This diverse country has much to offer travelers of all ages, from stunning landscapes to vibrant cities full of culture and history to great beach spots. Plus, with highly touristic regions like Santiago and Valparaíso, there’s sure to be somewhere to suit your needs and interests. So check out these destinations in Chile.
Atacama Desert
It is located in the north of Chile, in the Antofagasta region. It is known as the driest desert in the world, since in some areas there has been no rain in decades.
If you visit it, you can experience different environments: hills, canyons, valleys, salt flats, lagoons and dunes. Some of the most famous places in the desert are the Moon Valley, the Atacama Salt Flat, the Chaxa Lagoon and the Tatio geysers.
Despite its aridity, the Atacama Desert is home to a large amount of wildlife, including endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Animals that can be found in the desert include vicuñas, guanacos, foxes, birds of prey and reptiles such as the coastal iguana.
The climate is very dry and sunny throughout the year, with temperature extremes that can vary significantly between day and night. Due to its location in an area free of light pollution, the desert is also one of the best places in the world for stargazing and constellation observation.
Easter Island
Also known as Rapa Nui, is an island located in the Pacific Ocean, about 3,700 kilometers west of mainland Chile. The island is famous for its moai, giant stone statues that are scattered throughout the island.
The island itself is quite small, with a total area of only about 160 km², making it a very manageable tourist destination. It is covered with vegetation, including eucalyptus trees, palms and breadfruit trees, and features several extinct volcanoes.
Most of Easter Island’s inhabitants are of Polynesian descent, and the Rapa Nui culture is still very important on the island. Traditional music and dance can be seen and heard on the island, and Rapa Nui food, which includes fresh fish and sweet potato, is very popular.
It is a unique place in the world, with a fascinating culture and history, beautiful natural landscapes and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Torres del Paine
It is a National Park located in the Chilean Patagonia, in the region of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, which includes rugged mountains, glaciers, turquoise lakes and extensive grassy meadows.
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, such as guanacos, condors, pumas and foxes. It is also famous for the three granite towers rising skyward in the center of the park, which are one of the main attractions for visitors.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, boating, fishing and horseback riding. There is also a wide variety of campsites and accommodations to suit all tastes, from basic lodges to luxury hotels.
Santiago
It is the capital of Chile and offers a wide variety of tourist and cultural attractions.
It is a city with a rich history that dates back to pre-Hispanic times and has been influenced by Spanish culture. By walking its streets and visiting its museums and monuments, visitors can learn about the history and culture of Chile.
It has a varied architecture ranging from historic buildings to modern skyscrapers. Visitors can admire the majesty of La Moneda Palace, the beauty of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the modern design of the Costanera Center building.
Santiago de Chile has a vibrant nightlife, with a wide variety of bars, discos and clubs for all tastes. From the most sophisticated to the most informal, there are options for everyone.
In addition, visitors can enjoy green areas in Parque Bicentenario, Parque Forestal or Cerro San Cristobal.
Valparaíso
It is a city located on the central coast of Chile, and is known for its picturesque charm, brightly colored houses and steep hills that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and the Pacific Ocean. It is a city of great cultural and historical importance, and its historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
The city has a lively cultural and artistic life, with a large number of theaters, museums and art galleries. It is also famous for its hills, which are full of stairways, alleys and ancient funiculars, allowing visitors to move around the city in a unique and exciting way.
Valparaíso is also known for its gastronomy, which features a wide variety of typical local dishes and drinks, such as wine and fresh seafood that can be found in the city’s many restaurants and bars.
Viña del Mar
Known for its beaches, warm weather and plenty of green areas and gardens, Viña del Mar is a city located on the central coast of Chile, near the city of Valparaíso.
The city has a large number of tourist attractions, such as the famous Flower Clock, the Viña del Mar Casino and the Cerro Castillo Presidential Palace. It is also known for its international music festival, the Viña del Mar Festival, which is held annually in February and attracts artists from all over the world.
The city has a wide variety of restaurants, bars and stores, as well as a lively nightlife. It is also a starting point for exploring the Casablanca wine region, which is just a few kilometers to the east.
Chiloé
It is an island located in the south of Chile, specifically in the Los Lagos Region. The island is known for its rich culture and traditions, as well as its stunning natural beauty.
Its picturesque coastal villages, wooden churches (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and houses built on stilts on the coast are unique. The island also boasts stunning natural landscapes, such as lakes, rivers, forests and mountains.
The culture of Chiloé Island is also very distinctive, with a mixture of indigenous and Spanish influences. Traditional music and dance, such as the cueca chilota and the dance of the scissors, are an important part of cultural life on the island.
These are just some of Chile’s natural and cultural beauties, but the country has many more that are equally impressive and worth visiting.
All illustrations on this site are courtesy of Pictographic.
