Chile: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know Chile is the only country in the world that spans more than 38 degrees of latitude, making it home to both the driest desert on Earth and the third-largest ice field outside the polar regions? This remarkable geographic diversity creates an adventure playground unlike any other, where you can trek through lunar landscapes in the morning and sip world-class wine by afternoon.

Planning Your Trip to Chile

Chile stretches over 4,300 kilometers (2,670 miles) from north to south, creating dramatically different climates and experiences depending on where and when you visit. The country’s unique geography means you’ll need to plan carefully to make the most of your journey through this land of extremes.

When to Visit Chile

The best time to visit Chile depends entirely on which regions you plan to explore. For Patagonia and Torres del Paine, the summer months (December to February) offer milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, though winds can be fierce. The central region, including Santiago and wine country, is pleasant from September to November and March to May. The Atacama Desert can be visited year-round, though nights can be frigid in winter (June to August).

Getting to Chile

Most international travelers arrive at Santiago International Airport (SCL), which offers connections to major cities worldwide. From the United States, direct flights operate from Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, and New York, with flight times ranging from 8-10 hours. European travelers typically connect through Madrid, Paris, or London, with flights taking approximately 14-16 hours.

Getting Around Chile

Chile’s elongated shape means that domestic flights are often the most practical way to travel between major destinations. LATAM and Sky Airline offer regular connections between Santiago and popular destinations like Calama (for the Atacama Desert), Puerto Montt (for the Lake District), and Punta Arenas (for Patagonia).

For exploring regions in depth, renting a car gives you the freedom to discover hidden gems at your own pace. The Carretera Austral (Southern Highway) through northern Patagonia offers one of the world’s most spectacular road trips, while the wine regions near Santiago are perfect for self-drive exploration.

Top Attractions: Best Things to Do in Chile

1. Trek Through Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park is the crown jewel of Chilean Patagonia and consistently ranks among the world’s most beautiful natural wonders. The park’s iconic granite towers (torres) rise dramatically above turquoise lakes, creating a landscape that seems almost otherworldly. Whether you tackle the famous W Trek (4-5 days) or the more challenging O Circuit (7-9 days), or simply take day hikes from a comfortable base, the park offers unforgettable experiences for all activity levels.

For the best experience, book refugios (mountain lodges) or campsites well in advance, especially if visiting during the peak summer season (December-February). The park entrance fee is 25,000 CLP (approximately $28 USD) for foreign visitors during high season.

2. Marvel at the Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert on Earth, with some areas having never recorded rainfall. This otherworldly landscape serves as a testing ground for Mars rovers due to its similarity to the red planet. Based in the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, visitors can explore salt flats, geysers, colorful lagoons, and some of the world’s clearest night skies.

Don’t miss Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) for sunset, El Tatio geysers at dawn, and the Atacama Salt Flat with its flamingo-filled lagoons. For astronomy enthusiasts, the ALMA Observatory offers tours, while numerous stargazing tours provide unforgettable views of the southern night sky.

3. Explore Vibrant Valparaíso

Just 90 minutes from Santiago, the colorful port city of Valparaíso is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its bohemian atmosphere, street art, and historic funiculars (cliff railways). Built across 42 hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the city’s labyrinthine streets and colorful houses create a photographer’s paradise.

Take a walking tour to discover the best street art, ride the historic ascensores (funiculars) for panoramic views, and visit poet Pablo Neruda’s quirky home, La Sebastiana. The neighborhoods of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción offer charming cafés, boutiques, and some of the city’s best restaurants.

4. Sample World-Class Wines

Chile has established itself as one of the world’s premier wine producers, with diverse valleys producing exceptional varieties. The Casablanca Valley, just an hour from Santiago, is renowned for its crisp white wines, while the Colchagua Valley produces some of Chile’s finest reds. Most vineyards offer tours and tastings, often with spectacular Andean backdrops.

For the ultimate wine experience, consider staying at a wine lodge where you can wake up to vineyard views and enjoy private tastings. Many wineries also offer excellent restaurants showcasing local cuisine paired with their finest vintages.

5. Visit Mysterious Easter Island

Located 3,700 kilometers (2,300 miles) from mainland Chile in the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth. The island is famous for its nearly 900 monolithic stone statues called moai, created by the early Rapa Nui people between the 13th and 16th centuries.

While getting to Easter Island requires a 5.5-hour flight from Santiago, the journey is well worth it to witness these archaeological wonders. Visit Ahu Tongariki to see 15 restored moai in a row, explore the quarry at Rano Raraku where hundreds of moai remain in various stages of completion, and watch the sunset at Ahu Tahai for unforgettable photos.

6. Cruise the Chilean Fjords

Chile’s southern coastline is a maze of islands, channels, and fjords that create one of the world’s most spectacular maritime landscapes. Cruising through these pristine waterways offers glimpses of calving glaciers, remote fishing villages, and diverse wildlife including dolphins, sea lions, and numerous bird species.

Several cruise lines operate in the region, from luxury vessels to more adventurous expedition ships. The most popular routes include the journey from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales, passing through the Strait of Magellan and around Cape Horn. For a more budget-friendly option, the Navimag ferry offers a 4-day journey through the fjords with basic accommodations but the same spectacular scenery.

7. Discover the Lake District

Chile’s Lake District combines snow-capped volcanoes, emerald lakes, and German-influenced towns to create a picturesque region perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The town of Puerto Varas makes an excellent base, with views of Osorno Volcano reflected in Llanquihue Lake creating postcard-perfect scenes.

Active travelers can hike in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, climb Villarrica Volcano for views into its active crater, or enjoy water sports on the numerous lakes. The region also offers excellent hot springs, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure.

8. Experience Santiago’s Culture and Cuisine

Chile’s capital city offers a sophisticated urban experience with excellent museums, parks, and a thriving food scene. Start at Plaza de Armas to see the Metropolitan Cathedral and historic buildings, then visit La Moneda Palace, the seat of government. For panoramic city views, ride the funicular to the top of San Cristóbal Hill in Metropolitan Park.

Food lovers should visit Mercado Central for fresh seafood and La Vega Central for colorful produce and local specialties. Santiago’s neighborhoods each offer distinct experiences: Bellavista for nightlife, Lastarria for cafés and culture, and Providencia for upscale shopping and dining.

Chilean Cuisine: What to Eat

Chilean cuisine reflects the country’s geographic diversity, with seafood dominating coastal areas and heartier fare inland. Don’t miss these culinary highlights:

• Empanadas de Pino – Savory pastries filled with beef, onions, olives, raisins, and hard-boiled egg
• Curanto – A feast of seafood, meat, and potatoes cooked in an earth oven, traditional in Chiloé
• Pastel de Choclo – A corn and meat casserole similar to shepherd’s pie
• Completo – Chile’s answer to the hot dog, loaded with avocado, mayonnaise, and tomato
• Asado – Chilean barbecue featuring various cuts of meat
• Pisco Sour – The national cocktail made with grape brandy, lime juice, and egg white

For the best dining experiences, try seafood restaurants along the coast, traditional countryside restaurants called “picadas” for authentic Chilean dishes, and sophisticated restaurants in Santiago and wine country for modern Chilean cuisine.

Practical Tips for Visiting Chile

Where to Stay in Chile

Chile offers accommodations for every budget and preference, from international luxury chains to unique boutique hotels and simple hospedajes (guesthouses). In popular destinations like Torres del Paine, booking well in advance is essential, especially during high season (December-February).

Ready for Your Chilean Adventure?

From the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert to the pristine wilderness of Patagonia, Chile offers experiences that will leave you breathless—literally and figuratively. This land of extremes rewards travelers with unforgettable adventures, world-class cuisine, and warm hospitality.

Whether you’re trekking past towering granite spires, sampling wines against a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes, or stargazing in the clearest skies on Earth, Chile promises memories that will last a lifetime. The only question is: which of these incredible experiences will you choose first?