chile tourist and 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

More on Chile

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

20 Must-Visit Attractions in Chile

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

1. isla magdalena.

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

Isla Magdalena, Chile

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

2. Torres del Paine

3. Villa O'Higgins to Argentina

5. Carretera Austral

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

Carretera Austral, Chile

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

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

Chiloé, Los Lagos Region, Chile

Isla Mechuque, Chiloé | © Tetraigofotos / Flickr

7. Easter Island

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

Easter Island, Valparaiso Region, Chile

Moai statues on Easter Island | © myeviajes / Pixabay

8. Puerto Varas

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

Puerto Varas, Los Lagos Region, Chile

Puerto Varas | © Murray Foubister / Flickr

9. Valdivia

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

Valdivia, Los Ríos Region, Chile

Valdivia | © Pablo Meneses / Flickr

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

Pucón, Araucania, Chile

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

11. Volcano Villarica

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

Volcano Villarica, Panguipulli, Los Ríos Region, Chile

Villarica | © Omar Burgos / Flickr

12. Santiago

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

Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile

Santiago | © sergom5 / Pixabay

13. Valparaiso

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

Valparaiso, Valparaiso Region, Chile

Valparaiso, Chile | © amira_a / Flickr

The wine regions

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

14. La Serena

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

La Serena, Coquimbo Region, Chile

Islas Damas | © Gernot Ruthofer / Flickr

15. Elqui Valley

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

Elqui Valley, Chile

Elqui Valley | © Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr

16. San Pedro de Atacama

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

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

San Pedro de Atacama | © poLiMetralleta / Pixabay

17. Chuquicamata

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

Chuquicamata, Calama, Antofagasta Region, Chile

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

18. Iquique

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

Iquique, Tarapacá Region, Chile

Humberstone | © Tefy fd / WikiCommons

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

Arica, Arica y Parinacota Region, Chile

Arica | © Capablazab / WikiCommons

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25 Best Things to Do in Chile

Narrowing down your must-see list in Chile is quite a challenge, but getting started with this guide of the top 25 things to do in Chile will have you well on your way to being a true Chilephile.

When it comes to landscapes, Chile has it all. Considering the country’s rather slim dimensions (just 217 miles at its widest point and 40 at its narrowest), it might be a surprise that this South American destination has such a wide variety of tourist attractions . Chile boasts glaciers, mountains, altiplano deserts, tropical islands, urban cityscapes, and more, so you can design a trip for any combination of interests.

Top Picks for You

Stargaze in San Pedro de Atacama

There are impeccably clear skies all over Chile , but few night skies in the world compare to those above the remote Atacama Desert in the far north. One of the best places to visit in Chile, the Atacama is home to  ALMA , an international observatory with the most expensive ground-based telescope in the world (costing a cool US $1.4 billion). The magic of the Atacama skies comes from the combination of altitude, dry weather, and minimal light pollution. Stargaze anywhere in Chile, and you’ll be mesmerized, but stargaze in the Atacama, and your mind will be blown.

INSIDER TIP Luxury hotels tend to have their own telescopes on-site, but if you are desperate for a night viewing on a budget, visit Space Obs , which rents telescopes and has a nightly stargazing session using several large telescopes.

Voyage to the end of the world.

Rounding Cape Horn used to send shivers down the spine of any sailor, and it’s still no easy task. However, for the intrepid among us, this southern tip of South America is one of the most adventurous and unique experiences to have in Chile. Your first step is to get to Puerto Williams, on Navarino Island, the southernmost inhabited island in the Americas . Take the 32-hour scenic ferry from Punta Arenas that goes by dozens of glaciers, or fly over the same terrain in an hour. September to April, Serendipia Sailing takes adventurers from Puerto Williams around Cape Horn in as little as two days. Not sure about sailing? Try hiking the Dientes de Navarino, a dramatic set of peaks that tower over the village of Puerto Williams. Local operator Explora Navarino organizes trekking and kayaking on the island. This is one of the best things to do in Chile in December when you’ll have long sunny days for outdoor adventures.

INSIDER TIP Go during the long days of Austral summer, from November to March. Plan extra days in Puerto Williams for any sailing or kayaking adventure in case your trip gets rescheduled for bad weather. If you want to try for Cape Horn, give yourself a week on Navarino Island to be sure you have a good window of calm winds.

Recommended fodor’s video, visit the old town of santiago.

Santiago is a modern metropolis, but make sure to also wander the backstreets of the old town, tucked away in the Bellas Artes and Bellavista neighborhoods on either side of the river. This is the city’s heart, where Santiago’s bohemian intelligentsia chose to reside during the city’s literary heyday . Today, it is still home to some of Santiago’s best museums, galleries, and arty hangouts. Live music, comedy shows, and theatres amass in the narrow streets of these traditional barrios, and an evening hopping between bars and restaurants here is one of the best things to do in Santiago, Chile. Check out more recommendations on Fodor’s Santiago guide .

INSIDER TIP When the rest of the city all but sleeps on the weekend, the Lastarria neighborhood of Bellas Artes comes to life with a popular outdoor market and book stands. This is also one of the best streets to buy decent coffee in Chile, so grab a cup and slowly meander through the picturesque streets.

Winery hop in the central valley.

You’ll be spoiled for choice with the wine regions of Chile’s Central Valley. Pick between vineyards in the steep Andes Mountains, looking over the breezy ocean, or stick with the warm, fertile valley floor in between. At the heart of Chile’s Central Valley is Colchagua, where you can visit all three wine terroirs in one region: Andes, Coastal, and Entre Cordilleras (“between mountains”).

This diversity of terroir is what makes Chilean wine unique, and a visit to the wine country is one of Chile’s top tourist attractions. Hop between traditional family wineries (like Laura Hartwig ) or modern showcase wineries, which are an architect’s dream (like Lapostolle ). You can even catch a horse-drawn carriage and rodeo show at some wineries, such as at Casa Silva .

INSIDER TIP Don’t drink and drive. Besides being extremely dangerous, Chile has a zero-tolerance policy and, unlike some other Latin American countries, the police aren’t flexible.

Feast on chilean seafood.

The bracing temperatures of the sea might not make Chile a swimmer’s paradise, but it does make it a fisherman’s dream. Because of the cold current from Antarctica, Chile’s coastline has an envious buffet of delicious seafood : oysters, scallops, clams, crab, abalone, shrimp—and that’s not even mentioning the fish. Sampling some (or all) of this bounty is one of the best things to do in Chile.

You’ll find it all: raw, baked, grilled, and ceviche-ed, and you should try it all. Typical street food on the seaside includes pots of fresh crab with a wedge of citrus, white fish ceviche with cilantro and lime, and freshly fried empanadas stuffed with clams and salty cheese. Hungry yet?

INSIDER TIP If you can’t make it to the coast, pop into Santiago’s Central Market, where the fish comes in fresh each morning.  

Hike the w in torres del paine.

Torres del Paine is often the very reason to come to Chile. If you are an avid hiker, the W route around the Torres del Paine mountains has to be at the top of your list of what to do in Chile. The popular W trek takes four to five days, skirting around the stunning Paine massif, where the palette of blues is breathtaking. The blue lakes, blue skies, and blue mountains are what give this place its name. Paine (pronounced pie-nay) means blue in the Indigenous Tehuelche language. You will hike past mountains, lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and forests spotting condors, guanacos, ñandús, and maybe even puma en route. Want something more? The O trail takes 7 to 8 days, has fewer people, and is usually still available if permits for the W trail are all taken when you try to book.

INSIDER TIP This is such a popular trek that you must book refuges months in advance. Whether you’re camping or sleeping at a refuge, it gets particularly busy during the holidays in late December through February. If you want to avoid the crowds, this is one of the best things to do in Chile in April, when there is typically less wind.

Wake up with the geysers in the atacama.

The El Tatio geyser field in the Atacama Desert is one of the world’s most spectacular and one of the top things to do in the north of Chile. Best witnessed at sunrise (around 5 am), over 80 active geysers spit out columns of steam in astonishing displays that sometimes reach over six meters in height. Once the sun has risen and you have had your fill of walking around the geyser field at sub-zero temperatures, warm up with a coffee or by soaking in the hot thermal water baths heated by the geysers.

INSIDER TIP Located over 14,000 feet above sea level, this is a heady experience. Make sure to acclimatize for a few days in San Pedro de Atacama before attempting the journey. The Atacama may be the driest desert in the world, but it happens to be home to several interesting species of wildlife: pink flamingos, vicunas, alpacas, guanacos, viscachas, and lizards.  

Search for churches and wizards in chiloé.

This 41-island archipelago is quite special and one of Chile’s most interesting places to visit. The wild beaches and lush forests are splendid, but the cultural landscape of Chiloé is what proves most fascinating . Indigenous and colonialist philosophies and religions collide in this picturesque archipelago which was once home to over 150 wooden churches (just 70 remain today and are protected by UNESCO) and several  wizards (a population which hasn’t declined, according to local residents). Whether you believe in wizards or not, a trip to Chiloé will invite you to consider what truth may lie at the root of these fantastical stories.

INSIDER TIP If you catch wind of a Minga while you are in Chiloé, go to it! This is a century-old tradition where neighbors all gather to help a neighbor move house. Why is a moving party interesting, you ask? Because in Chiloé the neighbors literally pick up the house and move it. The wooden houses are loaded onto sticks and floated downstream on the water until they reach their new, desired destination. A feast of food and wine is then held at the new location–much like a housewarming elsewhere in the world.

Walk amongst the giant moai of rapa nui.

The giants of Chile aren’t limited to the mainland. The 887 stone giants of the fabled island of Rapa Nui are called moai. Formerly known as Easter Island and a distant 2,300 miles off the coast, this island is full of myths and legends of the Indigenous population and, most notably, the massive stone heads and torsos perched upon stone platforms. Listen to the fascinating stories of how these were built, transported, and sometimes toppled by the native Polynesian population. Visit Rano Raraku, the quarry where the statues were made, and then tour the Puna Pau crater, where the statues’ crowns or hats were sculpted. Rapa Nui is more than archeology and history, it’s also a tropical paradise underwater. Dive into the Pacific to swim among corals and sea turtles.

INSIDER TIP Plan which sites you visit according to the time of day. Go see the sunrise over the 15 most spectacular moai at Ahu Tongariki and watch the sunset at the Ahu Tahai ceremonial center. Visit Anakena, a pure white coral sand beach, for a picnic lunch.

Learn about the indigenous peoples of tierra del fuego.

The Selk’nam and Yagán people lived on the island of Tierra del Fuego for over 10,000 years before Europeans began sailing by, looking for a route to Asia. Visit the Fernando Cordero Rusque Museum in the town of Porvenir to learn about the history of the island’s Indigenous people and how their descendants are working to preserve their culture and language today. The museum doubles as the tourist office in this tiny town, so check with their helpful staff for information about visiting nearby archeological sites and historic monuments.

INSIDER TIP While on the island, visit the king penguin colony at Reserva Natural Pingüino Rey , one of the top tourist attractions in southern Chile. The reserve also has an archeological site where you can learn about the Selk’nam people who used to live there. Reservations are required.

Follow pablo neruda’s footsteps.

The homes that inspired Chile’s most renowned poet are hallowed ground for the literati. Thousands visit his former haunts every year to peer out at what influenced some of the best Nobel Prize-winning poetry in the world. Explore the roots of the Chilean poet, politician, and diplomat by visiting his three unique homes: La Chascona in the bohemian Barrio Bellavista of Santiago; La Sebastiana, with hilltop views of the colorful chaos of Valparaiso; and his large family home in Isla Negra, overlooking the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Each offers different insights into Neruda’s life and is an important Chilean tourist attraction.

INSIDER TIP Get in the mood for a trip to the scenic Isla Negra with the 2022 film “Burning Patience” about a young poet who looks to Pablo Neruda for advice. If you’d rather stay in the city, visiting Barrio Bellavista is always one of the best things to do in Santiago, Chile.

Surf pichilemu.

The lefthand break at Punta Lobos has become a surfing legend. With swells up to 25 feet high, this is not a place for beginners. This is the breeding ground of one of South America’s top surfers, Ramón Navarro, and it is a make-or-break wave. Just getting off the rocks into the water is a challenge enough, but managing to ride and catch this wave is exhilarating stuff that gains you some serious kudos in the water—hence why Pichilemu is a favorite pit stop on the big wave world tour. You don’t have to throw yourself at the mercy of the waves to enjoy this important Chile attraction. The bluffs above the beach offer fantastic spots for a picnic where you can watch surfers ride these epic waves.

INSIDER TIP Chile’s coast is cold. Wear a wetsuit and a surf helmet for the inevitable wipeout. If big waves aren’t your thing, there are plenty of more accessible surf spots along the coast of Chile, including warmer waters in Iquique.

Get up close and personal with the glaciers of patagonia.

The glaciers of Patagonia are more accessible than in many other parts of the world because you can witness the majesty of these ice cathedrals and gaze into their glowing blue crevasses without climbing a 14,000-foot mountain. Between the regions of Aysén and Magallanes, there are dozens of glaciers close to sea level that you can visit by hiking or biking. One of the top things to do in Chile is to see these magnificent glaciers from the water. Dozens of glaciers flow into lakes and the sea, where you can kayak among icebergs. At Francisco Coloane Marine Park , pair your glacier tour with whale watching and visits to forested islands where penguins live among trees. A favorite way to finish your glacier experience in Chile is to have a pisco on the rocks–glacier rocks. Want to get even closer? At the Laguna San Rafael National Park , you can walk on the Explorers Glacier with crampons and a guide.

INSIDER TIP The most convenient launching points for glacier visits are Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas. However, discovering the glacier routes and hikes in Aysén or southern Tierra del Fuego will get you away from the crowds. Check with Viejo Lobo de Mar Expediciones for tours to the southernmost glaciers of Tierra del Fuego.

Take a road trip down ruta 5 (and carraterra austral).

Chile’s main highway, the Ruta 5, stretches from beyond the Atacama Desert down to the gateway to Patagonia and makes for an epic road trip. The highway passes through the best of what to see in Chile: wine valleys, wild forests, and salt flats. However, the most spectacular landscapes can be enjoyed slightly off-piste as you detour through the different landscapes on the east and west of the route.

Whether driving to the beaches and coastline on the west or into the mountains and lakes region of the east, you’ll always end up on Ruta 5, the artery of Chilean transport. The Ruta 5 finishes in Puerto Montt, but from there, you can take the Carretera Austral through the wild landscapes of Patagonia—a most splendid way to finish the road trip of a lifetime.

INSIDER TIP As with any major highway, there is the good, bad, and the downright hairy! Ruta 5 is a major trucking route, so give yourself plenty of time to account for unexpected traffic.

Climb cochamó, the yosemite of south america.

If you’ve made it to the southern end of Ruta 5, you can’t miss the Cochamó Valley, easily one of the most beautiful places in Chile. Dubbed the “Yosemite of South America” in 1996, this valley of granite half-domes and countless waterfalls is a magnet for rock climbers from around the world. If you’d rather walk than climb, the wide valley floor is filled with giant old-growth trees, some as old as 3,000 years. The area also has some unique history, as the cattle ranches and remote location attracted Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to hide out there in 1901. Over a hundred years later, it’s too popular to be a hideout, but it’s no less remote. A few families still raise cattle in the area, and most of the land is privately owned, though residents have been investing more in ecotourism than cattle in recent decades.

INSIDER TIP Visit from September through April. During austral winter, from May to August, this temperate rainforest gets 90% of its annual precipitation; June alone sees 18 inches of rain.

Meet some of chile’s many penguins.

These tuxedoed birds are easy to spot, with over one million resident penguins in Chilean waters. In fact, Chile is home to nine species of penguins, and you can find them the whole length of the country. North to south, the best places to spot penguins are Isla Damas, Algarrobo, Chiloé, Seno Otway, Isla Magdalena, Tierra del Fuego, and “Antárctica Chilena.” Chile claims a big chunk of the Antarctic Peninsula and named its most southern region “Magallanes y Antárctica Chilena.” Thankfully, you don’t have to go all the way to Antarctica to see penguins, though the best penguin tours are in Patagonia, and the farther south you go, the more species you’ll see.

INSIDER TIP The best place to walk amongst the penguins is Isla Magdalena, where you can walk across an island covered with Magellanic penguins. Boat tours from Punta Arenas run from October to April. Go in November and December to see their chicks hatch, one of the most adorable things to see in Chile.

Follow the flamingoes at lauca national park.

If you want to see Chile from north to south, Lauca National Park’s contrast of desert, wetlands, and volcanoes is the best place to start. You’ll be amazed at the wildlife found in what seems like such a harsh environment: foxes, guanacos, and vicuña are common sights, and you should bring binoculars for the more than 130 species of birds that call the park home. If you want to try one of the more challenging things to do in Chile, try climbing Parinacota, the highest of the park’s four volcanos, where you can look into the crater at 20,774 feet. Not up for a hike at a high altitude? Drive right to the shore of the bright turquoise Lake Chungara at the foot of the twin Payachata volcanoes and watch flamingoes without getting out of the car. Even better, drive to the Surire salt flats, where you can see three species of flamingoes and soak in the Polloquere hot springs.

INSIDER TIP Lauca National Park is at a high altitude, and the main areas are at around 10,000 feet of elevation. Take it easy the first two days if you’re coming from sea level, and drink lots of water. Take ibuprofen with you, but also try the local altitude remedy of chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea.

Try the smorgasbord of curanto .

The Chilean curanto is much a cultural event as a dish, making it a delicious and fun thing to do in Chile. A traditional cooking method developed by the native Chono population, curanto is an extravaganza of shellfish, meat, potatoes, and vegetables cooked underground. Early in the morning, a fire is lit in the bottom of a stone-filled deep hole. Once the stones glow red-hot, it’s time to put out the fire and pile on the food. Layers of giant nalca leaves are used to separate the ingredients as they bake and steam for over an hour. This is the best way to try some of the 400 native potato varieties of Chile, many of which are small and cooked whole in curanto. The meal is meant to feed a village; you can expect as much to turn up for a traditional curanto party.

INSIDER TIP Want to try making a curanto at home but don’t have a fire pit? The indoor method is a crockpot or slow cooker, using cabbage instead of nalca leaves.

Drink a pisco sour in pisco, elqui.

There’s an age-old rivalry between Chile and Peru about the origin of pisco. Both countries claim the spirit as their own. Chile’s pisco heartland is in the town of Pisco, in Elqui, where the lion’s share of Chile’s clear grape brandy originates. Distilled from a blend of white grape varieties, you will find a range of styles in Chile—earthier, more rustic versions from small artesian distillers to clean-cut, triple-distilled modern styles often made by luxury spirits brands. Each will add a different profile to the ultimate pisco cocktail, the pisco sour: a blend of fresh lime juice, sugar syrup, whipped egg whites, and Pisco. It’s the perfect sundowner on a hot summer evening.

INSIDER TIP Can’t make it up to Elqui? You can enjoy Chile’s top tipple at almost every bar in the country, but one of the best spots in the capital is Chipe Libre . It’s the country’s first pisco bar and one of the best-hidden gems in Santiago, Chile.

Ski down a volcano.

Chile is the land of volcanoes. There are over 2000 to explore, and several of them are covered in a cone of picture-perfect white snow. While plenty of great ski resorts are on the many mountains in the Andes, Chile’s volcanos also offer exhilarating slopes for snowboarding and skiing. Particularly popular backcountry ski slopes are found on Villarrica, Quetrupillan, and Lonquimay volcanos. There couldn’t be more picture-perfect with the bright white snow, blue skies, and smoldering volcano in the background. It’s one of the most iconic things to do in Chile.

INSIDER TIP The ideal antidote to a day skiing on volcano slopes is an evening soaking in the hot thermal pools that usually surround it at the bottom.

Play in the lake district’s outdoor wonderland.

The Lake District is one of the top Chile attractions that should be on your list if you want to spend all your time outside. Go for the shimmering crystal-blue lakes, snowcapped volcanos, and lush green forests, then stay for the adventure. Try cycling around Lago Llanquihue and picnic on one of its many black sand beaches. The numerous lakes in the region are perfect for kayaking, sailing, and fly fishing. It’s also a haven for adrenaline junkies who want to go mountain biking, zip-lining, horse riding, or skydiving. Daredevils might want to try climbing the Villarrica Volcano, one of Chile’s most active volcanoes, with an open lava lake at the top. Of the several national parks in the region, visit Corcovado National Park to explore a temperate rainforest. Check out Tagua Tagua Lake and Cabrera Lake in Hornopirén National Park for turquoise waters. Marvel at the giant trees in Alerce Andino National Park. Read more about the Lake District in Fodor’s Chile Travel Guide .

INSIDER TIP The adventure capital of the Lake District is Pucon, where you’ll find plenty of tour operators. If you have a rented car and good maps, venture further afield and off the beaten track into Aysen—you won’t regret it.

Experience rodeo as a team sport with the huasos .

In Chile, rodeos are the national sport though fútbol (soccer) is even more popular. A Chilean rodeo is a team event called collera, where two huasos work together to pin a calf against the side of the ring. The Chilean huaso (pronounced wa-so), might not be as famous as the Argentine gaucho , but they are no less a part of popular culture. This archetype of Chilean identity is tied to the Chilean Corralero, a stocky and muscular breed of horse descended from the Andalusian horses brought by the Spanish. Equestrian fans can enjoy this Chilean heritage with a horseback ride on estancias (ranches) throughout central and southern Chile. Horseback rides are generally followed by traditional Chilean steak asado at a quincho , an open lean-to designed for outdoor grilling.

INSIDER TIP If you don’t have time to go to a rodeo in person, there are live rodeos and reruns constantly on local Chilean TV. You can also watch Rodeo En Vivo online to get a taste of this unique bit of Chilean culture.

Paddle through the psychedelic marble caves.

Paddling into the Marble Caves is like slipping onto the pages of a Dr. Seuss book and one of the most unique things to do in Chile. The fantastical blue and white stripes in the main caves are like nothing you’ve ever seen before, and they’re not the only colors that will amaze you. Some of the smaller caves have yellow and pink stripes, a product of other minerals in the marble. The intensity of the colors depends on the light, so it’s best to go on a bright sunny day. The caves were carved by the waves of General Carrera Lake and are only accessible by boat. Though the caves are in Chile, the eastern side of the lake belongs to Argentina.

INSIDER TIP This is one of the best things to do in Chile in April. Visit during Chile’s spring from September to November or fall in March and April when the lake water level is lower, and you can more easily paddle into the caves. Between December and February, nearby glaciers melt so much that the water level is sometimes too high to enter the caves.

Soak in traditional chilean termas.

Wondering what to do in Chile when you just want to relax? Take a tip from Chileans who enjoy the great outdoors relaxing in a traditional  terma  (natural hot spring). The country’s volcanic activity makes it one of the best places in the world for geothermal waters. You’ll have more than 270 to choose from, and they run the length of the country, from Termas de Puritama in the north to the remote Termas de Puyuhuapi in the south. As far back as the 1800s, Chileans built hotels and resorts around geothermal waters, advertising their medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Pick between well-run large resorts found in Chillán and Puyuhuapi or natural pools in Colina, Polloquere, and Puyehue, or even the rather unusual Termas Geometricas in Panguipulli.

INSIDER TIP Plan your afternoon around the termas and bring a picnic for afterward. Most termas are in beautiful spots but also often remote enough for there to be few restaurants nearby.

Get lost on robinson crusoe island.

You might not actually want to get lost like Daniel Dafoe’s protagonist Crusoe, but you will certainly enjoy escaping to this tropical island on the Juan Fernandez archipelago. The island is a nature lover’s paradise, a playground of blue lagoons, palm-tree-lined sandy beaches, coral reefs, and quaint thatched huts. It is renowned for its fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving, especially down to the wreck of a World War I battleship. Almost directly west of Santiago and accessible with direct flights, you may feel farther than 470 miles from the sprawling capital city, making this one of the top tourist attractions in Chile that doesn’t really feel like Chile.

INSIDER TIP The island has excellent lobster, and if you feel so inclined, you can go lobster fishing with the locals to get your own fresh catch of the day.

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

Aug 23, 2023 • 9 min read

Nature lays on a spectacular display all over Chile © Shutterstock / jittykerd

With its puffing volcanoes, pounding surf, sprawling salt flats and glistening glaciers, Chile is the ultimate wonderland for South American adventures. But you don’t need to be a skier, surfer or hiker to find something fun to do here.

This long, slender South American nation also has world-class wineries, steamy hot springs and cosmopolitan cities whose residents know how to have a great time. And whether you travel on a shoestring or in lavish luxury, you'll get experiences that will linger long after you've left this long slither of land curving from northern deserts to the chilly wilds of Tierra del Fuego.

No matter what kind of trip you're after, you’ll find a slice of Chile that’s just right for you. Here's where to start the adventure.

1. Go wine tasting in the Central Valley

When the Image of Chile Foundation did a global survey to find out what the nation was best known for abroad, the answer was resoundingly clear: wine! The best bottles never actually make it out of the country, so taste-test the good stuff that you'll never find in your local wine shop at the stunning vineyards near Santiago .

The venerable Colchagua Valley, three hours south of the capital, is your best bet for robust reds such as Carmenere (Chile’s signature grape), produced at charming vineyards such as MontGras , where you can pick and stomp your own grapes. The Casablanca Valley, an hour west of the capital, is the go-to zone for crisp Sauvignon blancs.

Planning tip: Try to time a trip to coincide with the grape harvest in March and April, when wine-growing areas host lively festivals to celebrate the new crop.

2. Ride a funicular in Valparaiso

There were once 30 ascensores (funiculars) linking downtown Valparaíso with the 42 hills that surround the city. Sixteen of them remain in use today and they’re a creaking, nostalgic reminder of the glory days when this city west of Santiago was one of the most important ports in the Americas.

Ascensor El Peral and Ascensor Concepción both lead to long promenades with sweeping views over a jumble of candy-colored houses blanketing the lumpy horizon. Ascensor Reina Victoria , meanwhile, takes you to the hilltop restaurants of Paseo Dimalow and nearby passageways lined with prismatic street art.

3. Climb a volcano

Do you like volcanoes? Good, because Chile has 2,000 of them! And around a quarter are potentially still active, including the highest volcano in the world, 6893m (22,615ft) Ojos del Salado. Climbing a volcano, active or otherwise, is the highlight of many trips to Chile.

So long as the seismographs stay steady, the expedition to the top of Ojos del Salado is a rewarding but grueling two-week affair, with huge rewards once you reach the summit. There are plenty of other cones you can climb in a day, including Volcán Villarrica near Pucón and Volcán Láscar near San Pedro de Atacama.

4. Stargaze in the Atacama Desert

The driest non-polar desert in the world, the Atacama Desert is home to a whopping two-thirds of the world’s ground-based astronomy infrastructure. Scientists from Europe, Asia and North America flock here to tinker with billion-dollar telescopes, but the boffins aren’t the only ones who come to geek out under this dazzling dome of twinkling stars.

Both the Elqui Valley and San Pedro de Atacama have hotels and observatories that specialize in astro-tourism. You can learn about the night sky from a scientific point of view one night, and then get the local indigenous perspective the next, all beneath a fabulous canopy of constellations.

Planning tip: The peak season for visits to the Atacama Desert is December to February, but the skies are at their clearest in the cooler winter months from June to August.

5. Ski in the Andes

Professional skiers and snowboarders from the Northern Hemisphere decamp to Chile each winter to train at the myriad resorts located in the Central Andes. Join the procession at top-notch (and high-altitude) centers such as Valle Nevado and Ski Portillo near Santiago.

Further south, Nevados de Chillán is the powder capital of South America; unlike in resorts further north, you can ski here even below the tree line. The ski centers in the Lakes District, even further south, are smaller, more intimate and typically found on the top of smoking volcanoes.

Planning tip: Remember, the southern hemisphere winter is the northern hemisphere summer. The season runs from late June to late September, but July is normally the most reliable month for snow sports.

6. Sample pisco in the Elqui Valley

Arguments have raged for years between Chile and Peru over who first created the powerful liquor known as pisco and who makes it best today. If you want to have a dog in the fight, you’ll need to visit the Elqui Valley and the aptly named resort town of Pisco Elqui to sample this firewater at source.

Here, you’ll find artisanal pisco producers such as Fundo los Nichos and Doña Josefa that are only sold in the region, as well as big name brands such as Mistral that are available on shelves back home. Almost all of the distilleries have tasting rooms and many offer tours and lavish lunches.

7. Dance the night away in Santiago

Are you used to going out to bars at 7pm and coming home by midnight? That schedule won’t fly in Santiago , where things don’t get hopping until midnight and don’t stop until sunrise. The bohemian barrio (neighborhood) of Bellavista is the undisputed epicenter of Chilean nightlife, with bars and clubs catering to all styles and musical tastes.

Synth-pop, Latin trap and Reggaeton dominate the live music scene, but you’ll also find DJs spinning EDM tracks and drag queens spinning dazzling ballgowns. If your night began with pisco sours, expect it to end with piscolas (pisco and Coca-Cola, always with more of the former than the latter).

Planning tip: Never underestimate the ability of Chileans to drink you under the table, all the while acting like they’re still on their first drink! Pace yourself on the pisco, alternating with soft drinks to extend a night out.

8. Learn about Mapuche culture in La Araucanía

The Mapuche are Chile’s largest indigenous group and they’ve fought hard to maintain their identity in a nation that hasn’t always been keen on preserving indigenous traditions. As result, Chile has some impressive places for visitors to engage with indigenous culture.

Ethno-tourism projects have popped up all along the coast of south-central Chile in places such as Lago Budi and Mapu Lahual . Other projects operate out of small hamlets in the forests of the Araucanía Region, including Curarrehue and Malalcahuello , where umbrella-like pehuén (araucaria) trees thrive. You can sleep in traditional ruca homes, learn about herbal medicines and dine on dishes spiced with a smoked chili pepper called merkén .

9. Visit the oldest mummies in the world in Arica

Most people think the world’s oldest mummies are in Egypt, but some 2000 years prior, early residents of the Atacama coast had already developed intricate techniques for preserving their dead. The area covered under the umbrella of the "Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture" became a Unesco World Heritage site in 2021, and it includes ancient graveyards spread out from the regional capital of Arica to the tiny fishing hamlet of Caleta Camarones.

Planning tip: To view Chilean mummies up close, head to the mummy museum in the nearby Azapa Valley; it's a fascinating, if gruesome, experience.

10. Go wildlife watching in Parque Nacional Patagonia

Parque Nacional Patagonia is one of those increasingly rare parts of our planet where you can see a good-news wildlife story unfold. Formerly comprised of overgrazed ranchlands, this vast swath of Patagonian steppe in the Chacabuco Valley is today known as “the Serengeti of the Southern Cone” as it’s home to one of the most ambitious rewilding projects on earth.

Visitors can search for endangered huemul deer, pumas, guanacos, flamingos, viscachas and many other species, while contributing funds that will help support the reintroduction of native Patagonian fauna.

Planning tip: Parque Nacional Patagonia is best explored on foot. Hiking trails from 16km to 23km (10 miles to 14 miles) in length link the park's camping grounds to scenic locations such as the Aviles Valley and Lago Chico. 

11. Cruise through the Patagonian Fjords

The vast majority of Chilean Patagonia is an inaccessible archipelago of remote, wind-swept islands home to penguins, sea lions and little else. To visit, you’ll need a boat. Luckily, there are plenty of boatmen waiting to take you into this wilderness wonderland.

Ferry services depart from Puerto Montt , Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas for the steel-blue fjords, glacier-capped mountains and untouched parklands of Patagonia’s wildest frontier. It's a thrilling experience, but you'll appreciate a boat with onboard heating at this chilly latitude.

12. Visit the moai of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

It takes 5½ hours to fly from the Chilean mainland to this remote island , marooned in the Pacific Ocean some 1930km (1200 miles) from its nearest neighbor, the similarly remote Pitcairn Islands. Yet it’s totally worth it. The minute you catch a glimpse of the enigmatic moai statues that line the Rapa Nui coast, you'll be rapt.

Nobody is quite sure why these enormous effigies were carved out of volcanic stone between 1,000 and 1,500 CE, but there are more than 800 dotted around the island. The largest collections are found at Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki on the opposite side of the island from the only town, Hanga Roa.

Planning tip: The only airline serving Easter Island is LATAM , with daily flights from Santiago. In the past, the airline has also operated a weekly flight from Pape'ete in Tahiti .

13. Surf the Pacific Coast

With miles of empty ocean between Chile and Australia, the waves come fast and strong along the Pacific Coast. You can find top surf breaks at dozens of quaint towns dotting the coast of Middle Chile – Pichilemu is the most famous surf hub, but nearby Cobquecura and Matanzas also have good breaks.

Then there are northern surf cities such as Iquique and Arica, close to the Peruvian border, where the desert comes right down to the beach and reef breaks deliver impressive barrels year-round. Just be ready for gnarly waves that are more suitable for pros than beginners.

Planning tip: It's theoretically possible to surf in Chile year-round but the cold keeps most people out of the water in the winter. The waves in the north perform best in the spring from September to November.

14. Bathe in steamy hot springs

With so many volcanoes puffing along Chile’s Andean spine, it’s only natural that Chile should be blessed with abundant hot springs. The Lakes District resort town of Pucón is a top destination for some quality spa time, with access to a week’s worth of natural Jacuzzis in the surrounding rainforests, including the high-design retreat of  Termas Geométricas near Coñaripe. 

If a hot spring on the Altiplano is more your vibe, try the remote, natural and often free pools above San Pedro or close to the Aymara village of Putre. Prefer your hot springs on the edge of a Patagonian fjord? Try Puyuhuapi. Want something in the rugged Andes instead? Try Termas Valle de Colina, an easy day trip from Santiago.

This article was first published October 2021 and updated August 2023

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

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

• Atacama Desert

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Valparaíso

Marble caves, chiloé island.

• Lake District

Colchagua Valley

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Favorite Chile All Trips

• Rapa Nui Private Adventure
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10 Best Places to Visit in Chile

This Patagonian country is a rich tapestry of mountain and plain, jungle and ocean. Chile’s unusual long shape has given it a varied climate with one of the world’s driest desert in the north, while its southern tip is home to cold-weather creatures like penguins. Chile is one of the closest nations, along with Argentina and New Zealand, to Antarctica.

The South has a strong history of visiting explorers, as everyone who sailed around the world before the Panama Canal was built needed to pass its tip. The country also has a well-known wine region that attracts many oenophiles each year. Here is a look at some of the best places to visit in Chile :

10. La Serena [SEE MAP]

This northern Chilean town is the second oldest in the nation. It boasts a city full of lovely architecture and a warm golden beach. La Serena has a reputation as an intellectual town, and has a number of great sights that fit this description, like an archaeological museum and astronomical observatory.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love to bike through the Elqui Valley, swim, snorkel, dive and/or hike through Isla Damas, and visit the national park at Fray Jorge.

9. Santiago [SEE MAP]

The capital city is the political and cultural heart of Chile. From the high mountain views of the Cerro San Cristobal Park to the secluded history of poet Pablo Neruda’s writing retreat, there is much to see in Santiago .

Top picks include skiing Valle Nevado or Portillo, wine tasting at Vina Aquitania, or visits to one of several top museums like Museo Chile de Arte Precolumbio or Museo de la Moda. For those who don’t want to spend all of their time in the city, there are amazing hiking opportunities like the steep slopes of Cajon de Maipo.

8. Chiloe Island [SEE MAP]

Chiloé Island is the largest island of the Chiloé Archipelago in the Los Lagos Region and the second-largest island in South America after Tierra del Fuego. In part because of its physical isolation from the rest of Chile, Chiloé has a very special architecture and local culture.

The Spanish who arrived in the 16th century, and Jesuit missionaries who followed, constructed hundreds of unique wooden churches in an attempt to bring Christianity to the archipelago. The result was a mixing of Catholicism and indigenous Chilean beliefs.

7. Iquique [SEE MAP]

This beautiful beach and casino town offers a vibrant boardwalk and gorgeous 19th century Georgian architecture like the Aztoreca Palace. Iquique is the Monte Carlo of Chile, and has much to offer for anyone who loves free-spirited fun.

During the day, guests here can participate in world-famous surfing waves, paraglide or sand-board on the golden coast. A stroll down the wooden sidewalks of the historic mining town, or the cobbled Baquedano street, gives a look into an older economic boom time. Finally, the spectacular nightlife offers glitzy gambling, excellent cuisine, and shopping in the duty-free district.

6. Chilean Fjords [SEE MAP]

The southern coast of Chile presents a large number of fjords and channels that provide the only access to this part of Patagonia. Sailing through this region can be an unforgettable experience.

Most of the trips start from Puerto Montt and travel towards Carretera Austral, Laguna San Rafael and Puerto Natales. The journey takes visitors through days of uninhabited fjords, close encounter with glaciers and views of orange sunsets over the Pacific. To the south, the channels become narrower. Along the way, travelers might spot whales, many birds and sea lions.

5. Valparaiso [SEE MAP]

This hard-working economic port town on the coast of Central Chile was loved by the poet Pablo Neruda for its beautiful chaos. It boasts some of the first urban innovations in Latin America, like the first volunteer fire department.

In addition to its working class roots, Valparaiso has a reputation for an underground street art movement. Instead of specific tourist attractions , Valparaiso is best known for its brightly colored houses, a vibrant nightlife and beautiful seaside views.

4. Chilean Lake District [SEE MAP]

This long, lush volcanic valley region stretches from Puerto Montt in the South to Temuco in the North. It is home to dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, and snowcapped volcanoes. Before the introduction of Europeans, the lake district was thickly forested, and inhabited by the Mapuche, one of the few South American tribes to avoid being swallowed into the Incan nations.

Today, there are still some beautiful untouched lands, like Los Alerces National Park, known as Chile’s Yosemite. Mountains here are very young, only two thousand years old, which makes them higher and more jagged than anything in North America, and well worth the trip all by themselves.

3. San Pedro de Atacama [SEE MAP]

Set high on a plateau, San Pedro de Atacama lies in the Antofagasta Region of Chile, surrounded by countless mountains, lakes, and rock formations. Due to its awe-inspiring landscapes and scenery, the small town is a very popular destination among Chilean tourists and international visitors alike and can be found not far from the Bolivian border.

While San Pedro is pleasant and picturesque to visit, with a laidback vibe and lively cafes, most people just use it as a base from which to explore the surrounding area . From the center of town, you can easily arrange to visit the incredible Atacama Desert or any one of the impressive pre-Columbian archaeological sites and ruins that lie nearby.

Among the region’s many highlights are the otherworldly Valle de la Luna which looks very lunar-like in appearance and the El Tatio Geysers which spurt up so high into the air. In addition to this, there are also the pink flamingos at Laguna Chaxa to visit as well as the ancient petroglyphs at rainbow valley. The nightlife here is a little different- the big draw is star tours, as it is one of the darkest places in the world, and an opportunity to see the night sky undiluted.

2. Torres del Paine [SEE MAP]

The “towers of blue” national park constitutes a glaciated region on the Southern tip of Chile. Three large pillars in the park give it its name, and it is also home to a number of “horns”, or other mountains, and glaciated lakes. Exploration through this park can be done via mini van tours, multi-day treks, or catamaran trips.

There are a few services who will also offer horseback tours to some of the sites. Much of the park is foot-only, and there are a number of excellent guide companies who can help carry gear and cook meals on five to seven day treks.

1. Easter Island [SEE MAP]

Located more than 3,500 km (2,000 miles) form central Chile, Easter Island continues to be one of the world’s great mysteries. This treeless island of hundreds of giant, hollow-eyed statues carved by its Polynesian visitors is an eerie yet beautiful example of human artistry and achievement.

Besides visiting these statues from a respectful distance to avoid immense fines and hiking the rocky plains, guests here can enjoy two white sand beaches with off-coast diving, an extinct cinder cone, and a number of native-run tours that offer views of things that are unique and well worth it.

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Reader interactions.

December 9, 2019 at 7:40 am

I traveled from Valparaiso, Vina and Santiago right up to Arica. This was 20 years ago before the influx of tourists. I love Chile and will return one day.

April 14, 2015 at 7:07 pm

I looooved Chiloé Island it made me feel so relaxed walking around it.

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10 Must-See Tourist Attractions in Chile: A Comprehensive Guide

Things To Do - GoroadTrip - May 18, 2023

Chile is a country that is filled with natural wonders, vibrant culture, and rich history. From the towering Andes mountains to the rugged coastline, there’s no shortage of stunning sights to explore. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for an adventure, Chile has something to offer everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 must-see tourist attractions in Chile . From the iconic Easter Island statues to the charming city of Valparaiso, each destination on this list is guaranteed to leave you amazed. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey through the diverse landscapes and unique experiences that Chile has to offer. Let’s dive in!

The Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth. It stretches over 1000 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean to the Andes Mountains, covering an area of 105,000 square kilometres. The desert has unique landscapes, including salt flats , geysers, hot springs, and volcanoes.

One of the most popular attractions in the Atacama Desert is the Valley of the Moon, a surreal landscape that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. The valley is filled with strange rock formations, sand dunes, and salt flats, giving it an otherworldly feel. Another must-see attraction is the El Tatio Geysers, a geyser field that shoots hot water and steam into the air.

If you’re interested in stargazing, the Atacama Desert is one of the best places on Earth to do it. The clear, dry air and lack of light pollution make it the perfect spot for observing the night sky. There are several observatories in the area that offer tours and stargazing experiences.

Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Chile. Located in the Patagonia region, the park covers an area of 181,000 hectares and is home to various unique landscapes, including glaciers, lakes, and mountains.

One of the most iconic sights in the park is the Cuernos del Paine, a set of jagged peaks that rise up from the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to several glaciers, including the Grey Glacier, one of the biggest in the park.

If you’re looking for adventure, plenty of hiking trails in the park range from easy to challenging. The “W” trek is one of the most popular, taking hikers on a 4-5 day journey through some of the park’s most stunning scenery.

Easter Island

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui as it’s known in the local language, is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. Located over 3,500 kilometres off the coast of Chile, the island is known for its mysterious Moai statues, which the island’s original inhabitants carved over 1000 years ago.

Over 900 Moai statues are on the island, ranging from a few feet tall to over 30 feet. The statues are scattered throughout the island, and exploring them is like taking a journey back in time. Aside from the Moai, Easter Island is also home to stunning beaches, volcanic craters, and unique wildlife, including wild horses and sea turtles.

Valparaiso is a charming seaside city located just a few hours from Santiago. The city is known for its colourful houses, steep hills, and vibrant street art scene.

One of the best ways to explore Valparaiso is by walking around the city’s many hills. Each hill has its unique character, with winding streets, hidden staircases, and stunning sea views.

Valparaiso is also home to several museums and cultural attractions, including the Pablo Neruda Museum, which was once the home of the famous Chilean poet.

Isla Chiloe

Isla Chiloe is a small island off Chile’s Lake District coast. The island is known for its unique architecture, with many houses and buildings constructed using traditional techniques and materials.

One of the most popular attractions on the island is the Chiloe National Park, which covers over 430 square kilometres and is home to various unique flora and fauna. The park is also home to several hiking trails, including one that leads to the summit of the Tantauco Mountain.

If you’re interested in learning more about the island’s culture and history, there are several museums and cultural centers on the island that offer tours and exhibits.

Pucon is a small town located in the heart of Chile’s Lake District. The town is known for its stunning natural beauty , including the Villarrica Volcano and the nearby Lake Villarrica.

One of the most popular activities in Pucon is climbing the Villarrica Volcano. The climb takes around 5-6 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. If you’re not up for the climb, there are plenty of other activities in the area, including hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Pucon is also home to several hot springs, which are the perfect way to relax after a long day of outdoor activities.

Santiago is the capital city of Chile, home to over 7 million people. The city is a mix of old and new, with modern skyscrapers towering over historic buildings and plazas.

One of the most popular attractions in the city is the Cerro San Cristobal, a hill that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. The hill is also home to a large Virgin Mary statue, visible from many parts of the city.

Santiago is also home to several museums and cultural attractions, including the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, which tells the story of Chile’s dictatorship era.

Wine Regions of Chile

Chile is known for its excellent wine; several wine regions throughout the country offer tours and tastings. The most famous wine region is the Colchagua Valley, located south of Santiago.

The valley is home to several wineries specializing in red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere. Many wineries offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to learn more about Chilean wine and the winemaking process.

Practical Tips for Visiting Chile

When planning your trip to Chile, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, Chile is a long, narrow country, and travelling between destinations can take longer than you might expect. Planning your itinerary carefully and allowing plenty of time for travel is a good idea .

Second, Chile is located in the Southern Hemisphere, which means the seasons are opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. The best time to visit Chile depends on what you want to do and see. Summer (December to February) is the high season for many destinations, while winter (June to August) is the best time to visit the ski resorts.

Finally, it’s important to be prepared for the altitude if you plan to visit the Andes Mountains or other high-altitude destinations. Altitude sickness can be a real concern, so drink plenty of water and take it easy for the first few days.

Chile is a country that is filled with natural beauty, unique culture, and rich history. From the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert to the mysterious Moai statues of Easter Island, Chile’s no shortage of must-see destinations. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for an adventure, Chile has something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore all these amazing country offers!

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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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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

17 Stunning Places to Visit in Chile - A Local’s Guide

Guanacos grazing in Torres del Paine park

Chile, at 2,700 miles long and about 100 miles wide (on average), and nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Andes mountains, is a country of incredible geographic diversity. Here, you’ll find everything from the driest place on earth to temperate rainforests, pristine lakes, world-renowned wine country, gorgeous sandy beaches, towering mountains, and bustling cities and towns.

Simply put, there’s a lot to see and do in Chile! In this guide, we’ve tried to include a bit of all of the above, while mixing in some lesser-known local favorites with the traditional heavy hitters and highlights.

The destinations that we’ve covered here span the entire country, so unfortunately, you probably won’t be able to visit all of them in just one trip. This should get you started though, and for the ones you can’t fit into this visit, you’ll just have to come back!

For more information on visiting Chile, check out our 10-day itinerary and this guide to where to go in Patagonia.

If you could use some help planning your itinerary and finding out about unique things to do and authentic places to visit, consider scheduling an Chile travel consultation !

More great Chile travel info:

2-Week Patagonia Itinerary

Table of contents

San Pedro de Atacama

Putre and Lauca National Park

Coastal cities of northern Chile

Chañaral de Aceituno and Punta de Choros

Llanos de Challe National Park

Elqui Valley

Valle Colchagua

Pichilemu, Matanzas, and Puertecillo

Parque Nacional Altos de Lircay

Conguillio National Park

Lake District

Carretera Austral

Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine

1. San Pedro de Atacama

Licancabur volcano rises in the distance outside of San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama is one of Chile's most-visited destinations, and with good reason! Located on a high plateau between the Chilean Coastal Range and the Andes Mountains, this is a stunning area with tons of outdoor activities.

With a small population of around 2,500 residents, the town remains bustling with travelers throughout the year, providing excellent accommodation, restaurants, and tons of tour operators.

In general, the best time to visit is between September and December when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are more manageable. Keep in mind that San Pedro does experience some rainfall during the winter, particularly in January and February, so it’s best to avoid these two months if you can.

San Pedro sits at an altitude of around 2,400 meters (7,900 feet), so trust me when I say that acclimating slowly is key to fully enjoying your time here. Make sure to drink plenty of water and engage in activities that help your body adjust to the altitude.

Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) just outside San Pedro

My top recommendation is always to rent a bike and spend your first two days exploring the town on two wheels. Not only is biking a fantastic way to get around, but it also helps with acclimatization. Make sure to check out the breathtaking views of the Moon Valley and the soothing hot springs of Puritama. These are absolute must-visit spots!

Another of my favorite activities in this area is going for a dip in the Cejar Lagoon. The lagoon’s salt content is so high that you'll effortlessly float on its crystal-clear waters. It's an incredible experience.

Once you've soaked up the beauty of the nearby area, it's time to venture out to the Tatio Geysers and the charming town of Machuca. Both are situated at even higher altitudes, so I suggest waiting to visit them until after you’ve already been in San Pedro for at least tow days.

2. Putre and Lauca National Park

The Parinacota Volcano seen from within Lauca National Park

If you're considering a trip to the far north of Chile, I'm excited to share some personal recommendations for exploring this incredible mountainous region that borders Peru and Bolivia.

You’ll probably first arrive in the coastal northern city of Arica, which is well-worth visiting, but we’ll skip for now. So, you’ll want to rent a pickup truck in Arica, and then embark inland on a scenic drive to the town of Putre.

Nestled in the heart of the Andean altiplano, at an elevation of 3,500 meters, and surrounded by majestic mountains and hot springs, Putre offers a unique experience. The town itself is nothing special, but with its adobe buildings, colonial church, and wonderful local culture, it provides a rather nice atmosphere.

I recommend visiting Putre and the surrounding area for at least a few days, and would suggest staying in the cozy cabins at La Chacana. The hosts are incredibly warm and friendly. Plus, right from the cabins you'll have easy access to nearby trails - perfect for some adventurous hikes.

The Surire Salt Flats outside of Putre. Photo by Bachelot Pierre J-P , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Now, let's dive into the real adventure: dedicate a full day to exploring either Laguna Roja or Surire salt flats, two stunning natural wonders close to Putre. The vibrant colors and unique landscapes of these places are truly mesmerizing.

If you’re up for even more excitement, and some hard work, I totally recommend climbing Taapaca Volcano. It’s best to go with a local guide as the climb is seriously thrilling. The view from the top is mind-blowing!

The area known as “Suriplaza” is a wonderful hidden gem to check out when in this part of Chile. Surrounded by “a mountain of colors", this little-known place tucked away in the altiplano is truly amazing. You’ll probably want the help of a local guide to get you here, but once you find it, you’ll be blown away by the beauty.

Suriplaza, an iconic valley near Putre, surrounded by colorful mountains. Photo by rodoluca , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Last, but certainly not least, you’ve got to discover the amazing Lauca National Park! There’s tons to do here, and it’s a nature-lovers paradise, but my top recommendations are as follows: first up is Chungará Lake, which is the highest lake in all of South America. The views there are outstanding.

Chungará Lake in Lauca National Park. Photo by I, Luca Galuzzi , CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons

Then, we've got the mighty Parinacota and Pomerape volcanoes. Prepare for some epics scenery and great photos. And I can’t forget to mention the Cotacotani lagoons, which are surrounded by towering mountains, and exude peaceful bliss.

3. The coastal cities of northern Chile

The San Marcos Cathedral in Arica. Photo by Eduardo Banderas G. , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Northern Chile is home to incredible coastal cities that are wonderfully pleasant to visit. Arica, Iquique, and Antofagasta, three of my favorites, each have their unique charm, culture, and history. 

First, let's start with Arica , also known as the "City of Eternal Spring", and our northernmost city, sitting 18 km from the border with Peru. In the city, the San Marcos Cathedral is a must-visit, with its impressive neo-Gothic architecture. There are other elegant colonial buildings to admire, and for something a bit unusual, you can visit the former nitrate processing plants, like Palacoio Astoreca.

If you’re interested in history, check out the Chinchorro mummies, which are the oldest human remains in the world.

And of course, a visit to ZOFRI, the tax-free mall, is a must. You'll find incredible deals on just about anything you're looking for.

If you have good weather when visiting, El Laucho and La Lisera are the city’s two best beaches. You can relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the coastal views.

La Lisera beach in Arica. Photo by Andrea021 , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Now, let's head to Iquique , my personal coastal paradise! Trust me, you will fall in love with Playa Cavancha - it’s a great beach with white sand, incredibly inviting water, and a busy boardwalk with lots to see and do.

If you're up for an adrenaline rush, you can try out sand boarding, take a thrilling dune buggy ride on Cerro Dragon (the huge, 4km long sand dune behind the city) , or for something truly unforgettable, go paragliding over the city.

The “Cerro Dragon” dune in Iquique. Photo by A mazaira , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Now, if you're staying in this area for a slightly extended period, I have a special recommendation for you: the town of Pica . This charming oasis town in the middle of the desert is simply enchanting. I suggest taking a tour with a local agency, who will give you a deeper understanding of the town’s fascinating history and how it came into existence.

Antofagasta

Finally, there's Antofagasta . This bustling port city has a unique blend of modernity and coastal beauty. You can't miss the stunning La Portada Natural Monument, a coastal rock formation that is protected as a Chilean Natural Monument. And the Huanchaca Ruins, a former silver smelting plant turned cultural center, offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's history.

La Portada National Monument in Antofagasta. Photo by G.vera , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

We’re still on the coast here, of course, so the beaches like Balneario Municipal and Playa Hornitos are also perfect for relaxing and enjoying the ocean breeze.

Connect with a Chile travel expert for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!

4. Chañaral de Aceituno and Punta de Choros

The beach in Punta de Choros. Photo by mariela morales , CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Punta de Choros and Chañaral de Aceituno are unmissable destinations when in the Coquimbo region. With a huge wealth of unique biodiversity and as a global hotspot for whale and dolphin watching, there’s a lot to see and do there.

Punta de Choros

Punta de Choros is famous for being close to the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, where you’ll encounter an adorable community of Humboldt penguins.

To make the most of your visit, I recommend taking a boat tour to the area’s nearby islands, which will give you a chance to get up close and personal with a fascinating variety of marine creatures, including dolphins, sea lions, and a diverse array of birds.

After your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at Restaurant Señora Mary. It's a local spot with excellent food.

Humboldt Penguins in the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve. Photo by Natalia Reyes Escobar , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Chañaral de Aceituno

Now, let's talk about Chañaral de Aceituno . Globally recognized as a top-notch destination for whale and dolphin watching, this is a sanctuary for marine life, and you'll be amazed by the abundant biodiversity. If you’re into scuba diving, this is a great place to do it. Book a tour to the nearby Chañaral Island with either ExploraSub or Yunco Expediciones, two local tour operators who know the area incredibly well.

For those who love hiking and adventure, I’d suggest reaching out to a local guide named Benja, from Copuna Adventures. Benja is a super knowledgeable local guide who will show you some of the area’s hidden treasures.

The “Faro Monumental” lighthouse in Huasco. Photo by Yastay , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Huasco, located in Chile's Atacama Region, is a captivating coastal town nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This transversal valley stretches all the way to the Pacific, offering breathtaking views and a unique geography. However, what truly sets Huasco apart is its remarkable olive production, which, in my opinion, yields the most exquisite olives in the world.

Despite its incredible beauty, Huasco remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, making it a hidden spot for those seeking an authentic experience on Chile's northern coast. Due to its limited tourist infrastructure (not a lot of people come here), it’s always advisable to book accommodations well in advance to secure your stay.

Two places that I highly recommend visiting when here are the charming towns of Totoral and Carrizal. In Totoral, explore the Church of San Francisco and the Totoral Reservoir. The reservoir is a picturesque man-made lake perfect for picnics and birdwatching.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region by discovering the ancient Totoral petroglyphs, which are fascinating rock carvings created by local indigenous groups.

Hacienda Atacma in the Huasco Valley. Photo by valledelhuasco , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

And don't forget to take a leisurely stroll along the scenic banks of the Huasco River.

In Carrizal, you can satisfy your taste buds with delicious local seafood. Indulge in traditional dishes like Mariscal, ceviche, or Cazuela, which will give you a true taste of the coastal flavors of the region.

You can also visit the Capote Mine, which is known for its significant role in the region's mining industry. A guided tour will offer insight into the mine’s former operations, history, and the lives of the miners who worked there. The mine’s museum has a cool display of equipment, artifacts, and valuable information about the mining process, tools used, and its impact on the local community.

While here, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking scenic views that surround the area. The contrasting landscape of mining infrastructure backed by rugged mountains and the natural beauty of the Atacama Region is quite impressive.

6. Llanos de Challe National Park

The gorgeous Llanos de Challe National Park. Photo by valledelhuasco , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The magnificent Llanos de Challe National Park, is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking destinations to visit in Chile. This extraordinary and protected desert ecosystem is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. In Llanos de Challe, you'll find yourself surrounded by sand dunes, coastal cliffs, and enchanting hilly scrublands.

Thanks to the park’s diverse geography, it provides an excellent habitat for a remarkable variety of plant and animal species, which you wouldn’t necessarily expect for a desert.

If you visit between September and October, especially after a rainy winter, you're in for a treat! That's when you can witness the incredible phenomenon of the flowering desert. It's truly a sight to behold as the once dry and barren landscape transforms into a vibrant carpet of colorful flowers.

A beach in Llanos del Challe National Park. Photo by Natalia Reyes Escobar , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

I highly recommend allocating a minimum of 3 days to explore the park. Opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Monday to Sunday. If you have camping gear, the stunning Playa Blanca beach is always a popular place to pitch a tent and use as your base for visiting the park.

It’s always best to reserve in advance, so send an email to [email protected] or reach out via WhatsApp at +56994796503.

For guided tours of the park, I suggest contacting local guide Oven, who you can find through his Instagra m pag e.

7. Elqui Valley

Pisco being grown in the Elqui Valley. Photo by Fer Quintana , CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Elqui Valley, in the north of the Coquimbo region, stretches from La Serena to the town of Vicuña, with other delightful towns and sights dotted all along the Elqui River in between them.

One of the valley’s standout features is the incredible stargazing that it affords visitors: thanks to its incredibly clear skies, famous observatories like Mamalluca and Cerro Tololo offer night skies like you’ve never seen them before.

During your visit, I highly recommend exploring the renowned Pisco Route, which is famous for its production of pisco, a traditional Chilean drink. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy tastings at excellent distilleries and vineyards while gaining insights into the pisco-making process.

There are several tour agencies and pisqueras (pisco producers) that you can visit, but for a more authentic and less touristy experience, I recommend checking out Fundo Los Nichos. They provide guided tours that take you through every step of the artisanal pisco production process, and you will of course have the chance to purchase bottles of their exquisite pisco.

Other noteworthy pisco tours include the Pisco Mistral distillery and Doña Josefa de Elqui pisquera.

And in case pisco isn’t your thing, you can also go for a wine tour at Cavas del Vino. Explore the vineyards, learn about the wine production process, and enjoy some tastings of their exceptional wines.

The Rio Verde running through the valley. Photo by Rosario Nieto Chadwick , CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The valley also has a mystical side, making it a fascinating destination for those seeking esoteric experiences. Places like the village of Montegrande, where the famous poet Gabriela Mistral was born, offer a glimpse into the region's esoteric culture and traditions.

If you're in the mood for a hike, I highly recommend trekking up to Cepo Lagoon (just be aware that the trail is only open during the summer season).

8. Valparaíso and Viña del Mar

Colorful hillside houses in Valparaiso. Photo by Alex Proimos , CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The coastal city of Valparaíso, known as Chile’s Pacific gem, is a captivating harbor city built amongst the hills. It’s famous for its colorful houses that flow down its streets and hills, as well as its bohemian atmosphere and vibrant art scene.

In Valparaíso , start by visiting the architecturally magnificent Palacio Vergara, followed by the Palacio Rioja, another beautiful building that also features a lovely park with games for kids. It’s a great spot for families. Continue on to Castillo Wulff, a seaside castle the offers panoramic views of the city and the ocean.

For more great views, head to Cerro Artilleria and Cerro Playa Ancha, or take a stroll along Paseo 21 de Mayo, and look out over Valparaiso's colorful hills, bustling port, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

And if you're interested in natural history, don't miss the Museo de Historia Natural, where you can learn about the region's flora, fauna, and geology.

A busy city beach in seaside Viña del Mar

Right next door to Valparaíso is the lovely resort city of Viña del Mar . Known as the Garden City, it’s filled with greenery and has great beaches and a lively nightlife. For surfers (or to watch the surfers!), head to La Boca beach in Concón. Afterwards, make your way to the main street in La Boca for an empanada, ceviche, or a local seafood plate.

If you want to get away from bigger cities, there are tons of beaches throughout this area, as well as smaller towns, such as Maitencillo, Cachagua, Zapallar , and Papudo . I really enjoy the atmosphere in these towns, and if you’re interested in staying in one of them, I’d recommend a couple of days in Maitencillo or Zapallar.

For an exhilarating experience, Maitencillo offers great paragliding, but the main draw here are the beaches. For me, Playa Aguas Blancas is always number one, due to its tranquil atmosphere, lack of crowds, and ample space which provides the perfect setting for swimming and sunbathing.

9. Valle Colchagua

One of many vineyards in the Colchagua Valley. Photo by Sergio Olivier , CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Chile has established itself as a leading wine-producing country thanks to its geography and advantageous climate for grape cultivation, and Chilean wines are now renowned globally for their exceptional quality and diversity.

The picturesque Colchagua Valley, located 130 kilometers south of Santiago in the O'Higgins region, stands out as one of the most enchanting places to explore our vineyards and savor the exceptional wines produced here. Santa Cruz, which is the main town in this valley, offers colonial architecture, good museums, and lively festivals celebrating wine culture.

When here, I highly recommend taking winery tours at Viña Santa Cruz and Viña Neyen, which are both great producers. Another excellent option is Viña Viu Manent, where you can enjoy a carriage ride through the vineyards, adding a little touch of elegance and romance to your wine tour.

A hilltop winery in the Colchagua Valley. Photo by Dvparra , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

After all that wine, if you want to burn some calories, there’s great hiking to be had in the beautiful Apalta Nature Reserve.

When planning a visit to the Colchagua valley, it’s important to consider what time of year you’ll be here, as the things to see and do will depend heavily on the season.

The period from March to April is particularly popular, as it coincides with the grape harvesting season. If you can’t come during the harvest, autumn, spanning March to May, showcases the vineyards' beautiful golden and reddish hues, creating some gorgeous scenery.

Summer, from December to February, boasts warm and dry weather, perfect for outdoor activities such as biking through the vineyards or enjoying picnics in lovely surroundings.

Winter has far fewer tourists than any other time of year, and it can be a nice time hunker down and enjoy a serene and peaceful visit in nature.

10. Santiago

A view of Santiago’s eastern districts and the foothills of the Andes mountains

No matter where you're coming from, your journey to Chile will likely begin in Santiago, our bustling capital city. Start your adventure in the historic downtown area at Plaza de Armas, the vibrant heart of the city. Take a stroll along Paseo Ahumada, a pedestrian street filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Then head on to the magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral, followed by the iconic La Moneda Palace.

I highly recommend checking out the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista, a vibrant hub of art galleries, theaters, lively bars, and great restaurants. Make sure to visit Casa Museo La Chascona, the former residence of the renowned poet Pablo Neruda.

Santiago’s Metropolitan Cathedral. Photo by GameOfLight , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

For an extra dose of culture, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) and the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center (GAM) are must-visit destinations, offering exciting exhibitions and cultural events.

If you want a great view, a trip to Cerro San Cristóbal is always a good idea. You can reach the summit by funicular, cable car, or bike. However you reach the summer, you’ll have outstanding views of Santiago and the surrounding Andes.

The Immaculate Conception statue on San Cristobál Hill. Photo by Deensel , CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

If you get thirsty on your wanderings, be sure to try "mote con huesillo," a refreshing traditional Chilean drink. Santiago is very much a foodie city, so you should absolutely take advantage of that.

Some dishes to try here are the classic "completo," the mouthwatering "churrasco italiano," the flavorful "pastel de choclo," and of course, the iconic "pisco sour" - a true symbol of Chile.

11. Pichilemu, Matanzas, and Puertecillo

Punta de Lobos in the town of Pichilemu. Photo by virso , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

These 3 remarkable coastal destinations in Chile's O'Higgins region each offer unique attractions and activities.

Pichilemu is renowned for Punta de Lobos, a legendary surfers' paradise. Experienced surfers especially love this spot, but it’s great for casual beachgoers too. Not far from Pichilemu is Laguna Cahuil, a fantastic spot for kayaking or stand-up paddling.

As you explore the area, make sure to visit "Restaurant El Buzo" for delicious local cuisine or "Restaurant El Pulpo" for excellent pizzas.

Another great option is a visit to the Cahuil salt flats or Cahuil saltworks, where salt is extracted from seawater through the natural process of evaporation. These salt flats are a result of the combination of a lagoon, coastal geography, and favorable weather conditions. Cahuil's salt is highly regarded for its exceptional quality and unique flavor, and is prized by chefs.

A surfer at Punta de Lobos. Photo by Gobierno de Chile , CC BY 3.0 CL , via Wikimedia Commons

Matanzas is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering ideal conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The beaches are gorgeous, so are great for just hanging out and relaxing as well.

If you're up for some hiking, a climb up Cerro La Cruz, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the bay, is highly recommended. For a unique way to explore the area, consider booking a horseback riding experience. There’s a local guide named Beto who offers really nice tours. He can be reached by Whatsapp at +56 9 9642 8140.

When it's time to satisfy your hunger, I highly recommend checking out one of the following restaurants: Marola, La Lobera, or Surazo.

Puertecillo

Puertecillo, our last of the three towns, invites you to unwind on its pristine sandy beaches and enjoy its untouched natural beauty. The tranquil cliffs and rocky shores create a serene environment for birdwatching, with pelicans, seagulls, and cormorants gracefully navigating their habitat.

Surfing is a popular activity here, again catering to all skill levels.

12. Parque Nacional Altos de Lircay

Altos de Lircay National Park in the fall. Photo by Natalia Reyes Escobar , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Altos de Lircay National Park, nestled in Chile's Maule Region, is an incredible place to visit. The little town of Vilches, the closest town to the park, is the gateway for visitors, and it offers good accommodation options, some restaurants, and basic services for those exploring the park.

If you’re planning to camp, Altos de Lircay offers excellent camping facilities, many of them with bathrooms and running water. You’ll have an almost endless number of hikes to choose from, but two of my personal favorites are Laguna del Alto and El Enladrillado.

Laguna el Alto in Altos del Lircay National Park. Photo by Josepanguep4 , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The trail to Laguna el Alto is 20 kilometers and typically takes around 8 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll be immersed in native forests with magnificent oak, coigüe, and ñirre trees. As you progress, you'll also be treated to inspiring vistas of the remarkable high Andean steppe.

From here, you can hike up to Cerro Peine, the highest peak in the reserve at an altitude of 2400 meters above sea level. It’s possible to camp in this area, and I would recommend doing so, as it will enable you to access the trails early in the morning. Just be sure to bring appropriate equipment, as temperatures tend to be colder at higher altitudes.

13. Conguillio National Park

Conguillo Lake with Llaima volcano behind it. Photo by Mariomxel , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Conguillío National Park sits in the La Araucanía region, 148 km northeast of Temuco. The beauty of the park lies in its lakes and lagoons, the Llaima volcano, and its native vegetation, including araucaria trees, ñirre trees, coihue trees, lenga trees, palos santos, raulí trees, among others.

This national park is one of the last refuges in the world preserving the landscapes where dinosaurs once lived. Part of the documentary "Walking with Dinosaurs" was filmed in this location, specifically the episode focused on the Upper Cretaceous period: "Death of a Dynasty."

One of the Park’s iconic Monkey Puzzle trees overlooking the valley below. Photo by Delahimalaya-alosandes , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The park is vast and offers tons of hiking opportunities. I highly recommend visiting Laguna Arco Iris, Araucaria Madre, Lago Conguillio, Sendero Ensenada, Laguna Verde, and Sendero Cañadon del Truful. These are not to be missed.

Spending a couple of nights here is well worth it if you want to really experience the best of the park. Camping is easy, with six campsites split between the two sectors of the park, and the campsites are well-equipped.

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14. Lake District

Calafquén Lake. Photo by vimax_01 from Pixabay

Fairly far south, between the cities of Temuco and Puerto Montt, is the region that we call the Lake District. It has an area of approximately 48,584 square kilometers, so you can imagine how many beautiful places you can visit here.

There are towering mountains, dense forests, picturesque parks, flowing rivers, and gorgeous lakes all waiting to be discovered. While you can’t go wrong no matter where you go, I highly recommend visiting Lake Llanquihue, Lake Villarrica, and Lake Todos los Santos - each one is simply stunning.

Other can’t-miss destinations in the Lakes District are Cochamó Valley, Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, Puyehue National Park, Huerquehue National Park, and the cities of Frutillar, Pucon and Villarrica, Valdivia and Puerto Varas.

Cochamó Valley

The Cochamó Valley is an amazing place for climbers, hikers, and anyone who enjoys and appreciates the outdoors. From the town of Cochamó, I love doing the trek to the La Junta sector, which is like the base camp of the Cochamó Valley. This trek is of medium difficulty and takes approximately 6 hours. Alternatively, you can choose to do it on horseback or hire mules to carry your gear.

The Cochamó River making its way through the valley. Photo by Sam Beebe/Ecotrust , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Vicente Pérez Rosales

In the heart of the Lake District is the extremely beautiful Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Here, pay a visit to Lake Todos los Santos and the Petrohué Waterfalls. Trek up the Osorno Volcano or head to Lake Llanquihue for fishing, water sports, or boating.

Parque Nacional Puyehue

If you’re traveling as a family and are looking for shorter hikes that are (somewhat counterintuitively) less crowded, the Parque Nacional Puyehue is a perfect destination for a week-long trip, or even just a few days.

Lago Constancia in Puyehue National Park. Photo by   Natalia Reyes Escobar , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Huerquehue National Park

Located around 20 kilometers from Pucon, the Huerquehue National Park is a fantastic choice for hikers. Among the many available trails, I highly recommend the "Sendero de Los Lagos" (Trail of the Lakes), which meanders through three stunning lakes and lagoons within the park. It’s approximately 12 kilometers, so isn’t crazy long, but if you want to extend the hike, there’s also a longer variant that extends to five additional lakes.

Frutillar is a town located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue (the largest lake in Chile), with a Germanic origin and significant musical and cultural significance. Of course, sitting on the edge of the country’s biggest lake, the scenery is also spectacular and there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Pucon and Villarrica

Pucon and Villarrica are neighboring towns that have become one of the mecca’s of outdoor activities in Chile, and they are undoubtedly the main attractions of the Lake District.

Lake Villarica with the Villarica Volcano in the background. Photo by Martín Solar from Pixabay

For a bit of easy excitement, you can go rafting on the Trancura River. For something more arduous, but also more rewarding, climbing the Villarrica Volcano, is an amazing experience and you can witness live volcanic activity from the summit.

There are many agencies that offer tours in the area, but I recommend Rutas Outdoors at https://www.rutasoutdoors.cl/. Regardless of which guide or agency you choose, make sure they are certified and accredited by the Municipality of Pucon.

Now, after a long ride on the river, a grueling mountain climb, or some long hikes, what could be better than a relaxing dip in the hot springs? Thanks to the area’s volcanic activity, you’ll also find hot springs here. I personally love the Termas Geometricas, but there are a few to choose from.

The coast of Chiloe island

Chiloé island in southern Chile, is a truly incredible destination, known both for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. The island's unique architecture, with its colorful wooden churches and palafitos (stilt houses), reflects its distinct cultural identity and traditional craftsmanship.

To reach Chiloé, you need to take a ferry from Puerto Montt, specifically from the Tepuhueico Ferry Terminal, also known as the Chacao Terminal. This terminal is situated in the city of Pargua, approximately 40 kilometers north of Puerto Montt.

The main towns in Chiloé are Castro and Ancud. In Castro, you can cehck out the iconic Palafitos along the waterfront and visit the colorful Church of San Francisco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Ancud, you should explore the historical Fort San Antonio and associated museum which will tell you about the area’s colonial history.

Palafito Houses in Chiloe. Photo by Cplandco , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

And for anyone interested in Penguiins (that’s everyone, isn’t it?!), there are also boat tours to the Puñihuil Penguin Colony where you can see the Magellanic penguins.

An extremely important aspect of Chiloé that truly defines it is the local cuisine, which is quite different from what you’ll find elsewhere in Chile.. The island boasts a wide array of traditional dishes, including curanto, milcao, and pulmay. For an authentic and affordable culinary experience, be sure to visit the local "cocinerías" found in nearly every town.

Honestly, I could write a complete article just about Chiloé, but this isn’t the place for that, so here are the five places that I consider must-visit/see when on the island: Mar Brava Beach and Punta Ahui, Piñihuil Penguin Colony, Chepu Wetlands, Muelle de las Almas, and the palafitos of Chiloé.

16. Carretera Austral

A stretch of the Carretera Austral

The Carretera Austral, also known as the Southern Highway, is a road in Chile that winds through some of the country's most stunning landscapes. While it's difficult to pinpoint a single "best" aspect of the Carretera Austral, there are several highlights that make it one of the world’s most remarkable journies. 

First, the natural scenery along the Carretera Austral is legitimately breathtaking. From lush forests and snow-capped mountains to crystal-clear rivers and majestic glaciers, you will be absolutely overwhelmed by the natural beauty at almost every turn. Driving this route is one of the great ways to witness the pristine beauty of the Patagonian region.

Stunning scenery along the Carretera Austral. Photo by M M from Switzerland , CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

With such fantastic scenery comes great opportunities for outdoor adventure, of course. So, everywhere along the route offers fantastic opportunities for hikers, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts.

Traveling along the Carretera Austral is also a way to experience the warm hospitality and culture of the people who inhabit this extremely remote part of Chile. Along your journey, be sure to stop in some of the small towns that you pass and soak in the unique atmosphere.

A few of my favorite places to visit along the route include Quelat National Park, Cerro Castillo, Valle Exploradores and the mystical Caleta Tortel.

17.   Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine

The famous peaks in Torres del Paine National Park

Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine are amazing destinations in Chilean Patagonia, each with their own unique experiences.

Torres del Paine National Park, with its towering granite peaks, shimmering lakes, glaciers, and vast open plains, is a nature-lovers paradise. Hiking the Park’s famous W Trek or the more challenging O Circuit will allow you to explore diverse ecosystems, witness stunning viewpoints like the iconic Torres del Paine towers, and encounter incredible wildlife such as guanacos, condors, and foxes.

Located within the national park, Glacier Grey is a splendid ice formation. You can get up close to its massive blue ice walls through boat tours or glacier hikes, which provide unforgettable experiences and great photo opportunities.

Glacier Grey in Torres del Paine. Photo by Prandium01 , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The town of Puerto Natales serves as the gateway to Torres del Paine, and it offers a rather charming atmosphere. Sitting on the shores of Last Hope Sound, the town is blessed with truly stunning views. When in town, you can enjoy excellent fresh seafood in local restaurants, explore museums, and browse craft markets.

Near Puerto Natales, the Milodón Cave Natural Monument is also well-worth checking out, as pre-historic animal remains have been found here. Exploring the cave offers some insight into the region's geological and paleontological significance.

At Go Ask A Local we connect independent travelers with in-destination Local Experts for personalized travel planning that goes way beyond the highlights. Whether you’re planning a DIY trip and just want some expert advice on your plan or are looking for a fully tailor-made trip, our Local Experts can help you plan better!

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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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Lastarria Lastarria free

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.

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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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8 Incredible Places to Visit in Chile For Your Next Adventure

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 14th November 2023

Having spent over three years living in Santiago, plus multiple other trips back to Chile where I’ve hitchhiked , road-tripped , and trekked around this country , I think it’s fair to say I know a thing or two about the places to visit in Chile.

As one of the top destinations on the planet for adventurous travelers (and #1 in South America ), there are a plethora of destinations that you really need to discover on your next trip to South America’s skinniest and stunning[ist] country.

Sure, Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park are a huge draw (and included in this list), but there are so many utterly beautiful places across the country that deserve to be on your itinerary.

So, get ready to be inspired with this list of my eight favorite locations for your next adventure when you travel to Chile – and don’t miss my article about the best things to do in Chile , either!

1. Torres del Paine National Park

If you’ve read anything about this country then it should come as no surprise that Torres del Paine National Park comes out at the top of this list of places to visit in Chile.

I first saw the granite spires of this surreally beautiful national park when I hiked the W back in March 2016 and was so enamored that I had to return to complete the Full Circuit or O.

Although I understand that a nine-day hike can take quite a chunk out of anyone’s holiday allocation or backpacking trip in Chile, I strongly recommend that you consider trekking the Circuit  rather than the more popular – and very busy – W .

Not only will you get your fill of hanging glaciers, glimmering glacial lakes, and glimpses of guanacos, foxes, and hares, but it’s a genuine adventure that accessible even to those who’ve never embarked upon a multi-day hike before.

How to get to Torres del Paine National Park from Santiago: Flights from Santiago to Puerto Natales run from the start of December until the end of February with LATAM Airlines . Out of these dates, flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas with LATAM or Sky (two per day, three hours 25 minutes) are your best option.

Where to stay in Puerto Natales: The closest town to Torres del Paine is Puerto Natales, and most travellers stay at least overnight in what has become a surprisingly hip little town. Possibly my favorite hotel in Patagonia (or Chile itself) is Simple Patagonia  ($250 USD double) where, on clear evenings, sunsets across the sound are spectacular from its vast windows. Channeling the barns that once populated the region, the buildings are simple, while inside is a modern warm design, with underfloor heating, large tiled baths, and astonishing views from the living and dining area and bedrooms (the best are rooms 8 and 11). 

2. Chilean Tierra del Fuego, Southern Patagonia

As adventurous places to visit in Chile go, this is probably the most difficult and rewarding of them all. Tierra del Fuego, the huge island at the far end of Patagonia, is only really visited on the Argentine side, with tourists making their way to Ushuaia and the southernmost city on the planet.

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But the Chilean half of Tierra del Fuego is a bewitching paradise of soaring, snow-dusted mountains, rusty peat bog, and a huge range of native wildlife that you’re almost guaranteed to see on a trip here.

In March 2017, I took not one but two road trips to the very end of the road at Caleta Maria, powering through windswept landscapes in our rental Landrover and wild camping beside vast, undisturbed lakes. In March 2024, I returned and stayed at the incredible Lodge Deseado (read about my experiences in Tierra del Fuego and how you can visit independently ).

Chilean Tierra del Fuego was truly the most beautiful place I’ve ever been in South America and for adventurous souls, it’s the ultimate place to visit in Chile.

It’s also home to Parque Pingüino Rey , a reserve protecting the 70-or-so-strong colony of king penguins that lives at the shores of Bahía Inútil in Tierra del Fuego and which you can visit as part of an expensive tour from Punta Arenas or by arriving independently.

How to get to Tierra del Fuego from Santiago:  Fly from Santago to Punta Arenas and hire a vehicle (a 4×4 isn’t necessary but a car with reasonably high suspension is a good idea) and take the ferry across at Punta Delgada to Tierra del Fuego.

There are plenty of international vehicle rental companies in town, but for the best prices and to book easily in advance (and get insurance documents in English), I always use Rental Cars .

Where to stay in Tierra del Fuego: There is a range of cabañas (cabins) run by local people en route . We stayed in Hosteria Las Lengas (four-person cabin $83,300 CLP ($125 USD), double room $134,470 CLP ($202 USD), reservations [email protected] ) on the shores of Lago Blanco and at Estancia Lago Fagnano (camping (price unknown), four-person cabin $60,000 CLP ($90 USD), contact +61 2 262 366 or +56 9 821 683 88), as well as wild camped in various lake and riverside spots.

3. The Chepu Valley, Chiloé

A growing number of those who travel to Chile head to Chiloé, the island just south of Puerto Montt in the Lakes Region. It’s best known for its rainbow-colored houses on stilts that line the estuary in capital Castro and which are known as palafitos.

Many of these former fishermen’s dwellings have been converted into swish boutique hotels and symbolize the rich culture that makes this island so distinct from the rest of Chile.

You’ll also see this singular identity in the equally quirky wooden churches dotted around the island. 150 were built by the Jesuits in the early 1600s with the help of the Chilote people, with the remaining 60 – many in pastel hues – a curious representation of the island’s boatbuilding and religious heritage. 16 have also been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites to reflect their distinctive cultural importance.

Beyond the architecture, Chiloé is a place of unique food (try curanto, a seafood and potato stew cooked underground) and untouched natural landscapes.

While Parque Nacional Chiloé is the most visited, my personal favorite is the astoundingly beautiful and wildlife-rich Chepu Valley.

Here, I kayaked at dawn through the jet-black boughs of a forest that sunk beneath the waters of Río Puntra after a 9.3 magnitude earthquake – the largest ever recorded – ripped through the island, causing the whole of Chiloé to drop 1.5m.

You might even spot Southern river otters in these silent waters, and while I failed to do so, I did manage to catch a glimpse of a whole family of pudú, one of the smallest deer species in the world.

Unfortunately, the lodge that used to offer these tours has since shut down, so your best option is a tour from nearby Ancud. The area also has one of the most beautiful coastlines I’ve seen in Chile, so it’s well worth the wander down to the beach.

How to get to the Chepu Valley from Santiago: Sky and LATAM both fly to Puerto Montt (five per day, one-hour 45 minutes, from where you need to take a bus to Puerto Montt bus station to get connecting transport to Ancud.

From here, public buses leave on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to Chepu (check at the bus station for the exact times in the morning and afternoon). Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly to Chepu or get dropped off at KM 25 on the road towards Castro and hitchhike from there.

Where to stay in the Chepu Valley: On the western shores of Lago Cucao in the southwest of the island,  Palafito Cucao Lodge  ($130 USD double, two-night minimum) is one of my favorite places to stay in Chile. The building mimics a traditional wooden-shingled palafito, with a stylish living room and wraparound terrace over the lake, where you may spot an otter meandering through the waters. It’s also just a short distance from  Parque Nacional Chiloé , which is home to a number of short hiking trails and outstandingly beautiful beaches. 

4. The Carretera Austral, Northern Patagonia

This 1,240km stretch of mostly unpaved road makes for one of the most exciting ways of traveling in Chile: road-tripping. Depending on your Chile travel itinerary, you can start the Carretera Austral at its northern tip from Puerto Montt or at its southernmost town, Villa O’Higgins.

In reality, most rent a vehicle in the former (just check the T&Cs to ensure you can take it on the Carretera Austral) and drive through the glacial and forested landscapes of northern Patagonia, stopping at Carretera highlights such as the Queulat Hanging Glacier, the Enchanted Forest, the San Rafael Glacier, and the Marble Caves.

You can also hire a car in Balmaceda, an airport halfway down the Carretera Austral.

For those with even more adventurous tendencies, travel in Chile wouldn’t be complete without hitchhiking the Carretera Austral, a both safe and highly recommended way of seeing Patagonia.

You’ll need to allow yourself more time as it’s never guaranteed that you’ll get hitch, and also to pack a full set of camping equipment (check out my recommended packing list for Patagonia for suggestions ) just in case you get stuck in the middle of nowhere and have to pitch up in a spellbindingly beautiful part of Patagonia – what a shame!

How to get to the Carretera Austral from Santiago: Sky and LATAM both fly to Puerto Montt (five per day, one-hour 45 minutes). Alternatively, the Navimag ferry leaves Puerto Montt and sails to Coyhaique, about halfway along the Carretera Austral two times per week during the Austral summer.

Where to stay along the Carretera Austral: There are plenty of places to stay en route . Check out this complete guide to the Carretera Austral for all my recommendations.

5. Puerto Varas, The Lakes Region

Puerto Varas has long been one of the favorite places to visit in Chile for travelers, not only because this small city has an incredible lakeside location and is overlooked by the snowy cone of Volcán Osorno, but it’s also a short distance away from a whole host of hikes and activities.

One option is to summit the volcano using a tour, but if you’re on a smaller budget, you’re better off renting a car from town and driving up to the end of the road near the top of the volcano, from where it’s possible to ride the cable car even higher.

At the top of the cable car, you can hike to the red crater which has stupendous panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Nearby, there’s also the Saltos de Petrohue, a set of gushing waterfalls that spill over ancient lava flows and the tiny village of Petrohué where you can walk along the beach beside Lago Todos Los Santos and even pay a small amount for a short boat trip around the lake.

How to get to Puerto Varas from Santiago: Sky and LATAM both fly to Puerto Montt (five per day, one-hour 45-minutes) and from there, it’s a short bus journey to the bus station and then 20 minutes via local minibus to Puerto Varas. Buses from Santiago also leave for Puerto Varas, taking roughly 13 hours.

Where to stay in Puerto Varas: Both times that I’ve travelled in Chile to Puerto Varas, I’ve stayed in Compass del Sur  (dorm $14,000 CLP ($17 USD), double room $39,000 CLP ($46 USD)). They have huge, comfortable rooms and their breakfast is awesome!

6. The Atacama Desert, Norte Grande

Sky-piercing volcanoes combine with record-breaking geyser fields and a sprinkling of flamingos in the Atacama Desert, one of the most popular destinations for foreign tourists and one of the truly unmissable places to visit in Chile.

At over 2,400m above sea level, the Atacama Desert is breathtaking in both senses of the word and also one of the top places on the planet for stargazing thanks to an average of over 200 cloudless nights per year.

But while a trip to this high-altitude region of desert and salt flats is always going to be memorable, one way to ramp up the adventure is by hiring a car and heading out into the Atacama Desert under your own steam.

Not only will this save you a lot of cash, but it means that you can adapt your itinerary and reach places such as the Piedras Rojas – a strange formation of lava flow from one of the many surrounding volcanoes – which was my personal highlight.

How to get to the Atacama Desert from Santiago: Seven flights per day leave from Santiago to Calama (two hours 10-minutes), after which it’s a one-and-a-half-hour bus journey to San Pedro de Atacama, the oasis town at the heart of the desert.

Where to stay in the Atacama Desert: I stumbled upon Ckuri Atacama ($48,000 CLP ($78 USD) double) online and this is definitely the nicest place you will find in San Pedro. They only have three rooms and it’s best if you’re a couple (they’re only double rooms), but they all include a bathroom with shower, a large double bed and a small dining area with fridge, cutlery, and plates.

7. Valdivia, The Lakes Region

This small university city in the Lakes Region isn’t one of the places to travel in Chile for adventure per se , but given that so few tourists ever make it here, part of Valdivia’s appeal is that you feel like you’ve made it some truly away from the crowds.

That said, there’s plenty of room for an adventure in Valdivia, which is best known by Chileans as the beer capital of the country, thanks in large to the German heritage of many of its residents.

Brewing giant Kunstmann is based here and you can even do a tour of its factory (something I’ve heard compared to a trip to Disney Land – so you may want to give it a miss), but there’s a range of tiny, craft breweries and brilliant bars selling all the local brews (a particular favorite was El Growler ).

What’s more, the resident sea lion colony that lives at the fish market is more than worth the trip to Valdivia alone – particularly as you’ll likely see a fearless local dog attempting to have a standoff with an equally fearless sea lion…

Outside of town, you can take a bus to nearby Niebla where tiny motorboats transport you across to the ruined Spanish fortifications on Isla Mancera and Corral or you can enjoy the museum at Fuerte Nieble with its commanding views across the bay.

How to get to Valdivia from Santiago: It’s a ten-hour, overnight bus from Santiago to Valdivia with a number of companies offering the route. You can also take a 3-and-a-half-hour bus from Puerto Montt.

Where to stay in Valdivia: We stayed in the incredible Airesbuenos Hostel (dorms $12,000 CLP ($16 USD), double $32,000 CLP ($51 USD)), which has a beautiful outdoor space, huge comfortable bedrooms and a really great breakfast.

7. Pucón , The Lakes Region

For many, Pucón is the ultimate destination for adventure travel in Chile, with the main highlight being the fact that you can ascend to the peak of Volcán Villarrica, an active, 2,847m stratovolcano that presides over the town and the whole area.

One of the major draws of hiking to the top is the lava lake found within the volcano’s crater and which can be seen spitting lava in the months of February and March when it’s most active.

Luckily, it hasn’t erupted for two years, when it spewed lava and ash into the air and over 3,000 people were evacuated.

But the real fun comes when you make your way down, sliding on your posterior as far as the snow will take you.

Although you’re unlikely to see the lava if you visit in October or November, you’ll definitely end up sliding down the volcano a lot further (and walking a lot less) than we did when I was there in March.

In and around Pucón there are also a wealth of hiking trails with sensational views in Parque Nacional Huerquehue, kayaking and rafting opportunities on the nearby Río Trancura, and a load of hot springs that are best visited at night so that you can relax in a geothermal pool beneath a shimmering sky of stars.

How to get to Pucón from Santiago: Most visit Pucón as part of a trip towards Santiago from Patagonia as it’s around five hours by bus to Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt. However, it’s possible to take an 11-hour overnight bus from Santiago directly to Pucón.

Where to stay in Pucón: Pucón is known as Chile’s capital of adventure and, while it’s a firm favorite with the backpacking set, if you’re looking for a high level of comfort than a hostel, there are plenty of options – although you will need a car to access the best.  Rakau Lodge  ($275 USD double) sits comfortably within this category. This sensitively-designed property is surrounded by forest and so is the ideal place for relaxation – particularly after a busy day of hitting the trails in nearby  Parque Nacional Huerquehue. It’s worth upgrading to the villa for your own private terrace surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the forest.

Saturday 23rd of September 2023

Spent 2 months traveling Chile about 15 years ago…went everywhere by Guide and public transportation. Stayed with families and camped. Chile is a gorgeous country in all aspects! Thanks for the reminder

Steph Dyson

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

Thanks Judi!

Friday 8th of September 2017

Thanks Steph for the great information! I am going to some of these places next month!

Monday 11th of September 2017

Thanks Mark! And you'll have such a great time - enjoy!