Visiting Chile in March

As shoulder season begins, it’s still a good time for a holiday in Chile – especially if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds. Patagonia is quieter and you can expect the weather to be rainier, but you’ll also find the first autumn colours appearing in the north of the region, along the Carretera Austral. The winds also drop, so if you’re happy to brave the cooler temperatures, with highs of around 11-13C, it’s still a good time for hikers in Torres del Paine – do go well prepared for more challenging treks as the weather can be unpredictable by this point of the year – or to visit Punta Arenas at the ‘end of the world’. And it’s the last chance to spot penguins on Chiloé before next spring.

Temperatures are dropping in Santiago de Chile as well, although you can still expect it to be hot at the start of the month and always pleasantly warm to explore the capital. If it gets too hot, head to the coast at vibrant Valparaiso, to take a funicular to its higgledy piggledy hilltop houses or head down to the seafront.

It’s one of the best months to explore the Lake District and the central winelands, as harvest time arrives across Chile with a series of festivals and the autumn leaves turn a riot of golds and reds. Further north in the Atacama desert, it’s still pleasantly warm to explore during the day though cooler at night, and you’ll have to share sights like the geysers at San Pedro de Atacama, and the salt flats, with few others.

March also signals the end of high season in Easter Island, with the crowds beginning to thin here as well.

Festivals: The grape harvesting festivals, or Vendimias, are well underway this month – some may begin in late February and you’ll find festivals across the winelands, but one of the oldest takes place in Curico, with a stomping competition, parade and ceremonial blessing.

The Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo, Chile’s biggest rodeo event, takes place this month (or early April) in Rancagua, with some of the country’s best riders competing.

Best for: Escaping the crowds, Santiago de Chile, the winelands