From the lunar landscapes of the Atacama desert to the glistening glaciers of Patagonia, Chile is a long, thin country filled with extremes. Travelers will find an astonishing diversity of natural attractions and things to do in Chile, whether it's skiing in the Andes mountains, wine tasting in the Central Valley, exploring street art and riding funiculars in Valparaíso, or hiking around the mighty mountains, lakes, and glaciers of Torres del Paine National Park.
Given its varied climate and geography, there is no bad time to visit Chile. When you visit depends on what you want to do. The best time to visit Patagonia and the Lake District is in the warmer months of November to March, while Atacama is more pleasant in the cooler months of May to July. Valparaíso is best just outside of peak summer season (November or March), while Santiago is a year-round destination.
Chile is a country of astonishing distances (it’s around 2,700 miles, or 4,300 kilometers, from top to toe) but also one with an excellent network of clean, comfortable, and affordable buses, making getting around fairly painless. The exception is Patagonia where bus routes are limited and you may have to rely on ferries and private vehicles. If you are short on time, you can cover longer distances by domestic flight, although this is a pricier option.
Travelers are drawn to Chile for its wild and diverse landscapes, from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia in the south. Experiencing the country’s dazzling nature is undoubtedly the highlight of a trip to Chile, but you’ll want to also set aside time to also discover its cities. Santiago is a buzzy capital with easy access to the Andes mountains, while coastal Valparaíso is a colorful, bohemian gem with an atmosphere like no other.
Attractions 144 | Tours 1,672 | Reviews 34,019 |
Chile is known for its astonishing diversity of landscapes: glaciers and snow-capped mountains in the subantarctic south, the world’s driest desert in the north, and fertile valleys and gorgeous beaches in between. It’s also known for its wines, particularly its cabernet sauvignon and carmenère.
...MoreTorres del Paine National Park, in the Patagonia region, is the most popular tourist attraction in Chile. It boasts glittering glaciers, towering peaks, forested valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. Any outdoor lover will want to spend a few days hiking there.
...MoreOutdoor recreation—including hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, and kayaking—is huge in Chile. Other popular activities include wine tasting at Chile’s many excellent vineyards, stargazing in the Atacama Desert, and soaking up culture in Santiago and Valparaíso.
...MoreChile has an abundance of pretty places thanks to its diverse landscapes. Travelers especially love the pristine lakes and charming, Alpine-like villages of the Lake District; the dramatic mountains and glaciers of Torres del Paine; the Atacama Desert’s otherworldly landscapes, such as the Valley of the Moon; and the rolling vineyards of the Elqui Valley.
...MoreIdeally, you would spend two weeks exploring Chile from top to bottom, but ten days is enough to experience Santiago, the central coast (including Valparaíso), and perhaps the Lake District. You’ll also have time to head south and spend a couple of days trekking around Torres del Paine or north to the Atacama Desert.
...MoreYes, but use caution. Falling victim to pickpocketing or bag snatching is a fairly common tourist experience in Chile. Muggings and more violent robberies are also an issue. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in Valparaíso and Santiago, and try to avoid walking alone in cities at night.
...More
