventure
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And so much more
Resources:
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