21 Incredible Places To Visit In Chile

There are so many beautiful places to visit in Chile. I have been there twice – in fact, I came back from my second trip just a month ago. Both times, I felt like I had hardly enough time to see everything. And that was not because I was short on time (I stayed more than 3 weeks last time) but because there just so much to see.

Chile is a beautiful, diverse country with a lot to offer. Its tourist attractions include incredible natural sites—from the deserts of the north to the mountains of windy Patagonia in the south—beautiful cities, a thriving cultural life, and superb food and wine—not to mention the fabulous Pisco Sour cocktail.

Continue reading for a selection of the best places to visit in Chile. You will discover the top Chile tourist attractions, listed from North to South.

The Best Places To Visit In Chile

Parque Nacional Lauca

If you have a thing for volcanoes and the Andes remain one of your mountain dreams, this is one of the most interesting places to visit in Chile. Parque Nacional Lauca is found at about 140 km (about 87 miles) east of Arica, in the north of the country, and is home to—among others—Pomerape and Parinacota volcanoes.

The park is perfect for those interested in hiking in Patagonia Chile. The Chile highlights include the beautiful lakes of Cotacotani and Chungara, one of the highest lakes in the world at the foot of the Payachata volcanoes; several archeological sites; and incredible wildlife, including around 140 species of birds, including the Chilean flamingo and the Andean condor.

Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, this ghost town located in the North of Chile, in the Atacama Desert region near Iquique and close to the border with Bolivia and Peru, is one of the most interesting Chile attractions. Founded in 1872, this mining town was originally known as La Palma, and at its peak, 3500 people lived there.

The town was named after James Humberstone, a British engineer whose fortune was largely due to saltpeter. Saltpeter was used to make fertilizers and was so abundant in this part of the world that at some point in the 20th century, almost all saltpeter in the world came from the Atacama Desert.

Humberstone, which was originally in Peruvian territory, was literally fought over by the three bordering countries. It was eventually completely abandoned in the 1960s but has since remained a very interesting place to visit. 

TIP: Visit on a guided tour to make the most of the area and learn about its complex history.

San Pedro de Atacama and Atacama Desert

At a whopping 24-hour bus ride (or a couple of hours’ flight) from Santiago, there’s San Pedro de Atacama, one of the top places to visit in Chile.

The village (no more than 5000 people live there year-round) is 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level and is a lovely series of adobe buildings. It has a nice 17th-century church, a lovely small square, and a bunch of good bars and restaurants where you can eat good food at reasonable prices (and last time I was there, I realized they often have live music).

More importantly, San Pedro de Atacama is a great starting point to explore the rest of the region and try out a series of fun activities such as sandboarding (which is best done in the morning, when temperatures are still mild) and stargazing for which the Atacama Desert—being the driest place on earth—is literally the best place.

I wasn’t fortunate to enjoy star gazing on my last trip because – check this out – it had been raining and the sky was completely overcast, so the star gazing tour was called off. Nevertheless, I’d go back to San Pedro de Atacama in an heart beat.

I recommend this San Pedro de Atacama: Etno-Astronimal Experience. You’ll have several hours to stargaze, all while you learn more about stars, celestial bodies, and the universe from a professional guide. Considering the beauty of the Atacama Desert, this is definitely one of the best ways to make the most of it.

Check out my post A Complete Guide To San Pedro de Atacama. The guide really dives deep into all the best things to do in San Pedro de Atacama, exploring the many different ways to experience the beauty and the easiest ways to do so.

Valle de la Luna

13 km (8 miles) west of San Pedro de Atacama, Valle de la Luna is a large valley with beautiful sand and stone formations carved by wind and water. Some of them, like Tres Marias, have interesting shapes to the point that they look man-made.

Actually last time I visited I realized one of the three Marias is no longer standing. That’s because a tourist was too eager to pose for a photo on top of it. Now, they have a barrier that clearly explains you can’t get close.

The colors and the terrain of Valle de la Luna are so peculiar that walking there feels like walking on the moon. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, when, climbing a sand dune, it is possible to reach a viewpoint from where there’s a spectacular sunset.

Watching the sunset from Valle de la Luna is one of the best things to do in Chile.

If you don’t have a car, the best way to visit is on a guided tour. I recommend this San Pedro de Atacama: Valley de la Luna Sunset Tour. You’ll visit the Valley of the Moon, have a short, guided walk to a viewpoint, and partake in a few other fun activities at this breathtaking, lunar-like landscape.

Valle de la Muerte

Valle de la Muerte is one of the best places to visit in Chile. It’s also known as Mars Valley – and upon visiting, it is easy to see why.

Located in the Salt Mountain range and very close to San Pedro de Atacama, this is a great place to explore. It is generally visited on a tour that also includes a visit to Valle de la Luna and Tres Marias.

El Tatio Geysers

El Tatio can be easily accessed from San Pedro de Atacama. The geysers are located over 4,300 meters (14,107 feet) above sea level and are the world’s highest geyser field.

They are a surreal sight, best admired at sunrise when it really feels like walking through a giant steam bath. The altitude is such, and tours depart so early that it’s really freezing cold when you get there – not to mention, you may also get a bit of altitude sickness.

When I visited, the tour also went to the nearby lagoons where we could admire pink flamingos, vicunas, foxes and other wildlife.

I recommend this San Pedro de Atacama: El Tatio Geyser Tour. This is one of the best tours in Chile for beauty and organization. You’ll leave early in the morning (around 4:30 am) to watch a stunning sunrise behind the geyser. After sunrise, you’ll have breakfast and ride around Putana Valley.

Pisco Elqui

Pisco is the national drink of Chile (and of Peru, too, actually), so it makes sense to visit the area – which is close to La Serena – where it mostly comes from. You can explore a distillery and go on a Pisco tasting tour, and the area is packed with good hiking trails, too.

Guided tours of the area depart from La Serena. I recommend this Elqui Valley Tour from La Serena. The tour includes visiting a Pisco production plan in Elqui Valley, a stroll through Vincuña, a brief trip to the tomb of Gabriela Mistral (a Chilean Novel prize-winning poet), and lunch. You’ll be accompanied by a local guide who explains the history and culture of each site, as well.

Santiago

Santiago isn’t nearly as beautiful as other cities in South America, but it is full of life.

It is definitely one of the places to visit in Chile that should not be missed, especially as there you can get a taste of the local culture and vibe. Founded in 1541, it is the cultural and political center of the country and where people from the rest of Chile go to manifest their dissent against the government.

Here is a selection of places you should visit in Santiago:

CENTRO CULTURAL PALACIO LA MONEDA—Currently the seat of the Chilean President, it’s where you can observe the changing of the guard.

MUSEO NACIONAL DE BELLAS ARTES—The National Museum of Fine Arts first opened in 1880 and has an excellent collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works by Chilean artists. Its focus is on these artists.

MUSEO CHILENO DE ARTE PRECOLUMBINO—The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is the best place to learn about the country’s ancient history.

MUSEO DE LA MEMORIA Y LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS—The Museum of Memory and Human Rights is the best place to learn about the country’s difficult recent past and the sufferings during the Pinochet dictatorship.

SAN CRISTOBAL HILL—The best place for views of the city, this is where you’ll also see a 22-meter-tall statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

PARQUE METROPOLITANO DE SANTIAGO—The main city park, hosting a botanical garden and a funicular.

Other things you should not miss in Santiago are a free walking tour – there are regular ones departing twice a day from the Catedral Metropolitana, in Plaza de Armas, that will also tell you about the local quiltro – AKA the stray dogs; and a street art tour.

To be fair, this last time I was in Santiago I didn’t see nearly as many stray dogs as the first time I was there. Within 10 years things have improved a lot and sterilization programs for strays have been put in place.

Finally, Santiago is also packed with good restaurants, a great seafood market (the fabulous Mercado Central), and lots of glamorous bars. 

If you want a unique dining experience, book a table at Borago. It’s one of the best restaurants in the world, and for a good reason. There’s no menu, but you will have a tasting menu with or without wine pairing (I had the wine pairing and I recommend it). The dishes are a real work of art.

The following guided tours may be a good way to enjoy the city:

Make sure to check out my post, Fun Things To Do In Santiago, Chile. The guide covers all the best things to do in Santiago, whether you’re looking for a calm afternoon visiting different city parks or more exciting day trips and other activities.

Cajon del Maipo

An easy day trip from Santiago, Cajon del Maipo is the perfect place for hiking, rafting, and more. Make sure not to miss the beautiful Embalse el Yeso, famous for its turquoise waters and the local hot springs.

You can go independently or, to make the most of the area, on a guided tour. The following are some good options:

Valparaiso

You can’t go to Chile and skip Valparaíso. The third largest city in the country is beautifully set between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, just over 100 km (just over 62 miles) from the capital—thus, it’s a great place for a day trip.

Check out the best day trip from Santiago to Valparaíso, From Santiago: Valparaiso and Vina del Mar Day Tour. This tour includes a two-hour guided tour of beautiful Valparaiso, two hours at Vina del Mar, and some time at Reñaca Beach.

The main sights include:

MUSEO LORD COCHRANE—The Lord Cochrane Museum is located in a colonial building dating back to 1842 and focuses on the maritime heritage of the city and the country.

MUSEO NAVAL Y MARITIMO—The Naval and Maritime Museum has an interesting exhibit about the War of the Pacific, which in 1879 saw Chile on one side and Peru and Bolivia on the other. 

For more naval and war history of Chile, you may want to visit the Ironclad Huáscar located in the Port of Talcahuano, around 600 km (about 373 miles) south of the capital.

Of course, among the top places to visit in Chile that you’ll find in Valparaiso there are the fish and seafood market, located on the waterfront (where you’ll also be able to spot marine life like sea lions) and Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion.

The two hills can be reached via an old funicular that runs up and down the hill. They are a fantastic place to admire street art (there are lots of murals) and there are all sorts of vendors selling unique artesania items. I bought a beautiful red jacked with a painted cat at its back.

If you’re traveling to Valparaiso on your own, you can join a guided tour to learn more about the city and make the most of your time. I recommend these tours:

Make sure to check out my post The Best Things To Do In Valparaiso. The travel guide gives you more information about Valparaiso, how to get there, and all the best tours and activities in the area.

Valle Nevado

Valle Nevado, in the region of El Plomo, is one of the best ski resorts in South America. It was first opened in 1988 and is easily reached from Santiago, which is just 46 km (28.5 miles) and less than one hour and 30 minutes’ drive.

If you are into skiing, you will appreciate the excellent quality of the snow—powdery and dry—as this area is located at 3,000 meters (9,842 feet)above sea level.

If you visit Chile in the winter, you may go on a guided day trip from Santiago. I recommend this From Santiago: Valle Nevado and Farellones Small Group Tour. The tour includes transportation, the option to rent snow gear, and skiing at Nevado Ski Resort. You’ll also make a quick stop at Colorado Ski Resort.

If, on the other hand, you visit in the summer, you will be glad to find many hiking trails and places that are perfect for biking and horse riding.

Other ski resorts close to Santiago de Chile are Portillo, the oldest ski resort in South America and famous for the yellow building visible from anywhere in the area, and Farellones, which is within easy distance of Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado.

Pucon

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Chile for nature and adventure lovers, who go there to climb Villarrica volcano, go whitewater rafting, horse riding, and – at the end of an adrenaline-filled day – enjoy the thermal baths.

Cochamó Valley

One of the most scenic parts of the country, in the lake region and named after the Cochamó River, Cochamó Valley is often described as Chile’s own Yosemite. It’s one of the most fun places in Chile for fly fishing and hiking, for there is a plethora of hiking trails of various difficulty levels, as well as rock climbing.

The most popular hike is by far the Cowboy Trail, a 10-km hike that starts in Cochamó village and goes all the way to La Junta.

The Lake District

The Lake District of Chile (Los Lagos) stretches for well over 300 km (186.4 miles) from Temuco to Puerto Montt. It includes the lovely town of Puerto Varas, which honestly looks like a piece of Germany landed in Chile.

It’s interesting to see that the towns in the region all resemble the traditional architectural style of countries such as Switzerland or Austria, where originally, the Mapuche Indigenous People lived here. Unfortunately, the arrival of European settlers forced the Mapuche to relocate. 

Los Lagos is a fantastic place for hiking, biking, horse riding, and water sports such as kayaking. Volcano climbing is another favorite. 

Purto Varas has a lovely lake that’s perfect to relax. There are several beaches where you can spend an afternoon chilling, much like the locals do. You can also rent kayaks to explore more.

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales was established in 1926—the first in the country. Its main highlight is the Saltos del Petrohué, a gorgeous waterfall whose view is particularly beautiful after heavy rain.

The area, known for its volcanoes and thermal springs, provides plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. Watch carefully, and you may be able to spot deer and pumas. Bird watching and fishing are available, too. 

I visited on a guided tour that includes a boat ride, a visit to the Saltos del Petrohué and that also included a trip to Osorno Volcano where you could ride a chairlift all the way to the top crater. The views of the volcano are stunning, and so are the views from the chairlift.

You can easily get to Vicente Pérez National Park on day trips departing from Puerto Varas.

Pumalin Park

Located in Palena Province, in the Lake District, this nature sanctuary was established in 2005 thanks to the American Conservation Land Trust. The sanctuary covers an area of almost a million acres from the Pacific coast to the Andes mountain range and is one of the nicest Chile tourist attractions.

The sanctuary aims to protect the region’s unique flora and fauna, including the Alerce tree—one of the oldest tree species in the world. The park offers a wide range of hiking trails, camping sites, and cabins.

Chiloé National Park

Chiloé Island—the second largest in Chile and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is a truly special place. Scattered around the island are wooden churches that date back to the 16th century, when a community of Jesuit missionaries established itself there.

Chiloé’s most famous sight, however, remains the “palafitos“—colorful, old stilt houses built along the coast and that can be visited on a boat tour that departs from Castro, the main city.

Chiloé National Park is one of the best destinations in Chile for spotting blue whales, dolphins, and penguins, many of which live in the Islotes de Puñihuil Natural Monument. I wasn’t fortunate enough to see any when I visited, but you should try your luck!

You can easily visit Chiloé on a day trip from Puerto Varas. I recommend this From Puerto Varas: Chiloe Island Full-Day Tour. The tour includes transportation to/from Puerto Varas. You’ll take a ferry across the bay, visit the museum on Chiloe Island, learn about the unique customs and heritage of the island, and do so much more. Just make sure you insist the tour runs in English. When I visited, the tour was meant to be in English but only spoke Spanish. I was ok with it since I speak Spanish, but my English speaking friend wasn’t happy about it!

Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine may well be the best national park in South America and has to be included in the list of places to visit in Chile.

You can get to Torres del Paine from Puerto Natales, Chile, or from El Calafate, Argentina. Both give you access to incredible trails and some of the best hikes in Patagonia.

It has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1981 and a place to observe wildlife such as ostrich-like rhea (called ñandú), condors, flamingos, as well as guanacos.

Torres del Paine is the ultimate place in South America for hiking. Remember, though, that this is Southern Patagonia: wind is typically strong, and with it comes the great danger of quickly spreading fires, such as the one caused by a visitor that in 2011 destroyed over 40,000 acres of old forest, killed animals, and burned various buildings in the area.

Upon returning more than 10 years later, the damage caused by that fire was still clearly visible.

What makes Torres del Paine a perfect place to hike is the incredible array of hiking trails. Most trails are for multi-day hikes. The Paine Circuit takes between 7 and 9 days, but there are some shorter trails, such as the W Trek or the hike between Refugio de las Torres and Mirador Las Torres, from where there’s a gorgeous view of the towers.

I walked the W Trek, which takes 4 full days of walking (and 3 nights sleeping in tents or dorms, if you are lucky to find a spot in the refugios), and it was definitely challenging (especially the first and third day) but also incredibly rewarding.

Another short hike that offers magnificent views is the one to Salto Grande, a gorgeous waterfall. After an hour’s walk, you can reach Mirador Nordernskjöld, which offers incredible views over the lake and mountains.

Torres del Paine National Park is scattered with camping sites and refugios where you can sleep, though reservations are necessary. One way to avoid making reservations and dealing with organizational issues is to go on a guided trek, which will include all meals and accommodations. I went with G Adventures and it was a fantastic experience.

Here are some good guided tours of Torres del Paine National Park:

Before traveling to Patagonia, make sure to read my article, Hiking Gear And More: The Perfect Patagonia Packing List. It can be challenging to pack for such a different climate, but the Patagonia packing travel guide will help you be prepared!

Mylodon Cave Natural Monument

Close to Puerto Natales, in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, El Monumento Natural Cueva del Milodón is a system of caves that includes the Milodón Cave, which is 200 meters deep and where the remains of a prehistoric Mylodon were found in 1895.

Another interesting landmark is the Silla del Diablo, or Devil’s Chair, a rock formation. There are also numerous good hiking trails.

Day trips from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park. I recommend this Puerto Natales: Torres del Paine Full Day Tour. You’ll drive to some of the best scenic viewpoints in Torres del Paine, hike through an ancient Lenga forest, and explore Grey Lake Beach. The activity includes transportation and a guide.

Tierra del Fuego

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Chile, Tierra del Fuego is a great destination for nature, adventure, and wildlife lovers. It’s a great spot to observe Magellanic and Humboldt penguins, humpback whales, sea lions, and dolphins.

Monumento Natural Los Pingüinos, 35 km (21.7 miles) northeast of Punta Arenas and including Magdalena and Marta Islands, is home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and seals. Boat tours departing from Punta Arenas take visitors to the site.

I recommend this Punta Arenas: Full-Day Whales, Penguins, and Glaciers Tour. It’s the most fun adventure around Cape Forward, one of the most beautiful and remote places in Latin America. Depending on the season and time, you’ll have a good chance of spotting whales, dolphins, and penguins.

You can easily cross over from Chilean Tierra del Fuego to Ushuaia, in Argentina, for even more adventures. Make sure to check out my post Everything You Need To Know About Ushuaia, Patagonia.

BONUS! Rapa Nui National Park

Having finally been, I can promise that Rapa Nui is one of the most beautiful, special places to visit in Chile.

At 3,500 km off the coast of Chile, the island—whose population is Polynesian—was first explored in 1722 by a Dutch explorer. The common name (Easter Island) is due to the fact that he first arrived there on Easter Sunday – but the official name, the one the locals use, is Rapa Nui.

The main attraction on Easter Island, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the massive stone sculptures. These can be seen in various spots in Rapa Nui National Park. The most famous one is Ahu Tongariki, the one pictured above – which is also the best sunrise spot on the island.

Rapa Nui also has some stunning beaches such as Anakena – it has fine white sand, clear waters that are perfect for swimming, and a couple of lovely restaurants where you can have lunch. It is also home to the excellent Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum, located in Hanga Roa, the only settlement.

Other places to visit include Orongo Village, right by the crater of Rano Kau volcano; Vinapu; and Ranu Raraku.

All the sites inside the national park must be visited with a guide. Unfortunately, good English speaking guides are lacking on the island – so make sure you ask around before you commit!

You can fly to Easter Island from Santiago de Chile. Flights take 6 hours.

Further Readings

Are you planning a longer trip to South America? Make sure to read my posts:

• A Guide To The Greatest Things To Do In Argentina
• The Most Incredible 7 Things To Do In Uruguay
• The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu: A Useful Guide
• Everything You Need To Know To Hike Marcahuasi, Peru

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