7 Best Places to Visit in Chile

Rugged, vast, and remote define the Atacama Desert.

From dazzling salt lakes with colorful flamingoes to galleries hosting some of the world’s oldest mummies, ravines to horizons undulating with volcanic peaks, the Atacama Desert can immerse you in an otherworldly atmosphere.

The extreme environment can give you an adventure along sand dunes, stargazing to view the swirling mist of the Milky Way, or a visit to erupting geysers at dawn to reveal the endless layers of surprising desert splendor.

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

Whether wandering along the Patagonian Steppe or venturing into the subpolar forests, Torres del Paine National Park reflects the natural beauty of Chile and the extreme wonders of the remote corner of the country.

From hiking to horseback riding, witnessing the granite pillars of the massif to exploring azure lakes that reflect emerald waters, searching for roaming guanacos to viewing the hanging glaciers, Torres del Paine is an active way to experience Chile’s unparalleled marvels.

Highlights: French Valley • Grey Glacier • Tower base • Grey Lake

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

Easter Island is a place of majesty and mystery. As one of the most remote destinations in the world, the landscape feels tropical and sparse, Polynesian, yet Chilean.

Stunning moai decorate the coastline and pristine beaches, their white and coral sands lapped by crystal-clear water.

Whether snorkeling, surfing, enjoying a panoramic view from an extinct volcanic peak, or visiting the famous statues, Easter Island welcomes you to its unparalleled magnetic allure.

Highlights: Rano Raraku National Park • Tongariki • Anakena Beach • Papa Vaka • Terevaka • Tahai

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

The diverse wine regions in Chile accentuate the natural beauty and charm of the unique topography.

With gorgeous landscapes and vines affected by the air and waters from the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Coast, the Atacama Desert to the Patagonian Steppe, Chile embraces its expansive flavors and the remarkable characteristics exemplified in its wine.

From exploring colonial plazas to basking in colorful sunsets viewed from secluded vineyards, visiting Chile’s Wine Country brings to light a different perspective of the scenery and culture.

Highlights: Estancias • Cowboy experience • Vineyard visits • Wine tasting • Museo de Colchagua

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

As the capital of culture, Santiago represents a faster pace of life and the collective heritage of Chile, spanning museums, galleries, and local markets.

With cosmopolitan energy and a sophisticated ambiance, Santiago can take you along leafy boulevards or into artistic, bohemian neighborhoods, sidewalk cafes or eccentric metro stops.

You can find colonial grandeur, pre-Columbian art, and stunning panoramic views to experience a city consistently edging into a modern renaissance.

Highlights: Parque Bicentenario • Los Dominicos Village • Santa Lucia Market • Cerro San Cristóbal • Barrio Lastarria • Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Valparaiso rises along the Pacific coast, with colorful homes climbing up the hills. The distinctive city feels like culture in bloom, reflecting Chilean gastronomy, heritage, and artistic vibrancy, all captured in the revitalization of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion.

The fun and poetic city embraces the reputation of Pablo Neruda, with unexpected charms spread across the maze of hills. With romantic mansions, steep stairs connecting the elevated neighborhoods, and preserved funiculars, Valparaiso is a unique, cobbled city that blends harbor, beaches, and hills.

Highlights: Hector Calvo • Miraflores • Caleta Portales • Cerro Alegre • La Sebastiana

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

The manicured boulevards, lush palm trees, and stately palaces lead to the elegant beaches and lush parks that create the orderly charm for which the city is known.

Colonial architecture, graceful gardens, and cultural galleries bring the city to life, while the sands shimmer gold, the cuisine embodies the natural flavors of the sea, and the architecture can take you on a journey through history.

Highlights: Reñaca Beach • Wulff Castle • Quinta Vergara • Jardín Botánico Nacional • Museo de Arqueología e Historia Francisco Fonck

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Ten days is the minimum amount of time you need to explore Chile. If you plan on visiting three destinations, you will want at least three days in each, which would already account for nine days. Transfers are often long because of Chile’s topography, so you want to make smart choices. While 10 days is a good amount of time to explore, a comfortable trip would be two weeks.

Chile can captivate you with its geographical diversity, from powerful geysers to a horizon blanketed with salt, glistening glacial lakes to soaring granite towers. Whether looking for examples of culture or escapes into the natural world, Chile brims with exciting possibilities, with each new activity immersing you in the point at which heritage meets nature.

To plan your preferred trip, you can find inspiration with our Chile tours and vacations or speak with a Chile travel specialist after exploring our Chile travel guide.