Chile is one of South America’s most underrated destinations. Overshadowed by the Peruvian ancient ruins, salt flats of Bolivia, and the Amazonian jungles of Brazil, Chile has its own unique attractions. From the arid depths of the Atacama desert to the snow-clad Patagonia mountains, Chile has an abundance of extreme landscapes. The beautiful street art of Valparaiso and the mysterious statues of Easter Island create memorable images. Here are some of the best places to visit in Chile:
EASTER ISLAND
Easter Island was my #1 reason for visiting Chile. Few people realize that it is actually possible to travel to Easter Island. The tiny Polynesian Island in the Pacific Ocean is a Chilean territory and can be reached by a direct flight from Santiago. Rapa Nui National Park on Easter Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and preserves the Moai or Easter Island stone statues. The statues are gigantic and mysterious while the people who carved them are long gone. The eerie statues have drawn archeologists, anthropologists, and tourists since decades. Easter Island also has other attractions including the boat-shaped houses at Orongo, the beach at Anakena, and the lava tube caves with Rapa Nui paintings. There are also many unique cultural things to do on Easter Island including attending a traditional Polynesian dance performance, trying out the delicious Rapa Nui cuisine, and learning their arts including wood carving and jewelry making. I loved hiking inside Rapa Nui National Park and seeing the ancient archeological sites. The volcanic crater of Rano Kau where the Moai were carved is an astounding place. Seeing the magnificent Easter Island statues gaze down at you is an incredible experience. We recommend everyone to put Easter Island on your bucket list; it’s definitely the trip of a lifetime.
Also Read: 45 Best Things to do on Easter Island
Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island
VALPARAISO
Hands down one of our favorite places to visit in Chile! The colonial port city of Valparaiso was once the economic hub on the Central Coast of Chile and known among seafarers as the Jewel of the Pacific. When the city’s fortunes declined after the opening of the Panama Canal and the historic buildings fell into ruins, Valpo’s artists stepped in to create some of the world’s most stunning street art. Today, the historic seaport area of Valparaiso is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visitors from all over the world visit Valparaiso to view the colorful murals and paintings in alleyways and on walls. The city is best seen in an art walk. We loved walking the cerros (hills) and narrow cobbled roads in search of inspiring and stunning street art. Valpo has long been favorite of artists, painters, and creative types and was much loved by Pablo Neruda, the Chilean Nobel prize-winning poet. Neruda’s home in Valpo is a popular stop on the city tour. Another major attraction of Valparaiso is its creaking, old, funicular railways climbing the hills surrounding the flat seaport and downtown area. Many of these funiculars are from the early 20th century and continue to rapidly (truth be told, also rather ominously) ascend the steep hills even today. We went up and down in a couple of these and it was a memorable experience. Other Valparaiso attractions include the chaotic matchbox-like collection of colorful houses, quirky eateries, bohemian spirit, and vibrant nightlife.
Also Read: Valparaiso Travel Guide
Colorful houses and street art of Valparaiso
TORRES DEL PAINE
By Alya of Stingy Nomads
Torres del Paine National Park in the south of Patagonia is one of the highlight of Chile and a must-visit place for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. The easiest way of getting here is by bus or by car from Puerto Natales – the closest big town, 114 km away from the park. Torres del Paine is famous for its two multi-day hiking routes – the W trek and the O circuit; to complete the first you need 4 to 5 days, to walk the O circuit it takes between 7 to 8 days. For those who prefer staying in the comfort of hotels to camping, there are several day hikes in the park from 5 to 20 km that can be reached walking or driving from nearby hotels. The entire park offers visitors breathtaking scenery but there are some highlights not to miss when visiting Torres del Paine; Mirador Las Torres – famous “towers” they look impressive at sunrise; Grey glacier – a massive blue-grey field of ice; Pehoe lake – a beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by mountains; Salto Grande – a massive waterfall; Los Cuernos – weird shaped mountain peaks and many other stunning places. The wildlife of Torres del Paine is another reason to visit the park, here you can see; guanaco (a close relative of the llama), armadillo, fox, huemul (local deer), condor and if you’re very lucky early in the morning you can even spot a puma. Except for hiking visitors of the park can enjoy horse riding, ice-hiking on Grey glacier and boat cruising. Torres del Paine is definitely a place to add to your bucket list.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile (Photo – Stingy Nomads)
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
By Kaila of Nylon Pink
Here is a place to go that will not cost you an arm and a leg. We recommend starting your first night with the astronomy tour, where you can see all the night sky has to offer. Just check with your hostel, hotel or the offices on Caracoles. You just need to give them a day’s notice. Make sure your tour has a telescope available so that you can see what’s really out there. You might just see some planets up close, depending on the day! And if you really want to get a space-age experience, go sandboarding on what looks like Mars. It’s actually Death Valley, but the Sandboard San Pedro staff will show you the ins and outs of sandboarding even if you are a beginner. You will be coasting along in no time. It’s like snowboarding-no, really-you use a snowboard for it. If sandboarding isn’t your thing, 4-wheeler tours are also available. You can go with a company called On Safari Atacama, and they offer full, half or multi-day tours. You can get there by flying from Chile, Calama is the closest city with connecting flights. Sky Airlines is the budget airline of Chile, and flights won’t break the bank. There are also methods of arriving from Bolivia-you can take a tour that goes through the salt flats and ends in San Pedro. If you’re coming from Argentina, try getting a bus ride. Be warned it takes about eight hours. Drink water and make sure to have some on hand.
Piedras Rojas, Atacama Desert (Photo – CC2.0 / Wescottm)
SANTIAGO
Chile’s capital, Santiago is a vibrant South American metropolis. Established by the Spanish in the 16th century, this colonial city is Chile’s cultural hub and has beautiful colonial architecture. Tourist hotspots in the city largely revolve around the Plaza de Armas, Santiago’s popular city square. The beautiful building of the Santiago Cathedral is located in the square, as are several historic buildings including the Central Post Office and the National History Museum. The famous La Moneda Palace is also located at a walking distance from the Plaza. Mercado Central is the city’s famous fish and seafood market. It is huge and strangely attractive: all sorts of fish, scallops, mussels, clams, oysters, and other marine creatures are sold here in the open. If you prefer to see your seafood neatly prepared and on the table, then the market also has plenty of restaurants and eateries to satisfy your taste buds. We had delicious ceviche at the Mercado Central. Other attractions in Santiago include riding the funicular to the top of Cerro San Cristobal and taking the cable cars to see splendid city views. Santiago is also located close to famous wine producing regions and popular ski areas and is a great base to explore central Chile.
Santiago Cathedral
CHILOE ISLAND
Chiloe Island belongs to the Chiloe archipelago located off the coast of southern Chile. Chiloe is most popular for it’s beautifully painted, colorful, wooden churches, 16 of which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These iconic churches were built in the early 18th century by Spanish conquerors in their efforts to Christianize the island. The island of Chiloe retains a unique cultural identity which is a mix of European and Native influences. It is evident in the traditional seafood dish of curanto and the colorful stilt-mounted houses of Castro. Castro is the capital of Chiloe and an excellent base for exploring the island. Other attractions in Chiloe include the Chiloe National Park and the Islets of Punihuil. Chiloe National Park has diverse wildlife and marine life and is great for spotting blue whales, dolphins, otters, and sea lions while the Islets are the only place where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins live together. Chiloe is much more than it’s wildlife or churches. It is famous for its beliefs in myths and legends of gnomes, witchcraft, and a ghost ship similar to Flying Dutchman. These native spiritual beliefs form the basis of cultural traditions on the islands.
Painted wooden church of Chiloe (Photo – CC2.0 / Robert Gould )
TERMAS GEOMETRICAS, CHILEAN LAKE DISTRICT
By Melissa of The Family Voyage
Have you ever visited a place that felt so magical you had to wonder if it was real? That’s how we felt walking into Termas Geometricas outside of Conaripe, Chile in the Lake District of northern Patagonia. The thermal pools of varying temperatures cling to the side of a volcano and are all naturally heated. You can easily pass most of the day hopping from pool to pool as you cross the bright red boardwalks nestled in the lush green forest. When you’re all done rejuvenating in the thermal pools, dry off and head to the on-site lodge. They offer amazing food, hot drinks, and even cozy fireplaces to keep you warm if you’re visiting in cooler weather. Speaking of weather… the best time to visit Termas Geometricas is when the weather is cool and dreary. Not only will the contrast between the cold air and the hot water feel refreshing, but the mist coming off the water will only add to the lovely atmosphere. Getting to Termas Geometricas is easy if you have a car – just 1.5 hours, the last part of which is on imperfect but passable roads. If you don’t have a rental car there are plenty of tours from all of the nearby towns that will take you straight up the volcano to this thermal wonderland. Be careful about taking a taxi up, as cell phone reception is tough to come by and you may find yourself stranded.
Termas Geometricas, Chilean Lake District (Photo – The Family Voyage)
ELQUI VALLEY, LA SERENA
By Alex Trembath of Career Gappers
The Elqui Valley in northern Chile is one of the world’s premium locations for stargazing. With the clearest atmosphere on our planet, the night skies in the area are spectacular to behold. The pathway through the valley is fittingly known as ‘Ruta de las Estrellas’, or ‘Route of the Stars’. Pisco Elqui, a picturesque village around 100 kilometers east of La Serena, is one of the best spots for witnessing the valley’s famed starscapes. Several companies located in the village offer stargazing tours, which venture out to optimal vantage points. Local experts provide insights into the constellations and celestial objects in sight, and they will usually bring a telescope for you to take a closer look. For independent explorers and astrophotography enthusiasts, it’s easy to make your own way to nearby stargazing spots. The valley is also a prominent wine region and Chile’s foremost location for producing pisco brandy. Pisco Elqui is surrounded by sloping vineyards and dotted with pisco distilleries, which are open for tastings all year round. To reach Pisco Elqui you first need to travel to La Serena, the main city and transport hub in Chile’s Coquimbo coastal region. By bus, it’s about 7 hours from Santiago or 17 hours from Calama. Buses to Pisco Elqui leave every hour from La Serena and take around 2–2.5 hours. In Pisco Elqui has plenty of hotels and hostels to suit a range of travel styles. Alternatively, why not camp out under the stars? The village has several campsites to choose from, and there’s no better place more beautiful to sleep out in the open. For the best stargazing, be sure to check the moon cycle before you visit. Coincide your trip with the new moon for the clearest possible night skies.
Night sky at Elqui Valley (Photo – Career Gappers)
THE MARBLE CAVES
By Steven of Tales From the Lens
The Marble Caves, located outside of Puerto Rio Tranquilo, are Chile’s best-hidden gem. Due to its remote location, 700 km south of Puerto Montt, few travelers dare to venture down this far. Except for the adventurous ones who have time on their sides or those who complete the entire length of the Carretera Austral, the caves belong to the locals. The fact they aren’t a popular attraction doesn’t mean they aren’t the most beautiful thing you will see in Patagonia… The caves have been formed by the Patagonian winds and rough waters on the Lake General Carrera over 6,000 years. The incredible force of nature has created a marvelous piece of art in which the marble shows off beautiful blues and whites dancing in the reflection of the turquoise water below. Its remoteness is, however, not the only factor that reduces the number of tourists. In this part of the country, the roads have yet to be finished. 4WDs are necessary to travel on the loose gravel and buses which are infrequent tend to stop during the winter months due to snow. Yet, all this creates a sense of adventure and if you manage to get there, the caves will be the ultimate reward. The best way to visit is to rent a kayak and paddle through them! For those who prefer to stay dry, boat tours leave from town and bring you to the largest caves.
Marble Caves near Puerto Rio Tranquilo (Photo – Tales from the Lens)
VALDIVIA
By Gabor of Surfing the Planet
One of the underrated stops in the South of Chile is the small city of Valdivia. It’s located at around 800 km to the South from Chile, and it’s characterized by it strong colonial heritage and also a more than visible German influence since it was the port where German colonists usually landed. Getting to new the historical heritage and enjoying the cool atmosphere of this town full of students, makes it a great stop for a day or two while you head south during your travel to Chile. Valdivia is known as the most Southern Spanish colonial city, and Pedro de Valdivia (the city’s name giver), a Spanish nobleman, founded it. The main geographical features of the city are the canals and rivers, and in some places, you get to spot sea lions lying on the riverside. After a walk around the nice landscape, and a visit to the pleasant campus of the most important university in Southern Chile, the Universidad Austral de Chile, you can take a bus to Niebla, where the most interesting historical sights are found. In Niebla, you can get to visit the fort that was the defensive outpost during the Spanish conquest. Even if you are not so much interested in history, the views of the bay with the fishing boats is really gorgeous. Finally, it’s also an impressive visit to enter the Museo y Archivo Valdivia 1960, Earthquake and Tsunami, a museum which brings to you the horrors of the major natural catastrophe of 1960, when almost half of the houses in Valdivia were destroyed in an earthquake and the subsequent tsunami.
Beautiful Valdivia, Patagonia (Photo – Surfing the Planet)
LAGUNA SAN RAFAEL NATIONAL PARK
By Warren of Sling Adventures
San Rafael Glacier is a majestic unspoiled glacier hidden from view in the isolated and tranquil wilderness of the northern Patagonian icefield. It empties into a beautiful lagoon where seals sleep on slowly melting icebergs that have recently calved off from the glacial face. San Rafael is the first of the big glaciers as you head south in Chile. It cascades slowly down from Monte San Valentin before emptying into Laguna San Rafael via frequent, and often violent, thunderous avalanches of ice and snow. Getting to San Rafael glacier is a worthwhile challenge. Previously it was only accessible via an expensive 14-hour catamaran from Puerto Chacabuco. It is now able to be visited via a more reasonably priced day trip from Puerto Río Tranquillo. Still, access along a rutted 90km road which runs off an equally rugged Carretera Austral makes this trip a memorable adventure. The reward for your efforts is a huge tranquil glacier with little to no people set among an unspoiled natural wilderness. Trips from Puerto Rio Tranquilo take only 10-15 people. They include a packed lunch and an arrival ceremony which included drinking a shot of whiskey from a bowl hastily carved from ‘millennia-old’ glacial ice that has recently been scooped from the lake.
San Rafael Glacier (Photo – Sling Adventures)
PUNTA ARENAS
By Talek of Travels with Talek
Punta Arenas, in southern Chile, is an unlikely combination of faded European gilded-age splendor, wild-western U.S. frontier town, immigrant melting pot, and modern-day adventure expedition kick-off point. It is the starting point for those wanting to cruise Cape Horn and the Straits of Magellan. Punta Arenas was once the obligatory stop-off point for ships traveling to and from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Ships docked to unload and load cargo and passengers, and the town prospered. In 1914 the opening of the Panama Canal cut transit time between the oceans by 8,000 miles and Punta Arenas’ fortunes declined. Nevertheless, there are still many traces of past grandeur evident in the city’s buildings, parks, and cemeteries. The local cemetery is an especially interesting location to learn Punta Arenas history. It has been ranked as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. In 2012 this delicately landscaped necropolis was designated a National Monument of Chile. The official name of the local cemetery is the Cementerio Municipal de Punta Arenas Sara Braun. Sara Braun, who donated the land for the cemetery, was a Latvian immigrant who traveled to Punta Arenas in the early 1900s. She eventually became the richest woman in Patagonia through shrewd investments and advantageous marriages. Apparently, Ms. Braun was as eccentric as she was rich because before her death she dictated that the main doors of the cemetery be locked forever. To this day the only entrance to the cemetery is through the side door. Another legend has it that a Native Indian’s tomb produces miracles. The tomb is constantly covered in flowers and coins donated by local inhabitants in gratitude for the Indian’s miraculous interventions.
Which of these Chilean attractions have you been to? Which do you like the most? Let us know in comments!
Punta Arenas, Chile (Photo – Travels with Talek)