There are many reasons why visiting the colourful country of Chile should be at the top of your list. Besides its unique architecture, Chile is known for its magnificent natural wonders like the Andes Mountains, and cultural splendours like Easter Island.
Amongst all the famous places in Chile, the country also boasts a growing microbrewery scene, and it is praised for its exquisite beers and wines. From its landscapes to city streets, Chile’s places to visit are abundant.
Without the help of a guide, it can be challenging to choose where to go. Luckily, we’ve done some touring through the Americas, and we’ve put together a helpful list of the best places to visit in Chile.
Chile’s Tourist Attractions
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There are so many must-see places in Chile. This beautiful country offers a variety of activities suited for families and more adventurous travellers. From the snow-covered Andes mountains to the coastal city of Valparaíso, these places of interest in Chile are essential editions to your itinerary.
Santiago
Spend some time in Chile’s capital city, Santiago. It is usually where most journeys through the country begin. Santiago is amongst the most common places to go in Chile. Its busy streets are a transportation hub for locals and tourists making their way across the country.
Besides that, Santiago is the country’s cultural, historical, and entertainment capital. Some of the best things to do in Chile can be found here. Between the beautiful architecture, the city celebrates art through its many museums. If you spend some time on the streets of Santiago, make sure to indulge in the local cuisine and some fantastic local beer and wine.
To escape the bustling city, locals and tourists enjoy the urban greenspace of the Santiago Metropolitan Park. It’s the perfect place for a picnic during the summer. For a different view of Chile’s capital city, take the sky car up to San Cristóbal Hill and see Santiago from above.
The best way to immerse yourself in Chilean history and culture is by taking a private tour of Santiago. Your personal guide will ensure you don’t miss out on any of the city’s essential stops.
Easter Island
Easter Island, known by locals as Rapa Nui, is one of the most treasured archaeological sites in South America and one of the best places to visit in Chile. It consists of almost 900 monumental statues called Moai. These iconic giant heads, carved from volcanic stone, were built by island inhabitants as a tribute to ancestors of the Polynesian island.
These monuments, standing tall since the 13th century, are an international marvel. Visiting the Moai on Easter Island is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Although the journey may be complicated, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chile. Easter Island isn’t a sight you want to miss.
To get to Easter Island, you’ll want to hop on the one flight per week to Isla de Pascua. From Santiago, it’ll take a total of five hours in the sky to reach the island. Thankfully, there are accommodation options available around the village of Hanga Roa.
Torres del Paine National Park
When standing beneath the snow-capped mountains, it’s hard to believe that the picturesque scene of Torres del Paine National Park is not an image from a dream. Reaching the national park can be quite a journey, but the unbelievable experience is well worth it.
Torres del Paine is just over 100km from the city of Puerto Natales. There are several forms of accommodation within and around the park. Visitors can enjoy the comforts of a lodge or “rough it out” on a campground.
Visitors can hike the 2850 metre tall granite peaks and the surrounding areas. Routes can be fairly treacherous. So, it’s recommended (and mandatory in some cases) that hikers recruit a professional guide for longer hikes.
For travellers who aren’t too keen on spending a few nights in the mountains, you can tick off a few of the park’s highlights on a full-day tour of Torres del Paine National Park.
Valparaíso
Valparaíso is tucked between the mountains and the coast of Chile. It’s the country’s third-largest city and a popular attraction. Without stopping to explore along the way, the drive from Santiago to Valparaíso should only take you 1.5 hours.
The vibrancy of Valparaíso is hard to miss. Visitors to the city are greeted by the bright colours that decorate its architecture and its quaint cobblestone streets. Wandering through Valparaiso makes a wonderful day trip if you’re staying in Santiago.
Because it is a port city, many of Valparaiso’s tourist attractions are related to its maritime history. But, visitors can also enjoy the city’s many panoramic views and its coastal cuisine. Valparaíso is one of the best places to visit in Chile on New Years Eve, you can catch the spectacular fireworks display on the beach.
Valle Nevado
Outside of the skiing community, not many people know that Chile offers some of the world’s best ski resorts. The Valle Nevado, or Snowy Valley region at the foothills of the Andes, is a popular location for locals and tourists to enjoy winter sports.
Valle Nevado is one of many family-friendly places in Chile that are worth your time. The resort is open for 112 days of the year, perfect for tourists trying to avoid the crowds in summer.
The slopes at Valle Nevado are suitable for everyone from beginners to pros. In fact, many professional teams frequent the region for training and practice. The foothills of the Andes offer a variety of other sports for adventure seekers, like rock climbing, mountain climbing, and ice swimming.
Best Things to do in Chile – A Summary
Deciding on the best places to visit in Chile is not easy. With such an assortment of activities, it’s easy to miss the best of Chile when planning your trip. The country’s many tourist attractions offer something for every kind of traveller.
Whether you’re more inclined to explore Easter Island or appreciate Santiago’s art scene, our guide will help you decide what to do in Chile.
If you enjoyed this article on Chile’s tourism, why not read our list of the best countries in South America that you should visit on your next trip?
