One of the most rewarding, unusual and quite inexpensive activities is to see the Andes from above in a glider. The small planes are hauled in the air by a propellor plane, after which your pilot will navigate using ascending air. The pilots are more than happy to take you on an aerial tour of Santiago, surrounding valleys and the Andes. During the weekend you might be lucky enough to fly with local legend Don Alejo, a very sympathetic man and the only person who crossed the Andes in a glider (in 1964!). Expect some fabulous views over Santiago and the cordillera, where you can see silver streams cutting through the barren landscape. If lucky, the occasional condor or eagle will accompany you on your flight, or you can take control of the glider yourself.