Save up to $1,322 on our trips! Limited spots. Book Now.

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.

Soak up the Atacama Desert’s hot springs

Spa

Atacama Desert, Chile
Diego Jimenes / Unsplash
The world’s driest desert, Atacama Desert, boasts brilliant views of the Andes and stars. While here, head over to San Pedro de Atacama, where you’ll find Puritama Spa and its eight hot springs with therapeutic and healing properties.

Recommended by Mary Katherine Gwynn.

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.

Torres del Paine

Park

Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile
Olga Stalska / Unsplash
No hiker worth their salt would even consider visiting Chile without crossing Torres del Paine off the bucket list. The stunning treks of this world-renowned national park pass groaning glaciers, towering peaks, forested valleys, and crystal clear lakes.

Villa O'Higgins to Argentina Hike

Villa

Lago OHiggins
© Hector Garcia / Flickr
Most people opt for a bus or a plane when traveling across borders, but in Villa O’Higgins, this isn’t strictly necessary. Intrepid travelers can do a hike through the unspoiled Patagonian wilderness and arrive in El Chaltén, Argentina just a few days later.

The Marble Caves

Natural Feature

The Marble Caves
© Javier Vieras/Flickr
Hidden underneath a peninsula in the picturesque Lago Carrera General is the spectacular Cuevas de Mármol (Marble Caves). The aqua and turquoise waters bounce sunlight onto the roof of the caves, creating a stunning reflection that is unlike anywhere else on earth.

Santiago

Santiago, Chile
Vitor Vilas Boas / Unsplash
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.

Carretera Austral

Carretera Austral
© Fernando Valenzuela/Flickr
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.

Chiloé

Chiloé
© Tetraigofotos/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.

Pucón

Waterfall, Pucon, Chile
Vicente Lopez De Zuniga / Unsplash
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.

Easter Island

Easter Island
© myeviajes/pixabay
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.

Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas
© Murray Foubister/Flickr
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.

Valdivia

Market

Valdivia
© Pablo Meneses/Flickr
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.

Volcano Villarica

Volcano Villarrica, Chile
David Vives / Unsplash
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.

The Wine Regions

Architectural Landmark

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!

Valparaiso

Valparaiso, Chile
Loic Mermilliod / Unsplash
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.

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.

Elqui Valley

Elqui Valley
© Leonora (Ellie) Enking/Flickr
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.

San Pedro de Atacama

Laguna Chaxa, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Amanda Maria / Unsplash
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.

Chuquicamata

Chuquicamata
© Peter Collins/Flickr
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.

Iquique

Resort

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.

Arica

Arica
© Capablazab/Wikipedia
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.

Lauca National Park

Park

Located near the border of Peru and Bolivia are the snowcapped, rumbling volcanoes – Pomerape and Parinacota – of Putre. Lauca National Park is rich with flora and fauna, as well as plentiful grazing wildlife. Spot flamingoes, llamas, rheas and alpacas mincing around this spectacular park while you breathe in the fresh Chilean air.

Recommended by Lucy Pierce.

Portillo

Natural Feature

Portillo is South America’s oldest ski resort, with an iconic yellow building that is easily noticeable from all around the resort. Discover the pistes and ski on the well-groomed terrain – or if you’re feeling adventurous, explore some of the endless off-piste runs. Be sure to pack extra clothes for the evenings, as they are known to get into the minus temperatures.

Recommended by Lucy Pierce.

close-ad