Chile Travel Guide

Chile, one of South America's most popular countries for many reasons, is extremely suitable for adventurers. In this country, you can see, try, and taste both traditional and contemporary experiences. Stretching from the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, Chile also hosts some of the most impressive landscapes. Spring months are generally the best time to visit Chile. During these months, the weather is mild, making it perfect for exploring natural areas, visiting museums, and participating in outdoor activities.

While many travelers prefer spring for their journeys, it's worth mentioning that Chile's summer and winter months each offer unique attractions. You can consider different times to visit for activities like skiing in the Andes during winter or attending traditional festivals in the summer. Here are some places in Chile that are waiting to be discovered and that we highly recommend you visit.

Santiago

Santiago, the capital of Chile and also its largest city, is vibrant and lively in every corner. You'll enjoy exploring this city, which is full of museums, churches, galleries, parks, restaurants, and shops. Santiago is surrounded by both historical heritage sites and natural areas, offering spots that everyone, young and old, will enjoy. Therefore, when planning your trip, you might want to allocate a bit more time to thoroughly explore the capital.

Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert, where Chile hosts spectacular scenery, will enchant you in many ways. From salt flats to active volcanoes, from geothermal pools to moon-like valleys, many magnificent areas await you. Although the desert is about 1,600 kilometers from Santiago, don't let that deter you—there are comfortable flights to reach the desert. With just a 2-hour flight, you can witness this breathtaking place. Of course, you can also reach the desert by bus, but remember it will take about 20 hours. Regardless, when you arrive at the desert, you'll be glad you came after seeing the landscape.

Easter Island

Although Easter Island is a remote island belonging to Chile, it often captivates tourists with its mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean. On the island, besides magnificent scenery, sea, and beaches, you'll also find colossal stone statues and volcanic craters that you'll want to see. You can spot the island's iconic Moai statues in almost every part of the island. If you have an adventurous spirit, you might want to climb Rano Kau Volcano. From the summit, you can take panoramic photographs of the island. Additionally, you can visit the island's oldest settlement known as Tahai Village to see traditional Rapa Nui houses up close and capture photos in this historically significant settlement.

Patagonia

Located between Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is at the southern tip of South America. With its mountains, fjords, glaciers, and lakes, it is another region hosting some of the country's most beautiful landscapes. In Patagonia, you can visit Torres del Paine National Park, the region's most popular tourist destination. Its turquoise lakes, glaciers, and granite towers will surely capture your interest. We also recommend not to miss the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world's largest moving glaciers. If you want a closer look at the glacier, you can also take a boat tour organized for tourists. While enjoying Patagonia's flawless scenery, you can participate in biking and hiking tours. This region is also particularly special for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, as it has many ski resorts. Therefore, if you're interested in these sports, it's worth taking a look.

Valparaíso

Valparaíso, a charming port city in Chile, is situated on the Pacific coast. With its colorful houses and hilly streets, it has a very impressive atmosphere. In this small lovely city, you'll find spots like Cerro Alegre, La Sebastiana, and Ascensor Artillería, which attract a lot of tourists. This beautiful city, which is also listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is seen as one of the country's cultural centers. Here, you can find restaurants serving traditional seafood dishes and cafes famous for their wines.

Chiloé Island

Chiloé Island, the second-largest island in Chile, is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of Chile's most popular tourist spots, Chiloé Island, is home to 16 wooden churches dating back to the 16th century. These churches, which are also products of local woodcarving, are extremely fascinating. Ancud, consisting of a castle, a cathedral, and a museum, is another must-see area. The island's largest city, Castro, has a maritime museum, an art gallery, and a delightful market to explore. Chiloé National Park on the island is a beautiful park where you can enjoy activities like picnicking, camping, or hiking in nature. You might want to add this enjoyable island to your list during your visit to Chile.