In Chile, coastlines stretch along the Pacific Ocean; the rugged terrain of Patagonia seemingly reaches to the end of the earth; and the dry Atacama desert, Andes mountains, and Valdivian forests nestle against one another to create a country where the topography is as varied as the options for exploring. Santiago de Chile, the country's capital, is a melting pot of Latin culture, bohemian neighborhoods, and colonial architecture. Don't miss out on the views from the top of San Cristobal Hill (Cerro San Cristobal); colorful street art and thumping nightlife in trendy Bellavista; or a bike tour of top city sights. UNESCO World Heritage Site Valparaíso—renowned for its hillside funiculars (cable railways) and street art—as well as beachside gem Viña del Mar are just a 1.5-hour drive away, and easily doable on a day trip from Santiago. If you're seeking outdoor adventure, Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park boasts surreal beauty, bringing together mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers to make it an ideal location for horseback riding or hiking tours. For wine lovers, Chile is the promised land of New World varietals, with regions such as the Maipo Valley, San Antonio Valley, and the Matetic Vineyards best explored on wine-tasting tours. Further north, the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert—home to Moon Valley, the Atacama Salt Lake, and the Ojos del Salar—are a must-see from San Pedro de Atacama. Meanwhile, far-flung Rapa Nui Easter Island, home to nearly 900 giant head statues, is a modern mystery best explored on a multi-day trip, including round-trip plane rides.
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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.
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