We asked two writers to sing the praises of their preferred southern South American country. Deciding between Chile and Argentina? Read on.
But as you follow the snow-capped peaks descending from high desert to windy Patagonian moors, which side of the Andes should you stick to?
Chile is a total eclipse of the heart
The author of dozens of travel guides first traveled to Chile 20 years ago and was immediately smitten by its sky-high Andes, puffing volcanoes, glaciers, fjords, and surf-smashed Pacific coast.
Extending a slender leg between the Pacific Ocean and the snow-frosted Andes, Chile is the world’s longest and skinniest country from north to south. Back then, I rocked up with a backpack, a well-thumbed guidebook, an open-ended ticket, and a burning desire to see everything South America could offer. A fistful of pesos bought me an empanada, a night in a bare-bones hostel, and a front-row view of the Andes.
Chile gave me lots of firsts: glacier hikes, volcano climbs, pisco sours, and penguins in the wild. Altitude sickness (in the Andes) and seasickness (in Patagonia) were also experiences I endured. Chile became my first South American love – a springboard for a lifetime of adventures.
Argentina is much hyped; a country that loudly boasts about its charms like football, tango, juicy steaks, and sizzling Buenos Aires. However, Chile? Unless you’ve been there, it’s an unopened book.
Carrying itself with quiet confidence, Chile keeps its mystique intact. Its cities are as elegant as those in Argentina, and its people are similarly passionate. The Indigenous culture of the Mapuche in La Araucanía is deeply rooted and tangible. Moreover, it boasts mummies far older than those found in Egypt. However, you probably haven’t heard of them, as Chile isn’t one to brag.
Extending for almost 2700 miles from top to toe, Chile is wildly diverse in climate and geography. In just a couple of weeks, you can sand-board epic dunes in the driest place on Earth (the remote, otherworldly Atacama Desert) and gaze up at towering snow-frosted mountains. You can surf Pacific breaks, hike volcanoes, boat across fjords, bubble in hot springs, and walk on glaciers that ripple into infinity.
Magic moments are too many to count. From traveling over the llama-filled altiplano to San Pedro de Atacama, where you bike across the sun-scorched, moon-like landscapes, every sight is breathtaking. The rusty rock formations, dunes, and sunsets are unlike anything else in the world.
But my journey didn’t stop there.
In the south, I explored surf-bashed Pacific beaches, Valle Central wine country, and the breathtaking volcanoes. The Navimag ferry took me through a great fretwork of fjords, glimpsing dolphins and whales. In Patagonia, I hiked the famous W trek in Torres del Paine, camping next to icebergs and experiencing gale-force winds while marveling at the stunning scenery.
Chilean poet Pablo Neruda once said, “He who does not know the Chilean forests does not know the planet.” He was right: nature displays its magnificence here, with landscapes that tug at the heartstrings.
Argentina delivers world-renowned colors and culture
Luke Waterson has spent months traveling Argentina, from Salta’s multi-colored desert through Buenos Aires’ tango-drenched barrios down to Tierra del Fuego’s moody mountain-edged coast.
Where South America tapers out toward Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost land before Antarctica, Argentina and Chile are familiar with friendly rivalry. The two share the world’s third-longest international land border, which leads to occasional neighborly tensions. Nonetheless, both countries possess numerous shared qualities and stunning natural beauty that make choosing between them surprisingly tough.
As I did on my first visit, you may well arrive in this part overland. Although differences exist, it is the similarities that resonate more strongly for those familiar with the continent.
Popular spots like San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile share similarities with Argentina’s Salta, especially regarding Indigenous visibility and unique scenery. Towns in Patagonia, regardless of which country, exhibit a similar charm. Both nations offer stunning landscapes, yet Argentina boasts some notable distinctions, such as the highest peak, Aconcagua, and the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, both located within its borders.
Food, however, often tips the balance in Argentina’s favor. Enjoy a juicy steak topped with chimichurri sauce or a delightful alfajor. The culinary landscape of Argentina delivers a vibrant array of flavors that entice international visitors. In contrast, Chile’s food scene lacks the same iconic dishes that attract travelers from afar.
Both nations also have rich wine regions, contributing to an impressive selection of wines. Yet, Argentina is recognized for its unique varietals, notably malbec and torrontés, providing distinctly recognizable tastes that have gained international acclaim.
Argentina possesses an intense color and cultural depth that resonates globally. Names like Che Guevara, Eva Perón, and Diego Maradona are synonymous with Argentina, while Chile’s identity feels less pronounced. The vibrancy of Buenos Aires – its café culture, delicious meals, and robust nightlife – makes it shine in comparison to other cities. There’s no denying that the tango beats of Argentina carry a unique allure.
Consequently, it’s clear why both countries are captivating in their own unique ways. Embrace the diverse landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable experiences that await in both Chile and Argentina.
