3 tourist attractions of chile

16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Chile

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Nov 26, 2021

Boasting one of the planet's most diverse landscapes, Chile has in recent years become an increasingly popular travel destination, particularly among nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here in this long, narrow nation on the west coast of South America, travelers will find an array of stunning sightseeing opportunities, from the tall peaks of the Andes and endless beaches to lush temperate forests, ancient volcanoes, and a dramatic coastline such as that found at Cape Horn .

Chile is also blessed with an abundance of superb national parks and conservation areas , many of them popular destinations for those into trekking and hiking , as well as those who enjoy adventurous things to do such as climbing, river rafting, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

But Chile is not without its cultural attractions, too, with cities such as the capital of Santiago offering many fine museums and art galleries, and stunning Easter Island with its famous stone figures. Whatever your travel preferences, you'll find no shortage of beautiful places to visit and photograph in Chile .

To ensure you see the best points of interest in this amazing South American country, be sure to read our list of the top things to do on Chile.

1. Torres Del Paine National Park

2. valle de la luna and the atacama desert, 3. easter island & rapa nui national park, 4. santiago: chile's cultural capital, 5. the chilean lake district, 6. cape horn, 7. valparaíso, 8. lauca national park, 9. pumalín park, 10. los pingüinos natural monument, 11. the humberstone and santa laura saltpeter works, 12. chiloé island & chiloé national park, 13. valle nevado, 14. mylodon cave natural monument, 15. cochamó valley, 16. vicente pérez rosales national park.

One of Chile's most important natural areas and an increasingly popular travel destination is the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park. Situated more than 100 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Natales in southern Patagonia, this stunningly beautiful area encompasses mountains, glaciers, and countless lakes and rivers.

The most important region of the park is the Cordillera del Paine , an area that marks the transition from the Patagonia steppe to the subpolar forests of the north. Perhaps the most notable of its many wonderful features are the three 2,850-meter-tall granite peaks of the Paine Massif, which dominate this already breathtaking scenery.

Hiking is one of the park's most popular activities, with numerous well-marked trails, many offering overnight shelters (refugios) with the basics needed for longer treks that circle the mountains. If you're planning on anything more than a day's hiking, professional guides are recommended and, in some areas, mandatory.

One of the top guided tours of the park is the five-day W Trek , one of the top hikes in Patagonia . This 71-kilometer route takes in some of the top points of interest in Patagonia, including the massive Glacier Grey and the mountains of Paine Grande.

Address: Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region

Official site: www.torresdelpaine.com/ingles/

Valle de la Luna, which literally translates as "Valley of the Moon," lies 13 kilometers west of San Pedro de Atacama at the north end of the country, near its border with Bolivia. It can be accessed via well-marked bike trails, tour buses, or self-drive car rentals.

This rugged, inhospitable looking landscape in the heart of the Atacama Desert attracts many visitors for its eerie resemblance to the surface of the moon, an effect caused by the erosion of its sand and stone features by wind and water over countless millennia. Despite its remoteness, though, this surprisingly beautiful landscape has sustained life for centuries, both human as well as that of numerous species of flora and fauna.

Among its most interesting features are its dry lake beds-this is, after all, one of the driest places on the planet-which are dazzlingly white due to deposited salt, and prone to producing fascinating natural saline outcrops.

Other notable features of the Atacama Desert are the region's many caverns, some containing evidence of pictographs created by early man and where some of the world's oldest mummies, preserved by the area's aridity, were found. The most famous of these, the Chinchorro mummies, are now on display at the archaeological museum in San Miguel de Azapa.

Also of interest is the Laguna Cejar sinkhole, famous for its turquoise water.

Address: San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region

First visited by Europeans in 1722, the magnificent yet remote Easter Island – so named by a Dutch Explorer who first set eyes on it on Easter Sunday – has been inhabited for thousands of years by Polynesians. Despite being more than 3,500 kilometers away from mainland Chile, this fascinating island with its remarkable stone sculptures remains the country's most recognizable attraction.

All told, 887 of these statues, known as Moai – created by the island's early Rapa Nui population – have been identified, most of them now protected by Rapa Nui National Park (the island itself has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The most impressive collection is at Ahu Tongariki where 15 of them have been re-erected on the island's largest Moai platform, or "ahu."

Rapa Nui is also where you'll find one of the country's best beaches, Anakena . This beautiful yet short stretch of white coral sand is the perfect spot for a break from hiking.

Also of interest are the many "hare paenga" ruins near ahu sites consisting of stones that once formed the foundation of boat-shaped houses. Other highlights include the Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum in Hanga Roa , the island's main community, notable for its exhibits relating to the history of the Polynesian islanders and their traditions.

Hot Tip: Visiting Easter Island is best done as part of a Chilean vacation, with regular flights available from Santiago or Tahiti. Flight times are approximately five hours, so expect to stay at least a couple of days.

Read More: Most Beautiful Islands in the South Pacific

Santiago is not only the financial and business capital of Chile, it also serves as the country's cultural and entertainment center. Consequently, it's home to endless fun things to do, including visiting its best museums and galleries, along with excellent shopping, dining, and hotel options.

Centrally located and the country's main transportation hub, Santiago is where most visitors begin their Chilean travels before heading to the Andes or other areas of outstanding natural beauty, such as Easter Island. The smartest travelers, though, will allow time in their Chile travel itinerary to get to know Santiago.

Founded in 1541 and relatively crowd-free, the city features points of interest such as the Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda , a state-of-the-art cultural center occupying part of the impressive Palacio de la Moneda, and the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes). Established in the 1880s, it focuses on Chilean artists, and boasts a large permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, and photos.

Other must-sees are the excellent Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino), featuring collections relating to the country's native people, and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights (Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos). The latter commemorates those who suffered under the Pinochet regime.

A highlight of any visit to Santiago is taking the aerial tramway to San Cristóbal Hill for its stunning views over this most hospitable of cities. There are also some interesting attractions here, including an observatory, a 22-meter-tall statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and an amphitheater.

Be sure to also spend time enjoying Santiago Metropolitan Park (Parque Metropolitano de Santiago), a huge urban green space. Here, you'll find a botanical garden, the Chilean National Zoo, and a funicular railway.

Stretching for more than 330 kilometers from Temuco to Puerto Montt and resembling the alpine regions of Europe, the Chilean Lake District (Zona Sur) is well worth exploring. Like its alpine cousin, this beautiful region of the Andean foothills boasts rich farmland at the base of its many snowcapped volcanoes, ringed by thick forests and the kind of deep lakes that water sports enthusiasts drool over.

And the connection to Europe doesn't end here. After the forced resettlement of the region's indigenous people, the Mapuche , farmers from Switzerland, Austria, and Germany arrived, bringing with them aspects of their own culture that can still be seen in the architecture of towns like Osorno and Valdivia, as well as in the region's customs and festivals.

For adventure seekers, a typical Chilean Lake District itinerary includes endless hiking and biking potential, along with other fun activities such as volcano climbing; white water rafting; kayaking; canoeing; horseback riding; and, come winter, skiing. Road trips to the region are also extremely popular.

Considered something of a Holy Grail for travelers – and the equivalent of Mount Everest for yachting types – Cape Horn is, if you can get here, well worth the effort, if not the bragging rights.

The last stop before Antarctica and the world's southernmost tip, Cape Horn has for centuries been known as a sailor's graveyard for its remoteness, its hazardous coastline, and the rough seas that prevail here. While less important as a trade route now thanks to the Panama Canal, it has seen an increase in popularity among serious sailing enthusiasts, and features in a number of exciting races.

For the rest of us, it can, with careful planning, still be visited. There are, however, only a few ways to get to Cape Horn (apart from having your own yacht, of course). An increasingly popular option is via helicopter from the Chilean town of Puerto Toro. A day-long adventure, it can be expensive, so you may want to seek travel companions on the adventure. Alternatively, charter sailboats can get you here, but it's a long haul and often rough.

Cruise ships are, perhaps, the best option. A number of cruises in fact pass by Cape Horn on their way to Antarctica and will, weather and seas permitting, stop here for an hour. Passengers disembark via inflatable boats, so this part of the journey can be rough, too.

Once ashore, passengers can make the short cliff-top climb to what is perhaps the ultimate tourist selfie spot: the Cape Horn Memorial Sculpture. This breathtaking monument and its incredible views welcome you to the bottom of the world.

Chile's third largest city, Valparaíso, is nestled between the sea and the coastal mountain range about 112 kilometers northwest of Santiago and makes for an excellent day trip. As popular for its many old cobbled streets and unique architecture as it is for its lovely harbor and beaches, the city offers a great deal of fun things to do.

Many tourist attractions focus on the country's rich maritime heritage, including Lord Cochrane's Museum (Museo Lord Cochrane), located in a lovely old colonial home built in 1842. Another must-visit tourist attraction is the superb Naval and Maritime Museum (Museo Naval Y Maritimo) with its displays dealing with the War of the Pacific of 1879 between Chile and allied Peru and Bolivia, with particular emphasis on the contributions of Chile's war heroes.

A related attraction is the Ironclad Huáscar located in the Port of Talcahuano , some 600 kilometers south of Santiago. Talcahuano's beautiful harbor – home to Chile's navy – is the base for this immaculately restored historic vessel built in 1865 in Britain and one of the only surviving such battleships of her kind.

Located in the far north of Chile, just 140 kilometers east of the city of Arica, Lauca National Park (Parque Nacional Lauca) covers an area of 1,300 square kilometers and consists largely of high plains and mountain ranges, many of the latter comprised of large volcanoes.

Highlights include hiking around its many pristine mountain lakes, most notably Cotacotani and Chungara, which reflect the scenery around them to stunning effect. The park also features a number of important archaeological sites, as well as evidence of the early European settlers who left their mark in the region's many fine old colonial churches and buildings.

It's also especially popular for bird-watchers and is home to more than 140 species, including Andean geese, crested ducks, Chilean flamingos, and the massive Andean condor. Another beautiful area popular with nature lovers is Conguillío National Park (Parque Nacional Conguillío), also in the Araucanía Region of the Andes.

Address: Putre, Arica y Parinacota Region

Although only established as a nature sanctuary in 2005, Pumalín Park has become one of Chile's most important and popular conservation areas. Covering a vast area of more than 988,000 acres stretching from the Andes to the Pacific, the area boasts some of the country's most pristine coastline and forests and is notable for being almost entirely untouched by human development.

In addition to protecting the area's rich flora and fauna, including the Alerce, the world's oldest tree species, the park is easily accessible to visitors and provides one of the country's best wilderness experiences. It's owned and operated by the US-based Conservation Land Trust.

Thanks to its extensive network of trails, campgrounds, and visitor facilities, Pumalín Park is a delight to explore, whether for a short nature hike or as part of a longer ecotourism adventure. These often include a stay at rustic cabin-style accommodations overlooking one of the world's most beautiful, unspoiled backdrops.

Address: Sector Río Amarillo S/N Chaitén, Chaiten, Chaitén, Región de los Lagos

Official site: www.parquepumalin.cl/en/index.htm

In addition to its national parks, more of Chile's important conservation efforts can be seen in its many natural monuments. One of the most popular is Los Pingüinos Natural Monument (Monumento natural Los Pingüinos), just 35 kilometers northeast of the city of Punta Arenas at the southern tip of the island and incorporating the beautiful Magdalena and Marta Islands .

As its name suggests (pingüinos is Spanish for penguins), the monument is home to one of Chile's largest penguin colonies, consisting of some 60,000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguins. Accessible only by guided boat tours, the islands are also home to large colonies of seals and sea lions.

Another of Chile's important natural monuments is El Morado , an easy drive from Santiago and site of the San Francisco Glacier and the 4,674-meter-tall Cerro El Morado mountain.

Address: Punta Arenas, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region

Situated near the northern port city of Iquique in the remote Pampa Desert and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, this fascinating ghost town was once home to a bustling community.

For more than 60 years from about 1880, thousands of Chilean, Bolivian, and Peruvian workers toiled in the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (Salitreras Humberstone y Santa Laura), a hostile environment that included some 200 saltpeter mines. In the process, these workers formed a distinct culture and way of life that has been preserved here.

Although derelict since 1960, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into the tough conditions faced by these "pampinos," with many of the site's larger structures still standing and able to be explored. Professional guides are recommended given the area's remoteness and harsh climate.

Address: km 47 A-16, Pozo Almonte, Región de Tarapacá

Situated on Chiloé Island, the country's second largest island, Chiloé National Park is well worth adding to your travel itinerary. While not as rugged as the majority of the country's most striking scenery, Chiloé Island is nevertheless quite unique.

In places, it looks not unlike the kind of rural topography you'd expect to find in parts of Europe – Germany immediately springs to mind – and it's a delight to explore.

In addition to the island's numerous old iconic wooden churches, remnants of the communities established by Jesuit missionaries who settled here in the 1600s, you'll see plenty of attractive, colorful old homes. Known as "palafitos," they snuggle along the shoreline in places and are raised out of the water on stilts. Many of the island's old churches, too, are painted brightly and should be visited.

Chiloé National Park itself has become increasingly popular among tourists in recent years. A highlight of a visit to this area of outstanding natural beauty is the chance to observe wildlife as diverse as blue whales and dolphins (sightseeing excursions are available), and the large penguin breeding grounds on the nearby Islotes de Puñihuil Natural Monument . Available adventures include sea kayaking, hiking, and eco-tourism.

Address: Los Lagos Region

Once a well-kept secret, the fact that Chile is home to some of the world's best skiing is now common knowledge among skiers. By far the most popular ski area in South America, the Valle Nevado (Snowy Valley) resort region in the El Plomo foothills of the Andes is well-served by public transit from the country's capital of Santiago, located just 46 kilometers west of the slopes. Established in 1988, the ski resort covers a vast area and has grown rapidly in the time since.

Boasting mostly clear skies and great snow thanks to its high elevation 3,000 meters above sea level. It's skiable 112 days a year, and the resort features 37 trails and 11 lifts. It's as popular with beginner families as it is with seasoned skiers and snowboarders.

In addition to its three hotels, a variety of rental chalets and condos are available, suitable for short and long stays, and the resort also features eight restaurants. A snow school is located on-site, along with a ski shop and a tour company featuring heli-skiing adventures. Other notable Chilean ski resorts close to Santiago include La Parva and El Colorado .

Address: Avenida Vitacura 5250 of. 304, Vitacura, Región Metropolitana

Official site: https://vallenevado.com/en/

As popular with sightseers as it is with nature lovers, the Mylodon Cave Natural Monument (El Monumento Natural Cueva del Milodón) is situated in the heart of the Patagonia area of Chile a short distance from Puerto Natales.

Highlights of this fascinating natural wonder – part of the popular End of the World scenic drive – include a number of easy-to-access caves set around a formidable rock formation known as the Devil's Chair ( Silla del Diablo ).

The main cave, known as the Milodón Cave , was where, in 1895, the well-preserved remains of a prehistoric Mylodon were discovered (a tall statue of this long-extinct creature marks the spot where the discovery was made), along with remnants of other ancient animals and even human bones.

This impressive cave is some 200 meters deep, and it's fun to explore. If you've got time, take the marked trail that leads to the top of the cave, where you'll enjoy spectacular views over the nearby Eberhard fjord.

Other fun things to do include exploring the park's many other hiking trails, which include a number of raised sections at tree height that are fun to walk.

Address: Y-290 8, Natales, Región de Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena

Official site: http://cuevadelmilodon.cl/en/index.php

Known as the "Yosemite of Chile," the beautiful Cochamó Valley region of Chile is a delightful area to explore. Situated in the Los Lagos region of the Andes and named after the Cochamó river, it's a region that, like Yosemite, has become extremely popular among hikers and rock climbers, the latter drawn here for the chance to tackle its many 1,000-meter-plus granite walls.

Hikers, for their part, can choose from a variety of trails of varying degrees of difficulty, most of them taking you directly to popular sightseeing spots. These include the many beautiful waterfalls that dot the region.

You'll definitely want to tackle the 10-kilometer-long "Cowboy Trail," so named for its 100-plus-year history as a cattle trail (it was also used by the infamous bank robbers, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, after fleeing the US). This fun six-hour hike starts in the village of Cochamó and leads to La Junta, a rocky outpost with a number of campsites should you wish to bed down for the night.

In addition to the varied flora and fauna here, people are also drawn for the great fly fishing.

Established in 1926 and the first of the country's now numerous national parks, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park (Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales) is located in the heart of the Chilean Lake District, and provides the perfect excuse to at least get a taster of this beautiful region.

Easily accessible from the city of Puerto Montt , the big tourist attraction here is the spectacular Petrohué Falls (Saltos del Petrohué). Here, the fast flowing Petrohué River plummets down a volcanic rock chute to Todos los Santos Lake, an especially impressive sight during the rainy season. After descending the falls and rapids, the water settles in the crystal clear lake, a popular fishing and bird-watching spot.

The area is also known for its diverse wildlife, including deer and pumas, as well as its thermal springs. Add to this picture-perfect location a backdrop of snowcapped volcanos, and you've got the perfect selfie spot to snap that memento of your vacation in Chile.

Address: Puerto Varas, Los Lagos Region

More on Chile

Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Chile: A Complete Guide

Top attractions in chile: a journey through diverse landscapes, torres del paine national park.

• Atacama Desert

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Valparaíso

Marble caves, chiloé island.

• Lake District

Colchagua Valley

Get ready for chile, want to go, chile travel guide.

• All Chile Trips
• Chile Weather
• Best Treks in South America
• Culture of Chile
• Trekking & Hiking in Chile
• Luxury Chile Tours & Cruises
• Antarctica Fly + Cruise
• Torres del Paine
• Punta Arenas
• Chile Cruises
• Chile Wine Tasting Tours

Favorite Chile All Trips

• Rapa Nui Private Adventure
• Classic W Trek
• High Deserts of Bolivia & Chile
• Patagonia Wildlife Safari
• Torres del Paine Multisport
• Antarctica Express Air Cruise

Top Chile Travel Destinations

• Ainsworth Bay
• Easter Island
• Magdalena Island
• Puerto Montt
• Puerto Natales
• Puerto Varas
• South America

Chile Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 Chile trips (84)
• 2025 Chile trips (80)
• 2026 Chile trips (48)
• October 2024 (62)
• November 2024 (67)
• December 2024 (70)
• January 2025 (67)
• February 2025 (65)
• March 2025 (65)
• April 2025 (44)
• February 2026 (42)
• March 2026 (42)

Top Experiences in Chile

• Chile Land Tours (47)
• Chile Cruises (34)
• Chile Wildlife & Safari Exploration (25)
• Chile Active (24)
• Chile Luxury (12)
• Chile Trekking (11)
• Chile Cultural (10)
• Chile Most Popular (8)
• Chile Family (6)
• Chile Solo Travel (5)

Chile Trips by Duration

• 5 day trips (24)
• 6 day trips (10)
• 7 day trips (6)
• 8 day trips (10)
• 9 day trips (10)
• 10 day trips (3)
• 12 day trips (5)
• 13 day trips (4)
• 15 day trips (4)
• 17 day trips (4)
• 18 day trips (3)

Chile Trips by Activity

• Chile wildlife viewing (54)
• Chile hiking (40)
• Chile small ship cruises (31)
• Chile kayaking (24)
• Chile horseback riding (17)
• Chile adventure options (16)
• Chile whale watching (15)
• Chile camping (14)
• Chile village visits (10)
• Chile wilderness lodge exploration (9)
• Chile wine tasting (8)
• Chile biking (8)
• Chile whitewater rafting (8)
• Chile fly cruises (6)
• Chile fishing (6)
• Chile land & sea exploration (6)
• Chile spa relaxation (6)
• Chile archaeological site visits (6)
• Chile snorkeling (5)
• Chile urban exploration (5)
• Chile photography seminars (3)
• Chile skiing (3)
• Chile local market visits (3)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

• South America
• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

20 Must-Visit Attractions in Chile

With some 2,600 miles (4,300 kilometers) separating the southern tip of Patagonia from the northern border of Peru, Chile has a myriad of worthwhile attractions across a variety of geographical zones. Starting from the south, let’s work our way north on a tour of Chile’s 20 best tourist destinations.

1. isla magdalena.

Got a thing for penguins? Then look no further than Isla Magdalena, located just off the coast of Punta Arenas. Hundreds of the cute little critters can be seen up close and personal as they waddle around and huddle up together.

Isla Magdalena, Chile

A penguin in Isla Magdalena| © Jose Luis Hidalgo R. / Flickr

2. Torres del Paine

3. Villa O'Higgins to Argentina

5. Carretera Austral

A very long stretch of isolated gravel road, cruising down the Carretera Austral is the quintessential off-the-beaten-track experience. There are heaps of national parks, hiking trails and campsites to stop off at along the way.

Carretera Austral, Chile

Ruta 7, Carretera Austral, Hornopirén. | © Fernando Valenzuela / Flickr

It seems to rain every day on this mystical green island in northern Patagonia. But don’t worry because there are plenty of amazing UNESCO churches and exciting boating expeditions to make up for it.

Chiloé, Los Lagos Region, Chile

Isla Mechuque, Chiloé | © Tetraigofotos / Flickr

7. Easter Island

Just a few thousand miles offshore lies one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands. Easter Island is most famous for its mysterious Moai statues , but it’s got plenty of great scenery and fascinating indigenous culture as well.

Easter Island, Valparaiso Region, Chile

Moai statues on Easter Island | © myeviajes / Pixabay

8. Puerto Varas

A charming little German settlement with a distinctly European feel, Puerto Varas is set around a beautiful lake and has numerous nearby waterfalls, volcanoes, and forests to explore.

Puerto Varas, Los Lagos Region, Chile

Puerto Varas | © Murray Foubister / Flickr

9. Valdivia

This quaint little student town boasts stunning natural surroundings, a vibrant cultural scene, and a busy fish market right on the lake where sea lions hang out to gobble up any leftover scraps.

Valdivia, Los Ríos Region, Chile

Valdivia | © Pablo Meneses / Flickr

One of the most pleasant towns in the Chilean Lake District, Pucón gets a lot of love for its numerous outdoor adventure activities and the chilled lakeside atmosphere.

Pucón, Araucania, Chile

Playa Negra, Pucón, Chile | © Carlos Adampol Galindo / Flickr

11. Volcano Villarica

Those with the energy and bravado should consider scaling Villarica, the mammoth volcano that towers over Pucón. It requires a strenuous eight-hour climb with crampons and ice picks, but the views from the top are so worth it.

Volcano Villarica, Panguipulli, Los Ríos Region, Chile

Villarica | © Omar Burgos / Flickr

12. Santiago

No trip to Chile would be complete without a stopover in the enormous ciudad capital . Peruse some amazing museums , splurge on world-class fine dining , or just enjoy a few drinks with newfound friends in one of South America’s most exciting cities.

Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile

Santiago | © sergom5 / Pixabay

13. Valparaiso

This trendy little seaport town has earned the reputation of being a true bohemian paradise. With jaw-dropping street art adorning almost every wall, Valparaiso is the place to be for hip young millennials.

Valparaiso, Valparaiso Region, Chile

Valparaiso, Chile | © amira_a / Flickr

The wine regions

Most of Chile’s wine is produced within just a few hours’ drive of Santiago. Throughout the region , a huge number of world-class vineyards offer wine tasting tours where a copious amount of vino is liberally dispersed among thirsty travelers. Salud!

14. La Serena

Heading north of the capital now, and the first place worth stopping is the pleasant seaside town of La Serena. Head for nearby Islas Damas to hike, swim or snorkel among adorable penguins and sea lions.

La Serena, Coquimbo Region, Chile

Islas Damas | © Gernot Ruthofer / Flickr

15. Elqui Valley

A few hours inland from La Serena lies the tranquil Elqui Valley, Chile’s major pisco -producing region. Apart from indulging in the local produce, there are valleys to explore and some spectacular stargazing opportunities on offer.

Elqui Valley, Chile

Elqui Valley | © Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr

16. San Pedro de Atacama

It’s a long way north to San Pedro de Atacama, a small town in the middle of the desert that serves as the main tourism hub for this remarkable region . Visit steaming hot geysers, bizarre rock formations, and high altitude lagoons surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes.

San Pedro de Atacama, Coquimbo, Región de Coquimbo, Chile

San Pedro de Atacama | © poLiMetralleta / Pixabay

17. Chuquicamata

Go on a tour of Chuquicamata, one of the world’s biggest open-pit copper mines. The free guided tour (these people make so much money that they don’t bother to charge) lasts several hours and provides a fascinating insight into the scale of this lucrative industry.

Chuquicamata, Calama, Antofagasta Region, Chile

Chuquicamata copper mine, Calama, Chile | © Peter Collins / Flickr

18. Iquique

Fancy a beach break? Then check out Chile’s most happening seaside resort, which is brimming with revelers during holiday periods. For something different, the nearby ghost towns of Humberstone and Santa Laura give an intriguing insight into what life was like back in the 19th century.

Iquique, Tarapacá Region, Chile

Humberstone | © Tefy fd / WikiCommons

The end of the road, or the beginning of your coming from Peru, Arica has a pleasant surfable beach, some lovely colonial architecture, and a great mirador with a war museum that overlooks the coast.

Arica, Arica y Parinacota Region, Chile

Arica | © Capablazab / WikiCommons

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Places to Stay

The best hotels in la serena, chile, for every traveler.

The Unstoppable Rise of Mon Laferte: An Interview With the Chilean Musician

Hotels in Chile Where You Can Sleep Under the Stars

The Best Hotels in Punta Arenas, Chile

Health & Wellness

Enhancing wellbeing in nature: five of the world's best national parks.

The Best Hotels to Book in Puerto Natales, Chile

Guides & Tips

Stay curious: experience chile from your living room.

5 Chilean Musicians Shaping a New Urban Scene

Chilean Artists Remember Victims of Dictatorship Through Virtual Portraits

The Best Resorts to Book in Chile

See & Do

Explore puerto williams: the earth’s southernmost city.

Meet the Young Female Scientist From Chile Who Discovered Three Planets

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1360436
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Things to Do in Santiago

Must-Try Food

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports in Chile

Best Santiago Hotels

One-Week Itinerary for Chile

Best Places to Visit in Chile

Beach Destinations

Top National Parks

Guide to Chilean Patagonia

Guide to Valparaiso

Guide to Vina del Mar

Best Wineries in Chile

Things to Do in Chile

The 20 Best Things to Do in Chile

Ah, Chile. Where else can you see both desert and glacier, walk at the end of the world, and bathe in thermal waters? Lovers of astronomy, wine, art, and epic road trips come to this country to gaze up at its unparalleled night skies, sip in its vineyards, admire its unorthodox churches, and drive routes that wind through rainforest and volcanoes. Whether you want to hike the Andes, kayak or walk through fantastic geological sites, or simply soak up the healing energy of its valleys, Chile contains worlds within it for all varieties of interests.

Hike in Torres del Paine

Piriya Photography / Getty Images

Torres del Paine National Park contains magnificent water falls, horn-shaped peaks, emerald lakes, and roaming herds of guanacos in grasslands. Totally immerse yourself in the park by hiking the full circuit trek. Known lovingly as the “O,” it takes six to eight days for hikers to make a giant circle around the park. For those wanting a similar experience but less of a time commitment, the “W” trail is part of the “O” and takes only four to five days. See Grey Glacier on this hike or climb it by booking with a company that can provide a guide and equipment.

Stargaze at One of the World's Best Observatories

Luxy Images / Getty Images

The astronomy capital of the world, Chile contains half of the world’s telescopes. San Pedro de Atacama, the Elqui Valley, Antofagasta, Iquique, and La Serena all have observatories open to the public. Located just outside of San Pedro, the largest astronomical project on the planet, ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array), is open on Saturday and Sunday mornings. You can also see plenty of constellations and celestial bodies simply by driving into the desert at night and looking up with your naked eye.

Drive the Carretera Austral

Andrew Peacock / Getty Images

Take a two-week road trip on Carretera Austral, a 770-mile highway running from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins. This mostly unpaved road offers outdoor enthusiasts the chance to stop and hike volcanoes, picnic by lakes, swim in the wild, and walk through rainforests. For those who want to wander at their own pace and have ample opportunity to quite literally venture off the beaten path in Patagonia, this is the trip for you. Alternatively, if you'd rather appreciate nature from the comfort of your car, the route still offers spectacular views of forests, mountains, and wildlife.

Kayak through the Marble Caves

Gabriela Mistral / Getty Images

Formed over the last 6,200 years by the waves of Lago Carrera General, the Cuevas de Mármol (Marble Caves) look like something out of a room in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Swirls of varying hues of blue, white, and gray create pockets and openings in calcium carbonate cliffs, forming an otherworldly cave system. Hire a kayak from a local operation on the main road of the closest town, Puerto Río Tranquilo. Consider hiring a guide, too, as sudden winds can make the water choppy. There’s no fee at the caves and you can explore and photograph at your leisure.

Wander Among Moai Statues

Image Source / Getty Images

Easter Island contains the famous giant-headed statues built by the Rapa Nui people more than 500 years ago. Over 900 statues can be found throughout the island, with half of them located in Rapa Nui National Park , an open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage site. The park also contains a volcanic crater in which you can swim, and the quarry from where the stone was sourced to craft the statues. Go around 9 a.m. for the least crowds and best light for photography. Drive to the park yourself or book a tour to learn more about the history and mystery of the monolithic stone guardians.

Brave the Atacama Desert

TripSavvy / Chris VR

Base yourself out of the bohemian town San Pedro de Atacama to visit the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth. Walk through the rock and sand formations in the Valle de la Luna to feel like an astronaut exploring a far-off planet. Watch geysers erupt at nearby El Tatio, the third largest geyser field in the world. Float in salty lagoons at Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache, and take landscape photos of Chile’s largest salt field, Salar de Atacama.

Soak in Villarica National Park's Hot Springs

A wooden path weaves through 20 stone pools of geothermic water at the Termas Geometricas Hot Springs, the largest hot spring complex in Chile. Found deep in the forests of Villarica National Park, this oasis is surrounded by rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and Villarica Volcano, which heats the water of the baths. Though open every day of the year, consider coming in January and February when the complex is open at night and you can gaze up at a sky full of stars while you soak.

Photograph Street Art in Valparaíso

ymgerman / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus

Street art and graffiti spills into Valpo’s streets, coloring the sides of its buildings and running up its stairs. Each one of its 42 hills has at least some form of art on it, making the city look like a ragtag rainbow. Go to Beethoven Street for a photo op on a giant piano painted on a flight of stairs. Walk to the mirador of Paseo Atkins to see the three buildings-wide mural of an indigenous god of abundance by Inti Castro, a world-renowned artist. Plan a route or just start walking uphill and you’ll be sure to stumble onto a painted passageway, creative political message, or some whimsical land sprawled across a wall.

Visit Pablo Neruda’s Houses

John Elk / The Image Bank Unreleased

La Sabastiana, La Chascona, and Isla Negra were more than homes for Pablo Neruda, Chile’s most famous poet and winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. They were extensions of his art, places to display his collections of furniture, paintings, glassware, and treasures collected from close friends and far flung places. Turned into museums after his death, La Chascona sits at the base of San Cristobal Hill in Santiago, La Sabastiana floats between earth and sky in Valparaiso, and La Isla Negra , Neruda’s favorite, sits on the island of the same name.

Go Wine Tasting

ampueroleonardo / Getty Images

Chile’s unique geography of seemingly endless coastline and mountains create climates in which vineyards easily produce Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, Bordeaux, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Simply pick your favorite wine and head to the valley that specializes in it. Reds thrive in the warmer regions, like Maipo Valley, and whites flourish in the cooler ones, like Casablanca Valley. If you’re on a time crunch, day trips can be arranged to wineries outside of Santiago via tours or self-driving. True oenophiles should come in March or April to Vendimias in the Colchagua Valley, a giant grape harvest festival where you can drink the region’s finest pours and see a grape blessing.

Walk with Penguins on Isla Magdalena

Stephanie Hohmann / EyeEm / Getty Images

From Punta Arenas, book a ferry ticket to Isla Magdalena, a penguin colony with thousands of Magellanic penguins. After a 30-minute ferry ride, most tour groups allow for an hour on the island to walk the path through the penguin nests. November through February is the best time to go (especially December) to see baby penguins learning to walk with their parents. Also keep an eye out for austral seagulls and cormorants. Penguins frequently cross the wooden path and get quite close to visitors, but touching the birds is strictly prohibited.

Rejuvenate in Elqui Valley

Edwin Remsberg / Getty Images

Surrounded by the peaks of the Andes, the mystical Elqui Valley is known as the Ruta de la Sanación (Healing Path). In the community of Alcohuaz, fields of quartz make the ground literally shine, and mystics reside in the town of Pisco Elqui. With many wellness offerings throughout the valley, you can take a yoga class, have a massage, or experience a sound bath. Stay in a refurbished barn or geodesic dome with retractable roofs for stargazing. Should you want libations on your relaxing getaway, go to one of the old-school pisco distilleries in the area, as the valley is the pisco producing capital of Chile.

See a Collapsed Mine

Rent a car in Copiapó and drive 31 miles to the northwest through arid landscape. There you’ll find the former gold-copper mine, Mina San José (San José Mine). The mine became world-famous in 2010, when it collapsed with 33 miners inside. Through relief efforts involving multiple countries, all of the men were eventually rescued, the first emerging 69 days after the incident via a specially designed rescue pod. Visitors can tour the site and see where friends and families held vigil for the miners, watch videos of the rescue, and meet one of the original 33, Jorge Galleguillos, who maintains the site.

Glide by Glaciers in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park

Rainer Lesniewski / Getty Images

Book a tour and take a boat from Puerto Natales to see the the largest glacier outside of Antartica, Pío XI, in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Bernardo O'Higgins National Park contains cormorant colonies, grazing Chilean huemul, playful marine otters, and giant Andean condors flying high above the neon blue spirals and sheets of ice. Once at the park’s edge, take a Zodiac to land and spend a few hours hiking through this unspoiled frozen paradise. Some tours offer an overnight camping service as well.

Church Hop in Chiloé

hbrizard / Getty Images

Colorful stilted houses rise out of the mist in the Chiloé Archipelago, which contains 70 historic churches. Built by the Jesuits in the 17 th , 18 th , and 19 th centuries, 16 of the churches are now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Comprised mostly of wood, the churches were constructed using the Chilota style of architecture, which drew from Spanish design and local boat-building techniques. The interiors are equally as colorful and intriguing as the exteriors. All of the UNSESCO-designated churches are within six miles of each other, so plan to see several of them for a perfect day trip.

Surf in Pichilemu

Host of the International Big-Wave Contest every year, this beach town is Chile’s surf capital. Located in the center of the country, pro surfers come here in the fall when the waves are biggest and crowds thinner than the summer season. (Since the water is always cold due to the Humboldt current, amateur surfers and complete novices typically come in the summer when the temps are warmer.) Newbies can rent surfboards and wetsuits, as well as purchase lessons from local surf schools.

Ski Portillo

Portillo—with its bright yellow hotel, old world charm of smartly dressed waiters, and incredibly steep runs—is the place to ski in Chilean Patagonia. Though it's known as the place where the 200 kilometer per hour speed barrier was broken, and it's famous for its expert and advanced runs (World Cup teams come to train here during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer), plenty of beginner and intermediate runs are available, too. All runs are above the tree line and wide open, with lots of opportunities for off-piste and backcountry skiing. Heliskiing is offered as well. The resort season runs June through October.

Walk to Argentina

Ari Beser / Getty Images

Between Villa O’Higgins, Chile and El Chaltén, Argentina is a no man’s land you can cross on foot in two or three days. In addition to the calm of the nearly deserted trail, you can enjoy the serenity of emerald lakes and distant snowy mountain peaks. From Villa O’Higgins, take the bus to the ferry pier at Bahamondez, which will bring you to Candelario Mancilla. Here you can camp the first night. The next day you’ll walk about 14 miles to the Argentine border at Punta Norte of the Laguna del Desierto, then either walk or take another ferry to Punta Sur of the Laguna del Desierto. From there, hop on a bus or hitchhike to El Chaltén.

Eat Mapuche Cuisine

NataliaCatalina / Getty Images

The Mapuche people were a tribe native to Chile and Argentina, known for their independence, prowess in war, and hearty food from which many modern day Chilean recipes were created. To try traditional Mapuche cooking, head to Curarrehue, a Mapuche community outside of Pucón. Alternatively, Peumayén is a restaurant in Santiago that incorporates the culinary styles of the Mapuche, Rapa Nui, and Atacameños people in their kitchen. Expect local fruits like green plums and maqui berries, as well as llama, lamb, and horse meat.

Take a Funicular Up a Hill

Manuel Breva Colmeiro / Getty Images

Find these boxcar elevators going up and down Bellavista Hill in Valparaíso. Declared National Monuments of Chile, only seven are functioning today, with more being restored thanks to recent preservation efforts. The elevators date back to 1911 and can be ridden for the equivalent of about $0.50. Two of the most popular are Acensor Reina Victoria, which gives great views of the hills Cerro Concepción and Cerro Cárcel, and Acensor El Peral, which looks out over the Pacific Ocean.

Top 15 Destinations in Chile

Your Trip to Chile: The Complete Guide

Top 10 National Parks in Chile

Weather in Chile: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

One Week in Chile: The Ultimate Itinerary

The Complete Guide to Chilean Patagonia

A Guide to Airports in Chile

The Best Time to Visit Chile

Top 10 South America Travel Destinations

The 15 Best Things to Do in Santiago, Chile

Guide to the Spectacular Scenery of Chile's Lake District

The 10 Best Beach Destinations in Chile

One Week in Argentina: The Ultimate Itinerary

The Best Countries in the World for Adventurous Travelers

The 8 Most Popular Cities in Chile

15 Places to Go Hiking in Argentina

The 31 Best Things to Do in Chile: Big Hitters to Lesser-Visited Highlights

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 10th November 2023

With its uniquely long coastline spanning everything from desert to the world’s highest volcano and glacier-carved mountains that end in a scattering of fjords, Chile has to be one of the world’s most geographically unusual countries.  

The epic diversity of terrain and ecosystems makes Chile one of the most fascinating to visit, too. There are few places within Latin America where you can encounter as broad a mix of sights as cobalt glaciers, chattering penguins, fauna-rich temperate rainforest, sparse desert, some of the world’s best vineyards, and otherworldly relics of Polynesian culture. Chile is, in a word, remarkable. 

I might be biased – I did live there for three years, after all, and continue to visit each year – but I’ve also had the opportunity to explore far deeper than most visitors. While writing the Moon Chile guidebook, I wouldn’t be exaggerating when I say that I ventured to places even few Chileans ever see.  

As a result, this list of the best things to do in Chile combines not only the country’s biggest hitters but also other destinations that I truly recommend visitors consider, even if you only have a short itinerary. 

There are plenty of parts of the country that don’t get even a quarter of the visitor numbers as Torres del Paine National Park or San Pedro de Atacama , yet offer equally spellbinding scenery. 

So here are my favorite places in Chile. I’ve marked each according to how popular they are to give you an idea of which are flush with tourists and which are rarely-visited gems.

Click to navigate this article:

1. Hike the W or O in Torres del Paine National Park

• Popularity: High – this is the country’s principal tourist attraction, with 300,000 visitors in 2019. However, there are plenty of hiking routes in Torres del Paine that are far quieter than the W.

Patagonia’s best-known park, Torres del Paine National Park in the far south of Chile attracts thousands of visitors per year – drawing hikers, photographers, and lovers of dramatic landscapes alike.

The most popular activity in the park is the W, a four- or five-day hiking route take takes you through surreal landscapes of glaciers and sky-skimming peaks to end at the eponymous torres (towers) – one of the park’s most strikingly beautiful spots. It’s a relatively easy multi-day trek with good infrastructure, making it perfect for hikers without much backcountry experience. 

If venturing out into real Patagonian wilderness is what you seek, the Circuit or the O is a better fit; an extended version of the W that heads deeper into the national park. With hikers of the O capped at 70 per day, it’s a quieter – if more challenging – experience.

Planning Your Trip to Chile?

Save time, stress & money with a customized travel itinerary planned for you by a Chile expert

What previous clients have said:

Steph’s help laying out an itinerary for Chile was huge toward us having a great trip.  She listened to our interests and compiled a framework that we could follow to make our plans.  She included many practical tips as well as numerous options. She truly saved us many, many hours of research.

If multi-day trekking doesn’t appeal, a whole host of day treks, alongside horseback riding, kayaking, and ice trekking are available. I’ve covered many of the best in this guide to Torres del Paine National Park .

2.   Seek ghost cats in Torres del Paine National Park

• Popularity: High – you are in Torres del Paine National Park, but your guide will take you to less-visited parts of the park as you track down pumas.

Mountains might have long defined the appeal of Torres del Paine National Park, but in the past decade or so, a new star has been born here: the puma. 

With experts believing the park to play host to the highest density of these big cats on the planet, it’s no wonder shows like Our Great National Parks have taken an interest in its population of around 300 pumas.

Sightings are increasingly common, with numerous operators offering puma tracking tours within the national park and surrounding estancias. When I visited with the local company Chile Nativo , we saw five in one day – a not unusual, but truly memorable, occurrence.

3.   Road trip down the Carretera Austral

• Popularity: Mid – tourist numbers are far quieter here than in Southern Patagonia, however, the Carretera Austral is increasingly becoming known as an unmissable part of the region to visit.

Southern Patagonia might receive the lion’s share of visitors, but those who miss Northern Patagonia do so at their own loss. 

I cannot stress how incredible this part of Chile is: it’s a place of lush forests, glacial valleys, and remote, fjord-side villages, which is bisected by the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway), a 770-mile road that offers a tantalizing route into the country’s least explored parts.

Here you’ll find tumbling, slumbering masses of glacial ice; lush rainforests that shelter rare animals; and what I consider to be South America’s finest – and some of its youngest – national parks and hiking routes.

While public transport does connect the region’s pretty villages and towns, a road trip down the Carretera Austral is the most efficient means of journeying along this stunning highway – allowing for easier access to remote trailheads and plentiful photo stops.

4.   Sample Chile’s signature grape in the Colchagua Valley 

• Popularity: Mid – mostly with Chilean tourists, so it should be relatively quiet outside of weekends.

Neighboring Argentina might receive global acclaim as South America’s principal wine producing county, however, Chile has – in my opinion – far better wine. Nowhere is this more the case than in the Colchagua Valley, the trendiest of Chile’s wine regions and the most awarded internationally.

Carménère is the region’s signature grape and one grown practically nowhere else on Earth. The peppery flavors of this robust red wine are infinitely drinkable and best sampled at one of the valley’s wineries. Many have been set up with tourists in mind: think tasting rooms, excellent restaurants, and chic boutique hotels.

If you’ve got money set aside for a beautiful and historic hotel, stop at Casa Silva (just outside the town of San Fernando) to sample the Silva family’s award-winning carménères and stay in their stunning hacienda-style hotel , with its restaurant overlooking the family’s polo field.

Further west, Montes is another unmissable vineyard. Not only is this winery’s carménère outstanding, but their restaurant, Fuegos de Apalta , is probably the best steak restaurant in the country. It’s only open for lunch and reservations are essential.

5.   Voyage through the fjords to the ends of the Earth

• Popularity: Low – hardly any tourists even know about this ferry. It’s mostly used by local people traveling between Puerto Williams and the Magellans’ regional capital, Punta Arenas.

The topography of Southern Chile, with its narrow strips of land hemmed in by fjords on the west and mountains on the east, means many communities rely on public ferries for transport around the region. 

Joining local people aboard one of these vessels isn’t only a cheap and authentic experience but an opportunity to explore some of Chile’s most striking scenery.

My personal favorite is the 32-hour, $195,000-CLP ($216 USD) journey aboard the Yaghan ferry. It leaves from Punta Arenas, sailing through the fjords to reach Puerto Williams, the southernmost settlement on the planet.

The highlight is sailing through Glacier Alley (the western edge of the Beagle Channel), where eight striking tidewater glaciers tumble into the ocean – a view otherwise only available to those aboard pricey four-day cruise ships.

6. Meet the moai of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

• Popularity: High – this is another of Chile’s principal tourist attractions. The island’s also pretty small, so you’ll find yourself clustered around the same sights as other tourists. 

Thousands of miles west of the mainland, Rapa Nui is Chile’s most enigmatic island. The story of a civilization driven to the brink of extinction continues to attract visitors intrigued by the mystery surrounding the 887 moai – aka the famed stone monoliths populating the island’s coast.

Most of the statues are in Parque Nacional Rapa Nui, the island’s central attraction, but for many, the appeal of Rapa Nui is its distance from the rest of the world: it’s the most remote inhabited island on earth.

Here, you’ll also encounter the distinctly un-Chilean culture of the Rapa Nui people, who are committed to preserving their Polynesian roots. The best display of their singular culture is at the annual Tapati Rapa Nui festival held in February, where local people compete in strength, banana trunk sledding, and other unusual competitions to be crowned king and queen of the Tapati. 

It’s an enthusiastic – and slightly bonkers – celebration of the island’s traditions. 

7. Summit an active volcano

• Popularity: Low – its remote location means only the most intrepid get here.

If you’re fiercely adventurous, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to climb one of Chile’s over 2,000 volcanoes. The most famous is the 2,847-meter stratovolcano Volcán Villarrica, which is both among the country’s most active and the ascent of which grants striking views of half a dozen other volcanoes – plus roiling lava in the volcano’s crater.

However, with hundreds climbing Volcán Villarrica daily, this trail is no longer the quiet, contemplative experience it once was. Smaller in stature but similarly imposing, Volcán Chaitén on the northern tip of the Carretera Austral is a perfect alternative.

The steep trail leads to the edge of this volcano’s 3.5-kilometer-wide (2.1-mile) crater; expect phenomenal views of the still-steaming volcano and the destruction of the surrounding landscape caused by the 2008 eruption.

8. Stargaze in the exceptionally clear night skies of the Atacama Desert 

• Popularity: High – avoid December and January if possible due to crowds. Tour guides I spoke with agreed that May is the best time to visit, with clear skies, and fewer tourists.

There are few better places on the planet to appreciate the night sky than the Atacama Desert, with its 330 nights of clear skies. The Milky Way typically makes a noticeable appearance, while the inky black of the sky is thrown into clearer relief by the complete lack of light pollution you find outside of San Pedro de Atacama , the main town.

Here you’ll find various operators running their own telescopes and providing fascinating insight into local indigenous beliefs around the stars. Visit between May and October for the best conditions and avoid February, when cloud cover can cancel tours.

9. Discover the world’s oldest mummies 

• Popularity: Low – hardly any tourists visit Arica.

One of the most bewildering things about Chile is how few tourists know about the remarkable city of Arica. Located in the far north of Chile, this unassuming town is where the Chinchorro mummies lie, which date to around 5050 BC (an incredible 2,000 years older than the oldest uncovered in Egypt).

The best place to find them is in the Museo de Sitio Colón 10 , a tiny museum where 49 mummified bodies are preserved in the exact spot they were discovered (when a house was being converted into a hotel in 2004). The best bit is that you can stand on the Perspex screen that now protects the mummies, peering down at them in their eternal rest.

Outside of Arica, the equally enthralling Museo Arqueologico San Miguel de Azapa (San Miguel de Azapa Archeological Museum) gives you further information about the Chinchorro culture and has plenty of other mummies and funerary relics on display. Both museums are highly worth visiting.

10. Try world-class white water rafting in Futaleufú

• Popularity: Mid – Futaleufú, like much of the Carretera Austral, is becoming increasingly popular.

Wedged in a river basin six miles from the Argentine border in Northern Patagonia, the small, relaxed mountain town of Futaleufú makes the perfect hangout for the adventurous. But the real attraction here is the Río Futaleufú, known the globe over for its world-class white-water rafting.

Futaleufú means “large river” in the indigenous Mapuche tongue of Mapundungun, and they’re not kidding. With swirling features named the Inferno, Purgatory, and the Angel’s Dance, the Fu tumbles through vertical basalt gorges and 47 rapids. 

The main rafting season is November through March, but stable weather and high water in March guarantee the most exhilarating rapids.

11. Surf Chile’s longest wave, Playa La Puntilla

• Popularity: Mid – mostly with Chilean tourists. Visit during the week for the quietest surfing. 

Sprawling along the coast and across several rocky promontories, beachside Pichilemu in Central Chile is a popular summer destination for Chileans fleeing the heat of Santiago, the capital. But for tourists, surfing is the main draw.

Playa La Puntilla boasts Chile’s longest wave, an exposed point break that goes for 800 meters. It’s best in March and November, although it’s reliable year-round and makes a good spot for beginners, thanks to its reliable lines and glut of surf schools.

12. Uncover Latin America’s treasures at the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

• Popularity: Mid – it’s one of the capital’s best museums. 

Fancy learning more about the cultures and civilizations that inhabited Chile before the Spanish arrived in 1520?

In the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino (Chilean Museum of PreColombian Art) in Santiago, you can find some of the finest treasures of pre-colonial Latin America. It’s easily the country’s most respected museum covering indigenous civilizations, with a particular focus on pottery from across Latin America.

There’s plenty to see in this museum, with its exhibits ranging from towering wooden funerary statues used by the indigenous Mapuche to a couple of the Chinchorro mummies from Arica.

You’ll even find artifacts from the rest of Latin America, including Mesoamerican and Andean ceramics and gold and copper masks crafted by the Moche and Chimú peoples of Peru.

Give yourself an afternoon to explore the museum’s vast collection – you won’t be disappointed.

13. Ride the Ascensores of Valparaíso 

• Popularity: High – Valparaíso is one of Chile’s most popular destinations, however, with the city becoming increasingly more dangerous (read more about the safety situation in Chile ), it is becoming less visited. 

With its steep hills, ocean-fronting Valparaíso has always been exhausting on foot. The solution was the hydraulic ascensor (elevator) – which are actually funiculars, or cable-based railways – allowing you to get around this bohemian city that once was a major port along the Pacific Coast.

32 funiculars were built through the 1800s and 1900s, although only 16 are intact today. Just seven still operate, shuttling passengers between the flat harborside and into hillside neighborhoods, and with great views across the bay.  

Ascensor Artillería is the most picturesque route, with sweeping views south across the Valparaíso skyline and the sea.

Read more about my recommendations for exploring Valparaíso and take care when you do – it can be dangerous beyond the tourist neighborhoods of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción.

14. Explore the marble caves

• Popularity: Mid – the Marble Caves are among the most-visited parts of the Carretera Austral, with plenty of local tourists.

The dreamlike Capillas de Mármol (Marble Caves) have gone viral on Instagram on more than one occasion. It’s not hard to see why: these rainbow-hued rock caves in Northern Patagonia look completely unreal, particularly against their backdrop of the bewitchingly blue waters of Lago General Carrera.

The caves were formed by softer limestone being eroded by the wind and waves to leave a series of grottos and colorful stripes that run through the rock.

Speed boat tours allow you to get close to the caves, while kayaking out to them means you can pass through passageways in the caves. 

Visit in the morning when weather conditions are more stable (powerful winds can be an issue on the lake) and the light is better for photos.

15. Visit the only King penguin colony in the America s

• Popularity: Low – it’s a long slog to reach the penguin colony by car, meaning very low numbers of tourists.

On the northwest coast of Tierra del Fuego, an island at the very tip of the South American continent, you can find one of Chile’s most unusual wildlife colonies. The Reserva Natural Pingüino Rey (King Penguin Natural Reserve) is a private reserve with a growing population of around 60 king penguins and is the only colony of king penguins in the whole of the Americas.

While it’s a long journey from Punta Arenas – either around five hours by car or six with a combination of car and boat – I cannot emphasize how much it’s worth the trip if you’re a wildlife lover. 

You can get a mere 20-or-so meters away from the birds, which are more than happy to primp and preen in front of curious visitors.

16.  Hike without the crowds in Villa Cerro Castillo National Park

• Popularity : Low – as with the rest of the Carretera Austral, Cerro Castillo National Park isn’t very well known. It received just 6,000 tourists in 2019. 

If you want to get off the beaten path, nothing beats exploring the trails of Cerro Castillo National Park. Dubbed the “new Torres del Paine” when it came into being in October 2017, its appeal lies in that it’s a quieter, less crowded version of Patagonia’s landmark park. 

The park’s metamorphic basalt rock, which reveals the region’s volcanic origins, dominates the surrounding landscape in Cerro Castillo (Castle Hill) – which, yes, is shaped a bit like a castle. Cyan lagoons, calafate bushes, lenga forests that turn deep red in fall, and craggy ridges make it an adventurous hikers’ playground.

While there’s a steep but worthwhile one-day hike up to the base of Cerro Castillo, the four-day Cerro Castillo Traverse is a far more exciting proposition. It meanders through the national park, where Andean foxes, pumas, skunks, guanacos, and huemules skulk in dense forests, and trails offer wide vistas of glaciers and deep valleys.

17. Try world-class dining in Santiago

• Popularity : Mid – reservations are generally needed for the city’s most swish restaurants, while you’ll want reservations for most other places at weekends. 

Sure, Lima and Buenos Aires might get all the fine dining accolades, but I think Chile is unfairly dismissed as a place with terrible food. Yes, some restaurants are terrible (and the service leaves a lot to be desired), but Chilean gastronomy has experienced a full-scale transformation over the past years (read writer Graham’s favorite dishes in Chile to get a sense of what’s on the cards).

The best food in Chile is in Santiago, and you’ll find an interesting cuisine that marries extremely local ingredients (think seaweed from the wind-harried shores of Chiloé Island, high-altitude plants such as rica-rica from the Atacama Desert, and roasted lamb from the vast, arid plains of the Patagonian steppe) and modern techniques.

Visit a couple of the most acclaimed restaurants while you’re in Santiago. Run by chef Carolina Bazán, Ambrosia Bistro has the sophistication of her posher restaurant ( Ambrosia ), without the pretension and the high price tag. Nearby, Boragó has won plenty of plaudits for its thoughtful menu, which explores the length and breadth of the Chilean territory and serves the country’s most distinctive ingredients. 

Others, such as Salvador Cocina y Café (a humble Downtown eatery that offers more than meets the eye with unusual Chilean dishes) and Liguria (a typical Chilean brasserie) promise modern Chilean dining, just at far more wallet-friendly prices.

I’ve also got a whole post dedicated to Santiago’s best restaurants . 

18. Learn about the nation-defining years of the Pinochet dictatorship

• Popularity : Mid – it’s a huge museum, however, so you shouldn’t have any issues visiting.

Modern Chileans don’t want to be defined by the harrowing years of the dictatorship, which saw army chief Augusto Pinochet take power of the country in the 1973 coup de etat.

However, the 17 years of dictatorship have shaped modern Chile in significant ways and, I strongly believe that any visitor to this country should spend an afternoon in the harrowing yet unmissable Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Museum of Memory and Human Rights).

It presents a sensitive analysis of the human cost of the Pinochet dictatorship when more than 40,000 people were imprisoned, tortured, or killed. 

You could easily spend an afternoon taking in the horrors of the 17 years of military rule, especially with the audio guide an invaluable resource for better understanding the human rights violations committed by Pinochet and his followers.

It’s not an easy experience – far from it in fact – but an afternoon in the museum will give you a real insight into a country that is still grappling with its past. 

19. Admire Chiloé’s whimsical architecture 

• Popularity : Low – very few foreign tourists come here!

Even though it’s not far from the Chilean mainland, the Chiloé Archipelago in the south is one of the richest places of culture and cuisine you can find in Chile.

I’ve never really understood why so few tourists find themselves on the shores of what is easily one of my top three favorite places in Chile – and it’s somewhere that even other Chileans regard with confusion and distance. 

However, it’s an unmissable place to see a unique way of life that’s tied irrevocably to the island’s nautical history.

One of the island’s biggest draws is its quirky architecture. In the capital, Castro, marvel at the multicolored palafitos (houses on stilts) perched above the water; they are traditional fishermen’s houses, with many recently converted into bijou hotels and restaurants.

Dotted across the island and the surrounding islets, you’ll also find another unique feat of Chilote architecture: the archipelago’s ingeniously assembled wooden churches.

Built for the evangelical Jesuit missionaries, these churches were constructed without a single nail and – because the local people had never seen churches but had seen boats – look quite a lot like upside-down boats. Many are painted in pastel hues and 16 are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List .

20. Slip into Japanese-inspired hot springs

• Popularity : High – plenty of foreign and Chilean tourists visit these hot springs, which are probably the country’s best known. Avoid weekends, when they’re at their busiest. 

As a country with a few thousand volcanoes, Chile unsurprisingly is rife with hot springs. The area surrounding Volcán Villarrica, especially northeast of Pucón, has some of the best.

The most famous of them all are the Japanese-inspired Termas Geométricas . With their 17 slate-lined pools and 500-meter walkway painted in a rich Japanese tori-gate red, they’ve become a bit of an Instagram sensation and can be extremely busy during weekends in the summer months.

However, during the week and outside summer, you’ll likely have a pool to yourself. Take a tour or rent a car and drive here; evenings are best as the air temperature drops and you can appreciate the hot water.  

21. Hike among dinosaurs in Conguillio National Park

• Popularity: Mid – this remarkable national park can be busy at weekends and during January and February; 125,000 people visited in 2019.

On my most recent trip to Chile, I spoke to several guides about their favorite parts of the country. Without fail, they told me one place: the stunningly beautiful Conguillío National Park. 

I’d visited a few years previously and discovered its ancient forests, gorgeous blue lakes, and dusty jet-black lava flows from the 40 smoldering craters of Volcán Llaima, the park’s centerpiece.

These striking landscapes look like they haven’t changed for millions of years – which is why it was used in the BBC’s 1990s television series Walking With Dinosaurs. Hiking along one of its handful of brilliant trails, it’s not hard to understand why.

22. Ski down the flanks of an active volcano at Nevados de Chillan

• Popularity: Mid – this is a popular Chilean skiing destination, although it’s far less busy than Valle Nevado and El Colorado near Santiago. 

Skiing down the side of a volcano? Yes – this is Chile, after all. On the snowy flanks of three stratovolcanoes, Nevados de Chillán is one of Chile’s best ski resorts.

Skiing down the often ash-littered runs that crisscross the southern side of the 3,122-meter (XX) Volcán Chillán is a unique experience, to say the least. Annual snowfall averages 10 meters (XX), and the resort offers a good mix of beginner and intermediate runs, with many of the backcountry stretches formed long ago by lava flows.

These volcanoes are among the most active in Chile, but recent eruptions have been little more than plumes of ash and small earthquakes.

You can also delight in one of my personal favorite parts of the skiing experience: the thermal baths that surround a bar at the resort. It’s the ideal spot for an après-ski and a dip to relieve tired muscles.

23. Explore a town without roads

• Popularity:  Low – few get this far south along the Carretera Austral.

Nothing quite prepares you for Caleta Tortel, easily the most magical of the settlements along the Carretera Austral. This tiny village clings to a green-fringed hill along turquoise waters fed by the Río Baker and is tucked deep into a landscape of rich green fjords and scattered glaciers.

Aside from its truly dazzling location, Caleta Tortel has a unique characteristic: there are no roads here. Instead of pavement, you’ll find 6 miles of cypress walkways. At intervals, pretty hexagonal wooden platforms with roofs provide a welcome breather and a vantage point to appreciate the magic of this unique settlement. 

From Caleta Tortel you can also take the incredible TABSA ferry to Puerto Natales (another of Chile’s spectacular cargo ferry journeys).

24. Search for blue whales along Chile’s northern coast

• Popularity: Low – few visitors know about this destination. Whales head to these waters from the end of November to mid-April, although the best time is mid-January through March.

The dusty, unassuming village of Chañaral de Aceituno in Chile’s Atacama Desert might not look like much, but the surrounding oceans are a haven for wildlife. 

It lies across from Isla Chañaral, the third and northernmost of the three islands that form the Pingüino de Humboldt National Reserve. Here you’ll find a small colony of Humboldt penguins, South American sea lions, fur seals, and Peruvian diving petrels.

But, it’s beneath the surface where the true stars of the show can be found. An exceptional number of whales pass along these shores, and, because the water is deep here, the chances of spotting blue whales are high. Fin, sei, humpback, and minke whales and orcas are common too, making this stretch of water one of the best places in the country for whale-watching.

25. Embark on the world’s southernmost trek

• Popularity: Low – some companies such as Lonely Planet have written about this trek, but because of its remote location and challenging nature, few do it.

While Ushuaia might claim to be the world’s southernmost settlement, this isn’t entirely true. Across the Beagle Channel, the tiny town of Puerto Williams is barely a footnote on most itineraries; however, it’s growing in popularity for its Dientes de Navarino trek, a less crowded and more challenging alternative Torres del Paine National Park. 

This 33-mile, five-day hike circumnavigates the Dientes de Navarino mountain range, passing through peat bog and bleak exposed rock. Throughout, you’ll be treated to staggering views across the island of the jagged snow-dusted peaks, as well as numerous hidden lakes.

It’s not a trek to be attempted alone: either have extensive backcountry hiking experience (and a decent GPS) or go with a guide (I recommend Explora Isla Navarino ). If you get stuck or, more likely, lost, there’s no one around to help.

26. Visit Pablo Neruda’s favorite house, Isla Negra

• Popularity: High – mostly with Chilean tourists, though. 

Few writers have left quite the same mark on Chilean society as the Nobel Prize-winning Pablo Neruda, the country’s most acclaimed poet. 

While Neruda loved many things (women and alcohol, mainly), another of his great loves was architecture, building three houses where he collected whimsical souvenirs from his travels around the world.

La Chascona in Santiago and La Sebastiana in Valparaíso are worth a visit, but his favorite – and mine – is the beachfront Isla Negra. A beautiful, boat-inspired home, it faces out into the ocean and is just a short drive south of Valparaíso, making it an easy day trip.

27. Go ice trekking on Grey Glacier

• Popularity: High – this is the most popular glacier hike in the country. 

Chile has both fire and water in spades. But it also has a wealth of glaciers, many of which can be visited by boat or, in other cases, on foot. The most popular place for ice trekking is on Glacier Grey, the mammoth finger of ice that slips down from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in Torres del Paine National Park .

Aside from the experience of climbing through tunnels in the ice, peering into the deep fissures, and appreciating the sunshine refracted off the deep-blue ice, the views of the surrounding landscapes of Torres del Paine make this a particularly incredible place to go ice trekking.

Because trips depart from Campamento Grey, one of the campgrounds on the W and O trails , you can include it in your hiking itinerary without too much difficulty.

28. Sample curanto, a traditional fish stew cooked in the ground

• Popularity: Low – Chiloé is blissfully under the radar for most travelers. 

With Chile’s 4,000-mile coastline, it should come as no surprise that Chileans love seafood. One of the most unusual preparations goes far beyond the typical dishes of grilled fish and is only found in Chiloé.

Curanto is a combination of local ingredients, including longanizas (sausages), chicken, and shellfish, plus potatoes, chapeles (wheat and potato dumplings), and sometimes milaco (dumplings made from mashed potato and filled with crispy pork).

However, what makes it a real spectacle is the fact that it’s cooked in a hoyo (hole) dug into the ground and lined with hot rocks. These are covered with huge nalca leaves and a layer of turf, which trap the steam and moisture. 

The process can take up to five hours, making it as much a social gathering as a dining experience.

29. Soak up the incredible views of Bahia Ultima Esperanza at my favorite Chilean hotel

• Popularity: Mid – I’m never sure why this hotel isn’t fully booked throughout the tourist season.

Most visitors to Chile will spend a night in Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. However, while accommodation abounds in the town itself, the best place to stay is a little further out at my favorite Chilean hotel: Simple Patagonia .

On clear nights, sunsets across Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound) are spectacular from the vast windows of this fjord-side Simple Patagonia, which channels the design of the simple barns that once populated the region. 

Inside, expect warm, modern design, with underfloor heating, large tiled baths, and astonishing views from the living and dining area and bedrooms (best are rooms 8 and 11).

I still dream about the sunsets I saw from this hotel.

30. Discover “Chile’s Yosemite”

• Popularity: Low – because of the fact you need to hike in and out, it’s only popular among avid climbers and hikers.

If you truly want to go beyond the beaten trail in Chile, there are few candidates better than Valle Cochamó . Referred to as Chile’s Yosemite, this valley is defined by steep granite cliffs, which are popular among climbers and hikers. The appeal here is its remoteness – it’s accessible only on foot.

There are a clutch of trails and lodging in the area, which can only be visited from November through mid-April, when rainfall is lower but there’s enough water to keep the waterfalls gushing.

31. Sleep overnight in a Mapuche ruka

• Popularity: Low – few tourists even know the Mapuche exist, let alone that you can go and stay with them!

Few visitors to Chile know about the country’s indigenous groups. These include the Mapuche, who account for four percent of the population. I was curious to learn more about Mapuche life, so visited the community of Llaguepulli , on the shores of Lago Budi.

It’s one of around 120 Mapuche communities in the Araucanía region but one of the only that invites visitors to come and spend the night in a traditional ruka, a wooden dwelling historically used by the Mapuche, and which is built with coigüe trunks and Peruvian feathergrass.

They’ll also show you around their community, which is mostly self-sufficient thanks to their farms, and talk to you about Mapuche spirituality around a wood fire.

People mistakenly view Chile as a country that has lost much of its indigenous culture – but this experience shows the opposite.

Ready to plan your trip to Chile? The Ultimate Chile Itinerary For Ten Days and Two Weeks will help you create a plan of action, while 8 Incredible Places to Visit in Chile For Your Next Adventure will help you shortlist the areas you want to visit. Make sure to read through The Best Time to Visit Chile: By Region and Season for the lowdown on when you should be visiting the country, depending on what you’re looking for from the trip.

Things To Do in Chile: 50 Incredible Experiences [2024]

Covid-Related Travel Update, Jan 2024:   Chile is open to international tourists. Visit the  Chilean government’s official website  for travel-related information and regulations. Don’t forget to read the government’s rules to be followed in public spaces  here . My guide to Chile visa would be helpful for Indian citizens.

My List of top things to do in Chile

Table of Content.

Best Things To Do in the North of Chile

Best things to do in the central valley of chile.

• Best Things To Do in the Lake region, known as Los Lagos in Chile

Best Things To Do in the South of Chile, known as Patagonia

• Some General Top Things To Do in Chile.

I spent six months in Chile that were spread across July 2016 to April 2017.

Here I am sipping coconut water and writing about the best things to do in Chile , but a few years ago, I didn’t know much about Chile. I just decided to travel to Chile and teach English there on an instinct.

After I had been to Chile, an artist in Pushkar told me that Chile is like a long river, flowing on the edge of the American continent. And Pablo Neruda describes Chile as a long, thin ship. Running from the Atacama desert in the North to almost into Antarctica in the West, every corner of Chile has been well-planned by nature to surprises its residents and travelers alike. 

Though you might think that Chile is a long but small country, let me warn you that there are an unprecedented number of things to do and beautiful places in Chile. From watching the penguins ganging up on the glaciers to hiking in fjords, from participating in a community activity “minga” to eating mussels steamed underground, from exploring a cavernous moony landscape to stargazing at night — you can do something new in all the many places to visit in Chile.  

If you are going to Chile for two to three weeks, you should have a rough or an exact Chile itinerary. Otherwise, you would get confused about choosing between the plethora of the fun things to do in Chile at the last minute. But if you are visiting Chile for longer, you can wing your trip a little bit.

When in Chile, leave all the worries behind. Por tienes que disfrutas – You have to make the best of it!

Let me get started now. 

I have described the geography of Chile in detail in the Chile travel guide, and you can read it here . To summarize — Though Chile is divided into sixteen administrative regions, I have divided Chile into four main geographical regions for the narrational ease. These regions are The North, the Central Valley, The Lake region also known as Los Lagos, and the South that is known as Patagonia. 

The highlight of the North is the dry Atacama desert that is a perfect setting for any Hollywood or Hindi drama. Nature dons a surreal robe in the Atacama. 

1. Start your journey with San Pedro de Atacama village

This tiny adobe town is the gateway to the Atacama desert. Frozen in time, San Pedro is the perfect place to slow down, explore a fairly laid-back Chilean lifestyle , visit adobe houses and adobe church, and see the surrounding desert. 

San Pedro is a bit more expensive than the rest of Chile, so pay attention to your expenditure.

Accommodation: Stay at the eco-friendly La Casa EcoExplor  that is 200 meters away from the bus stand and offers budget dorms, private rooms, and a kitchen. 

How to go: Take a bus from Santiago to Arica and then another one to San Pedro. Or fly from Santiago to Arica and then continue by road. 

2. Visit the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoon, Piedra Rojas, and Chaxa lake in the Atacama desert

Start your Atacama expedition with these lagoons and the red rocks(Piedra Rojas in Spanish) as they make a comfortable day trip. These out-of-the-world destinations are bound to overwhelm you. 

The blue lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques are surrounded by amber grass and backdropped by copper mountains. The volcanic red rocks lead up to a flamingo-studded emerald lake circumscribed by smooth peaks. The Chaxa lake is the perfect reflection of the purplish volcanoes that rise like gigantic ice-cream cones in the dry desert. If you get dizzy because of the high altitude, flamingoes feeding in the lake could be misconstrued as strolling between the upturned volcanoes. 

How to go: Either  take this GetYourGuide tour or rent a car and drive. Download the offline Google maps and have a hard copy of the map in case your phone runs out of battery (which is often not the case now for we all carry power banks ). Many travel companies in San Pedro also arrange regular tours to these destinations. 

3. Walk in the Moon Valley (Valle de La Luna) in the Atacama

About 13 km from San Pedro, the Moon Valley of the Atacama gets its name from its moon-like surface. Various sand and stone formations have been formed in the valley by the continuous wind and water action. 

The cavernous valley is fringed by volcanoes, and one can get a good view of a sunset over a volcano by sitting on the high rocky hills or the sand dunes. The best time to go is the sunset when the color of the sky changes from pink to purple to finally dark. 

How to go: Either  go for an all inclusive tour  or drive yourself

4. Float in the Natural Salt Lake (the Laguna Sejar)

The natural salt lake Laguna Sejar lies in the Cordillera de el Sal (mountain range of salt). Floating in this lake is one of the most fun activities to do in the Atacama — you float effortlessly under a clear blue sky in the middle of this vast desert while gazing over the volcanoes and mountains in the distance. 

Combine the trip with Ojos del Salar and Tebinquinche lake. If you are on a tour, you would be served pisco sour, a popular Chilean drink, at sunset over Tebinquinche.

How to go: Take  this all-inclusive GetYourGuide tour  or drive yourself. 

5. Stargaze all you want under the clear Atacama sky – One of the best things to do in Chile

Due to less air pollution, dry air, and a lot of cloudless nights, Chile is a perfect place for astronomers. And due to less light pollution, Atacama is the best even in Chile. 

Make sure you keep one extra night or more for stargazing in the desert. Many travel companies arrange stargazing activities. You can also camp on the roof of your hotel to get some sky action. 

How to go: Take a  stargazing tour or camp in the desert with a local’s help.

Tip: Some of my other favorite things to do in the Atacama were visiting the hot Geysers del Tatio and relaxing in natural hot pools. Here is the hot pool to and fro transfer I took. You can get a tour of the geysers or drive there early morning to see steam shooting out of the geysers and into the sky. 

6. Take a Uyuni Salt Flats tour from San Pedro

Bolivia’s Uyuni salt flats are one of the world’s most bizarre landscapes. This vast salt desert is close to the border of Chile. 

Most people go for a 3-4 day salt flats tour that could either begin in San Pedro or the Uyuni town of Bolivia and end in either one of these.  On the cross-country tour, you would see many natural reserves of Chile, geysers, blue lagoons, flamingo colonies, and the salt flats of Bolivia. If you take a salt desert tour, you can skip the geysers and the other lagoons I mentioned above for you would see similar landscapes on the tour. 

Here is a GetYourGuide tour that starts from San Pedro and goes to Uyuni in Bolivia.

7. Gape at the Hand of the Desert – Mano del Desierto  

This giant structure constructed by the artist Mario Irarrazabal who depicts humans’ helplessness and vulnerability in the hand is 70 km away from the Antofagasta city. If you are around, pay a visit. 

**What not to miss in the North: My favorite places in the desert were the Chaxa lake and the Moon Valley. Oh, do try quinoa ice cream in San Pedro and the delicious Chilean wines in the village plaza. 

The Atacama is poetry . Won’t you agree?

Follow-Up Read: My Guide to San Pedro De Atacama and the Atacama Desert

The Central Valley of Chile might not be as surreal as the North but it has its beaches, velvety countryside, vineyards, artists, graffiti, and colorful residential hills to flaunt. 

Central Valley is known for its big cities: Santiago, Valparaiso, Viña del Mar,  Valdivia, and Concepcion. All of these are connected to each other by bus, flight, and road. 

8. Keep a few days for Santiago

Although I might have been  looted in Santiago once, I would recommend traveling in Santiago for a few days because trying to understand a country without seeing its capital is like drawing a map without the North. 

Chile might be about its deserts, beaches, and glaciers, but it is also about its cosmopolitan capital where you feel unsafe as soon as you step out of the center, and even in the center sometimes. My (and about hundred other Santiago local friends’) best safety tips for Santiago are: f ind a hotel in a safe neighborhood, stay inside at night, hold your bags and mobiles closer especially in the metro, bus, and crowded or empty places, keep an eye on people around you, and carry limited cash. 

Some of the best things to see in Santiago are: Plaza del Armas (the main square), Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral (the main church), Santa Lucia hill (remains of a 15-million-year-old volcano), National Astronomical Observatory of Chile at Cerro Calán (you might have to contact the observatory in advance), San Cristobal Hill (for good views), Santiago Museum of Contemporary Art and the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts(for us art lovers), Museum of Memory and Human Rights (to know more about the Pinochet rule), Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino (another museum), Palacio de La Moneda, and the Bahá’í Temple of South America. 

How to commute: Use metro, bus, and Uber(still illegal but functional). Prebook a pickup from the airport to your hotel if you are arriving in Santiago for the first time. If you are going to stay in Santiago a bit longer, consider this introductory tour to Santiago with a local guide. 

Where to stay in Santiago: I have handpicked the below accommodations from throughout Santiago as per safety, locality, reviews, experiences, prices, and services provided.

Guest House Mery, Barrio Brasil  – Run by a Chilean family, in downtown Santiago, close to historical places and metro, amazing reviews, kind staff, beautiful rooms, and patio, and pick up and drop from the airport at reasonable prices. Best for solo or couple travelers.

Book the hotel here on Booking . This place gets sold out well in advance.

Amistar  Apartments – In downtown Santiago near Santa Lucia hill, entire apartment for 3/4/5 people, clean accommodation, kind owners, great reviews, and pick up and drop service from the airport. Best for a group of friends or families. Browse the apartments  here on Booking .

And now for the hostel lovers.

Hostal Rio Amazonas : In central Santiago near Baquedano Metro Station, boutique hotel, gorgeous interiors and paintings, comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, friendly staff, inhouse bar, and wifi. Best for couples, family, and solo travelers.

Click here  to see the availability and book Hostal Rio Amazonas.

9. Soak poetry in Pablo Neruda’s houses – One of the best places to visit in Chile

Neruda is one of the most loved poets of Chile who is not only known for his love poems but for his odes to things like socks and vegetables. His three homes: La Chascona in Santiago, La Sebastiana in Valparaíso, and the one in the Isla Negra are all open for public on all days of the week except Monday. 

If you haven’t read Pablo’s poetry, let me first recite a few verses to raise your curiosity,

These words are only a drop in Pablo’s ocean of poetry. The Essential Neruda poetry book I have linked above is a collection of some of his best poems in both their English and Spanish versions. His poetry can only beckon good things, I promise.

La Chascona:  Fernando Márquez de la Plata 0192, Barrio Bellavista, Providencia, Santiago, 56-2-2777-8741; fundacionneruda.org. Named after Pablo’s secret lover, this house is at the foot of Cerro San Cristóbal. Pablo bought this house for his secret lover and himself. 

La Sebastiana:  Ferrari 692, Valparaíso, 56-32-225-6606;  fundacionneruda.org . Sits on a Valparaíso hill overlooking the city. 

Isla Negra:  Poeta Neruda s/n, Isla Negra, El Quisco, 56-35-2461284;  fundacionneruda.org : This house is on the coastline about an hour away from Valparaíso. Pablo is buried here along with his third wife. On the way to the house, you can visit many vineyards and fine restaurants some of which still serve Pablo’s favorite food. 

If you want to go with a tour, this one goes to the Isla Negra house, explores the beach, and then takes the tourists for wine tasking in Casablanca valley.

10. Lose yourself in the Central Market of Santiago (Mercado Central)

One of my dear friends introduced me to Mercado Central. Abundant seafood, typical Chilean preparations, fresh fruits and vegetables, pulses and porotos (read beans) , everything can be found in this market. I do remember eating in the dingy backside of the market but it has a great food court where you can get fresh seafood preparations. 

Mercado Central is one of the most interesting places in Chile to understand the country’s culture. Don’t miss it. (Here I’ve written about some interesting traditions of the culture of Chile.)

How to go: Take this bike tour that also goes to the market amongst other things or visit on your own. The nearest metro station to the market is Puente Cal y Canto. You can also take a bus and get down near the market. Though illegally, Ubers, also work in Santiago.

Must-try dishes: Porotos (red beans), pasta del choclo (corn preparation), seafood, humitas (another corn preparation) along with some Cusquena beer or wine

11. Hike in Maipo Valley (Cajon del Maipo)

Cajon del Maipo is a canyon in the Santiago Metropolitan Region of Chile.

Many rivers including the el Maipo River, El Volcan River, Colorado River, and Yeso River merge in this valley.  The turquoise rivers circumscribed by the tall Andes make the canyon a perfect hub for adventure.

Cajon del Maipo offers a potpourri of activities ranging from hiking in the canyon , skiing, river rafting , hiking a volcano and visiting hot springs , exploring the national park, and relaxing with beautiful views . The trails in the Maipo Valley are both tough and easy, so choose yours as per your fitness level and comfort. Mostly, travelers head to Cajon del Maipo for a day or a weekend, but you can even book one of the cabins there and stay for long. 

Look for a place to stay here, and I have linked to the tours with the activities above.

12. Gaze over the Pacific from the Wulff Castle, Viña del Mar

About 120 km from Santiago, Viña del Mar is a coastal city that is close to another popular coastal destination called Valparaíso.

Located right opposite the Cerro Castillo (Castillo hill), the Wulff castle was built by the Wulff family, first as their home, and then the home was remodeled into a castle. The castle doesn’t have an entrance fee, has beautiful art exhibitions as now it is a government heritage center, and the view of the Pacific from the castle is stunning. 

Viña del Mar: Browse through Viña’s accommodations here .

13. Ride the squeaky funicular elevators of Valparaíso

Only 120 km away from Santiago, Valparaíso (or lovingly known as Valpo amongst the locals) is a colorful city built over steep hills on the shores of the Pacific. Like other port cities, it is a bit random and unstructured, and thus colorful. Valparaíso is the only Chilean city where street art is legal so you can imagine why I call it colorful. 

People reside on the hills of Valparaíso, and these elevators, or cable cars, were built to carry people up and down on the steep hills. Although once there were about 31 elevators, now only about 14 of these are functional. 

How to go: The two most popular and easy to access funiculars are the Acensor Reina Victoria (connecting Avenida Cumming with Paseo Dimalow) and the Acensor El Peral (connecting Plaza Sotomayor with Paseo Yugoslavo.) Carry some cash or coins for the ticket price is about 100-200 pesos.

If you are short of time, take a tour from Santiago to Vina del Mar and Valparaíso that goes through the main sites of both the cities.

Tip: While in Valparaíso, you can check out the Botica Salcobrand medical shop on Plaza Aníbal Pinto where the pharmacy is ready to take you for a spin in the past. 

Where to stay:   Click here to see and book accommodations in Valparaíso . 

14. Tour vineyards when in the Central Valley – One of the cool things in Chile

The Central region of Chile has the perfect temperature and most accommodative soil for grapes. Viña del Mar , Valparaíso , Santiago, and Casablanca, a white wine city between Santiago and Valparaiso, are stuffed with vineyards that encourage tourists to visit. And travelers go for Chilean wine is one of the best wines in the world.

How to go: Here are some brilliant winery tours you can take: Concha y Toro official winery tour (one of the most popular and the oldest in Latin America), Undurraga vineyard in Maipo , or visit the wineries of Casablanca from Santiago . You can also hire a car and drive around yourself.

15. Immerse in the graffitis of Valparaíso

Valparaiso started becoming an art center when Pablo Neruda, a resident of the city, invited his Mexican friends and painters to the city. Soon the city’s walls, steep staircases, cobbled streets, dainty shops, and open roofs all were covered in graffiti. In no time, locals joined the artists, too.

During the dictatorship in Chile, the wall art of Valparaiso was one of the most effective ways for revolutionaries to communicate and to encourage people to keep fighting for freedom. Now the city has legalized street art, and property owners argue over who would get the best artist to paint their garages and roofs. 

Valparaiso is dense with these wall paintings, and you would find them in the most obscure places. Go up a narrow street or stroll in the back lanes or peek behind a dusty car, if you will, and you are bound to run into some heartening display of color. 

The best places to see the local art are the hills of Carcel, Miraflores, Alegre, Pateon, Concepcíon, and Bellavista. You should also go to the open-air museum that holds the art of more than 70 artists who put their art together after the dictatorship. 

Be careful while roaming in Valparaiso for the place is known for delinquents who love snatching off bags and phones. Walk in the city in daylight, be with a friend or group preferably, keep your belongings close to you, and don’t wander in a deserted street even in daylight. 

Valparaiso is one of the most important places in Chile to understand the country’s artistic growth. So be cautious, but do visit. 

How to go: The safest and most informative way to explore Valpo’s art would be to take a tour with the locals . 

16. Celebrate the New Year eve in Valparaíso by watching firecrackers put on a colorful show over the Pacific – One of the most unique and best things to see in Chile

For about half an hour, the sky above the Pacific shore near Valparaiso dazzles with colors as hundreds of firecrackers are busted there at midnight. People gather over their rooftops, in balconies, and on the beaches to see the celebration with champagne spilling out of their glasses and empanadas spilling out of their tables. 

Don’t miss this experience if you are in Chile around the new year.

How to go: Book a hotel in Valparaiso and get to the roof or your balcony in time. Don’t forget to bring some of that delicious Chilean wine. 

**What’s not to miss in Central Valley: Wine, art, and poetry.

Re commended Read: My fun guide to the culture of Chile

Valdivia is neither part of the Central Valley nor of the Los Lagos region of the South. So I am putting it here in between the two.

17. Visit the Mercado Fluvial in Valdivia

Valdivia is an old city set at the junction of the Calle-Calle and Cau-Cau rivers and is slightly above the lake region. 

Valdivia’s vibrant local grocery market Mercado Fluvial sells a myriad of fish, mussels, prawns, street food, vegetables, fruits, handicraft, and wooden artifacts. The market is on the shores of the Valdivia River, and sea lions resting on the wooden planks behind the market behold the sight of the visitors rather than the trouts and the avocados. And while the shop keepers get distracted with customers, the seagulls fly off with a few anchovies now and then.

On a sunny afternoon, the market is a great place to eat, buy a handmade souvenir, or you can also start a boat tour through the interconnected network of canals and rivers from the market. 

Where to stay in Valdivia?

Airesbuenos Hostel y Permacultura, Valdivia – I stayed at Airesbuenos (350 m away from the bus terminal) for about 2 nights. Great affordable place for solo or couple travelers. Wifi, breakfast, and a shared kitchen included. Find the availability of Airesbuenos on Booking here .

And if you don’t like this hostel, then feel free to  browse through other options in Valdivia .

18. Cruise through the Valdivian rivers visiting old forts

As the fourth settlement founded by the Spanish, Valdivia has many forts and castles that are spread around the city.  

Mercado Fluvial is the starting point of a boat ride through the network of waterways that go through the many Valdivian rivers. Along with a pleasant ride, you will also visit the historical places and forts on the way. Fort Niebla is one of those popular forts and flaunts its own beach (playa) and a local market ( feria ).

19. While in Valdivia, don’t miss the Kunstmann brewery

Chileans love their wine, but they are no less a fan of beer. 

Kunstmann, one of the oldest and popular Chilean beer, has a big brewery in Valdivia. Understanding the brewing process while sipping honey or cinnamon Kunstmann could be a fun thing to do on a windy evening in Valdivia. 

Best Things To Do in the  Lake region, known as Los Lagos in Chile

The lake region marks the beginning of Patagonia, the South of Chile, and from here you enter the zone of some of the world’s most beautiful places. 

Los Lagos is known for its deep blue lakes, azure rivers, active volcanoes, lush national parks, and scattered islands. Some of the main towns of the region are Puerto Varas, Osorno, Puerto Montt, and Pucon. 

20. Chill in the Chiloé island or the Isla Grande – One of Chile’s best places to visit

I stayed in Castro , the capital of Chiloé, for five months and taught English to government school students as part of a volunteer program. So its only natural that I talk about this island far more fondly than the rest of the places to go in Chile.

Rolling countryside hills of the island houses colorful stilt homes (palafitos), wooden heritage churches, and apple fields. The windy beaches of the island aren’t very busy for the water is cold throughout the year. The only known attempt of someone swimming there was of a friend who was dissuaded after his first attempt as he almost froze while dipping in, shouted for help, and was driven home in his swimming trunks by a stranger.

Chiloé and the people of Chiloé, who are lovingly called Chilotes, are known for their signature seafood and folklore. The homes here are covered with bright multi-colored shinglings of various shapes and sizes. 

Chiloé is a place to slow down in Chile — Wake up in a stilt house or in a wooden cabin, eat bread and cheese or algae soup for breakfast, stroll in the countryside, pluck a peach or two, walk by the beach, eat as much seafood as you like at a cocineria (food court where locals make almost home food), visit a World Heritage wooden church, and then go to another local restaurant for a hearty meal with wine. 

Where to stay in Chiloé ?

Let me recommend some places in and around Castro for you will start your island trip from there.

I highly recommend these private domes in Castro (on Airbnb) that are owned by a lovely Chilean couple and my best friends. Veronica and Marco are the warmest hosts who don’t let their guests leave without serving them amazing pisco sours and homemade seafood preparations. This could be one of the best places to stay in Chile for location, comfort, and hospitality. Do try. And if you do, tell Vero and Marco that you read my blog. You would definitely get a few extra piscos.

But if you are not on Airbnb or don’t like this place, here are some other good stay options.

Palafito WaIwen  – Located by the Gamboa river and only about .6 miles from the Castro center, double rooms and dorms with heating, ocean and city views, wifi, kind staff, complimentary breakfast, shared kitchen, and a terrace overlooking the ocean. Best for couples and solo travelers.

Click here to book this stilt house.

Casa Chilota B&B  – In downtown Castro, a typical Chilote home with wooden flooring, friendly and kind Chilean owners, and clean rooms with a complimentary breakfast spread. Best for families, couples and solo travelers.

Look at the pictures and see  Casa Chilota on Booking .

Cabañas  Lomas de Ten Ten – Located in Ten Ten, a small countryside area about 4-5 km away from Castro downtown, beautiful wooden cottage, kitchen included, and ocean view from the cabin. Ideal for families or a group of friends. Book these cabins on Booking  here .

Apart from these, do look for cabins and wooden cottages out in the countryside. Chiloé has some beautiful and secluded scenic accommodations and you should get one for yourself. Find some here .

Here are some of the specific things to do in Chiloé.

21. Spend a day or two in Castro, the capital of Chiloé (One of the most famous places in Chile but for the right reasons )

Walk around the main plaza, admire the purple and yellow San Francisco Church there, eat at the seafood restaurants, buy fresh fish or eat ceviches in the Mercado Municipal near the harbor, look for some souvenirs in the market, drink wine at the cozy bars (43 was my favorite), and participate in a “minga” or get invited to a party and see the locals’ way of celebration. 

Oh, stroll around the viewpoint Gamboa, walk along the harbor in the direction of ten-ten, and eat in one of the “palafitos” there while looking over the ocean. 

22. Visit the Cocineria of Dalcahue (food court where locals make home food)

The quiet Dalcahue serves as a boarding point for the ferry of Achao (another island I would suggest you visit), but Dalcahue can be visited for just its cocineria. 

The several restaurants of the food court run by eight local families sit in a small wooden house that overlooks the ocean and serves homemade preparations of Chilote’s best-known dishes. 

Find seafood preparations here, casuellas (soups), algae and potato preparations, porotos granados (red beans), and the famous colorful Chilote potatoes. 

Carry cash as cards wouldn’t be accepted.

Insider tip: Another great place to visit in Dalcahue is the artisan fair that happens twice every week where artisans from all over Chiloé come to Dalcahue to showcase and sell their products. 

23. See the heritage wooden churches of Chiloé – One of the unique things about Chile

When the missionary Jesuits arrived in Chile in the 17th century, the building techniques of Spain were merged with the local Chilote wooden boat construction techniques. One thing led to another and nailless churches emerged. 

Chiloé had 51 of these larch and cypress wood churches out of which only 15 remain now. But, less is more couldn’t be more true than in the case of these heritage churches as they stand timeless, some even earthquake safe, and keeping the people inside them warm (such is the wooden insulation) from the fierce cold in Chiloé. 

Achao has the largest wooden church on the Chiloé archipelago, Curaco de Velez has the oldest, Tenaúm’s church is gorgeous, and Castro’s is colorful. And there are more. 

PC: Srikanth_Jandy, under CC BY 2.0

24. Buy Chilote artisanal souvenirs and wooden artifacts 

I wish I could share the picture of that handwritten wooden chai mug that I bought for my father from the Mercado Municipal in Castro, but he has the mug. But not just mugs, you can buy handpainted or handwritten wooden pocket mirrors, pen, hairpins, spatulas, cutting boards, and other paraphernalia, too.

As Chiloé is cold and wet for a large part of the year, locals knit and sell woolen sweaters, hats, socks ,  ponchos, and other cute warm clothing. Oh, there is copper handmade jewelry, too, of which I have a few pieces. 

Walk around the artisanal markets in the many towns and villages of Chiloé for the sake of friends back home. 

25. Eat typical Chilote food

I lived with a Chilean family for five months and that implies I mostly ate at home. I wish I had tried more restaurants, but the home food was great, and eating with a bunch of crazy Chileans, British, and Americans(volunteers who also taught English) won over outside food every time. 

I was soon introduced to the greasy milcao — potato patty stuffed with pork and deep-fried(this was store-bought), colorful red, purple, and black potatoes that are local to the island, empanadas — pastries stuffed with potato or chicken or beef or seafood, and curanto — mussels and seashells steamed with potato and/or pork underground over coal. These are all unique to the island (except empanadas) so do try.

Chiloé is especially known for its seafood preparations such as casuella (soups)- they even have algae casuella, grilled fish, ceviche, etc. And oh, the portions increase in Chiloé without warning.

Recommended Read: Story of my Chilean host mother

26. Go island-hopping on Chiloé archipelago

From Chiloé, take a ferry to the many nearby islands of the archipelago such as Lemuy, Caucahué, Quinchao, and explore the churches and the countryside of these places. 

How to go: Getting to another island is as easy as taking a bus that directly goes to the island or walking to the ferry point and taking the ferry to the other island. Have coins or smaller notes to pay. 

Where to stay: Either stay in the Castro area and make a day trip to other islands. Or look for some cool accommodation on the destination island. Booking is my friend for this task.

27. Kayak around the Chiloé archipelago

Kayaking in the rivers and in the inland water around the Chiloé archipelago could be a lot of fun on a bright day. Ask your hotel or homestay for more information. 

Photo by jeffreywarren ( CC BY 2.0 )

28. Visit the regional museum (Museo regional) in Ancud, Chiloé

Though Ancud, the former capital of Chiloé, is now a mundane town with regular buildings and docks, Museo Regional de Ancud (Ancud’s Regional Museum) is a good place to know more about the Chilote culture and mythology. 

29. Take a ferry to the Penguineria Islands near Ancud (Monumento Natural Islotes de Puñihuil)

From Ancud, a ferry goes to a collection of islands that penguins have unabashedly colonized. The best time to see the friendly creatures is December. 

How to go: My plan to visit these penguin colonies failed three times due to unexpected earthquakes, strikes, and so on. But finding that bus stand in Ancud from where a bus goes to the ferry point wasn’t easy. You would have to ask the locals or confirm at your hotel. You need to take a bus from Ancud to a ferry point and then you board a ferry or a small boat that takes you to the colonies. If you don’t want to arrange the trip by yourself, here is a GetYourGuide tour that first explores parts of Chiloé and then goes to the Caulin and Puñihuil Penguins Colony.

30. Go to the Dock of Souls, known as  Muelle de Las Almas in Spanish.

Muelle de Las Almas is a popular wooden pier in the Chiloé National Park near the village of Cucao. 

The popularity of the dock is attributed to the local legend where a boatman Tempilkahue used to carry souls over the river into eternal rest. These souls would wail for the boatman to take them but Tempilkahue didn’t carry them all. If they couldn’t pay him, the souls would linger on in the surrounding cliffs. 

When the Chilean wood sculptor and art professor from Santiago designed a long wooden bridge, a pier, at the cliff, the place was named as the Muelle de la Almas. 

Stories say that the wails of the dead can still be heard at the pier. This quirky pier is one of the best places to go in Chile for the gorgeous viewpoint and the adventurous hike to the bridge. Don’t let a few ghosts scare you off.

How to get there:

Rent a car to drive or get a local bus, known as micro(pronounced as mee-crow), to Cucao. After about a 1.5 hour drive, the bus will drop you outside a restaurant called Terrasa de Cucao, and then from there another bus drop at the beginning point of the hike, or you can say the parking lot, in about 30 minutes. The last bus to the hike leaves from the restaurant at 3 pm. 

After the bus ride, hike for about 45 minutes to one hour through the undulating hills and pastures of the national park to get to the dock. Get there in the morning to get bright views over the ocean and to make the most of the day. 

Remember that the last bus from the pickup point (to the restaurant) leaves at 5:30 pm. In case you miss this one, like we did because someone forgot her phone at the top of a hill, walk for an hour or hitchhike to get back to the restaurant for the next bus.

Photo by f3nc0r3 . ( CC BY 2.0 )

31. Visit the Pablo Fierro Museum in Puerto Varas, Chile

Pablo Fierro museum would be a great stop before Chiloé to understand how the Germans, who entered the island in 1850, influenced the Chilote culture.

How to go: The Museum is free to enter and is a short stroll along the waterfront from the Plaza de Armas of Puerto Varas on the 225 Road heading towards Ensenada.

32. Take a ferry to Hornophiren – One of the best places in Chile for nature lovers

Hornophiren is a beautiful town in the lake region. Most backpackers and travelers miss this beauty on their Chile trip for it is not on a typical travel route. 

But as if it is out of a fairy tale, Horniphiren has misty volcanoes, deep blue lakes, huge national parks, hot thermal pools, solitary mountains, white rivers, open pastures studded with birds and horses, amongst other things that can lure any adventurer. 

Hornopirén’s national park is easily accessible, and we biked up the Andes in the park and then came down flying, all safe. The rivers have good viewpoints, too. There are volcanoes to be hiked, but you would need good weather to climb. 

Oh, don’t forget to try the yerba mate and cheese empanadas at the local artisanal joint near the square.

How to go: Get a bus or drive there but remember you would have to get up on ferries a few times.

Where to stay: Have a look at the wooden cabins of Hornopirén  here . 

33. Hike active Volcano Villarica, Pucon

Climbing up hiking Villarrica is the goal of many travelers when they travel to Pucon, the adventure hub of Los Lagos. 

Originally known as Rucapillán or House of the Pillan — home of a powerful disastrous spirit, the volcano hasn’t erupted for many years now.  For a hiker, climbing up Volcan Villarica would be one of the top 10 things to do in Chile. Plan your trip to have a few days in Pucon so that at least one of them has favorable weather for the hike. 

My Villarica hiking experience can be read here.

How to go : Take a guided tour to go up the volcano as you can’t do this on your won. The hike would take your entire day. 

Where to stay in Pucon? I stayed at the Chilli kiwi hostel  which was comfortable and had ample double rooms and dorms. You can also book any of the adventure activities, hikes, or tours from Chilli Kiwi.  Click here  to find the availability in the hostel and to book it.

Insider Tip: In the winter, you can ski in the Centro de Ski Pucon (ski center of Pucon). 

34. Chill at the Caburga lake beach in Pucon

Relaxing at the Caburgua lake beach after climbing the volcano would be a smart thing to do. 

35. Kayak in the quiet Villarrica lake and find remote beaches

Borrow or rent Kayaks from the hotel and explore the lake. You are bound to find some empty beaches. Make sure you aren’t intruding in anyone’s private property and jump in. 

36. Hitchhike to the deserted Salto del Claro waterfalls near Pucon.

This waterfall is mostly deserted, and you might want to start early from Pucon as it takes about 4-5 hours of walking to reach there.

The waterfall is about six kilometers out of Pucon, so you can either hike all way or bike or take a taxi and walk or hitchhike. 

Make sure that you carry enough water, snacks, a towel, and keep your phones charged as there are no shops or restaurants near the waterfall. If you are lucky, you would be able to hitchhike back to the town. 

Follow Up Read: Celebrating the Fiestas Patrias , the Chilean independence day with Chileans

**What not to miss in the Lake Region: People, food, beautiful landscapes, adventure activities, and the unique culture.

In the South of Chile, Andes rise on the mainland to form Patagonia. This no man’s land is nothing but icy peaks with glaciers suspended atop, deep blue and turquoise rivers, labyrinthine fjords, gorgeous lakes, and natural caves. Patagonia is mostly uninhabited because of the crazy climatic conditions. 

The Carretera Austral or the Southern highway runs along this nomad’s land from Chaiten till the Tierra del Fuego or the land of fire which culminates in Cape Horn, the last stop before Antarctic Peninsula — Patagonia leads our way into the end of the world. 

37. Hike in Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most sought-after parts of Patagonia. Even though thousands of people trek in this park every year, such is the park’s wilderness, that most of them never run into each other.

Though Torres’s terrain is difficult, it has all levels of hiking trails: easy, moderate, and high difficulty level for enthusiasts and hikers to choose from.  From 4-9 multi-day circuits to a day-long hike, one can find them all. One of the longer hikes known as the W trek is one of the most beautiful trails of the park and extends over 8-9 days. Sleeping in pre-booked camps and eating packed meals throughout the trek makes the hike challenging but thrilling. You can also book the W trek and get all the arrangements done. 

Or take a full-day tour from the city of Puerto Natales to see the park’s main viewpoints and walk a little and then decide what would you like to do there.

How to go: Frequent flights are available from the major Chilean airports to the two main cities Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas of Patagonia.

Where to stay in Puerto Natales: Browse through hotels and check the prices here .

Where to stay in Punta Arenas: Find a comfortable accommodation in Punta Arenas here .

38. Take a boat trip to Glacier Grey 

Part of the Torres del Paine National Park, Glacier Grey is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field –one of the largest ice stretches on the planet. 

The boat takes up to a point near the glacier from where you can admire the 40-meter high river of ice.

39. Visit the Mylodon Cave located outside Torres del Paine National Park

The Milodon Caves are said to be formed at the end of the ice age from the erosion of a glacier. Excavations have found animal bones, old tools, and even hints of humans. 

A boat ride to the cave definitely adds to the fun. 

40. Sail through the Magellan Strait

Ferdinand Magellan discovered this strait when he sailed from Europe to America while making his way around South America through the rough Pacific waters. 

How to go: Boat tours for the Magellan Strait leave from Puntas Arenas, one of the two major inhabited towns of Patagonia. Here is one tour that sails through the Strait of Magellan to go to the Magdalena and Marta Islands to observe Magellanic penguins, Patagonian sea lions, and other marine life.

Watching the penguins play around on a remote Southern island could be one of the most interesting things in Chile, or in the world. Go. 

41. Go for white river rating in the Futaleufú river

42. visit the marble caves.

Cuevas de Marmol or the Marble caves are carved into the Patagonian Andes by 6000 years of wave washing up against the calcium carbonate. Marble caves are located in the General Carrera lake, which spans the border between Chile and Argentina. 

The smooth, swirling blues that you see in photos on the cave are reflections of the lake’s azure water on the marble. To get the best colors, visit during September and February when the water is turquoise. Early mornings are the best for the perfect lighting. 

How to go: Take a ferry from Puerto Río Tranquilo village. In spite of the remoteness, Marble caves is one of the most tourists places in Chile so you should not have a hard time making a trip to them.

Photo by jvieras  ( CC BY 2.0 )

43. Robinson Crusoe Island — Juan Fernández archipelago, Chile (400 miles west of South America in the South Pacific Ocean)

Named after the DeFoe novel Robinson Crusoe inspired by a sailor stranded on this same island for four years with a musket, gunpowder, a knife, a Bible, and carpenter’s tools, the island is an endemic hub of rare plants and extreme beauty. 

The island is inhabited by only about 500-600 people most of whom make a simple living by selling lobsters.  

Robinson Crusoe island houses beautiful coral reefs, white-sand beaches, blue lagoon, palm trees, traditional thatched huts, tropical fruits, and abundant seafood. Activities such as hiking, horseback riding, birdwatching, snorkeling, sport fishing, and scuba diving are available on the island.

How to go:  During the prime season, small planes of up to ten passengers leave Los Cerrillos and Tobalaba airports in Santiago daily. After a two and a half hour flight, a boat ride from La Punta would take you to the island. Carry cash as there are no ATMs on the island.

Where to stay: I can’t seem to find any Robinson Crusoe hotels on Booking. I would update this post when I find more credible information.

**What not to miss in Patagonia: The feeling that you are almost at the end of the world.

Must Read: Chile visa for Indians – A complete guide

Now some general fun things to do in Chile

44. when in chile, ski.

Valle Nevado resort is one of the best ski resorts in Chile. Located on the foothills of the Andes Mountains, this is just one ski option but the country is full of ski resorts and icy slopes. 

Or consider this tour that goes skiing in the Andes.

45. Fly off to the Easter island, known as Rapa Nui or Isla de Pascua

While the Easter island is one of the most remote places in Chile, thousands of travelers and Chileans visit Easter island every year for its clear natural beauty. 

When on the island, see more than the moai statues. The Ana Kai Tangata (Cannibal Cave) is also a visit. This  half-day archaeology tour is a good option to understand the history of the island from locals.

How to go: You can fly to the Easter island from Santiago.

Where to stay: Check out these properties in Hanga Roa, the capital of the Isla de Pascua.

46. When in Chile, drink Pisco Sour

Specific to Chile and Peru, Pisco is a liquor made of grapes. Both countries fight on Pisco’s origin and make it with egg white, lime juice, and sugar syrup. Pisco is one delicious drink and goes well with Chilean food. 

Don’t miss it.

47. Take a Chilean cooking class

Even though Chilean cuisine isn’t the most respected or loved around the world, its empanadas, casuellas, choclo con queso, and other seafood preparations are special. If you think you would want to make any of these back home, get into a cooking class and learn a few of these while sipping up some pisco.

Your best bet would be to take a course in a small city or island such as Chiloé for an authentic and personalized class. 

This food tour  in Santiago might interest you if you are a foodie.

48. Learn Spanish in Chile

Chileans speak superfast slang-studded Spanish so Chile isn’t the best place to learn Spanish. But if you start understanding Chilean Spanish, you can converse in any kind of Spanish. So give it a chance. 

If I can do it, you can, too. And here are my best language guides to help you:

• Learning Spanish in Chile – My honest journey with Spanish from embarrassing blankness to cracking jokes
• Most Useful Spanish Phrases for Travelers – Print the guide and refer to it whenever you need help or go over the basic phrases to remember.
• Best Tips to Learn a Language on Your Own – Handpicked practices from my experience

49. Teach English in Chile

If you are looking for a paid volunteer program to teach English while traveling, the English Open Doors program in Chile is the answer.

I taught English to government-school students on Chiloé island for five months. The experience was challenging but well worth the efforts. The program provides food and accommodation and a basic stipend for the entire duration. Read all about the application process and the program here . 

50. Last but not the least, hang out with the sweet Chileans

Chileans are the nicest people I have met who are ready to help out at any cost. Do accept when Chileans invite you to their homes, which they would. Oh, but do remember that Chileans are as punctual as Italian trains. I talk more about the Chilean people and Chile’s culture here . 

Phew! Now go have fun.

Follow Up Read: My comprehensive guide to backpacking South America + my super-detailed Chile Travel Guide

Would you love to see Chile? Which of these top places to visit in Chile intrigued you the most? Tell me in the comments.

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to products I love. If you choose to click through and make a purchase, I will earn a little bit at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

Want similar inspiration and ideas in your inbox? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "Looking Inwards"!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

21 Extraordinary Things to Do in Chile

From the dry, orange sands of the Atacama Desert, to the frothy, turquoise waterfalls of the Saltos de Petrohué, Chile is every nature lover’s paradise. Step away from the thriving capital, Santiago for our pick of the best things to do in Chile to inspire your travels.

Chile is complicated. And I mean that in the best way possible. With its mountains, coastline, deserts, and glaciers, this country is home to some of the most spectacular and tantalizing landscapes on Earth.

After three visits to Chile, I left last time ready to plan yet another trip (yeah, I think I’m a bit of an addict…). There are just TOO MANY incredible places to visit in Chile. I can’t do and see everything in just 1 ( or 3… ) trips! Chile is like a bowl of the best macaroni and cheese in the world – I just keep wanting to come back for more and more.

Here’s an example. In Chile, you can start your day off hiking a volcano, go wine tasting in the afternoon, sample amazing local seafood dishes for dinner, and lay out a blanket at night to see some of the most amazing stars at night.

I know this because I DID IT, and you can too if you visit!

But don’t let me be your only guide. Here are the most amazing places in Chile that you can visit. Check them out and see if you don’t start to fall in love with this amazing and diverse country.

Incredible Things to do in Chile

Explore the beauty of torres del paine national park.

With towering, snow-capped mountains, open, green-tinged lakes, and forests dense with windswept trees, the Torres del Paine National Park is a must-see spot in Chile and should be at the top of your South America bucket list.

The park is spread over one hundred thousand hectares and is visited by an average of two hundred and fifty thousand tourists yearly.

The scenery is dominated by the Cordillera del Paine mountain range, but there’s much more to the park than that.

 The Torres del Paine National Park is also criss-crossed by valleys, rivers, glaciers, and lakes including the rather fittingly named Grey Lake.

Many different varieties of flora and fauna bloom across the Torres del Paine counting Chilean fire trees. A leisurely wander, steep hike, or winding trek through the Torres del Paine is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Chile.

The W Trek in Torres del Paine is one of South America’s best-known treks, thanks to the magnificent and varied sceneries it offers to those who trek its path. Planning a trip? This is what you need to pack and here’s an in-depth camping guide. 

Click here to read more about hiking the W Trek in Torres del Paine

Marvel at the El Tatio Geysers

In the north of Chile on the slopes of the Andes Mountains you’ll find the El Tatio geysers. With over eighty explosive geysers, El Tatio is home to the third largest geyser field in the world and the largest in the southern hemisphere – certainly one of the must-see spots in Latin America . 

A visit to El Tatio is one of our top 11 things to do for the sheer beauty and wonder of the site. The geysers are most active at dawn, when they erupt to heights between one to six metres. Seeing the geysers starting to erupt as the sun rises over the mountains is an unforgettable experience.

Once you’re finished, you can bathe in the hot geyser water pools before heading off.

See The Wonders of the Atacama Desert

The grainy salt lakes, the jagged otherworldliness of the Valle de La Luna – there’s no doubt that the Atacama Desert is one of the best things to do in Chile.

A trip into the Atacama Desert is like stepping into a technicolour world, pastel pink waters, bumpy volcanoes, and fumbling flamingos contribute to the surreal effect (see our 10 awesome images from the Atacama Desert to see what we mean).

Located in northern Chile, the Atacama Desert is famous for being one of the driest places in the entire world. For this reason, the stargazing and astronomy opportunities here are unlike any others in the world, and the desert is home to several observatories and research facilities like ALMA.

The Atacama Desert is one of the oldest deserts in the world and has many highlights including the Laguna Chaxa (home to three species of flamingo), the lime green Salar de Capur and Guatin Canyon, where the cacti grow taller than humans.

If you manage to explore parts of the Atacama Desert away from the big bunches of tour groups you’ll be able to enjoy the true stillness of the desert while sitting under the star-speckled sky.

Here are a few of the most popular activities in the Atacama Desert:

Summit a volcano: Dotted with volcanoes all over, it’s hard NOT to feel tempted to climb one while visiting the Atacama Desert. Luckily, you can! There are guided hikes to the summits of dormant and active volcanoes. Cerro Toco and Volcan Laskar are two of the most popular volcano hikes from San Pedro de Atacama.

Sandboard down the sand dunes: If you’re looking for a more adrenaline-inducing activity, you can strap on some boots and sandboard down the dunes of the desert. There are beginner lessons offered by Sandboard San Pedro that are perfect for people who are curious to try it but don’t know where to begin.

Explore nearby salt flats and lakes: There are several other incredible natural attractions to see in the Atacama Desert. Some of these include expansive salt flats and lagoons. My personal favorite was the Piedras Rojas tour, which took us to some seriously incredible landscapes in the Atacama region.

Visit an observatory: Space geeks, rejoice! There are several observatories that you can visit in the Atacama Desert as a tourist, including SPACE Obs and ALMA (radio telescope array). During the evenings, you can see nebulas, constellations, and more using the powerful telescopes the tours have available.

Read Next: Incredible Things to do in the Atacama Desert

Spend Time Getting to Know Santiago de Chile

We couldn’t write a piece on the best things to do in Chile without mentioning the country’s buzzing capital, Santiago . The country’s largest airport is here, and it’s also the largest city in the country, perfect for people looking for a variety of urban experiences.

Some visitors to Chile are tempted to skip Santiago, but I think it’s definitely worth exploring for a few days if you have the time! While it’s not one of the most picturesque places to visit in Chile, it has HUGE cultural significance within the country.

Scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find something to suit every taste – from the upscale eateries in neighbourhoods such as Vitacura to the old city “Centro”, home to the city’s oldest buildings and some of its most important sights.

With world-class museums, restaurants, nightlife, and views, Santiago is full of awesome activities. Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Santiago:

Take a free walking tour:  There’s no better way to orient yourself to a new city than by taking a tip-based guided walking tour. Your guide will explain the history of the city and show you around to some of the most fabulous places to explore. 

Climb a hill for spectacular views: Santiago is a city with a ton of topography, with hills and mountains everywhere. There are two hills with stunning views that are popular for tourists: Cerro Santa Lucia and Cerro San Cristobal. If you’d rather not climb stairs in the Santiago heat (I don’t blame you), you can take a funicular car to the top of the Cerro San Cristobal for a small fee.

Learn about Chile’s history: There are tons of awesome museums in Santiago, from fine art to history and more. I was especially moved by the Museo de la Memoria y Derechos Humanos, which details the political prisoner crisis and dictatorship that happened in Chile from 1973 to 1990. 

Eat the most delicious Chilean food ever: Chilean food is surprisingly awesome. My favorite dish is the  paila marina , a delicious seafood soup that you can find in little home-style restaurants tucked into the corners of Santiago’s Mercado Central. Top it off with a sweet  mote con huesillo from a street vendor and your whole meal is complete.

Take a day trip: Santiago is a fantastic place to base yourself for a few days while you’re exploring the surrounding areas. If you have extra time in the area, take one of the popular day trips from Santiago to see the coast, drink some wine, or go for a hike in the Andes.

Read Next: The Best Things to do in Santiago, Chile

Chart a Course Across the Beagle Channel

The Beagle Channel cuts a course through the tip of South America, spanning an area from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, passing through Chile and Argentina along the way.

Covering a distance of around two hundred and forty kilometres, the channel separates some of the larger southernmost Chilean islands from the mainland.

The port village of  Puerto Williams is the closest spot to the Beagle Channel in Chile and is the point at which tourists hop onto boats or kayaks to sail across the waters.

Crossing the Beagle Channel is one of the best things to do in Chile; take the opportunity to go dolphin and whale spotting. If you have the time,  stop off at a few of the smaller islands across the channel to to explore the wildlife and untamed beauty of the landscapes.  

Planning a trip to South America? Take your pick of these five two-week itineraries .

See the Saltos de Petrohué

A visit to the Petrohué Waterfalls is a must when travelling to Chile. Located within the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, a trip to the Saltos de Petrohué is one of, in our opinion, the best things to see in Chile.

Cascading from the edge of the Petrohué River, the waterfall is tinged a blue-green colour and is often surfed by brave torrent ducks.

The fan shaped Llanquihue Lake and colour changing (almost like a mood ring) Todos los Santos Lake both flow near the Saltos de Petrohué.

In the background of every shot of the waterfall stands the active Osorno volcano sprinkled with a swirl of snow. The volcano often throws sand and silt into the Petrohué Waterfall, smoothing the rocks scattered across the rapids.

Visit Pucon & Villarrica Volcano

Volcanoes. Lakes. Food. An amazing destination for any type of traveler, Pucon has these and more. Pucon is located in the heart of Mapuche territory, meaning that the indigenous influence ans greatly impacted the region’s food scene and culture.

As the most active volcano in the country, Villarrica is another popular tourist hotspot on our list of things to do in Chile.

While in Pucon, you can take some time to explore nearby Villarica, a gorgeous, snow capped volcano that looms in the distance seemingly everywhere you look. While there are plenty of amazing viewpoints of Villarica, the most intrepid of adventure travelers can also climb to its summit.

It’s best to tackle the Villarrica volcano with guided tour groups, as with bad weather conditions the hike can be extremely dangerous.

You can also get your adrenaline pumping with a variety of other adventure sports and tours. Some of these include canyoning, rafting, skiing, trekking, and wildlife watching in one of the nearby nature reserves or national parks.

See the Stunning Miscanti Lake

Another destination on our list of extraordinary things to do in Chile is the Miscanti Lake located to the north of the country.

Positioned besides the Miñiques volcano, the Miscanti Lake is known for its distinctive heart shape and dark blue waters. The Miscanti Lake is also close to the Salar de Atacama and Salar de Talar salt flats.

While a trip to the lake is a must when exploring Chile, a visit to the largest salt flat in Chile (the Salar de Atacama) also cannot be missed.

The Salar de Atacama salt flats cover around one thousand and two hundred square miles and are surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. In a country filled with natural wonders, these two stand out for their rugged, natural beauty and photo-worthy scenes.

Go Wine Tasting in the Elqui Valley

Located abut over 470 km north of Santiago, Chile’s Elqui Valley is an amazing place for wine tasting, hiking, and stargazing. This region is a conglomeration of several small towns, stretching from the seaside in La Serena inwards.

Home to a dry climate, charming small towns, and amazing food and drink options, you’ll enjoy the attractions in the Elqui Valley no matter what kind of traveler you are

The valley runs from the Pacific Ocean along to the Andes Mountains and is known for its vineyards that produce wines and Pisco brandy (one of Chile’s most popular liquors). Rising to over six thousand feet, the Elqui Valley is shaped by rolling hills, stretches of grasslands, and staggering mountains.

Along with the many trekking routes spiralling all over the Elqui Valley, the valley is also home to several small, tucked away villages.

The Elqui Valley has earned its place on our list of extraordinary things to do in Chile for its clear starry nights (the valley is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary), vineyard covered slopes, and spectacular views over northern Chile.  

Curious to learn more? Here are a couple of awesome things to do in Elqui Valley:

Go wine or pisco tasting: The Elqui Valley is home to some of the best wine and pisco production in the country. You can visit several wineries during your stay, most which specialize in Syrah and Carmenere grapes. There are also several pisco distilleries that offer tastings of some of the best pisco in Chile.

Enjoy a horseback trek: With its beautiful mountains and natural areas, there’s a lot of landscapes to explore in the Elqui Valley. You can hike to various areas on foot or take a horseback riding tour to catch a glimpse of this picturesque valley.

Watch the night sky:  Elqui Valley is home to some pretty epic places to watch the night sky, including in your own glass eco-dome! If you’re looking for an amazing astronomy experience, this is one of the best places to visit in Chile. You can learn the constellations while sipping a wine and enjoying the cool night air of the region.

See the Vast General Carrera Lake

With cool, bright blue waters, thick, tangled fauna, and the Andes mountains on the horizon, the General Carrera Lake is a must see for your time in Chile. The lake, which is shared with Argentina is the biggest lake in the country.

And the Marble Caves

Located deep in the waterways of Patagonia, the Marble Caves are a world-famous series of caves with gorgeous blue striations. While many people opt to go by motorboat, I’ll be choosing a kayak tour when I go for an immersive, tranquil, and eco-friendly experience.

You may be worried about taking such a long trek for a short, day-long excursion to the caves. Luckily, there’s a lot more to do in the region. If you’ve got a rental car, you can continue down the Carretera Austral for even more of those stunning Patagonian landscapes.

If you have more time, there’s also the option to tour nearby San Rafael Glacier. Compared to the more famous Perito Moreno or Grey Glacier, San Rafael receives a small number of visitors. It’s perfect for more intrepid travelers looking for a unique experience.

Drive The Carretera Austral

For the avid road trippers out there, the Carretera Austral is one of the most incredible highways in the world. You could spend weeks simply driving along this Patagonian thoroughfare and exploring the amazing hiking, photography, and wildlife watching opportunities it has to offer.

Beginning in Puerto Montt and extending over 1,200 km to Villa O’Higgins, this highway traverses most of Patagonia and offers some of the most picturesque stops along the way. Once you arrive, kayaking, trekking, backpacking, and wildlife expeditions await.

Explore the Cajón del Maipo (Maipo Canyon)

Located just southeast of Santiago , the Maipo Canyon is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.

Its steep, jagged walls and rocky peaks make the canyon the ideal place for hiking, climbing, and trekking. There are also several camping bases set near the Maipo Canyon ideal for nature enthusiasts trading the buzz of bustling Santiago for a night under the stars.

The Maipo Canyon surrounds the Maipo River basin and is crossed by several other streams including El Volcán River and Yeso River. Thick greenery also covers the slopes of the gorge, creating a picture perfect scene that’s too good to miss.

t’s definitely the most accessible mountain escape in Chile. At less than an hour from Santiago’s city center, Cajon del Maipo is a perfect outdoor day trip or a short weekend getaway.

Here are just a few activities you can try in Cajon del Maipo:

Hike to a glacier:  There are several glaciers in the Cajon del Maipo region, which you can hike to in a single day. A couple of the most popular day hikes include Glaciar San Francisco and Glaciar El Morado.

Explore El Yeso reservoir: El Yeso is probably the most iconic and picturesque area of Cajon del Maipo. It’s a large lake surrounded by snowy peaks – what’s not to love? The easiest way to get to El Yeso is by driving yourself or booking a guided tour.

Relax in some hot springs:  Given Chile’s geothermal activity, there are a couple of hot springs you can enjoy in the Cajon del Maipo region. The two most popular ones for tourists are the Banos Colina, perfect for chilling out after a day of hiking.

Go rafting in the Maipo River:  There are a bunch of outfitters that offer rafting trips in Cajon del Maipo. These tours are a few hours in length and go through some serious rapids! Many travelers recommend Rafting Ruta Vertical for rafting trips in Cajon del Maipo.

Explore The Lake District

In Northern Patagonia lies Chile’s famed Lake District, which is full of sweeping mountains, sparkling lakes, and incredible geographic marvels.

The entirety of the Lake District spans two of Chile’s regions and encompasses several thousands of kilometers of the country. Some of the most notable cities in the area include Puerto Montt, Coyhaique, Pucon, Puerto Varas, and Temuco.

While here, you can explore Conguillio National Park or hike one of the many mountains or volcanoes that dot the area. Alternatively, enjoy the water by booking a waterfront resort or going for a boat tour.

Either way, you can’t go wrong with a few days (or weeks!) in the Lake District – it’s unbelievably beautiful and you’ll get a unique taste of Chile’s landscape and culture.

Punta Arenas & Tierra del Fuego

Located on the very southern tip of Chile is the town of Punta Arenas. Just look at it on the map! It literally looks like it’s on the end of the world.

As you can imagine, landing in Punta Arenas is eerie and beautiful at the same time. The skies are huge and the breeze is strong.

While it’s not as full of rocky peaks like its northern Patagonian counterparts, there’s a different kind of magic here. From Punta Arenas, you can hop on day tours to see the magnificent wildlife in the area – penguins, whales, sea mammals, and more. 

For even more adventure, you can also take a trip into the Argentine side of Tierra del Fuego easily. Here, you can visit Ushuaia and see the surrounding areas there.

More Wine Tasting in the Maipo Valley & Casablanca Valley

One of Chile’s prized contributions to the world is its rich and flavorful wine. In Chile, winemakers grow both red and white grapes, making for an incredible variety of tastes and flavors. Maipo Valley and Casablanca Valley are two of the dozens of winemaking regions in Chile, both within a short drive from Santiago.

While Maipo Valley and Casablanca are two very different wine regions, I’ve grouped them together here solely because of their proximity to the capital city. However, they are quite different.

For example, in Casablanca Valley, you’ll often find wines that use Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes, while Maipo Valley commonly has full-body red wines on offer.

It’s worth visiting each valley separately to understand the differences between them. It’s easy to spend a day or more hopping around to the different wineries in each valley. Each one has its on unique history and methodology for winemaking, which I found totally fascinating during my travels in each.

If you’re looking for a way to relax and see one of the finest Chilean exports, look no further than the vineyards in the valleys surrounding the Andes mountains.

See Colourful Valparaiso

Cheery Valparaiso should be at the top of any traveller’s list of things to see in Chile. This busy port has a long and colourful history that is reflected in the enchanting maze of jewel-coloured architecture typical of the city.

Endearingly called “Valpo” by Chilean locals, Valparaíso is a colorful city located on a steep hillside. You can wander for hours through the many staircases and alleys of street art (what I did), or grab a coffee and peruse the many small artisan shops, cute cafes, and galleries (also what I did).

Beloved by artists, poets and novelists for centuries, this slightly eccentric but endearing city boasts a wealth of things to do and see and is becoming increasingly popular with visitors looking for an alternative city to Santiago for their travels.

While Valparaiso is best for simply wandering around or relaxing on a terrace somewhere, here are some other fun things to do in Valparaiso:

Eat some seafood: Being on the seaside, Valparaiso & Vina del Mar also have AMAZING seafood options that local portenos boast as some of the best in the country.

While I didn’t get to eat there the last TWO times I was in Valparaiso (the owners were out of town both times), locals say that Tres Peces is one of the best of the best restaurants in the city for seafood. Alternatively, head straight to the source at the Caleta Portales, which in addition to the day’s fresh catches, you can sample freshly made ceviche and marinated mariscos.

Take a free walking tour: Valparaiso has TWO free daily walking tours (you just have to tip the guide at the end) – 10 AM and 3 PM. These begin near the base of Cerro Concepcion and will give you lots of amazing historical context of the city, as well as taking you to some of the best street art areas and miradores of the city and the ocean.

Get out on the water: As two cities located on the seaside, there’s no better way to get amazing views of the cities themselves than by taking a public guided boat tour.

For budget travelers, there’s a local one that leaves from the port of Valparaiso throughout the day for just $4,000 CLP. ( And, like it sounds, you’ll be nice and cozy with a bunch of local tourists wielding selfie sticks. It’s definitely an experience… ) Travelers who prefer a bit more comfort can opt for a private guided boat tour on a nicer boat.

And Neighbouring Viña del Mar

Viña del Mar is Valparaiso’s beachy counterpart. Narrow staircases give way to flatter lands with a more commercial spin.

Large beach resorts and upscale dining options collide with the city’s several miles of sand interspersed with jagged rocks and the occasional sea lion. Here, you can live your best beach life, sipping pisco sours on the sand and pretending to be a Chilean celebrity.

Take a Trip to Chiloé

Pristine nature, fascinating history and culture, and beautiful small towns dot the island of Chiloé. Chiloé is home to a whopping 16 incredible UNESCO world heritage sites. Many of these recognized sites are old, historic churches built of wood, like the Church of San Francisco.

Other common activities in Chiloé include kayaking, hiking, exploring the colorful towns, and learning about the fascinating legends surrounding this place.

There are two national parks in the area – Chiloé and Tantauco – that provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventures or relaxation in nature.

Hang Out in Laid-Back Arica

Located on the northernmost tip of Chile on the coast, Arica is a gorgeous little beach town that attracts sunbathers and surfers alike.

Because of its proximity to dry areas like the Atacama Desert, Arica has balmy weather pretty much the entire year, making it an ideal little gem on the many kilometers of Chile’s Pacific coast.

Most people come to Arica to relax for a few days before they cross over the border to Peru. This means there are several beach hotels, resorts, and hangouts to lounge around in. 

Aside from simply lounging at the beach, here are a few other things you can do in Arica:

Climb El Morro de Arica: Arica is home to a large hill, called El Morro de Arica, which is home to the best views of the city. The Morro is also home to lots of important history in Chile, on display at its Museo de Armas, during wars with neighborhing Peru in the 1800s.

Visit the Cuevas de Anzota: Just over 10 kilometers from Arica lies a system of caves known as the Cuevas de Anzota. These jagged caves, canyons, and rock formations are a fun place to explore the unique landscape and wildlife of the area.

Try your hand at surfing or watersports: Because of its perfect waves, sunshine, and wind, Arica is the perfect place to lean watersports like surfing and bodyboarding and more. 

Strike Out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Ah, the famed Easter Island, more correctly known as Rapa Nui. It’s a beauty, isn’t it? The most iconic view of Easter Island is of the mysterious head statues that almost everyone has seen in photos. But did you know that this baffling place is actually a territory of Chile?

Now known as the most isolated inhabited island in the world, Rapa Nui was originally inhabited by indigenous people linked to Polynesia. The famed heads here, known as the Moai Statues, are the main draw of the island, which now makes significant revenue from the tourism operations in the area.

A visit to Easter Island is neither cheap nor easy, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor to experience one of the most remote islands in the entire world. If you’re trying to save a bit of money while there, go camping on the island to bask in its beautiful nature. Additionally, booking your flight far in advance can help you reduce travel costs.

Love This? Save and Share on Pinterest

I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

Related Posts

Torres del Paine W Trek Patagonia: A Step by Step Guide

Cerro Toco Hike: How to Summit a (Dormant) Volcano in the Atacama Desert

9 Gorgeous Hotels in Valparaíso, Chile

The Best Hotels in Santiago: Urban Retreats in Chile’s Capital

Such a beautiful country! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide! Saved your post for the future ?

Thank you – glad you found it useful

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow me on Instagram for travel inspiration, tips, and guides.

Our local experts can design your trip based on your preferences

Warning - You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to properly view this website.

• Destinations
• South america
• Top attractions

Top attractions in Chile

From the world’s driest desert and virgin ice fields to the mysterious ancient statues of Easter Island, here are our top recommendations for things to see in Chile.

Looking for a dream holiday to Chile? Our local travel expert can plan a tailor-made trip for you. Book now!

Here is our selection of hand-picked top attractions and things to do  in Chile .

1. Atacama Desert

It may be the driest place on earth, but the Atacama Desert is rich in natural and geological treats as well as indigenous history. Don’t miss the El Tatio geysers and their stunning display of geothermal energy as they thrust columns of steam into the cold morning air.

2. Valparaíso’s ascensores

These funiculars may look rickety but are, in fact, quite safe and afford spectacular views of the bay. One of the most curious is the Ascensor Polanco , which rises vertically through the heart of the hill up to a suspended walkway.

3. Torres del Paine

The undisputed queen of Chile’s national parks lies at the southern tip of the Andes mountain chain. It can only be visited comfortably in the southern hemisphere summer (Dec–Mar), but it offers exhilarating walks amid scenery of unparalleled beauty. Read more about Torres del Paine National Park...

4. Tierra del Fuego

There are few places where it is possible to be so alone as on this windswept island at the tip of South America. You’re more likely to see guanacos and, in the woods, beavers than other people. Read more about   Tierra del Fuego...

5. Chile’s southern fjords

With their inlets, islands, glaciers, and dense forests, the fjords are a transport engineer’s nightmare, but the boats that ply the channels are a nature lover’s dream.

Chilean wines are amongst the best in the world – try them for yourself during a winery tour, part of our Argentina and Chile – Wine Country Explored trip.

6. volcán villarrica.

Look down into the molten lava, listen to its tectonic rumblings and sniff the sulfur; the crater of the conical snow-capped volcano is a relatively easy one-day hike from Pucón, and a sight few will ever forget. Read more about   Volcán Villarrica...

7. The Colchagua Wine Valley

Although badly damaged by the 2010 earthquake, this prestigious wine-growing area retains its old rural traditions, alongside state-of-the-art wineries and boutique hotels. During the vendimia , or grape harvest, which takes place between early March and mid-April, there are numerous festivals. Read more about the   Colchagua Wine Valley...

8. Easter Island

Famous for its mysterious stone statues, this Polynesian island is 2,000km (1,240 miles) away from the nearest inhabited land, farther than any other island in the world. Read more about   Easter Island...

9. Palacio de la Moneda

Santiago’s presidential palace is still the seat of government, although no longer the president’s home. This is the building that Chilean air force fighter planes bombed during the 1973 military coup; its courtyards are open to the public. Read more about   Palacio de la Moneda...

10. The churches of Chiloé

Notable for their unusual wooden architecture, these churches often stand alone by the sea where they were built by Jesuit missionaries during the colonial period. Some of them have been listed as World Heritage sites. Read more about the   churches of Chiloé...

Buy a book Insight Guides: Chile & Easter Island

Insight into chilean culture, insight into chile's history, discover chile's best national park on our blog.

Read more from the travel guide to Chile

• Historical highlights
• Cultural features
• Plan your trip
• Top restaurants
• Useful phrases

Getty Images

Check out this year's Best in Travel winners

Chile is nature on a colossal scale, but travel here is surprisingly easy if you don't rush it.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Chile. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Parque Nacional Patagonia

Northern Patagonia

Dubbed as the Serengeti of the Southern Cone, the 690-sq-km Parque Nacional Patagonia features Patagonian steppe, forests, mountains, lakes and lagoons…

Orongo Ceremonial Village

Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Nearly covered in a bog of floating totora reeds, the crater lake of Rano Kau resembles a giant witch's cauldron and is a wild greenhouse of endemic…

Rano Raraku

Known as 'the nursery,' the volcano of Rano Raraku, about 18km from Hanga Roa, is the quarry for the hard tuff from which the moai were cut. You'll feel…

Ahu Tongariki

The monumental Ahu Tongariki has plenty to set your camera's flash popping. With 15 imposing statues, it is the largest ahu ever built. The statues gaze…

Centro Gabriela Mistral

This striking cultural and performing-arts center – named for Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American woman to win the Nobel Prize in…

Beach bums in search of a place to wallow will love this postcard-perfect, white-sand beach. It also forms a lovely backdrop for Ahu Nau Nau, which…

Casa de Isla Negra

Middle Chile

The spectacular setting on a windswept ocean headland makes it easy to understand why Isla Negra was Pablo Neruda’s favorite house. Built by the poet when…

Cerro San Cristóbal

The best views over Santiago are from the peaks and viewpoints of the Parque Metropolitano, better known as Cerro San Cristóbal. At 722 hectares, the park…

Top picks from our travel experts

The 14 best things to do in chile, from volcano climbs to sampling pisco sours.

Ascensor Concepción

The city's oldest funicular, Ascensor Concepción takes you to Paseo Gervasoni, at the lower end of Cerro Concepción. Built in 1883, it originally ran on…

Ascensor Reina Victoria

This funicular dates back to 1902 and connects Av Elias to Paseo Dimalow.

Parque Nacional Villarrica

Towering over the adventure capital of Pucón, Volcán Villarica is the centerpiece of Parque Nacional Villarrica, one of the most popular parks in Chile…

Ascensor El Peral

The recently revamped Ascensor El Peral starts from near the Tribunales (Law Courts) just off Plaza Sotomayor and continues to Cerro Alegre, home to the…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

With its puffing volcanoes, pounding surf, silent salt flats and gleaming glaciers, Chile is the ultimate wonderland for adventures. Here's where to begin.

Things to Know

Chile is an accessible destination, but there are customs, social rules and safety issues to keep in mind. Here's what you need to know.

Transportation

With Chile's epic scenery, getting around is always an adventure. Here's the lowdown on the best ways to navigate your way up, down and all around Chile.

Visa Requirements

Looking to visit Chile? Here's a useful guide to entry requirements to ensure a seamless journey in and out of the country.

Money and Costs

A guide to daily costs in Chile, along with some tricks and tips to help keep more of those colorful Chilean pesos in your wallet.

Traveling with Kids

With some patience – and a bit of basic Spanish – the thin South American nation of Chile can be the perfect setting for a family adventure.

Best Road Trips

Chile's best road trips take in rolling vineyards, serene lakes, deep fjords, towering volcanoes and bone-dry deserts. Here are our top Chilean drives.

Plan with a local

Experience the real Chile

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Chile

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Family Travel

Sep 23, 2023 • 7 min read

Sep 21, 2023 • 7 min read

Sep 17, 2023 • 7 min read

Aug 26, 2023 • 7 min read

Aug 23, 2023 • 9 min read

Aug 23, 2023 • 4 min read

Aug 22, 2023 • 7 min read

Aug 20, 2023 • 8 min read

Aug 12, 2023 • 3 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Chile

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Chile with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Chile and beyond