Things to see and do in Chile
Attractions in Chile
Atacama Desert
The driest desert on Earth delivers salt flats, geysers, lunar landscapes and flamingo-filled lagoons. Near San Pedro de Atacama, travellers can explore Valle de la Luna, high-altitude altiplano lakes and some of the clearest night skies in the world.
Chiloé Island
Off Chile's southern coast, Chiloé is known for its colourful wooden churches (many UNESCO-listed), stilt houses and distinctive mythology. Misty landscapes and a strong maritime culture define this unique island region.
Easter Island
Isolated in the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is famed for its monumental moai statues. Volcanic craters, grassy slopes and archaeological sites give the island a powerful sense of mystery and remoteness.
Elqui Valley
A fertile valley framed by arid hills, Elqui is known for its vineyards and for producing pisco, a traditional grape-based spirit that is Chile's national liquor. The valley's exceptionally clear skies also attract astronomers and stargazers, making it one of the country's leading destinations for both wine and night-sky tourism.
Grey Glacier
Part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, Grey Glacier stretches dramatically into a steel-blue lake. Boat trips and hiking routes provide close encounters with its shifting ice walls.
Juan Fernández Islands
Located some 670km off Chile's coast, this remote Pacific archipelago is famed for its dramatic cliffs, rare endemic wildlife and its association with the story of Robinson Crusoe. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the islands attract divers, hikers and travellers seeking isolation and raw natural beauty far from the mainland.
Lake District
Snow-capped volcanoes rise above deep blue lakes in this lush region south of Santiago. Towns such as Puerto Varas offer access to hiking, kayaking and alpine-style scenery.
Lauca National Park
Near the Bolivian border, Lauca National Park showcases high-altitude lakes, Andean wildlife and volcanoes rising above the altiplano. Its stark beauty contrasts sharply with Chile's southern greenery.
Punta Arenas
Overlooking the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas is the gateway to Patagonia and Antarctica. Historic mansions and windswept coastal views reflect its maritime heritage.
Santiago
Chile's capital sits in a broad valley beneath the Andes, blending modern skyscrapers with colonial plazas and lively neighbourhoods such as Bellavista and Lastarria. Museums, hilltop viewpoints and a thriving food scene make Santiago both an introduction to the country and a destination in its own right.
Torres del Paine National Park
In southern Patagonia, granite towers rise above turquoise lakes and sprawling ice fields. Hiking trails wind past glaciers and wind-swept plains, making this one of South America's most celebrated national parks.
Valparaíso
Climbing steep hills above the Pacific, Valparaíso is a kaleidoscope of colour, street art and historic funiculars. Its bohemian character and maze of stairways and viewpoints have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Chile's oldest national park features waterfalls, emerald forests and views of the perfectly conical Osorno Volcano, offering accessible yet dramatic scenery in the Lake District.