7 Chile Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten Path in Patagonia, Mapuche Culture, and More with Steph Dyson

Nov 4, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Steph Dyson, a travel journalist and guidebook author with nearly a decade of experience in Latin America, shares her adventures discovering Chile's hidden gems. She highlights breathtaking spots like wild Patagonia and the vibrant culture of Chiloé. Steph discusses meaningful travel, offering tips on hitchhiking the scenic Carretera Austral and visiting Mapuche communities with respect. She also reflects on her transition from teaching to travel, tackling safety myths about Latin America while promoting sustainable tourism.

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ANECDOTE

From Teacher To Long-Term Latin America Life

Steph left a teaching career in England at 26 and booked a one-way flight to Bolivia on a whim in 2014.
That year turned into almost 11 years living and working across Latin America, including three years in Chile.

INSIGHT

Safety Is Contextual; Language Helps

Travel safety is local and contextual; every country has dangerous and safe areas.
Learning basic Spanish increases safety and access to local warnings and help, Steph emphasizes.

INSIGHT

Avoid Parachute Journalism

Good guidebook writing needs long-term presence to avoid parachute journalism and superficial takes.
Steph values deep local knowledge and repeated visits to fairly represent places.

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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:

How a burned-out teacher bought a one-way ticket to Bolivia and ended up building a new life across Latin America
What makes the Carretera Austral a must‑visit, and why she recommends you hitchhike
How Chile’s wine valleys offer cultural and culinary depth beyond the typical vineyard experience
How the Mapuche people in the south of Chile maintain ancient traditions, and how travellers can engage respectfully
How to choose when to travel in Patagonia to avoid crowds and still get wild‑land experiences
How to climb a volcano near Pucón and what to expect (terrain, season, logistics)
Why a remote island like Chiloé delivers cultural and natural surprises that few visit
Advice for budget mid‑range travellers in Chile: transport, accommodation, local costs, and how to balance comfort with adventure
And so much more

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