Discovering Chile: the Top 10 must-See destinations selected by our experts
Nestled along the southwestern coast of South America, Chile is a treasure trove of natural wonders, rich history, and warm hospitality. From the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the vast expanses of the Atacama Desert, this beautiful country boasts a diverse array of breathtaking attractions and unique destinations that will leave you awe-inspired.
We are delighted to present our company’s selection of the top 10 must-visit destinations in Chile.
1- Santiago de Chile
The Chilean capital has been occupying the first places in the quality of life rankings in the region. The urban character that identifies the southern metropolis has given it an unbeatable brand name in which it stands out as a clean, orderly and safe city. With the majestic Andes Mountains as a backdrop, Santiago has known how to modernize without losing a certain provincial charm, preserving a part of its colonial past. Santiago has many neighborhoods that were formed by different modes of social interaction and public space has given life to something that goes beyond a simple set of houses, streets and trees. Some of these neighborhoods offer an architectural quality of great value and have become true icons of the city.
2- Valparaíso
The emblematic Chilean port has an intense life that is at the forefront of gastronomy, design and charming boutique hotels. Going up and down the hills is a true outdoor experience that can be felt in every one of its nooks and crannies. Valparaíso is Chile’s main port and the shapes of its architecture, built into the hillsides, earned it the category of World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003.
3- Frutillar
The small town of Frutillar, located on the edge of Lake Llanquihue, towards the South of Chile, was recently declared a typical area, mainly due to its German heritage. The denomination pretends to preserve the patrimonial and architectural values derived from the German colonization, as well as the natural areas associated to the lake and the adjacent hillsides. Frutillar is also home to the Teatro del Lago, a first-class international artistic and cultural center that welcomes over 150,000 people every year to enjoy the 250 activities that take place throughout the year. In addition, guided tours allow visitors to learn about the architecture and challenges presented by the project at the time of its construction, as well as the complex technology of its facilities.
4- San Pedro de Atacama
311 kilometers away from the City of Antofagasta is the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, a parenthesis of life in the middle of the aridity and the desert. In its surroundings, nature offers a sublime show of contrasts. The environment features an extraordinary geography, with soft plains ending in mountain ranges and volcanoes rising above 6,000 meters, as opposed to the vast white salt flats formed by underground waters that never reach the sea. San Pedro de Atacama is one of the most desirable tourist destinations for foreign tourists, since it mixes the remote and inhospitable desert landscape, the geological and archaeological interest and a varied hotel offer.
5- Chiloé
It is located 1,186 kilometers from Santiago and 90 kilometers southwest of Puerto Montt. To get there, you must sail along the Chacao Channel for approximately 30 minutes on a ferry that separates the continent from the northern coast of the Big Island of Chiloé. This island is part of the archipelago of the same name, made up of some thirty other islets, some of which are uninhabited. The geography of the island is made up of fields, sea and forests, with its own culture reflected in its constructions, gastronomy and mythology. The palafittes, colourful houses built on stilts over the water, are one of the island’s great distinctions, as are its churches, all built in wood between the 18th and 19th centuries. Although there are more than 80 characteristic temples on the island, only 16 of them have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
6- Futaleufú
The small village in northern Patagonia has become the international reference for white water rafting in Chile. The category of its rapids (level IV and V), plus an excellent hotel infrastructure, have conspired to make Futaleufú an unavoidable destination on the Southern Road today. Going down the Futaleufú will always have risks. It is a unique and extreme experience, but it is worth trying. The river awaits adventurers with an intense emerald color and fierce rapids with promising names, such as Purgatory, Terminator, Los Angeles Dance, Jacob’s Scale and Hell.
7- Easter Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, Easter Island, the most remote island on the planet, offers the testimony of a living culture of Polynesian origin that gave origin to immense stone figures, the Moais, and a unique cultural background. Of volcanic origin, it is a fascinating cultural and archaeological paradise that combines the ancestral traditions of a society that, until its discovery in 1722, was unknown to the West for more than a millennium.
Rapa Nui is located 3,700 kilometers from the coast, at the height of the northern coasts of Chile, and it is geographically situated in Oceania, within the Polynesian triangle, where its inhabitants originally came from.
8- Torres del Paine
This national park is located in the extreme south of Chilean Patagonia, 147 kilometers from the city of Puerto Natales. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978 and is the third largest Chilean national park in terms of visitors. It is a protected space of 242,000 hectares with a moving network of ecosystems that includes lakes, glaciers, rivers, extensive prairies, waterfalls, forests and its particular granite towers that have positioned Chile as one of the best natural destinations on the planet.
10- Wine Region
The wine valleys in Chile are a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking a unique experience. With breathtaking landscapes of vineyards set against stunning backdrops, these valleys offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and exquisite wines. There are several prominent wine valleys, each with its own distinct characteristics and wine styles.
Some of the most popular ones to be visited while on a trip are Maipo Valley, Colchagua Valley, and the Casablanca Valley, where you will find different categories of accommodation and tours to learn about those wonderful regions.
