chile major tourist attractions

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

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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. torres del paine.

2. Villa O'Higgins to Argentina

3. The Marble Caves

Natural Feature

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!

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Must-see attractions in Chile

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…

Muelle de las Almas

Shrouded in folklore and Huilliche mythology, Chiloé's 'Dock of Souls' was built in 2007 by architect Marcelo Orellana. The curved boardwalk spans 17m…

La Sebastiana

Bellavista's most famous resident writer was Pablo Neruda, who made a point of watching Valparaíso's annual New Year's fireworks from his house at the top…

La Chascona

When poet Pablo Neruda needed a secret hideaway to spend time with his mistress Matilde Urrutia, he built La Chascona (loosely translated as 'Messy Hair')…

Mina San José

Norte Chico

In 2010, 33 miners were trapped more than 700m underground after a devastating collapse within the mountain where they'd been working. Following a…

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio

The magnificent Unesco-listed church (1837), for which the town is named (Tenaún means 'three mounts') has been meticulously restored down to the last…

Cementerio Municipal

Punta Arenas

Among South America’s most fascinating cemeteries, with both humble immigrant graves and flashy tombs, like that of wool baron José Menéndez, a scale…

Iglesia Santa María de Loreto

Achao's 18th-century Jesuit church, on the south side of the Plaza de Armas, is Chiloé's oldest (1740). Crowned by a 25m tower, the World Heritage site…

Parque Cultural de Valparaíso

This cultural center built from the bones of a prison has a little bit of everything the thinking traveler could ask for. There are excellent murals in…

This little village has good ocean views and a few restaurants and cabins. Head to the bridge for a 30-minute boat tour of the Laguna de Cahuil (CH$5000…

Jardín Botánico Nacional

Viña Del Mar

There are over 3000 plant species in the nearly 400 hectares of parkland that comprise Chile's Jardín Botánico Nacional. It's 8km southeast of the city…

Parque del Estrecho de Magallanes

Southern Patagonia

The historic sites of Puerto Hambre (Port Hunger) and Fuerte Bulnes are the centerpiece of this privately managed park, an excellent introduction to…

Museo de Sitio Colón 10

See the 32 excavated Chinchorro mummies in situ at this tiny museum below El Morro. They were discovered when an architect bought this former private home…

Iglesia San Francisco de Castro

Italian Eduardo Provasoli chose a marriage of neo-Gothic and classical architecture in his design for the elaborate Iglesia San Francisco, one of Chiloé's…

Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos

Opened in 2010, this striking museum isn't for the faint of heart: the exhibits expose the terrifying human rights violations and large-scale …

Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

Exquisite pottery from most major pre-Columbian cultures is the backbone of Santiago's best museum, the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino. As well as…

Museo Ralli

This little-visited museum on a quiet residential street in Vitacura boasts a stunning collection of contemporary Latin American art mixed in with…

Centro de Visitantes Inmaculada Concepción

Don't even think about visiting Chiloé's Unesco-listed churches without first stopping in at this excellent museum housed in the former Convento…

Museo Regional de Ancud Aurelio Bórquez Canobra

This worthwhile museum, casually referred to as Museo Chiloé, offers interesting displays tracking the history of the island, including a full-sized…

La Confluencia

Don't miss this dramatic viewpoint, where Chile's most powerful river, the Baker, froths into a broad, behemoth cascade before merging with the milkier,…

Parque Nacional Torres del Paine

Soaring almost vertically more than 2000m above the Patagonian steppe, the granite pillars of Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine) dominate the landscape of…

Parque Nacional Rapa Nui

The vast majority of Rapa Nui falls within the boundaries of this national park. Think of it like an open-air museum with mysterious archaeological sites…

Valle de la Luna

Norte Grande

Watching the sun set from the exquisite Valley of the Moon is an unforgettable experience. From atop a giant sand dune, you can drink in spectacular views…

Parque Nacional Conguillío

The 3125m Volcán Llaima, one of Chile's most active volcanoes, forms the focal point of Parque Nacional Conguillío and the Unesco Biosphere Reserve in…

Cerro Paranal Observatory

In the world of high-powered telescopes, where rival institutes jostle to claim the 'biggest,' 'most powerful' or 'most technologically advanced'…

Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael

Awesome and remote, this national park brings visitors face to face with the 30,000-year-old San Valentín glacier in Chile's Campo de Hielo Norte…

Parque Tantauco

Created and owned by Chilean business magnate and current president Sebastián Piñera (and run by his foundation, Fundación Futura), this private nature…

Península Poike

At the eastern end of the island, this high plateau is crowned by the extinct volcano Maunga Pu A Katiki (400m) and bound in by steep cliffs. There are…

Reserva Nacional Malalcahuello-Nalcas

Serving up one of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Sur Chico and easily the jewel of northern Araucanía’s protected reserves, the 303 sq km Reserva…

Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve

This conservation project, begun in 2000, encompasses 1000 sq km of private land that has been developed for low-impact ecotourism and falls within a much…

Parque Nacional Archipiélago Juan Fernández

This national park covers the entire archipelago, a total of 93 sq km, though the township of San Juan Bautista and the airstrip are de-facto exclusions…

Valle de la Muerte

San Pedro de Atacama Region

Around 3.5km west of San Pedro, this striking valley should figure high on any itinerary to the region, with jagged rocks, a towering sand dune and…

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…

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Home » Travel Guides » 15 Best Places to Visit in Chile

15 Best Places to Visit in Chile

Most of the guidebooks will tell you to take your time with Chile.  It’s made for slow adventure and best suited for those who travel with a heart and mind open to experiencing the moment. Chile is uniquely shaped, long and narrow, which can make travelling the country a little challenging. With over 4,000km from one end to the other, you can expect long and always interesting bus rides on your way to explore deserts, fertile valleys, volcanoes, lakes, fjords, glaciers, the Andes mountain range, dunes, and incredible coastline.

Going east to west, you’ve got the Pacific on one end and the Andes on the other. The locals have a relaxed culture that invites you to sit down and share a story or two; they call it la buena onda, or good vibes. Once you let go of the daily grind, you’ll really want to sink in here.

And don’t forget some of the most amazing wine on the planet.  Mixed with some of the best company on the planet and you’ll never want to leave. Here’s the 15 best places to visit in Chile !

1. Elqui Valley

The Elqui Valley stretches about 140km from the beach town of La Serena all the way to the Argentinean border.  Steep mountains on both sides give way to a fertile green valley complete with vineyards, pisco distilleries, avocados, papayas, and oranges.

Charming little towns can be found throughout the valley and many of the pisco distilleries you come across will be too inviting to pass up a tasting.

Don’t miss the Observatorio Cerro Mamalluca, the valleys most popular attraction.  Here you can see other galaxies through their 30cm telescope. For the perfect end to any day, you’ll love star gazing and UFO sighting under crystal clear skies.

2. Valparaiso

One of the most unique cities in Chile is Valparaiso.  Climbing up the sides of 42 hills, the city has a bohemian vibe that everyone loves.  There are several funiculars that take you up and down various hills so that you can enjoy the view and the many colourful houses at the top.

You’ll also love getting lost in the maze of cobblestone alleys that somehow magically connect all the hills.  Stop in to a different “little café” every day, enjoy the street art, and in the evenings, watch the lights sparkle across the bay.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site is still undergoing restoration, but even in this period of transition, the town offers incredible colour and charm.

You might want to check out La Sebastiana, the former home of poet Pablo Neruda, and downtown’s Plaza Sotomayor.

3. Torres Del Paine

You really can’t miss the granite pillars of Torres del Pain, or the Tower of Paine.  They rise more than 2000m over the Patagonian steppe and dominate what is possibly the most majestic national park in all of South America.

Though long exploited before it became a national park, there is still a ton of “wow” to be seen here. Everyone will love the trails that take you through lush forests, rickety bridges over rushing rivers, and a giant and vibrant blue glacier. A designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for almost 40 years, you’ll find Andean condors, flamingo, rhea, and more. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a peek at the guanaco, the puma, and the endangered huemul.

If you’re looking for a great camping experience, try the “W” trek that allows you to sleep in beds and get warm meals all along the way.

4. San Pedro De Atacama

A tiny town in northern Chile, San Pedro De Atacama is a Spanish colonial town surrounded by the driest desert in the world.  Set on a high plateau in the Andes, you’ll find salt flats, geyser, hot springs, and salt flats here.

Be sure to stop by the Valle de la Luna to see the unique rock formations, lunar-like depression, and pink-streaked mountains. Get lost in the adobe streets and tree-lined plaza while rambling through this charming town.

There’s a high concentration of copper and quartz in the region which is given all the credit for the good vibes in this popular tourist destination.

5. Santiago

The capital and largest city in Chile is Santiago.  It sits in a valley surrounded by the breathtaking snow capped Andes Mountains.  Locals will tell you that Santiago IS Chile, and it really won’t take long before you agree.  Plaza de Armas is the city’s colonial heartbeat.

You’ll find two extraordinary landmarks, the Royal Court Palace, home of the National History Museum, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, built in the 18th century. Each neighbourhood has its own distinct vibe and it’s a fun game to see which one feels most like home for you.  In the evenings, check out Barrio Bellavista and Barrio Brasil for the crazy all-night parties.

Santiago is surprisingly cosmopolitan and filed with history, cultural events, fine-dining, and incredible nature.

6. Vina del Mar

Most people come to Vina del Mar for the beaches. But there is a whole other side to this important Chilean town.  One hour north of Santiago, you’ll find La Quinta Vergara, an exotic garden in the heart of the city; each February there’s a huge music festival held in the garden.

Parque Reloj de Flore, a giant outdoor clock nestled in a huge flower bed and considered by most visitors to be one of the more interesting places in the city. There’s also Castilo Wulff, a quirky castle sitting on a rocky outcropping of the beach.

The architecture is decidedly European, which makes it stand out oddly.  There’s a casino inside the castle which makes a nice evening diversion after sunning and swimming all day.

7. Easter Island

In the middle of the Pacific, about 3200km from Chile is Rapa Nue and Isla de Pascua.  Discovered by the Dutch in the 18th century, Easter Island is the most isolated and yet still inhabited island in the world.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for the enormous statues carved from volcanic rock and representing the same figure; perhaps a god or other ancestor. You have to fly to island in order to get there and there are a number of guided tours that are worth the money in order to hear the mysteries of the island explained – to the best anyone understands.

Annexed by Chile over 100 years ago, this tiny island is one of Earth’s greatest mysteries, and surely not to be missed.

8. Antofagasta

Antofagasta is definitely an urban working class city and many tourists don’t tend to spend much time here.

But it’s worth a stop to explore the old-fashioned plaza and the Barrio Histórico with its remarkable Georgian and Victorian architecture.

It’s a major port town and a walk along the piers will make you feel that you’ve stepped back in time a century or two.

Known as the City of Eternal Spring, Arica is the northernmost city in Chile, close to the Peruvian border.

The area was inhabited as long ago as 6000 BC and the native tribes who lived here knew agriculture, pottery, and were considered a part of the Incan Empire. Today, Arica is a lovely seaside resort, complete with miles of coastline, golden dunes, and an energetic nightlife.

It makes a great jumping off point to explore the inland ruins of ancient cultures as well as Lauca National Park – which has the highest mountain lake on Earth.

10. The Chilean Lake District

If you want nature, Chile’s lake district is the place to go. Alerce (Larch) forests, volcanoes capped with snow, fabulous mountain lakes, traditional folklore and handicrafts, and year-round outdoor adventure can all be found here.

Home to 12 major lakes and a few dozen smaller ones, the district is well named.  You’ll also find hot springs, rivers, waterfalls, and six volcanoes – the highest (Villarica) topping out at 2800m.  There are several great towns in the district.

Consider visiting Temuco, Puerto Montt, Chiloé, and the Chiloé Archipelago with its hundreds of tiny islands.

11. Puerto Montt

A city of note in the Lake District is Puerto Montt.  It’s the capital of the district and the gateway to the Patagonian fjords as well as the Andes Mountains.

The Plaza de Armas square is home to a 19th century neoclassical cathedral, and Casa del Arte Diego Rivera is a surprisingly gallery with works by both national and local artists.

Nearby you’ll find Caleta de Angelmó, a great local market, and a little further out you’ll find the active volcano, Calbuco.

At one time, Talca was a major Chilean city.  The country’s declaration of independence was signed here in 1818.

Today, it makes a perfect home base to explore this incredible region.  At the top of the “must-see” list are the phenomenal Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay and the Maule Valley vineyards.

It’s a cosy town with great views of the Andes and you’ll love spending a few slow days here to rest and recuperate.

13. Copiapó

Another great base camp town is Copiapó.  It’s most often used by those who want to adventure into Laguna Verde, Parque Nacional Nevado Tres Cruces, and Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest active volcano.

Copiapó had the nation’s first telegraph and telephone lines, and was the first place to use gas.  All of this was due to the gold rush of the 18th century.

There’s a wonderful main plaza here and lots of historic buildings to discover, though it’s mainly a hard-working mining town with lots of character.

14. Valdivia

Valdivia is a thriving university town that is well known, among other things, for the arts and an eclectic craft beer culture.  However, most come for the history and the beauty of the city and surrounding areas. Valdivian Week is well known among travellers and commemorates the founding of the city.

If you’re there at this time, you’ll love the artisan market, amusement rides, the parade of ships, and the fireworks extravaganza that ends the week. One of the most popular historical buildings is the Mercado Municipal, or municipal market.  Once a simple market, it’s now a food Mecca.

Be sure to check out, Saint Francis Convent and the dozen of European influence buildings beings used by the city’s cultural centres and government.

15. La Serena

Thanks to some stellar beaches and historic architecture, Chile’s second oldest city has become a very popular destination among domestic and foreign tourists.  Nicknamed the City of the Belfries because of the many churches, the old part of the city is consider to be the most important “traditional area” in all of Chile.

Avenida del Mar, or Sea Avenue, runs for about 6km and is separated into 12 beaches.  All of which are great for sunning and any number of water sports.  Each summer you can attend the La Serena Song Festival, which has been growing in prominence since 2004.

The history buffs will enjoy the Church Cathedral of La Serena which was designated an UNESCO Historical Monument in 1981.

15 Best Places to Visit in Chile:

• Elqui Valley
• Torres Del Paine
• San Pedro De Atacama
• Vina del Mar
• Easter Island
• Antofagasta
• The Chilean Lake District
• Puerto Montt

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• Destinations
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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...

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7 Spectacular & Under-the-Radar Chile Tourism Destinations

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 22nd November 2023

Snow dappled mountains, carved into glistening ridges by the forces of nature over millennia; lush vines heavily laden with juicy grapes for wine and pisco; white sandy beaches untouched by human hands: welcome to Chile, one of the world’s most diverse and beautiful countries.

There are some famous Chile tourism attractions that you can’t have failed to have heard about: Torres del Paine National Park , Easter Island , San Pedro de Atacama .

But what about the thousands upon thousands of other spellbinding places to visit in Chile that you’ve never heard anyone mention before?

As a 4,270-kilometre squiggle of fertile river valleys and vertiginous Andean peaks that becomes a frayed ribbon of uninhabited Patagonian fjords, it’s fair to say that there’s a lot of tourist attractions in Chile to encounter – if only you find out about them.

This is a real problem because many articles for large travel publications and the destinations listed on Trip Advisor focus predominately on the famous and increasingly crammed “highlights” – at the expense of the truly unique and barely-discovered locations which Chile is gloriously privileged to have in spades .

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Why should you consider the 7 under-the-radar Chile tourism destinations on this list?

Overtourism was shortlisted by the Oxford English Dictionary as one of its words of the year for 2018 , inspired, in no small part, by the protests that ripped through much of Western Europe as enraged wildfire this summer, oming to a head in cities such as Barcelona and Venice.

You might already feel you’re helping to combat the issue of overtourism by travelling to Chile rather than Europe: Chile received a paltry 6.5 million visitors in 2017 compared with the 82 million that visited Spain in the same year .

Despite this, the pressure is still on for Chilean tourist destinations. Increasingly, tourists are attracted to the same locations, many of which are struggling to cope.

Torres del Paine National Park, the tourist gem in the Chilean crown and ranked by most as the top thing to do in Chile has seen visitor numbers soared from 128,000 annually in 2007 to 264,000 in 2017.

However, in 2017, controls on the numbers of hikers on the O Circuit, the longer, 110-kilometre trek , were imposed.

Fires, caused by unattended camping stoves, have also ransacked the park on numerous occasions, resulting in thousands of hectares of forest being destroyed .

In 2018, the municipal body of Isla de Pascua (Easter Island) implemented rules that restrict the length of time that visitors can stay on the island, with a limit on annual tourist visitors in the works too , all due to concerns regarding their ecological impact on the islands fragile ecosystem.

Ultimately, although overtourism in Chile might not yet be hitting world headlines, the pressure to manage increasing tourism numbers is starting to be felt.

And the answer?

Opting for under-the-radar travel destinations and experiences.

Planning Your Trip to Chile?

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What previous clients have said:

“It’s refreshing to find someone with insider knowledge that can take you off the beaten track, away from the mainstream. I particularly liked the detail you give; where to stay and your favourite places. We stayed in some lovely places because of your knowledge, places that we would probably never have found. I also liked the fact that we could ask you questions whilst on the move. Lots to like Steph!”

It’s for this reason that I’ve compiled this list of seven Chile tourist attractions, which combine both off-the-beaten trail destinations with a focus on more sustainable tourism.

Also, don’t miss my six top tips for travelling responsibly in Chile at the bottom of this article.

1. The Elqui Valley, Coquimbo

With its sun scorched mountain sides and thick strip of verdant vineyards tracing the edges of the Río Claro, the Elqui Valley is a picture of striking natural landscapes and absolute tranquillity.

It’s also easily one of the top under-the-radar places to visit in Chile and it’s made its way onto the New York Times’ 52 places to go in 2019 list . 

It gets a handful of international tourists but is most popular among Chileans, who head out here for a long weekend enjoying the valley’s most treasured produce: pisco.

This brandy liquor, distilled from muscat grapes, can be sampled at various distilleries along the length of the valley: Fundo Los Nichos , the oldest in the country, and boutique Aba , who still use traditional copper pots, were my favourites and you can’t find their pisco outside of the valley.

Another thing to do in the Elqui Valley is to sip pisco in rainbow coloured cocktails in the sunny back garden of the Restaurant Durmiente Elquino in Pisco Elqui, the main town.

Perhaps the region’s quirkiest aspect is its long-established association with new-world energy and aliens.

Paihuano, one of the villages that sits along the main road through the valley, is the site of an alleged “UFO crash” in 1998, while you can find tours to revive your energy levels with meditation pyramids and quart baths.

This mystical connection is perhaps mostly thanks to the region’s exceptionally clear night skies, which has led to an explosion of observatories open at night for star gazing.

Observatorio El Pangue, run by by a team of French and international astronomers, is widely considered the best.

Where to stay in the Elqui Valley

Within Pisco Elqui, both the Cabañas Elquimista ($50,000 CLP ($59 USD) double without kitchen, $75,000 CLP ($89 USD) double with kitchen) and the Cabañas Caballieri ($60,000 CLP ($71 USD) two-person cabin without views, $110,000 CLP ($130 USD) two-person cabin with views) are beautifully decorated and have enchanting views of the valley and swimming pool access (a boon, given temperatures reach 35˚C here in summer).

To get as far away from civilisation as possible, the beautifully-preserved Casona Distante ($86,000 CLP ($102 USD) double) tucked down the very southern end of the valley is a perfect detox location.

You will need a rental car to get here (I always recommend Rental Cars , who generally have the cheapest prices and provide insurance details in English) as there is no public transport that goes as far as the hotel.

Key tips for how to visit the Elqui Valley responsibly

Organise a tour of the Elqui Valley with Better Places Travel , who book you with local tour agencies that focus on sustainable tourism, and who can organise trips to observatories and pisco distilleries.

2. Taucú, Biobío

Chile’s central coastline that runs from Valparaíso south to Concepción gets little attention from international tourists.

Although Pichilemu is the country’s self-proclaimed capital of surf thanks to its abundance of big waves, there are plenty of other spots further down the coast that appeal to surfers, lovers of spectacular coastal landscapes and those looking to escape into the countryside alike.

I drove the coastal road from Consitución to Taucú, passing a length of gloriously white sands converging upon azure waves as I went.

The tiny fishing village of Buchupuero is home to a crescent moon of sand and is known by local surfers for its consistent and long left breaks, but I fell in love with Taucú.

This shabby hamlet has yet another astounding left-hander, plus rugged cliffs and desolate cliffs for hikes and a series of wetlands lining the Río Taucú that provides refuge to great egret, burrowing owls, horned coots and neotropic cormorants. You can visit it with a spot of SUP.

Where to stay in Taucú

Ruka Antu Eco Lodge ($131 USD) double) has stunning views of the beach from its second-floor bedrooms or from its hot tub on the hammock-slung front terrace and offers a unique escape from civilisation, tucked just a minute’s walk from the beach.

Key tips for how to visit Taucú responsibly

Part of the attraction of this stretch of coastline is its truly untouched nature and fact that you’re unlikely to spot another international tourist. To some degree, the locals want to keep it this way – and I am reluctant to share my experience because it’s one of those places that you want to protect from the damages of tourism.

I visited as part of a tour with Better Places Travel who found me lodging with a sustainable local tour operator.

To get here, it’s easiest to hire a rental car in Talca or Chillán via Rental Cars .

3. Cerro Castillo National Park, Aysén

Although Torres del Paine National Park continues to attract visitors to Chile in their thousands, if you’re seeking a quieter chance to appreciate Patagonia’s desolate yet strikingly beautiful wilderness, Cerro Castillo National Park is the best place to visit in Chile.

Formed from metamorphic basalt rock, Cerro Castillo (Castle Hill) – which is shaped like a castle! – dominates the national park and is surrounded by cyan lagoons and scrubby forest of Calafate bushes and lenga.  

Among the top things to do here are day hikes, with the most popular the six-to eight-hour Sendero Mirador Laguna Cerro Castillo.

It’s a 14-kilometer climb up the southern flank of Cerro Castillo for spellbinding views across the park’s eponymous mountain, beneath which lies a glacial lake.

You can also embark on the 47-kilometer Cerro Castillo Traverse, starting in the east of the park and cutting through west for even more stunning viewpoints of glaciers and deeply carved river valleys.

Both are easy enough without a tour, although you’ll want to check out this guide to the Cerro Castillo Traverse at  Adventure Alan .

Need more inspiration?

You’ll find even more detailed itineraries, off-the-beaten-path gems, hiking routes and accommodation, restaurant and tour recommendations to suit your travel style in my brand-new guidebook, Moon Chile.

Where to stay in Cerro Castillo

Villa Cerro Castillo is the village that lies on the outskirts of the park and is right on the Carretera Austral south of regional hub Coyhaique.

The best place to stay is Senderos Patagonia ($12,000 CLP ($15 USD) dorm, $5,000 CLP ($6 USD) camping), a very simple refugio -style hostel that attracts a backpacker and hiker crowd, and is run by locals who can offer invaluable advice about the trails.

For more comfort, Refugio Cerro Castillo ($131 USD double) is a smarter option with views of Cerro Castillo mountain from the bedrooms. The breakfast is also good and it has a homely vibe.

Bear in mind that for hiking the Cerro Castillo Traverse where you camp in remote camping spots, you will want good quality camping equipment (check out my guide to packing for Patagonia ) as it can get seriously cold in spring (October and November) and fall (March and April) and snowfall is not uncommon.

Key tips for how to visit Cerro Castillo National Park responsibly

One of the key ways to enjoy Cerro Castillo National Park and to help it avoid succumbing to the same fate as Torres del Paine National Park is to plan your visit outside of the peak months of January and February, when it’s rammed with hikers.

4. Patagonia National Park, Aysén

An hour’s drive north of Cochrane on the Carretera Austral , the 81,000 hectares of former grazing land that make up Patagonia National Park offer some of Patagonia’s most captivating landscapes and hiking.

Although there’s no glaciers here, what you do encounter are 12 trails to hidden lagoons, scrubby grasslands and territory that is quietly being returned to its natural state, with guanaco, rhea and even puma now inhabiting the park’s boundaries.

My favourite hike was the 23-kilometre Lagunas Altas, which climbs up into the flanks of Cerro Tamanguito for breathtaking views across a series of glimmering lagoons.

These looked particularly magnificent when contrasted against the deep, fall blush of orange from the lenga trees.

For the more adventurous, you can go further and hike the three- to four-day, 52-kilometre trek known as the Traversía Jeinimeni-Avilés or Sendero Valle Hermoso-Valle Chacabuco that continues north across the mountains to finish at Lago Jeinimeni just south of Chile Chico – a route for experienced hikers only due to a number of river crossings.

There’s very little yet written about this route but this provides an overview . You can find plenty more information about hiking and the park in general on their official website .

Transport to the park is very difficult: you can hitchhike from Cochrane, jump on a bus heading north from the same town and get off at the turning for the park (from where it’s a further 11 kilometres to reach the entrance).

Alternatively, hire a car in Coyhaique (check out Rental Cars for the cheapest prices) and drive down the Carretera Austral.

Where to stay in Patagonia National Park

The facilities in Patagonia National Park are superb and there’s a range of camping grounds dotted throughout the park.

The most accessible, and within walking distance of the restaurant and cafeteria, is the Los West Winds Campground ($8,000 CLP ($10 USD), open October through April), with space for tents, a toilet block with hot showers and covered dining areas and it’s at the start of the Laguna Altas trail.

For a luxurious approach to the park, The Lodge at Valle Chacabuco  ($325,000 CLP ($385 USD) double) has exceptional views across the steppe of the valley, and beautiful bedrooms decorated with black and white photography of the park.   

You can also stay in nearby Cochrane, although accommodation options are limited. Comfortable but a little shabby, Hostal Beraca ($25,000 CLP ($30 USD) double, $15,000 CLP ($18 USD) per person) has a superb breakfast cooked up by the owner that includes sopapillas , home-made kuchen, bread and jams. 

Key tips for how to visit Patagonia National Park responsibly

The sheer fact of visiting the park, rather than others that receive far more tourists, is helping to support sustainable tourism in the region.

The money you spend, whether in the campsite, the excellent restaurant and café or luxurious lodge will go towards the park’s rewilding projects, which include restoring the park’s natural ecosystems and a rhea breeding centre.

5. Cucao, Chiloé

Chiloé remains Chile’s best-kept secret and even if you’ve heard of the colourful fisherman’s palafitos in Castro or admired the architecture of the island’s 16 UNESCO World Heritage churches, it’s unlikely you’ve heard of the fishing hamlet of Cucao on the western coast.

Here, southern river otters float in the brackish waters of Lago Cucao and the white sand dunes and beach that border the village often grant views of blue and humpback whales and dolphins.

On the northern skirts of the village lies Chiloé National Park lies with its range of short (normally a few hour-long) trails.

However, easily the most spectacular is the Sendero Cole Cole, a 24-kilometer hike north that passes through thick forests and alongside clifftops with stunning ocean views to end at the white sand beach azure waters of the remote Playa Cole Cole – where you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d been transported to the Caribbean.

You can find information about this route here in Spanish , although lodgings in Cucao can provide more up-to-date information.

Where to stay in Cucao

Quite possible my favourite hotel in all of Chile, Palafito Cucao Hostel  ($65,000 CLP ($77 USD) double) has truly sensational views of Lake Cucao from its living room and bedrooms and is set in a palafito -inspired building built from locally sourced wood.

From the living room, I even spotted a southern river otter floating in the lake outside. 

Key tips for how to visit Cucao responsibly

For many visitors, the only reason they will have even heard of Cucao is because of the art installation, the Muelle de las Almas.

Unfortunately, it’s become a hugely famous Chilote tourist attraction and visitor numbers are now so high that queues for a selfie on the pier can reach several hours long .

Skip these insane queues and instead organise through Palafito Trip (the tour agency of Palafito Cucao Hostel) trekking or horseback riding to the Muelle del Tiempo, another installation by the same artist and which is not yet fully open to the public.

On the tour, you also visit another spectacular beach and can choose to camp there for the night.

6. Lago Budi, Araucania

Definitely the most unknown tourist destination in Chile on this list, Lago Budi is a lake very close to the coast, a two-hour drive from regional capital Temuco.

The green shores of the lake are settled by small communities of Mapuche people, the indigenous group that inhabited Chile from Concepción south to Chiloé before the Spaniards arrived. 

Following centuries of mistreatment and persecution by the Spaniards and then the leaders of independent Chile, Mapuche-Chilean relations remain strained.

One of the only ways to really learn about Mapuche customs and their lifestyle is with a visit to the welcoming community of Llaguepulli .

Not only can you spend the night in a traditional ruka , a wooden dwelling built from native woods, but they also offer workshops and tours where you can sample and even cook Mapuche cuisine, learn how to play palín (a Mapuche sport similar to hockey) and get a masterclass in the medicinal properties of the plants that they grow in their organic garden.

At night, a talk on Mapuche world views and spirituality – including the importance of machi (shaman) within their cosmovision – are held around a fire in one of the rukas.

Where to stay in Lago Budi

Accommodation is in ruka ($60,000 private bath) or cabins ($57,000 for two people) and include all meals, cooked by one of your Mapuche hosts. Bear in mind that you will need a rental vehicle to get to the community, as no transport is offered.

You can find vehicles in Temuco with Rental Cars .

Key tips for how to visit Lago Budi responsibly

Staying with a local indigenous community who have determined the boundaries of how they wish tourism to operate is one of the most responsible ways of seeing Chile and guarantees a truly unique experience – particularly as few visitors are even aware of Chile’s indigenous heritage.

To really get the most out of the experience, I recommend that you do some research into the history of the Mapuche before you arrive ( Chile Precolombino have some excellent information in English).

Note that all of the tours are in Spanish but if you contact the community directly, they may well be able to organise an English translator for an additional fee.

7. Caleta Tortel and Villa O’Higgins, Aysén

Nothing quite prepares you for Caleta Tortel, a quirky village close to the southernmost end of the Carretera Austral.

What makes it so unique is not just its setting on the shores of a milky, glacial-fed fjord, but the fact that it doesn’t contain a single road: instead, ten kilometres of cypress-wood walkways crisscross through the village, hovering at times above the waters.  

Although it’s an aesthetically fascinating place, it’s also within a short boat trip ride of various glaciers and the macabre Isla de los Muertos (“Island of the Dead”), a graveyard for a group of 33 forestry company workers who colonised the zone between 1904 and 1908 and then all died in mysterious circumstances.

Continuing southeast, the Carretera Austral finally reaches its conclusion in the remote hamlet of Villa O’Higgins, the last settlement along the Carretera Austral, and which was only reached by road in 1999.

This is also the starting point of the remote but spectacular crossing to El Chaltén .  

Both Caleta Tortel and Villa O’Higgins can be reached by private transport, but your own rental vehicle can grant greater freedom and can solve the issue of low frequencies of buses that can be an issue.

Where to stay in Caleta Tortel and Villa O’Higgins

The most comfortable lodgings in Caleta Tortel are at Entrehielos Lodge ($103,000 CLP ($122 USD) double), which provides gourmet Chilean dining alongside cosy bedroom. A cheaper alternative is Residencial Brisas del Sur ($30,000 CLP ($36 USD) double) a utilitarian but neat option in a family home with pretty views across the bay.

In Villa O’Higgins, the best place for meeting other backpackers, cyclists and road trippers is El Mosco ($45,000 CLP ($53 USD) cabin or double, $9,000 CLP ($11 USD) dorm, $6,000 CLP ($7 SUD) camping) with various different types of accommodation, from camping through to dorms, and really pleasant private doubles, all of which have kitchen access. They’re a great source of travel information, particularly for the crossing to El Chaltén.

The more luxurious Rumbo Sur  ($156,000 CLP ($185 USD) double) has a hot tub looking west across the mountains and beautifully decorated bedrooms with all the comforts you need, plus an excellent breakfast.

Key tips for how to visit Caleta Tortel and Villa O’Higgins responsibly

Be aware that in Caleta Tortel, water and electricity are at a premium as they are supplied by an hydroelectric turbine that runs dry of water during the summer months, so be thoughtful with your use of these resources.

Rubbish disposal is also a huge problem for both, so avoid leaving too much waste or take it away with you.

6 simple sustainable tourism tips for Chile

Hopefully I’ve whetted your appetite for these seven under-the-radar Chile tourist destinations, which fit well with the following simple tips for travelling more responsibly.

1. Travel Better

Book through tour companies who focus specifically on sustainable tourism and search out local providers offering rural or indigenous tourism such as those at Lago Budi.

Although I’m a huge advocate for independent travel, going with a tour company that understands the local context and works directly with local people can help to mitigate issues that are often found when it comes to mass tourism.

Not does this allow the local people themselves to be in control of how tourism is implemented and how it will impact their lives, responsibly-managed tourism in these contexts can also have a truly positive impact by stimulating the economy through new jobs. 

2. Avoid Airbnb

Ok: Airbnb. Sure, it might be hugely practical but its impact is being widely felt across the world, leading to housing shortages for local people when landlords realise that they can earn far more through short-term rentals than long-term rentals for the local populace.

A better alternative in Chile is to make use of the plenty of excellent accommodation options, which range from locally-run hostels and hotels, cabañas for those searching for independent flat-like lodgings, and homestays.

Yes, there are some people using Airbnb in Chile as it was initially intended and only rent out a spare room in their house, however, this isn’t always the case, so either do your research or opt for more sustainable, locally-run lodging and see your money going directly to the community.  

3. Travel out of season

I’ve written about the best time to visit Chile depending on the destination, however, the most responsible time to visit certainly places in Chile isn’t necessarily the same.

For Torres del Paine National Park , for example, peak season of December through February sees trails packed and huge amounts of pressure on tourist infrastructure – and actually makes the whole experience (unless you really love crowds!) less than ideal.

Instead, visit in winter or the shoulder seasons of October through November or March when there are fewer other visitors and the weather is still good.

Easter Island is another famous place in Chile at risk of overtourism, particularly during the months of January and February, the latter of which sees the annual Tapati Rapa Nui festival take place.

Visitor numbers can reach up to 20,000 during these months, which, on an island that’s only 163 square kilometres, can feel beyond busy.

Instead, April through October are still excellent months for travel – and great for a budget trip to Easter Island .  

4. Ditch Trip Advisor’s “Top Ten” Lists

Yes, Trip Advisor can feel helpful for identifying where you want to visit, but going beyond the idea of Chile “must see” destinations and all across the globe is a key step towards defusing the pressures caused by overtourism.

Part of the issue, as you’ll soon recognise, is that many of these destinations no longer look like the tranquil, bucolic paradise you might have seen on Instagram or online: there are so many tourists that they’re often overrun.

To overcome this, read locally-based blogs (oh hello there!) where you can find out about all of the destinations worth visiting in Chile – not just the handful of most famous sites that writers or visitors have parachuted in to see.

5. Stay Longer

I understand that for most people, a vacation to Chile will last two weeks or a maximum of three if you’re lucky due to all sorts of different restrictions outside of their control.

But to become a truly responsible traveller, it pays to extend your trip. Not only do you see a place in a more profound way, but you don’t parachute in just for the “highlights”, a decision that sees you spending your money in more places – and being able to promote a more diverse range of destinations when you return home.

Yes, I’ve written itineraries for ten days and two weeks in Chile , but I’ve also focused on delving even deeper into this part of South America: read my one-month Patagonia travel itinerary for more ideas on how much there is to see!

6. Go single-use plastic free

I recently took up the challenge of travelling without using single-use plastic – which, was genuinely far easy than I had expected.

I charted my experience in this article about  eco-travel and how to be a more responsible traveller which, although it refers to a trip I took to Guatemala, offers tips that are still highly applicable to Chile. The post also includes recommendations for putting together your own plastic-free travel toolkit!

Pin this article for later!

Thursday 21st of March 2019

I generally agree with the Airbnb advice. My own apartment block is untenanted by real neighbours because it’s been mostly bought up by real estate ppl doing short term rentals. I refuse to book these kinds of Airbnb and especially in cities.

That said, I did choose Airbnb in Easter island and across remote Polynesia - you can get some gems by locals. Essentially they’re local run places, and often actually registered as guest houses /homestays in their countries, just that they advertise on Airbnb. Ironically there was a really nice looking resort in Easter island, all done up to be sustainable and eco, but festooned in front with black flags protesting its foreign ownership and lack of local benefit. I thought that was an interesting juxtaposition.

Steph Dyson

Saturday 23rd of March 2019

Hi Teja, yes I agree with you that when Airbnb is used to help promote guesthouses or spare rooms in people's houses (the latter what it was originally intended to be used for!) then it can be a really genuine means to meet the local populace. Yes that eco lodge is the subject of fierce debate between local people whose land was rented to build the hotel and don't feel they were fairly compensated. I don't know the specifics of the situation but I do know that the politics of Rapa Nui are extremely complicated! Steph

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The 10 best places to visit in Chile

Chile has long been an unsung hero of Latin America – but we’re all for changing that. A country of magnificent contrasts and breath-taking natural beauty, it’s a place that incites the intrepid explorer in all of us. On our ventures, we’ve trekked into the heart of Patagonia’s untamed wilderness and seen the ruby-red terrain of the Atacama transform under the ethereal hues of starlight. We’ve floated over the luscious, rolling vineyards of the Colchagua Valley in hot air balloons and explored the vibrant neighborhoods of its buzzing capital, Santiago. And you can too. That’s why we’ve created this – our detailed guide to the best places to visit in Chile. And you won’t want to miss it.

1. Santiago

Chile’s charming capital – Santiago – is a sprawling, bustling metropolis. And the perfect starting point for adventures. Encircled by the snow-smeared peaks of the Andes Mountains and dotted with white-thorned vachellia caven brimming with bright yellow flowers – natural and urban elements intertwine perfectly here. Between striking neoclassical architecture and palm-scattered plazas, we’ll show you the best places to visit in Santiago. Just follow in our footsteps. Or those of our expert guides, at any rate. This is luxury travel in Chile , Black Tomato style.

Things to do in Santiago

Between visiting Cerro Santa Lucia with its glittering fountains and picturesque terraces and marveling at the intricate architecture of Catedral Metropolitana – our private guides will show you the very heart of the city. At Mercado Central, watch as locals haggle for the best Chilean ingredients. Fresh locos (sea snails), creamy chirimoya (custard apples), sweet maqui (Chilean wineberries). Amongst colorful produce-laden stalls, you’ll sample traditional dishes like seafood empanadas at one of the market’s many tucked-away restaurants.

But that’s not all. For unrivalled views of Santiago , we’ll take you to Parque Metropolitano. It’s here that Cerro San Cristobal’s iconic statue resides, reached by a winding stone walkway. By daylight, stood between clear blue skies and luscious greenery. By night, illuminated against a backdrop of darkness and twinkling city lights. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best tourist attractions in Chile. Next up? An evening spent sampling fine Chilean wines – and tasting some delicious Chilean cuisine. Don’t mind if you do.

Where to stay in Santiago

When it comes to the best places to stay in Santiago, we tried to narrow it down to just one. But we couldn’t. So we’ll tell you three instead.

First up, The Singular . This luxurious and tranquil retreat boasts elegant interior design with neoclassical features, soft lighting, and muted tones. Here, surrounded by picturesque churches and fascinating museums, it’s all about peaceful relaxation in the heart of downtown Santiago. Take a dip in the rooftop pool and feel your worries drift away as you look out over the glittering Lastarria neighborhood.

Another? Amid Santiago’s trendy El Centro district lies a beautifully preserved mansion decorated with original stained glass windows. Or Hotel Magnolia , as it’s otherwise known. Perfectly positioned close to all the city’s must-see sights, here you’ll wind your way through beautiful parks and historical monuments before heading up to the hotel’s private rooftop terrace – cocktail in hand. Alternatively, relax with an in-room massage in your private suite, surrounded by elegant art deco touches. Now that’s what we call service.

Encircled by glimmering skyscrapers, luxury boutiques, and its own luscious gardens, one of the most glamorous places to stay in Santiago has to be Mandarin Oriental Santiago . A serene oasis situated in the exclusive neighborhood of Las Condes (and one with its own lagoon-like swimming pool complete with waterfall), this is the perfect place to unwind. With stunning views of the Andes Mountains to the east and San Cristobal Hill to the west, everything is at your fingertips. Opting for the Executive Suite, you’ll have access to your very own spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the city skyline, perfect for watching the sunset – or for enjoying a private dinner beneath the stars. The choice is yours.

If you’d like to stay in one (or more) of these stylish retreats , our luxury Travel Experts will be happy to arrange it as part of your bespoke trip to Chile. Just say the word.

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Whatever it is that’s drawing you to Chile, let us help you make it a truly remarkable trip.

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2. Torres Del Paine

Where sprawling ice fields meet snow-capped mountains, towering granite spires pierce vast open skies in the iconic Torres del Paine National Park. A breath-taking expanse of wilderness – this is one of the best places to visit in Chile. And every escapist’s dream. Here, you’ll head off the beaten path, tracking pumas and llama-like guanacos – keeping your eyes peeled for a rare sighting of the endangered Andean deer. Horse-riding through mesmerizing landscapes of ice and mighty peaks, you’ll weave your way through luscious valleys adorned with the vivid red flowers of Chilean fire trees.

To top it off, we’ll arrange for you to stay at an exclusive lodge truly at the heart of nature: Explora Patagonia . Perched overlooking the shores of the turquoise-tinted Lake Pehoe, this hidden retreat offers striking views of the Paine ridge and the iconic granite towers. Heading out into astoundingly beautiful landscapes (and the purest mountain air), you’ll hike and horse ride to your heart’s content. What more could you want from a Chilean adventure ? Except, perhaps, an indulgent soak in an open-air jacuzzi. Walk a few steps to the lodge’s Ona Bathhouses, you’ll have that too. Along with mesmerizing views of Lago Pehoe and Macizo del Paine.

3. Patagonia National Park

Home to glistening lakes, rugged peaks, and glittering glaciers, the untamed wilderness of Patagonia awaits. And with over 750,000 acres of picturesque landscapes, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice. Here, peaceful remoteness and undisputed beauty go hand in hand in effortless harmony. This is a place for those hearing the call of the wild. We did – and still do. That’s why we sent a few of our team here for some in-depth field research – spending their days in the wilderness, exploring barely-trodden trails flanked by bright blue lagoons and clay-red peaks. One of their favorite activities? The Lagunas Altas full-day trek. It left them breathless – in the best possible way. And you can catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their adventures here .

But that’s not all. With the largest private land donation ever to be made by a private entity to a country and the conservation effort of the Tompkins Conservation Foundation, this captivating National Park has recently reached new heights. And you can be amongst the first to pioneer these new wilds . Just ask one of our luxury Travel Experts. They’ll make it happen.

A visit to Chile’s Atacama Desert isn’t quite a trip to Mars – but it’s not far off. Ruby-red sands and dust-coated rocky terrain stretch out before you in endless waves, dotted with steaming thermal pools, deep valleys, and ancient salt lakes. Made up of lunar landscapes peppered with towering cardon cacti and yareta cushion plants – light green bubble-like forms – it really is like landing on the surface of another planet. And yet (rather remarkably) to a wealth of exotic wildlife, this is home. Sand-colored grasshoppers and lava lizards blend with pebbles along the desert floor as red scorpions scuttle by, past the flamingo-filled waters of the salt flats, framed by the rugged peaks of the Andes. Of course, we had to explore this – one of Chile’s top tourist attractions – for ourselves. Yes, it was spectacular. And yes, you should go.

Another one of our favorite things to do in Chile’s Atacama? Stargaze. As night falls, another world comes to life – one of extra-terrestrial landscapes lit by the mesmerizing glow of star-blanketed skies. Shadows and starlight. Glimpses of galaxies far, far away. There’s nothing quite so magical as this.

Due to the high elevation and lack of humidity or light pollution, the desert is also home to ESO Paranal Observatory – a captivating hub of modern astronomy. And as part of your bespoke family trip, we’ll take you behind the scenes. On this Field Trip class, you’ll discover the machinery, research, and workings of this powerful observatory and visit the world’s most advanced optical telescope – perfect for spotting stars and distant planets. This location is also home to another famous place in Chile: the Paranal Residencia. Featuring as a backdrop for the renowned movie – Quantum of Solace – here, on the driest place on Earth, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the ultimate secret agent. James Bond , to be precise.

5. Easter Island

Shrouded in the myths and legends of the Rapa Nui, here ancient monumental statues rise above the vastness of the Pacific Ocean and thousands of wild horses roam free amid low sloping hills. This is Easter Island – one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. And it’s home to one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in Chile – the moai. Enormous statues carved from solidified volcanic ash, the early Rapa Nui people are believed to have created these iconic heads to honor their ancestors and chiefs. With many of them erected along the coastline, they would watch over the settlements of their descendants with their backs facing the deep, mystical depths of the ocean – the spirit world. Or so the story goes.

On this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the grass-carpeted flanks of extinct volcanoes are peppered with archaeological sites, glistening freshwater lakes form in craters, and volcanic caves create jagged spaces beneath the island’s surface. Let the adventures begin.

We’ll take you hiking up historic hills, cycling past plantations and colorful towns, and relaxing in the shade of palm groves beside the tranquil waters of the Pacific. Winding your way through fields and intriguing archaeological sites, you’ll hike to the Ranu Raraku Moai quarry, where you’ll come face to face with the iconic moai statues. Next up? Climbing Maunga Kuma and Maunga Terevaka – the island’s highest point. From up here, you’ll look out at breath-taking views over the entire island and the glittering Pacific Ocean that extends beyond. It’s a wonder that humanity ever reached this far-flung corner of the world all those years ago. But it’s certainly no wonder why a visit to this beautifully wild island is one of our favorite things to do in Chile. Just say the word, and one of our luxury Travel Experts will make it happen.

6. Chiloé Archipelago

Off the coast of Southern Chile lies the Chiloé Archipelago. Dusted with luscious forests and rolling hills, this isolated group of islands is the perfect place to do as much (or as little) as you like. Staying at the sleek Tierra Chiloé – an idyllic rural retreat – you’ll have the chance to embark on a range of excursions, dine on delicious Indigenous dishes, and relax in the hotel’s soothing spa.

But that’s not all. Hopping aboard the Williche – Tierra Chiloé’s traditional boat – you’ll explore these fascinating islands to your heart’s content. Sailing past mountains and green-carpeted isles, you’ll come across South American sea lion colonies on rocky outcrops, keeping your eyes peeled for panda dolphins and blue whales as they dip beneath the waves. Feet back on dry land, you’ll explore the vibrant local culture. Weaving your way through the area’s variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you’ll discover picturesque churches and fascinating museums before heading back to the spa for an indulgent massage – or a relaxing soak in the Jacuzzi. The choice is yours.

7. Valparaiso

A beautiful seaport city peppered with colorful houses, cobbled lanes, and vibrant street art, the delights of Valparaiso are not to be missed. Here, you’ll instantly feel immersed in the nautical lifestyle as we take you on a private tour around the port before embarking on a private boat ride to marvel at this multihued city from afar. Hiking up to the house of renowned artist, Pablo Neruda, you’ll look out at breath-taking views of the harbor. And then there’s the local cuisine. Amid the architectural beauty of the historic quarter (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you’ll sample flavorsome Chilean dishes paired with local artisan beers. This is a true taste of South American culture. And you won’t want to miss it. After all, there’s a reason this picturesque city is often called ‘Paradise Valley’.

8. Your own private camp

Imagine your own luxury camp in one of the world’s most remote and untouched landscapes. Well, fortunately you don’t have to. This is Blink . With this exclusive service, our luxury Travel Experts will help you design your own fully bespoke pop-up hotel in the midst of breath-taking natural beauty. We’ll build it before you arrive, and then dismantle it once you’ve left. And one thing’s for certain: you’ll experience your own corner of the world in a way nobody else ever has. Or ever will. As they say – blink, and you’ll miss it.

What will your Blink camp include? Whatever you want. An innovative offering of outdoor accommodation and experiences, your tailor-made camp can include everything from private chefs and dining facilities to a mobile spa and on-site masseuse. Sourcing the most comfortable and luxurious ‘tents’ – you’ll feel as if you’re staying in a hotel suite (just one that’ll be taken down once you’ve gone). This is yours – and only yours. Now for the activities. Depending entirely on your tastes and your chosen destination, we’ll arrange an itinerary of activities and events for your whole trip – if you’d like us to, of course. Horse-riding, climbing, skiing, kayaking. The list goes on. Cocktail classes, foraging expeditions, helicopter adventures. And on.

This is luxury travel like never before. And, we may be slightly biased, but staying in one of our Blink camps is one of our favorite things to do in Chile. Whether you choose the surging valleys and towering peaks of Patagonia or the red-dusted landscapes of the Atacama – there’s nothing quite like it.

9. The Chilean Lake District

In the Andean foothills of Southern Chile, luscious landscapes are dotted with glittering, emerald-tinted lakes. This is the Chilean Lake District . The perfect place to experience nature at its most pure; at its most rugged and fresh. A haven for cyclists, kayakers, and hikers – and a popular destination for family trips – here, nature-filled adventures and gourmet picnics are the order of the day. Spend the morning cycling beside the magnificent snow-capped Osorno Volcano, kayaking across beautifully clear waters, or hiking up ice-capped mountains. Each day, you’ll enjoy unforgettable picnic lunches amid lush greenery and snow-smeared peaks as you look out onto sun-dappled glacial lakes. Breathing in the crisp, fresh air and the mesmerizing views – this is alfresco dining at its most breath-taking.

For a dash of sweetness, head to the lakeside town of Futrono for a taste of their mouth-watering jams. Made from maqui (Chilean wineberries) found in the surrounding countryside, you’ll savor their sugary and yet slightly tart notes before venturing back out into the Chilean wilds.

10. Maipo Valley

At the foot of the Andes Mountains, sprawling vineyards unfurl in endless waves. This is the Maipo Valley. The birthplace of the Chilean wine industry, this historic wine-producing region boasts over 7000 acres of fragrant, luscious vineyards encircled by snow-capped mountains. And just outside the city of Santiago, we’ll take you to one of our favorites – Viña El Principal. A small family-owned winery, here you’ll discover the perfect combination of climate, soil, and altitude which gives their wines a distinct (and entirely delicious) character. Uncovering the secrets behind Chile’s famous wine production, you’ll taste their finest reds with lunch in the sunshine, surrounded by grape-laden vines waiting to be plucked.

As the closest wine region to Chile’s capital, a visit to this peaceful valley combined with the vibrant streets of Santiago makes for the perfect pairing. Tempted? Speak to one of our luxury Travel Experts and they’ll plan your trip exactly as you’d like it.

Curious about Chile?

Whether you’re dreaming of the ruby-red landscapes of the Atacama, the breath-taking wilderness of Patagonia, or the vibrant streets of Santiago – we can’t wait to hear from you and start planning your trip. Entirely bespoke.

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Top 10 Chile Tourist Attractions You Must See

Squeezed between the Andes and the Pacific, and boasting one of the planet’s most diverse landscapes, Chile is the longest country in the world. It is never more than 112 miles wide, but its coastline extends 2,672 miles. The top tourist attractions in Chile include the world’s driest desert, together with spectacular scenery of volcanoes, glaciers, and fjords. Cities, such as the capital of Santiago, offer many fine museums and art galleries, while the stunning Easter Island will entice you with its famous stone figures. Read on for the top ten tourist attractions in Chile.

Sunset At Easter Island

Easter Island

One of the most isolated islands on Earth, Easter Island is located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Officially a territory of Chile, it lies thousands of miles off the coast, roughly halfway to Tahiti. It was first visited by Europeans in 1722 and named by a Dutch Explorer who initially set eyes on it on Easter Sunday. The island is famous for its 887 extant monumental statues, called “moai”, created by the early Rapa Nui people centuries ago.

Known as ‘the nursery,’ the volcano of Rano Raraku is the quarry for the hard volcanic tuff from which the moai were cut. You’ll feel as though you’re stepping back into early Polynesian times, wandering among dozens of moai in all stages of progress studded on the southern slopes of the volcano. Not surprisingly, the well-publicized moai have overshadowed the island’s other tourist attractions but Easter Island also offers some great diving and surfing as well as two volcanic craters and several sandy beaches.

Santiago De Chile

Locals will tell you that Santiago IS Chile, 40 percent of the population live here. This cosmopolitan, energetic, sophisticated city is not only the financial and business capital of Chile but also the country’s cultural and entertainment hub. It’s a wonderful place for strolling, and each neighborhood has its own distinctive vibe. Head out for the day to take in the museums, grand architecture, and pedestrian malls of the Centro, before an afternoon picnic in one of the gorgeous hillside parks that punctuate the city’s landscape.

Plaza de Armas is the city’s colonial heartbeat. You’ll find two extraordinary landmarks, the Royal Court Palace, home of the National History Museum, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, built in the 18th century. The Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts has a large permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, and photos. Other must-sees are the excellent Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, featuring collections relating to the country’s native people, and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights commemorating those who suffered under the Pinochet regime.

Cerro San Cristobal

Cerro San Cristóbal is a hill in northern Santiago with a jaw-dropping view over the city and, on a clear day, the Andes. At the peak, there is a church, a 72-ft-high statue of the Virgin Mary, and an observatory. The summit can be reached by an aerial tramway.

New Year’s Celebration In Valparaiso

Blessed with fabulous views, the hillside port of Valparaiso is a celebration of everything bohemian. Best known for its brightly colored houses, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful seaside views, it is one of the graffiti capitals of South America. Here, winding streets and stairways drip down the hillsides of the old town to the atmospheric cafes and bars around the port area.

While there is a grittiness about it, beauty is everywhere you look in the form of wonderful architecture and delightful street art. You can ride the ancient funicular elevators and get lost in the labyrinth of streets and cobblestone alleyways that somehow magically connect the city’s 42 hills. Many tourist attractions focus on the country’s rich maritime heritage, including Lord Cochrane’s Museum, located in a lovely old colonial home built in 1842. Another must-visit tourist attraction is the superb Naval and Maritime Museum.

Valle del Elqui

Valle del Elqui is an exquisitely irrigated green valley stretching about 87 miles from the beach town of La Serena all the way to the Argentinean border. The steep, dry, shrub mountains on both sides give way to a fertile green valley complete with vineyards, pisco distilleries, and plantations of avocados, papayas, and oranges. Charming little towns can be found throughout the valley and many of the pisco distilleries offer tours and tastings. Valle del Elqui is also home to a number of observatories, this being one of the best places in the world to observe the night sky.

Torres Del Paine National Park, Mountain Landscape

Torres Del Paine National Park

The spectacular Torres del Paine National Park in southern Patagonia is a stunningly beautiful area encompassing snow-capped mountain peaks, cascading rivers and waterfalls, glaciers, and mirrored lakes. Perhaps the most notable of its many wonderful features are the three towering granite peaks of the Paine Massif, which dominate this already breathtaking scenery. A world biosphere reserve, it has a huge variety of plant and animal species which, with its incredibly beautiful setting, has made it an almost unequaled destination for hikers and backpackers, ecology-lovers, and adventure junkies .

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. Guanacos are one of the most common mammals found in the park; others include foxes and pumas, and the endangered Chilean Huemul. Birds include the Andean condor, black-chested buzzard-eagle, rufous-tailed hawk, Magellanic horned owl, the Chilean flamingo, Darwin’s rhea, Magellanic woodpecker, and Magellan goose.

Amphitheatre Is Beautiful Geological Formation Of Moon Valley In Atacama

Valle de la Luna and the Atacama Desert

Valle de la Luna, which literally translates as “Valley of the Moon,” lies eight miles west of San Pedro de Atacama at the north end of the country, near its border with Bolivia. This rugged, inhospitable-looking landscape in the heart of the Atacama Desert has an 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.

Among its most interesting features are its dry lake beds, which are dazzlingly white due to deposited salt, and prone to producing fascinating natural saline outcrops. There are many caverns in the region, 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.

The second oldest city in Chile, La Serena is the capital of its region in the north and is a charming place to spend some time. It has a lovely long beach lining the ocean and lots of great colonial and neo-colonial architecture as well as old stone churches and leafy boulevards, markets, an archaeological museum, and an astronomical observatory. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you may enjoy biking through the Elqui Valley, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and/or hiking through Isla Damas, as well as visiting the national park at Fray Jorge.

The Marble Caves Of Patagonia, Chile

The Cuevas de Mármol

These solid marble caves in the Patagonian Andes are the result of 6,000 years of erosion, caused by water smashing against the calcium carbonate of the cave walls. Between September and February, the ice melt from the surrounding glaciers turns the water a gorgeous turquoise color, rather than the intense deep blue that can be seen at other times of the year. Kayaking through these caves is an absolute must. Boat trips and tours can be arranged.

The Abandoned Humberstone Saltpeter Works

The Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works

Another Chile tourist attraction is the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, situated in the remote Pampa Desert. 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 this hostile environment. 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 open for exploration. It is recommended that you go with a professional guide.

While Rainforest Cruises aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information herein or found by following any link on this site. Rainforest Cruises cannot and will not accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom, including any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of this information.

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17 Best Things to Do in Chile — Top Activities & Places to Go!

By: Author David Reeve

Posted on Published: July 14, 2021  - Last updated: May 28, 2023

Chile, nicknamed the Country of Poets, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America.

It offers a boat-load of attractions and fun-filled activities for whether you want to spend a relaxing time with your companions or go for a terrific adventure together.

Explore places like gorgeous national parks, eye-catching beaches, cultural destinations, and tons more.

You can also spend the day indoors watching an enthralling show at a theater or viewing stunning artwork at a glorious museum.

So, gather your travel buddies and get ready to enjoy some of the best things to do in Chile.

Read through the list below to have a better idea of all the amazing things that await you!

1. Torres Del Paine National Park — Patagonia Chile

Torres Del Paine National Park Patagonia Chile, CL 6170000 (56-61) 2238581

Torres Del Paine National Park, established in May 1959, spans more than 440,000 acres.

Its breathtaking landscape features colossal glaciers, majestic mountains, and sparkling lakes.

Why You Should Go

One of the top things to do in Chile with kids is taking them on an epic outdoor adventure at this stunning national park.

It is a popular destination welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and offers several amenities and facilities for a more comfortable visit.

For example, designated camping areas where you can pitch a tent to stay the night and local agencies offering guided excursions.

Spend quality time with your youngsters as you enjoy an unforgettable weekend in the great outdoors at this picture-perfect national park.

Do things like hiking, take plenty of photos with your children, or go on guided horseback riding trips.

You can also stay the night by camping and try out stargazing or have a terrific picnic together.

2. Valley of the Moon — Antofagasta

San Pedro de Atacama Antofagasta, CL 1410000 +56 2 27318337

The Valley of the Moon, locally known as Valle de la Luna, rests within the Atacama Desert.

It takes its name because of its magnificent sand and rock formations that resemble the moon’s surface.

What makes this South American country so popular amongst tourists are its jaw-dropping natural wonders, like the Valley of the Moon.

It is perfect when looking for cool attractions in Chile to tour with your friends, partner, or family.

Its terrain features dry lakes, dramatic rock formations, dunes, and a landscape that changes colors depending on the time of the day.

Bond with your travel buddies as you take time exploring and marveling at the beauty and grandeur of this natural wonder.

Some of the activities you can do here are hiking through the area, working on your nature photography skills, or signing up for a guided tour of the valley.

Related: Best Restaurants in Chile

3. Rapa Nui National Park — Valparaíso

Isla de Pascua Valparaíso, CL 2340000 +56 32 210 0236

Rapa Nui National Park, established in 1935, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site found on the world-famous Easter Island.

It spans 17,000 acres and features 887 colossal stone statues known as the maoi.

There are many awe-striking sights to see this weekend as you explore the spectacular natural attractions of Chile, such as this national park on Easter Island.

Here, you can find attractions like rugged coastlines, glimmering freshwater lakes, and volcanoes.

It is home to the internationally famous maoi, monolithic human stone figures carved by the indigenous Polynesian tribe, the Rapa Nui, between 1250 to 1500.

Make new memories with your companions as you explore this beautiful national park to the fullest.

Do things like taking pictures backed by the colossal maoi, stroll through the stunning landscape, or enjoy oceanfront views by its pristine coastline.

You can also discover its awe-inspiring caverns, observe grazing wild horses from a distance, or go camping.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Nayara Hangaroa

4. Santiago

Santiago, CL 8320000 +56 2 27318337

Santiago, nicknamed the City of the Island Hills, is the vibrant capital of Chile.

It is also the largest metropolis in the country and features an endless array of recreational possibilities.

Go on an unforgettable getaway to Santiago with your travel companions by touring the many attractions within this city.

You can find numerous downtown spots to visit, captivating museums, and several restaurants serving exquisite-tasting local cuisine.

Here, you can also find countless historical, cultural, and religious attractions for you to better understand their rich heritage.

Enjoy a fun time with your friends or partner as you explore the various museums, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions.

Tour places like the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts, the oldest art museum in South America, and the Santiago Metropolitan Park, featuring a zoo and a botanical garden.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Cumbres Lastarria

5. The Chilean Lake District

Zona Sur +56 2 27318337

The Chilean Lake District is a zone in Chile known for its glistening lakes.

It is a premier destination for water sports and recreation for locals and tourists alike.

Are you looking for places to go today to enjoy the ultimate lakefront adventure?

If you are, I highly recommend the Chilean Lake District.

Here, you can find more than ten lakes to visit, offering you and your loved ones, a significant other, or friends a plethora of fun possibilities to enjoy together.

Prepare for a superb time with your companions as you have a relaxing time kayaking, canoeing, boating,

You can also enjoy various activities on land, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing, and so much more.

For those seeking a more thrilling and heart-racing activity, try white water rafting or volcano climbing.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Diego de Almagro Chillan

6. Valparaíso

Valparaíso, CL 2340000 +56 2 27318337

Valparaíso, founded in 1536, is a major seaport of Chile.

It is the second-largest city in the country and also goes by its nickname, the Jewel of the Pacific.

Have a terrific vacation with your family, friends, or partner by going on a great getaway to this lively and colorful oceanfront city.

It has countless charming bars, live music venues, stunning beaches, and many other fascinating spots for you to explore.

If you are looking for indoor stuff to do when it’s raining or cold, it offers you numerous museums and art galleries to explore.

Spend quality time with your travel companions as you have an amazing day together in this beautiful coastal city.

Some of the activities you can enjoy are strolling through botanical gardens, watching a live show at an amphitheater, and learning about local history at a museum.

When the weather permits, have a terrific day at Reñaca Beach.

On this sandy coastline, you can do things like sunbathe, make sandcastles with your little ones, play beach volleyball, surf, and tons more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Zero Hotel

7. Lauca National Park — Putre

Lauca National Park Putre, CL 1070000 +56 5 82585704

Lauca National Park, established in 1970, sits on the farthest most end of the northern region of Chile.

Are you searching for free things to do in Chile to make the most out of your limited budget?

If you are, the perfect place to be is this eye-catching national park.

Within its 303,342 acres, you can find abundant wildlife, stunning lava fields, striking volcanoes, azure lakes, and babbling rivers.

Take your companions on an epic nature retreat by enjoying a multitude of recreational possibilities at Lauca National Park.

For example, bird watching, practicing nature photography, teaching your little ones how to fish, hiking, and endless more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Terrace Lodge

8. Pumalín Park — Chaitén

Sector Río Amarillo S/N Chaitén, Chaitén, CL 5850000 +56 65 243 6337

Pumalín Park, about 1 million acres in size, is officially known as Douglas Tompkins Pumalín Park.

Why you Should Go

There are several nice places to visit in Chile to enjoy a terrific outdoor adventure, like Pumalin Park.

It features numerous facilities like designated campgrounds, rental cabins, onsite restaurants, a nature sanctuary, and agencies offering guided tours of the gorgeous park.

Its landscape includes awe-inspiring fjords, dense forests, majestic volcanoes, natural thermal pools, and many other breathtaking sights.

Make the most out of your getaway by spending time at Pumalin Park doing all sorts of enjoyable activities with a special someone or your friends and family.

Have a relaxing time on the water as you go kayaking or sign up for a sightseeing cruise to see the magnificence of the fjord.

Other terrific options are hiking, driving 4v4 vehicles through the rugged terrain, camping, picnicking amidst the scenic landscape, and more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Mi Casa

Also See: Places to Go in Belize Costa Rica: Things to Do

9. Los Pingüinos Natural Monument — Punta Arena

José Nogueira, Isla Magdalena 1255 Punta Arena, CL 6200000 +56 2 27318337

The Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, established in 1966, translates to the Penguins Natural Monument.

It is a top-rated tourist attraction welcoming thousands of tourists during the summer season.

You can find several unique things to see in Chile for a superb sightseeing experience with your travel buddies, like the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument.

It sits on an uninhabited island and is home to more than 60,000 pairs of Magellanic penguins.

It also features other animals and birds like sea lions and seagulls.

Get the opportunity to observe thousands of penguins with your loved ones, a special someone, or friends at this national monument and nature preserve.

Observe and take photos of the black and white, flightless birds as they care for their young or practice their mating rituals.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Diego de Almagro Punta Arenas

10. The Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works — Pozo Almonte

Ruta 16 km 47 Pozo Almonte, CL 1180000

The Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, spanning over 1,400 acres, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.

They are two former saltpeter refineries dating back to the late 1800s.

The Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works is the ideal destination to visit if you are searching for cheap activities to do near you to enjoy a budget-friendly tour experience with your travel buddies.

Travel back in time and discover the significance of saltpeter mining in Chile as you explore the many attractions and artifacts in this area.

Enjoy a few hours touring this popular tourist hotspot and learn about its rich past and the saltpeter industry.

On your tour, you can view things like abandoned machinery, historical buildings, century-old plants, and many others.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Diego de Almagro Iquique

11. Chiloé National Park — Los Lagos

Chiloé National Park Los Lagos, CL 5170000

Chiloé National Park, established in 1983, rests on the Chiloé Island or the Greater Island of Chiloé.

It encompasses roughly 94,725 acres and offers a myriad of fun-filled opportunities.

One of the most enjoyable and fun things to do in Chile for nature lovers is having a spectacular day at this lovely national park.

It is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, featuring lush rainforests, charming swamps, coastal dunes, and diverse wildlife.

Make memories that will last for years to come by enjoying countless activities in the heart of nature at Chiloé National Park.

You can do activities like horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and going on thrilling excursions alongside a professional guide.

Before leaving, take many photos of the marvelous scenery, explore its sun-kissed coastal dunes, and if you are lucky, watch pods of whales swimming in the distance.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Palafito Azul Apart Hotel

12. Maipo Canyon — San José de Maipo

9790,, Comercio 19708 San José de Maipo, CL 9460000 +56 2 27318337

The Maipo Canyon, or Cajón del Maipo in Spanish, is one of the most-visited attractions in Chile.

It is a premier destination for hiking, featuring miles of scenic trails.

Experience a nature adventure like no other with your travel buddies at the Maipo Canyon.

It is the ideal place for you to explore if you love trekking through gorgeous terrains.

It features untamed rivers, spectacular mountain backdrops, several volcanoes, lush greenery, and many other natural wonders.

Bond with your partner, friends, or tribe by going on a brilliant adventure at the wondrous Maipo Canyon.

Some of the popular activities you can enjoy are hiking, camping, biking, horseback riding, paddle boating, and rafting.

During the cold winter months, this canyon is the perfect place for you to go on a fun-filled skiing trip with your companions.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Altiplanico Cajón del Maipo

Also See: What to Do in The Dominican Republic Things to Do in Cuba

13. Emiliana Organic Vineyards — Valparaíso

RUTA 68 Y RUTA F-870 Casablanca Valparaíso, CL 2340000 +56 2 2353 9151

The Emiliana Organic Vineyards, founded in 1998, is a highly-renowned winery and vineyard known for its organic wines.

Do you and your significant other love sampling different types of wine?

Are you looking for romantic things to do in Chile for couples?

Then gather your things and head on over to this picturesque vineyard.

It is one of the best vineyards in the country, featuring a farm with various animals and an organic garden with all kinds of herbs and vegetables.

Go on a romantic date with your beloved as you try out the different exquisite, organic wines at this vineyard.

You can also stroll through the eye-catching vineyard hand-in-hand or go on a guided tour of the area.

Here, you can also interact with friendly animals, such as horses, alpacas, and sheep, and enjoy a lovely picnic together on the soft grass.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Casablanca Spa & Wine

14. Grey Glacier — Patagonia Chile

Grey Glacier Patagonia Chile, CL 6170000

The Grey Glacier rests within the Torres del Paine National Park.

It is one of the most iconic and most-visited attractions of the park.

Before heading back home, make sure you visit the jaw-droppingly stunning Grey Glacier with your friends.

This awe-striking glacier is roughly six kilometers wide and towers about 30 meters high.

Enjoy quality time with your friends as you go on a fun-filled outdoor getaway and discover the grandeur of Grey Glacier.

In the area surrounding the glacier, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, going on guided boat trips, and kayaking.

For a more adventurous and outdoorsy experience, you can try ice-hiking and hike right on top of the glacier.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Las Torres Patagonia

15. ALMA Observatory — Antofagasta

San Pedro de Atacama Antofagasta, CL 1410000 +56 2 2467 6416

The ALMA Observatory is officially named the Atacama Large Millimeter Array Observatory.

It is a state-of-the-art facility sitting on the Atacama Desert.

When searching for terrific and unique things to do with your companions, make your way to this world-class observatory and discover the brilliance of our galaxy.

This high-tech facility offers an array of interactive programs, fascinating educational opportunities, and hands-on activities for you to enjoy a more entertaining visit.

Book a tour of the ALMA Observatory today and enjoy a fun and educational experience as you learn all about our universe.

On your visit, you can watch short informative films, listen to engaging lectures, and explore the facility, like its control room and the many types of equipment used in their scientific explorations.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Casa Algarrobo

Also See: Things to See in Panama Things to See in Peru Fun Things to Do in Punta Cana

16. Santiago’s Historic Center — Santiago

Santiago’s Historic Center Santiago, CL 8320000 +56 2 27318337

Santiago’s Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of the city.

It features a handful of historical attractions dating back to as far as the 18th century.

A must-visit on your sightseeing tour is Santiago’s Historic Center.

Here, you can discover the rich history and religious heritage of Chile.

It offers you numerous attractions to explore, such as art and history museums, glorious cathedrals over hundreds of years old, bustling plazas, affordable food joints, and so much more.

Visit attractions like the National Museum of Natural History, one of the oldest museums of its kind in South America, and the Plaza de Armas, featuring some of the most prominent historical buildings in the city.

When searching for favorite things to do in Chile at night, drop by the over 220-year-old Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral.

After dark, it comes alive with dazzling lights that give it a more magical and enthralling appearance.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Santiago Hotel & Convention Center

17. Viña Viu Manent — Santa Cruz

Carretera del vino km 37 Viu Manent Santa Cruz, CL 3130000 +56 2 2840 3181

The Viña Viu Manent, founded in 1935, is an award-winning winery offering its guests exquisite wines and many recreational opportunities.

One of the best things to do in Chile is visiting the Viña Viu Manent for a relaxing and peaceful retreat.

It guarantees a serene and enjoyable visit as it offers you several amenities, like tasting rooms, numerous tour packages, two shops, and an aesthetically pleasing restaurant.

Enjoy a superb experience that you will never forget by spending the day at this magnificent winery.

Some of the countless things you can do are wine tasting, touring the facility, and going on horse-led carriage rides through the vineyard.

You can also experience what it’s like to be a winemaker for a day as you make your own concoctions or sign up for an educational class where you can learn how to properly drink wine and what dishes can accentuate its taste.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Vendimia Boutique

Chile Things to Do: The 17 Best Activities for [currentyear]

• Torres Del Paine National Park — Patagonia Chile
• Valley of the Moon — Antofagasta
• Rapa Nui National Park — Valparaíso
• The Chilean Lake District
• Valparaíso
• Lauca National Park — Putre
• Pumalín Park — Chaitén
• Los Pingüinos Natural Monument — Punta Arena
• The Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works — Pozo Almonte
• Chiloé National Park — Los Lagos
• Maipo Canyon — San José de Maipo
• Emiliana Organic Vineyards — Valparaíso
• Grey Glacier — Patagonia Chile
• ALMA Observatory — Antofagasta
• Santiago’s Historic Center — Santiago
• Viña Viu Manent — Santa Cruz

The most interesting Chile tourist attractions not to miss off your bucketlist

Sometimes, I use affiliate/sponsored links with my recommendations, which if bought through might earn me a few pennies at absolutely no extra cost to you . This helps with the cost of keeping this site alive so I can continue to guide you on your travels. Please remember that I would never ever ever recommend anything I don’t or wouldn’t use myself. Big thanks to each and every one of you who have trusted my recommendations so far! Lozzy x

Has the sheer length of the country left you floundered when it comes to deciding which Chile tourist attractions to go and visit? Got no clue what’s even out there? This bucketlist of the most interesting things to do and see in Chile is here to help.

Chile tourist attractions span almost every climate you can think of, starting with desert up North, a lake district and then ICE. Lots and lots of ice. This makes the list of Chile tourist attractions a very exciting one, and you can experience so many distinctive things to do in a relatively short amount of time.

After this list of the best Chile tourist attractions, don’t miss:

• 50+ must-knows for an incredible backpacking trip in South America
• Sand dunes & fireworks in Valparaíso: What to do in Chile’s most vibrant city
• Staying safe & comfortable on South American night buses

14 Chile tourist attractions for your bucketlist:

1. the milky way from the atacama desert.

How could I not start the list of most interesting Chile tourist attractions with this one? Being so unpopulated, the huge expanses of the Atacama Desert are some of the best spots from which to stargaze into the Milky Way at night. Aside from astronomy, the Atacama Desert is full of other adventures, day or night, too.

The best way to access the area is to stay in San Pedro de Atacama and take a guided tour out a few hours into the desert. There are many ways you can do this, from fat-bike rides to a hiking mountains with a few nights’ camping .

2. The Regional Museum of Atacama at Copiapó

Now, few museums have ever actually left me feeling tearful. This small but mighty museum detailing the collapse of and escape from the famous Copiapó mine in 2010 (you know, the one that was on the news for over 2 months) gives an emotional account of the experiences of those affected in an incredibly personal way.

You’ll also get to see some of the equipment they sent down to rescue the 33 miners who were trapped for 69 days.

3. The beach of Bahia Inglesa

While you’re up in Copiapó, a day trip to Bahia Inglesa is a must. It’s said to be Chile’s most beautiful beach, but there are several other empty beaches up and down the coastline too if this one gets too busy.

Best to hire a car!

4. Street art in Valparaíso

Famed for its young, vibrant vibes and colourful streets, Valparaíso (Valpo to locals) is a must-see for art & culture-lovers. It’s one of the few Chilean cities with real attitude to it, and the street art depicts tales of old alongside the struggles of now.

You really can’t leave Valparaíso without having taken a street art tour !

5. Valpo’s funículares

Back in the day, Valparaíso was at the forefront of transportational advances, as it installed a number of funículars or street lifts to counter the fact that it’s built into hills steeper than the price of rent in Manhattan. Many of those funículares are still working today, and for just a few coins you can take a ride up and down in them.

The best one in my opinion is Reina Victoria, which will take you up into a walkway with cool bars on one side and views over the hills and coastline of the city on the other.

6. Concón’s sand dunes

One of the more unexpected of Chile tourist attractions in urban areas; the sand dunes at Concón are only a short local bus ride away from Valparaíso, and even shorter from the holiday town of Reñaca. They are totally worth an explore, and a dune-board if you’re feeling particularly courageous.

The sand dunes back right onto cliffs that meet the Atlantic Ocean, with urban development on either side of the coastline, so it’s quite the sight to behold.

7. The many vineyards outside Santiago

Even if you’re also heading to Argentina as part of your travels, vineyards are still firmly on the list of top Chile tourist attractions. More accurately, a fat glass of wine being lifted to your lips as you sit within the peaceful balconies of a vineyard is firmly on the list of top Chile tourist attractions.

Some of the most popular vineyards are situated just outside of Santiago; you can opt for guided wine tasting days from the city ( the bicycle tour is highly recommended!) or hire a car and visit some independently.

8. Santiago views from Cerro San Cristóbal

Like views? Get yourself up to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal for something epic! This colossal hill gives a vantage point for an almost 360 look over the capital. Not only that, there’s a giant Virgin Mary statue up there that protects the city, and a few ice cream shops etc. too.

You can get a taxi or old funícular up to the top, but you can stretch the views out even longer if you’re happy to hike the ~45 minutes up instead.

9. The stilted houses of the lake district

Here’s where things get quaint. A few hours south of Santiago is Chile’s lake district, where big cities are replaced with small towns and villages. Lots of these are fairly picturesque, and Castro is one of the most famous for its colourful wooden houses hovering on stilts above the lake.

This is one of the Chile tourist attractions that’s totally free to look at and can be seen from several angles around the town.

10. Penguin colonies at Puñihuil

Find me someone who doesn’t enjoy a good penguin or two. Luckily, Chile can offer you significantly more than two penguins, as it’s home to large colonies of them down on some of its lake district islands.

While you’re down in the Castro area enjoying the stilted houses, make time for a day trip on a boat out to Puñihuil to see where the penguins live and learn all about them.

11. Chile’s most photogenic lakeside

A view of Osorno Volcano over Llanquihue Lake from the teeny town of Puerto Varas is like staring out at a giant postcard.

Visiting Puerto Varas can be a super-chill day out, but the area offers plenty of adrenaline-filled excursions like hiking to waterfalls and skiing on the volcano if you’re game for staying longer.

12. The Ring of Fire

This is the name for a ring of active volcanoes situated in Chile’s south. Of these, Volcán Villarrica is one of the favourites to ascend. Guided Villarrica hikes start from the beautifully remote town of Pucón.

13. Marble caves of Lake General Carrera

The Catedral de Marmol is a stunning network of marble caves. You can access these by boat, but taking a kayak tour will get you even closer to the natural beauty.

The colour of the glimmering caves changes by season, so plan ahead the time of year you’d like to explore them in.

14. Insane peaks at Torres del Paine

Hikers, get ready! The Torres del Paine National Park down in Patagonia is one of the most interesting Chile tourist attractions for the mega-adventurous. This icy mountainous region is full of gorgeous hikes, from 1-day excursions into the national park to 6-day explorations of the iconic W Trek . Prepare yourself for some of the most breath-taking trails of your life.

To see the national park without getting your walking boots on, you can take an exciting boat tour from Puerto Natales to see some of the glaciers.

Now that you’ve reached the end of this list of the best Chile tourist attractions, don’t miss:

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Last Updated on 30 March 2022 by Cuppa to Copa Travels

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10 Best Places to Visit in Chile

Recently I often get asked about the best places to visit in Chile. Honestly this is one of the hardest questions to answer about a country that has so much to offer. Nevertheless I used the chance and wrote down my personal top 10, including tips for tours and accommodation. (updated: June 2023)

I have been backpacking through Chile 4 times already where I managed to visit 14 of 15 regions. The best time to travel Chile is from October till April – in Patagonia December untill beginning of March. If you are planning your trip I highly recommend learning spanish beforehand.

  My personal list of best places to visit in Chile will help you make the most of your time there. Use the following navigation to jump to the things to do in Chile you are most interested in:

1) San Pedro de Atacama – Atacama Desert

Accommodation

2) valparaiso.

3) Pucón – Villarrica Volcano

4) Puerto Varas – Osorno Volcano

Accommodation:

5) fjords of chaiten / hornopiren.

6) Futaleufú

7) Puerto Rio Tranquilo – Marble Caves

8) Villa O'Higgins & O'Higgins

9) Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine

10) Punta Arenas – Isla Magdalena

11) Guided Tours in Chile

If you like to see as much as possible but your time is limited or if it is your first trip to that part of the world and you feel a bit uncomfortable doing it completely on your own it makes sense to book a multi-day tour. This way you do not only leave the organization of the trip including all accommodation and transport to local experts but you get to learn so much about the country from your guides and you'll travel in a group of like-minded people. A multi-day tour can also be easily combined with an independent trip (e.g. you could start with a tour and afterwards go backpacking in Chile on your own).   After working with them in Peru, Cuba, Bhutan, Costa Rica and Tanzania I highly recommend the small group tours offered by G Adventures as their philosophy (working with small local businesses) and focus on sustainable, responsible travel are in line with my personal values. With many years of expertise you can expect well organized, fun trips in small groups:

• Highlights of Chile & Argentina – diverse 10 day lasting tour to some of the best places to visit in Chile mentioned in this article as well as some of the highlights in Argentina. From Santiago through Valparaiso, Pucon, Bariloche and a Gaucho experience to dancing tango in Buenos Aires. Included in the tour are meals, guides, transportation, hotels and some additional experiences.
• Explore Chile & Argentina – On this 9 day National Geographic tour you get to see the capital cities of both countries as well as the countryside. The program includes culinary experiences, excursions to lakes, waterfalls, some hiking and a tango course in Buenos Aires. Some Meals, local guides, hotels, domestic flights, minibus, ferry and exclusive NatGeo tours are included.
• Hike Patagonia in depth – active 14 day tour covering the highlights of Patagonia, including the Torres del Paine W trek, El Chaltén (Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre) and El Calafate (Perito Moreno glacier) including meals, guide, camps & tents, hotels, transport and porters
• Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego – active 14 day tour covering the highlights of Patagonia, including the Torres del Paine W trek, El Chaltén (Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre), El Calafate (Perito Moreno glacier) and Ushuaia. This also includes meals, guide, camps & tents, hotels, transport and porters.
• Discover Patagonia (NatGeo Tour) – complete 14 day Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego tour covering all the highlights in the north (Bariloche, Puerto Varas), the south (Torres del Paine – day tour, Calafate, Chalten) and Ushuaia including exclusive National Geographic expeditions and talks.

12) Video of my experience

Best Places to Visit in Chile: your favorites?

Did I miss any important sight? Tell me your favorite spot in the comments below and feel free to share this article with your friends!

Disclaimer:  This Chile Guide contains Affiliate Links for services and products I’m using on my travels – therefore I can highly recommend them. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees! All recommendations, opinions, and ironic remarks are, as always, my own.

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18 Best Things to Do in Santiago de Chile

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 6, 2024

Set in a spellbinding spot amidst the Andes, sophisticated Santiago is both Chile’s capital and its largest city. Most people’s first point of entry to the long, narrow South American country, it has a lot of tourist attractions with ski resorts, wineries and even the glittering Pacific nearby.

Since being founded by the Spanish in 1541, Santiago de Chile (as it is sometimes known) has slowly grown into one of the largest metropolises in the Americas. While some districts are home to old colonial and neoclassical buildings, other happening neighborhoods, like Barrio Bellavista and Lastarria, have a lively bohemian vibe and are coated in cool street art.

Punctuating the huge city are several stand-alone hills such as San Cristobal and Santa Lucia; both of which boast epic views over the capital’s skyline and surrounding snow-topped mountains.

While the Andes and artsy Valparaiso lie enticingly near, it is well worth exploring the best things to do in Santiago de Chile for at least a couple of days before heading off to explore far-flung destinations.

Map of Things to Do in Santiago de Chile

18. Bahá’í Temple

Lying on the eastern outskirts of the capital amidst the Andes foothills is one of its most unique and interesting buildings: the beautiful Bahá’í Temple. Thanks to its serene and secluded setting, its holy House of Worship is the perfect place for quiet reflection while taking in the astounding views and architecture.

Open to those of all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds, it was erected in 2016; the last of eight temples commissioned by the Bahá’í community on each continent. Designed by award-winning Canadian architect Siamak Hariri, its lovely light-filled interior is surrounded by nine translucent marble and cast glass ‘sails’ that arch their way gracefully around the outside.

Aside from sitting, reflecting and taking in the temple’s stunning shapes and swirls, visitors can also amble around the site’s gorgeous gardens and reflective pools. From here, you can gaze out over the majestic mountains and twinkling lights of the city far below.

17. Fantasilandia

Loads of fun for all the family, Fantasilandia’s exciting rides and rollercoasters have been delighting young and old alike for well over forty years. The largest amusement park in Santiago, its sprawling grounds are located in the city center, in the northwest corner of O’Higgins Park.

Since first opening to the public in 1978, the family-friendly theme park has grown with more than forty exhilarating attractions now offered. These include firm favourites like the thrilling Raptor and Boomerang rollercoasters and much calmer carousels, swings and circus trains for kids.

Various carnival games and wild and wet water rides are also scattered about as are plenty of stands and stalls where you can buy snacks and souvenirs.

16. Araucano Park

Yet another pretty and peaceful place to spend time is the expansive Araucano Park in the Las Condes part of town. Overlooked by gleaming high-rises, it contains countless playgrounds and playing fields with top-class concerts and cultural events often taking place here.

Set alongside the large and luxurious Parque Arauco Mall, the picturesque park was founded in the sixties as part of an urban renewal project. Amidst its lush green lawns and sweet-smelling rose gardens, you can now find everything from arresting public artworks to extreme sports areas. Little hiking trails and paths also lead you to well-maintained basketball, tennis and volleyball courts.

On top of all the festivals and community events it hosts during the year, there is also the exciting KidZania entertainment center for younger ones to enjoy. Bordering the park are numerous cafes and restaurants should you want a snack or drink before continuing with your sightseeing.

15. Go Skiing at El Colorado

If you’re looking to get out of the city and shoot down soft, powdery slopes, then El Colorado amidst the Andes mountains is one of the best things to do in Santiago de Chile. Situated around an hour and a half’s drive northeast of Santiago, the ski resort has over a hundred runs for all ages and abilities to enjoy.

Perched atop the prominent hill of the same name, its scenic ski center was established in the forties with generations enjoying its spectacular views and slopes since then. At times, its pistes take you up to an altitude of 3,333 meters with the popular resort boasting a total drop of 900 meters.

After skiing and snowboarding to your heart’s content, you can stay overnight in its comfy lodges or condos and try some of its superb restaurants that offer spellbinding views over the Andes.

14. Barrio Lastarria

For even more great dining and drinking, make sure to head to the bohemian Barrio Lastarria at the bottom of Cerro Santa Lucia. A lively yet laidback area, its art-filled streets are lined by unique boutiques, bookshops and bars with cool restaurants and cultural centers also dotted here and there.

Now one of the most popular spots to explore in the city, the historic district and its narrow, winding streets date to the early nineteenth century. Most of life in the trendy neighborhood revolves around Plaza Mulato Gil de Castro with the 1852 Iglesia de la Veracruz counted among its main tourist attractions.

Other than enjoying the ambience and snapping pics of the amazing graffiti and architecture, you can try out some of its hip bars and restaurants. There are also some outstanding museums and performing arts venues to stop by while an excellent little arts and crafts market is held on Sundays.

13. Parque Bicentenario

Just a bit further north of the barrio is the phenomenal Parque Bicentenario which lies alongside the Mapocho River in the affluent and fashionable district of Vitacura. Inaugurated in 2007, it has loads of pristine paths and green spaces to stroll while drinking in divine views of the city’s skyline and the snow-topped mountains in the distance.

Unveiled in time for Chile’s bicentennial, its lovingly landscaped grounds contain a large man-made lagoon and long boardwalks down by the river. Besides wandering about and keeping an eye out for swans, flamingos and other waterfowl, you can lounge on its lawns or bike along its tranquil trails.

In addition to a handful of little kiosks, the famous Mestizo restaurant at its northern end also serves delicious Chilean snacks, dishes and drinks. Fabulous film festivals and cultural events are also regularly held in the expansive park.

12. Visit a Winery

As the country is renowned for its wonderful whites, reds and roses, you simply can’t visit Santiago without stopping by at least one or two of its world-famous wineries. In the fertile plains to the west of the capital, you can take terrific tours and tastings at countless estates and vineyards with striking scenery and nature guaranteed.

Thanks to favorable conditions such as its arid climate and warm, sunny weather, grapes have been grown all around Chile since at least the sixteenth century. From downtown, you can reach the vast Maipo and Casablanca valleys, two of its main wine-growing regions, in less than an hour’s drive.

Here you’ll learn more about the rich history, culture and heritage of cultivating vines in the country before sampling some superb Sauvignons, Chardonnays and Pinot noirs yourself. Among the oldest and most highly-rated wineries are those of Cousino Macul and Concha y Toro; both of which have been operating since the 1800s.

11. Plaza de Armas

The heart and soul of life in town, Plaza de Armas is lined by many of its most important buildings with impressive monuments also dotting the shady square. Popular with both locals and tourists alike, it hums with energy at any time of day as street performers, free walking tour groups and interested onlookers all congregate here.

Remarkably enough, the palm tree-studded plaza has remained the epicenter of Santiago ever since it was founded in 1541. While the magnificent Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral dominates one side, stately buildings such as the Central Post Office and Royal Courthouse also look out over the plaza. Amongst its many landmarks are the fantastic Freedom of Latin America sculpture and indigenous peoples monument.

Aside from taking in its lively atmosphere and snapping some photos of its exquisite architecture, visitors can watch people play heated games of chess or stop by the National History Museum.

10. La Moneda

La Moneda, also known “Coin Palace” because it used to be a mint, is where the president of Chile has his offices. Several other key government officials also have offices in the neoclassical structure that takes up a whole block in downtown Santiago.

The building’s days as a mint ended in 1828 and it became the Chilean seat of government in 1845. It was bombed during the coup that put Pinochet in power in 1973 but has since been restored.

A changing of the guard ceremony takes place every two days, with the days depending on the month.

9. Museum of Memory and Human Rights

Chile’s record of human rights hasn’t always been stellar, hence the Museum of Memory and Human Rights. Only open for a few years, the museum is a memorial to Chileans who had their rights violated during the Pinochet regime (1973 – 1990).

In perhaps an ironic twist, Chile’s then-President Michelle Bachelet, a victim of Pinochet’s torture, laid the museum’s first stone in 2008. The museum houses torture devices used by Pinochet forces, prisoner letters to family members and survivors’ statements.

At the entrance you’ll find the last poem of Victor Jara inscribed at the entrance. The poet was an early victim of Pinochet’s regime.

8. Sky Costanera

The Sky Costanera towers over Santiago and is so high it can be seen from just about anywhere in the city. At 64 stories high, it is the largest skyscraper in Latin America and the highest occupied floor in the Southern Hemisphere.

It’s 300 meters (984 feet) high and has six basements. Officially known as Costanera Center Torre 2, it’s part of the center’s complex that includes the largest shopping mall in South America. About a quarter-million people a day come here. You’ll find an observation deck on the upper floors that provides 360-degree views of Santiago.

7. Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

One of the top attractions in Santiago, the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino is packed with incredible artefacts and artworks from all around Central and South America. One of the city’s most important cultural institutes, its extensive collection occupies an elegant old palace, just off Plaza de Armas.

Established in 1981, its 3,000 or so masks, carvings, sculptures and ceramic pieces represent almost a hundred different groups from every corner of Latin America. Delightfully presented, they cover roughly 10,000 years of art history with marvelous Mayan bas-reliefs on display next to intricately-knotted Incan quipu and painted cloths from the pre-Columbian Chavin culture.

Accompanied by informative texts, its musty old mummies and elaborate little copper figures make for amazing viewing with many regarding it as one of the best museums on the continent.

6. Cerro Santa Lucia

Just a short stroll to the southeast of the square is another of the capital’s must-see sights: the scenic Cerro Santa Lucia. From atop the lovely little hill and its leafy park, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the city and snowy mountains far off on the horizon.

Actually all that now remains of an ancient volcano, the 629-meter-high hill is thought to have been formed around fifteen million years ago. Initially used by missionaries as a place of worship, it later housed two forts and was where Pedro de Valdivia declared the founding of Santiago in 1541.

Nowadays, ornate stone stairways lined by fine fountains and terraces snake their way up the side of the steep hill to the breathtaking viewpoint at the top. As well as a statue of the famous conquistador and first royal governor of Chile, there is also an attractive old hermitage to check out alongside the refined Neptune Fountain.

5. Mercado Central

While the Mercado Central sells other food, the seafood is the main reason you go there. Here, you’ll find a variety of seafood fresh from Chile’s long coastline: fish, oysters, mussels, scallops, clams and a whole lot more.

If you’d rather eat seafood than shop for it, the market has plenty of restaurants. Mercado Central is Santiago landmark that’s been in business since 1872.

It’s housed in a sprawling building accented by wrought iron – even the roof is made from wrought iron. Mercado Central can be found close to Plaza de Armas in central Santiago.

4. La Chascona

Noted Chilean poet and Nobel literature prize winner Pablo Neruda had three houses, of which La Chascona is one – the others are in Valparaiso and Isla Negra.

Neruda had a quirky personality that is reflected in this house. Even the name, La Chascona, comes from his mistress’s messy curly red hair.

The ship-shaped house is a magnet for tourists who come to see the kitchen, which resembles a ship’s cabin, and the living room, which takes after a lighthouse. (Neruda loved the sea.) There’s also a fairy tale garden in the back.

3. Barrio Bellavista

Barrio Bellavista is where it’s all happenin’, baby. This Santiago neighborhood is the city’s bohemian quarter, a place where artists and intellectuals live, work and play.

It’s most famous resident was, and still is, Pablo Neruda whose house, La Chascona, is one of the top attractions in Santiago. It’s the hippest place in town, with restaurants, funky boutiques and avant-garde galleries.

You can dance the night away after dark in one of its many discos. Colorful old houses abound on the barrio’s tree-lined streets. Weekend evenings feature a crafts market, with art made from the semi-precious lapis lazuli a popular buy.

2. Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral

Where earlier cathedrals in Santiago have been destroyed by earthquakes, the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral has stood on the Plaza de Armas for more than 260 years.

Construction first began in 1748 and the cathedral has dominated the square ever since. The stone neoclassical cathedral is considered one of the best examples of religious architecture in South America.

One of the towers holds the remains of Chile’s first cardinal. The cathedral’s wooden inside doors were carved around 1765. Inside you’ll find a richly decorated altar and the Museum of Sacred Art. The massive, decorated naves add to the aura of inspiration.

1. Cerro San Cristobal

For the best views imaginable of Santiago, make sure to head to the very top of Cerro San Cristobal on the north side of the city. While it is rightfully renowned for its phenomenal panoramas, the huge hill is also home to the Chilean National Zoo, a Japanese friendship garden and much, much more.

Towering above the hugely popular Barrio Bellavista far below, the lofty landmark rises 880 meters in height with both scenic funiculars and cable cars whisking you up to its summit. Besides basking in awe-inspiring vistas of the Andes, you can take photos of its striking Statue of the Virgin Mary and visit its adjoining little sanctuary.

The iconic mount also encompasses the massive Metropolitan Park which has loads of lovely nature trails to hike and mountain bike. With flower-filled botanical gardens on offer alongside exciting animal exhibits, it is no wonder the Cerro is one of the capital’s main spots to head amongst locals and tourists alike.

Best Time to Visit Santiago

Lying in the Maipo River valley surrounded by scenic snow-capped mountains, Santiago has a lovely Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. While these seasons are popular times to visit, spring and autumn are cheaper, quieter and have either bright blooming flowers or glittering golden foliage to enjoy.

During the summer months – so December to February – temperatures average 25 to 26°C (77 to 79°F); perfect for exploring its colonial center. In addition to all the Chileans on holiday, Europeans also head here so the hotels and restaurants are very busy. Besides Christmas, the International Book Fair, Santiago a Mil Theatre Festival and jazz festival take place then.

While Lollapalooza in March attracts loads of people, the crowds and temperatures decrease as autumn sets in. This is a fantastic time to tour its vineyards as it is the harvest season.

July and August see a huge spike in visitors despite the temperature dropping to 13 or 14°C (55 to 57°F). While it is a bit wetter and prices are higher, snow in the surrounding mountains means you can ski and snowboard. Its prestigious film festival also goes on then.

Spring, so September to November, is another picturesque time in Santiago when its Fiesta Patrias and Fauna Primavera festivals are held.

Where to Stay in Santiago

There are plenty of hotels in the city that you can choose from. You’ll find upscale resorts with all the amenities and luxuries you could dream of in Santiago de Chile. You can also stay in boutique hotels with stunning views. There are a range of options to choose from depending on your budget, your vacation style and your design preferences.

Atton Vitacura is a high-rise hotel that is just outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Santiago de Chile. The decor is sleek and contemporary, and the rooms are spacious. Guests can enjoy amenities like a fully equipped fitness center and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool. The onsite restaurant serves up local favorites as well as international fare. The Parque Arauco Shopping Mall and the nearest metro station are both just a mile from the hotel

If you want accommodation that is centrally located, historic and elegant, then the Lastarria Boutique Hotel is a fantastic choice. Found in a renovated mansion dating back to 1927, the hotel is lavish and features a marble staircase, antique fireplaces and private balconies. The location is also ideal for those who want to explore the city on foot. The hotel overlooks the Parque Forestal and is just a short walk to Plaza de Armas and the nearest metro station.

The Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo is found in a beautiful and historic red brick home from 1923. This boutique accommodation choice lets you experience the real Santiago de Chile, and it is located a 10-minute walk from the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts. Aside from the convenience, the hotel is appealing thanks to chic bedroom decor, private terraces and gardens and a popular wine bar right on the premises.

The Ritz-Carlton name is known for upscale hotels, and the Santiago location is a perfect example of that. The Ritz-Carlton Santiago is east of the city, and its rooftop spa offers fantastic views of the urban sprawl as well as the surrounding mountains. Amenities are world-class and include a heated indoor pool that looks over the landscape through floor-to-ceiling windows and three exceptional restaurants. This is a top choice for foodies, and the upscale atmosphere is also recommended for couples in search of romance.

Three blocks away from the Los Leones subway station, you’ll find the Hotel Boutique Le Reve on quiet and scenic tree-lined street. The exterior facade is covered in lush greenery, and the French-style courtyard lets you soak up the sun without the crowds. The rooms are elegant, and there is a definite old-world flair obvious in everything from the sumptuous fabrics to the tufted headboards. Some of the upgraded rooms even offer private balconies or terraces.

The Solace Hotel Santiago is a trendy, hip and modern getaway spot in Santiago de Chile. It is located in the Providencia neighborhood, and it is just a 10-minute walk from the touristy Costanera Center. You can use the free bicycles to get to town, or you can work out in the hotel’s fitness center and head to the pool for a swim. The hotel boasts big windows and beautiful views, or you can head to the rooftop lounge for a drink and even better vistas.

The Aubrey is found in what was once the mansion of a Chilean railroad tycoon, giving the entire hotel a historic and upscale vibe. Situated at the base of Cerro San Cristobal, the hotel is just steps from the Chilean National Zoo. Since there are just 15 ensuite rooms, every guest can expect personalized attention, and most of the rooms even boast private balconies or terraces.

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Santiago   Travel Guide

15 Best Things to Do in Santiago, Chile

In Santiago, there are dramatic vistas at every turn – from the sprawling cityscape visible at the top of San Cristóbal hill to the ever-present Andes Mountains and their snow-covered slopes, which snake along the eastern horizon. Down below,

• All Things To Do

San Cristóbal Hill (Cerro San Cristóbal) San Cristóbal Hill (Cerro San Cristóbal) free

San Cristóbal Hill (Cerro San Cristóbal) stands nearly 3,000 feet above the rest of Metropolitan Park, a large swath of green spread between the neighborhoods of Providencia and Vitacura. The hill's height affords spectacular views to those who visit the summit. To reach the top of the hill, you'll need to hop on the funicular located on the north end of Pío Nono Street, which flanks the western side of Metropolitan Park. Or, if you're up for the challenge, you can strap on some hiking shoes and make the roughly one-hour climb up the hill from the base at Plaza Caupolicán, which is a quick walk from the Baquedano stop on metro Lines 1 and 5.

Regardless of whether you decide to make the journey to the top of the hill on foot or by funicular, you'll be rewarded with iconic photo-ops of the city below, as well as unrivaled views of the statue of the Virgin Mary at the summit. Recent visitors mentioned checking the smog levels before setting off and trying to plan the trip on clear days for the best panoramas.

Santa Lucía Hill (Cerro Santa Lucía) Santa Lucía Hill (Cerro Santa Lucía) free

A hilltop park on the eastern edge of downtown Santiago, Santa Lucía Hill (Cerro Santa Lucía) draws visitors with its panoramic views. To reach the top of Santa Lucía Hill on foot, head to the park's main entrance near the Santa Lucía metro stop. You'll know you're there when you find the mustard-yellow Neptuno Fountain. From here, follow the stairs to a narrow zig-zagging path punctuated by high stone steps.

Though the walk can be arduous (especially on a hot summer day), recent travelers remark that it's well worth the climb not only for incredible photo-ops, but also for the pleasant ambiance – complete with leafy promenades and castle-like fortifications. For the best views, walk all the way up to the Terraza Caupolicán, a hilltop terrace with buskers, benches and public art. 

Sky Costanera Sky Costanera

The 62-story Gran Torre Santiago is the tallest building in South America, looming large over the city from the high-rise "Sanhattan" district. At the very top is Sky Costanera, a panoramic observation deck towering approximately 1,000 feet above street level with 360-degree vistas over the city, the Andes and the distant coastal range (smog-permitting). There's an alluring bar and coffee shop at the top, so you can enjoy a craft cocktail or latte with the view.

Down below is the Costanera Center, where many visitors report having a fabulous experience shopping and taking advantage of special discounts for foreign tourists. One of the largest malls in Latin America, this six-floor mecca is a fantastic place to stock up on supplies for trips further afield in Chile, with the city's best supermarket (Jumbo), department stores (including Falabella) and outdoor brands (like Doite), as well as a host of familiar international chains.

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U.S. News Insider Tip: While in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by the bottle shop Santiago Wine Club to learn about Chile's boutique, organic and natural wines. The store has one of the city's best selections and frequently hosts tastings. – Mark Johanson

Lastarria may be small in size, spanning just four city blocks, but it makes a big impression on visitors as the most alluring neighborhood in Santiago's historic center. The nucleolus of the city's art scene, it's home to some of Chile's most important galleries and museums. Chief among them is the National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes), which has an impressive permanent collection and hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Nearby is the Visual Arts Museum (Museo de Artes Visuales), which showcases the work of emerging Latin American artists, as well as the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center (GAM), which displays contemporary art in the basement while staging theater and dance performances on the upper floors.

Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) free

Flanking the western edge of the Plaza de Armas , this neoclassical cathedral has a history that stretches back to 1541, when Spanish conquistador and city founder Pedro de Valdivia requested a place of worship be constructed at the edge of Santiago's colonial square. However, throughout the three centuries that followed, the original building succumbed to numerous fires and earthquakes. The towering cathedral that stands today underwent construction around 1750, and in the 1780s, Italian architect Joaquín Toesca added a new twist: a blend of neoclassical style with baroque elements. The result is an interior that boasts intricate stained-glass windows and an elaborate altar ornamented with marble and deep blue lapis lazuli.

Although you'll have to battle dense crowds to see the interior of this church, recent visitors agree that the cathedral is a must-see thanks to its stunning floor tiles and frescoed ceilings. It can be a particularly evocative experience during religious celebrations, including Easter and Christmas.

Santiago Wineries Santiago Wineries

Wine connoisseurs love the aromatic vino and colorful scenery found in the Maipo Valley. A smattering of both big and boutique wine producers – renowned for their flavorful reds, especially cabernet sauvignon – can be found within an hour's drive of central Santiago. One of the Maipo Valley's most tourist-friendly vineyards is Viña Undurraga, which has an enchanting haceinda-style tasting room. Meanwhile, its most well-known winery is Concha y Toro. Situated in Pirque, a major wine-producing area about 15 miles southeast of Santiago, Concha y Toro pairs globally famous wines with flavorful small dishes and offers tours of its vineyards every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from 22,000 Chilean pesos (approximately $26) per person. According to recent visitors, the walks through the vineyard were quite nice, while the guides were exceptionally professional. For further details, visit Concha y Toro's website .

There are also a handful of venerable and up-and-coming wineries scattered across Chile's Casablanca Valley (about 50 miles northwest of Santiago). This region's wineries specialize in cool-climate grapes like sauvignon blanc and pinot noir. To arrange a trip to a variety of wineries across the valley without having to rent your own set of wheels, plan your trip on the Casablanca Valley Wine Producers Association website (Spanish only).

La Chascona Museum House (Casa Museo de La Chascona) La Chascona Museum House (Casa Museo de La Chascona)

For literary aficionados, no trip to Santiago would be complete without visiting La Chascona, the former residence of Noble Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda. Named "La Chascona" – or the "Woman with the Tousled Hair" for Neruda's third wife, Matilde Urrutia, who was characterized by her red, wavy strands – the converted museum today houses a rare collection of Neruda's personal possessions, including a portrait of Neruda's third wife painted by Diego Rivera. 

While you're free to explore the museum on your own, previous visitors recommend taking advantage of the audio guide tour (included in the cost of admission and available in a variety of languages, including English), which provides a rich background of Neruda's life, as well as some needed context. They add that, even if you're not a fan of Neruda, you should still plan a visit for the architecture alone. They also compliment the neighborhood the house is located in and say it houses several tasty restaurants. 

Plaza de Armas Plaza de Armas free

Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia (who founded Santiago) established this historic square back in 1541, creating a religious and political hub teeming with architectural treasures. Amid the many sights on display in the Plaza de Armas, you can't miss the graceful Metropolitan Cathedral set along its western border. You'll also stumble upon the former Governor's Palace, which has been converted into the city's main post office as well as the Historical Museum (Museo Histórico Nacional), which houses fascinating exhibits cataloguing Chile's history from the pre-Conquest period to the 20th century. Meanwhile, the plaza fills with musicians, artists, photographers, performers and street vendors on a daily basis, making this a popular spot to simply relax and soak up the city's culture.

A recent visitor found this palm covered square to be the soul of the city, with many museums within a few blocks, including the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and the National History Museum of Chile. It is also, in recent years, a hub for Santiago's immigrant communities, with several Peruvian, Colombian, Venezuelan and Haitian restaurants nearby.

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Bicentenario Park (Parque Bicentenario) Bicentenario Park (Parque Bicentenario) free

Bicentenario Park is one of the city's most serene corners, located along the southern edge of the Mapocho River in the heart of Santiago's ritziest enclave, Vitacura. Since it's shaded in perky palms and riddled with winding paths, it's as great for a picnic as it is for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride. Numerous events are staged here throughout the year, including design expos, wine fairs and craft shows. There are also open-air film screenings and occasional theatrical performances in the summer months.

Recent visitors praised the view back toward the high-rise "Sanhattan" district, noting that this park is one of the best spots in town to appreciate the capital's growing skyline. They also appreciate how clean and neatly manicured the grounds are, with sprawling playgrounds, swan-filled ponds and even a flamingo enclosure. Many visitors recommend capping off a visit with a meal (or pisco sour) at the park restaurant, Mestizo.

Museum of Memory and Human Rights (Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos) Museum of Memory and Human Rights (Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Five blocks east of the museum is one of the capital's most beloved restaurants, Peluquería Francesa, which serves French-tinged Chilean cuisine. Part old-school barbershop, part antique-filled eatery, dining here is like stepping back in time to the Santiago of yore. – Mark Johanson

If you're looking to learn more about General Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship, plan a visit to the Museum of Memory and Human Rights (Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos). The museum catalogues Pinochet's 17-year rule during the last Chilean military dictatorship, which resulted in the torture, murder and disappearance of thousands of Chileans. According to many recent visitors, the museum succeeds in increasing cultural awareness of the ways persecutions, imprisonments and torture during Pinochet's rule have had a ripple effect on Chilean society to this day. The museum pays tribute to the thousands of lives lost between 1973 and 1990 through photographs of victims, video coverage of protesters, and a host of legal documents, letters and artifacts from the late 20th century. According to recent visitors, the majority of the informational displays are written in Spanish. However, there is an audio guide you can download that includes narration in English. You'll have to pay 2,000 Chilean pesos (about $2) to access the audio guide, say recent visitors.

Barrio Bellavista Barrio Bellavista free

Beckoning an alternative crowd, the Bellavista neighborhood features graffiti-lined streets with restaurants, boutique shops and – more than anything else – late-night dance clubs. Here, you'll find inventive cocktail bars and eclectic eateries next to historic homes and colonial mansions. Spend some time exploring La Chascona – the former home of celebrated poet Pablo Neruda – before scouring the Patio Bellavista shopping area for souvenirs. Also, be sure to continue north to take in the scenery from Santiago's crown jewel: San Cristóbal Hill , a nearly 3,000-foot high hill tucked inside Metropolitan Park.

The vibrant nightlife, leafy parklands and laid-back vibes found in Bellavista make this a popular hangout spot among travelers and locals alike. It is particularly popular with backpackers and budget travelers, who have several character-rich lodging options. According to some recent visitors, the best way to experience the neighborhood is by wandering away from the main drag, Pío Nono, to search for the colorful homes and lavish art found on the side streets.

Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino) Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino)

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Andes' jagged peaks and wine lovers explore the Maipo Valley's spectacular vineyards . Meanwhile, art history buffs head to the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino). The museum's permanent collection includes a diverse assemblage of pottery, sculptures and textiles from Mesoamerica, the Amazon, the Caribbean and Central and Southern Andes. Highlights include pieces from the Inca and Aztec empires and Chinchorro mummies, a funerary technique that's 2,000 years older than the Egyptian method. The temporary exhibits, which showcase everything from desert hats to weavings to rock art, are also worth visiting.

Travelers praise the museum for its versatile collection of artifacts and well-designed layout. Many are amazed by the extent and quality of the collection, noting that the museum is well designed. However, a few were disappointed that some of the descriptions are only labeled in Spanish. Others said the text is small and the lighting is dim, which they cited as other potential obstacles for reading the exhibition labels.

La Moneda Palace (Palacio de La Moneda) La Moneda Palace (Palacio de La Moneda) free

La Moneda is the palace of the President of the Republic of Chile, covering an entire city block with flag-filled plazas on either end. Originally the colonial-era mint, it only served that purpose for two decades before being converted to the seat of government it is today. The striking neoclassical building has been the site of many pivotal moments in Chilean history, including military strikes during the 1973 coup, during which the democratically-elected president, Salvador Allende, died by suicide inside.

Most visitors come to the palace today to see what's down beneath it. The subterranean La Moneda Cultural Center (CCLM) is a colossal space holding six galleries of varying sizes dedicated to photography, cultural heritage, design, children's programming, modern art and history. Exhibits change several times throughout the year and include a robust schedule of cultural programming. CCLM also includes the national cinema (which hosts art house film screenings), two cafes and several shops. Recent visitors raved about both the museum store and a gallery-like outpost of Artesanías de Chile, which sells fair-trade Chilean crafts sourced from the Atacama Desert and Patagonia.

Private Full-Day Guided Valparaiso and Vina Del Mar Tour from Santiago

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From Santiago: Viña Concha y Toro Marqués Half Day Tour

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Cajon Del Maipo Including Wine with Picnic and Empanada

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Central Market (Mercado Central) Central Market (Mercado Central) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Just across the Mapocho River is Santiago's sprawling vegetable market, La Vega Central, where you can try local fruits (like cherimoya ), vegetables (like endemic Chiloé potatoes) and nuts (like piñones from the araucaria tree). – Mark Johanson

To get your seafood fix in Santiago, head straight to the Central Market (Mercado Central). Here, you'll find a festive atmosphere and top-grade fish. As you walk past the stalls and stands, you'll come across rarities like the giant abalone loco , prickly sea urchins and fleshy tunicates like piure , among other unconventional offerings. Venture to the center of the market to indulge in local cuisine – like ceviche and seafood empanadas – as you listen to live music. Even if you're not a fan of seafood, the Central Market is worth a visit: You'll find an eclectic assortment of fruits, vegetables and spices here as well. As you eat your way through the stalls, don't forget to admire the surrounding architecture. Set beneath a wrought-iron ceiling raised in 1872, the market impresses as much with its lively ambiance as its setting.

Santiago Ski Resorts Santiago Ski Resorts

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Andes above Santiago are also an excellent place for a hike, particularly in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Most visitors head to the Maipo Canyon where there are several public and private parks. – Mark Johanson

Just above Santiago – and visible on a clear day – are the Tres Valles Ski Resorts, which all lie high in the Andes between 8,000 and 12,000 feet above sea level in the mountain town of Farellones. La Parva is often considered the most exclusive of the resorts here, while El Colorado is more kid-friendly and family-oriented (though its snow park is billed as the best in the Andes). Valle Nevado, meanwhile, offers the largest skiable terrain in South America (more than 2,000 acres) and is a member of several multi-resort passes you can purchase in the U.S. It's also the resort most prepared to receive international visitors with bilingual workers and an English-language website.

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