The Best Things To See And Do In Chile

Spanning 2,653 miles in length, Chile is incredibly vast and offers experiences as diverse as its landscape. From cities to small towns to complete wilderness – Chile is a dream destination. Here are Culture Trip’s suggestions for the best things to see and do on your next visit to the southern cone.

Explore Santiago

You’ll likely fly into Chile’s capital, so why not spend some time here. From museums to nightclubs and everything in between: vintage thrift stores, unique neighborhoods, gorgeous parks and gardens and boutique hotels, Santiago has something for everyone.

http://instagram.com/p/BWP_5Y_FOZi/?tagged=santiago

Check out Valparaiso

Caleta Portales, Acceso A Caleta Portales, Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile, +56 32 262 5814

La Mercado Cardonal, Uruguay 125, Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile, + 56 32 221 0066

http://instagram.com/p/BWP_mZRFZpN/?tagged=valparaiso

Visit Chile’s wine country

Did you know Chile is famous for its wine? A trip to Chile’s wine country is a must. Located between Santiago and coastal city Valpariso, Casablanca Valley is the fastest growing wine destination. With cooler temperatures and a Mediterranean climate, this is a perfect place for biking through fertile vineyards. And, what better way to end the day, than with a view and glass of Chile’s finest? Another popular tourist destination, Colchagua Valley is full of rolling hills and hundreds of vineyards. With good climate and vines to match, this is a great place for winery tours on bike.

Casablanca Valley, Valparaiso, Chile

Colchagua Valley, O’Higgins, Chile

http://instagram.com/p/BJubdBUAxhx/?tagged=chilevineyards

Travel to small towns in the Lakes Region

Looking for farmland, forests, snowcapped volcanoes and clear lakes? Then head south to the Lakes Region. You’ll arrive in Puerto Montt’s airport; just 20 minutes away is Puerto Varas – a popular tourist destination with a view of Volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco. Puerto Varas, Puerto Octay, Frutillar surround Lake Llanquihue, Chile’s second largest lake, can be easily visited by the lakeside route. Other attractions include: ski destination Volcano Osorno, Puyehue National Park and Vicente Perez Rosales national park.

Volcan Osorno, Puerto Varas, X Region, Chile, +56 09 9158 7337

Puyehue National Park, Ruta Internacional 215, Puyehue, Chile, +56 641974572

Vicente Perez Rosales, Puerto Varas, X Región, Chile

http://instagram.com/p/BWPl8HEnGxa/?tagged=volcanosorno

1. Soak up the Atacama Desert’s hot springs

Spa

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.

Puritama Spa, Ruta 5, Guatin, San Pedro de Atacama, Segunda Región de Antofagasta, Chile

http://instagram.com/p/BWP18Vxgm8V/?tagged=atacama

Ski or snowboard in the Andes

Chile offers distinct ski resorts with stories to speak for themselves. From Olympic medals in northern Chile to hot springs in central Chile and volcano descents in Patagonia, the country’s ski resorts will impress. Ski season is mid-June through October, so you’re just in time. Read up, layer up, then get out there – the slopes are calling.

Check out the best resorts here.

http://instagram.com/p/BWLM46Lh3qo/?taken-at=943999826

Explore Chile’s largest Islands: Easter Island and Chiloé Island

Consider yourself an islander? Then you won’t want to miss Chile’s largest two: Easter Island and Chiloé Island.

Easter Island is isolated, located in Polynesia – central and southern parts of the Pacific Ocean, consisting of thousands of islands – and makes up 163.6 square kilometers (63.1 sq miles). This island is known as Rapu Nui in the islander’s native tongue and offers a sense of mystery. With pink beaches, volcano cones, grasslands and the iconic moai statues, Easter Island is a unique experience, waiting for you.

Chile’s largest island, Chiloe covers 5,704 square miles (9,181 km) and offers an array of sights including wild beaches, thick forests, colorful churches and marine wildlife. From trekking to whale watching and everything in between: horseback riding, kayaking, ferry rides and fun meals, Chiloe will keep the whole family entertained.

Easter Island, Valparaiso Region, Chile

Chiloé Island, X Region, Chile

http://instagram.com/p/BWJXxVggvaA/?taken-at=746581605

Take a trip to Torres del Paine in Patagonia

Patagonia’s most popular park, located in the Magallenes Region and Chilean Antartica, Torres del Paine is known its preservation of the wildlife and land in which it inhibits. With glaciers, valleys, crystal lakes and adventure activities, there is so much to take in. One of the most unique experiences to have is staying the night at Eco Camp Patagonia, a sustainable touristic destination. Here you’ll stay in a cozy dome that can sleep couples or families of four, comfortably. Complete with a low-emission wood stove, an open terrace, cultural decorations and a compostable toilet, Eco Camp Patagonia is a stay you can feel good about.

Torres del Paine National Park, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region, Chile

Eco Camp Patagonia, Puerto Natales, Natales, Región de Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena, Chile, +56 2 2923 5950

http://instagram.com/p/BWN0NNODd_D/?tagged=torresdelpaine

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

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

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

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

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