Discover the top 10 most beautiful places to visit in Chile, from the mysterious Easter Island to the vibrant streets of Valparaiso. Explore diverse landscapes, indulge in local cuisine, and experience the best of Chilean culture. Plan your trip with our comprehensive guide and FAQs.
10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Chile
Hello and welcome to another exciting video from Life Travel! Today, we’re taking you on a journey to explore the 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Chile. This Patagonian country is a rich tapestry of mountains and plains, jungles and oceans. Chile’s unusual long shape has given it a varied climate with one of the world’s driest deserts in the north, while its southern tip is home to cold-weather creatures like penguins. Chile is one of the closest nations, along with Argentina and New Zealand, to Antarctica.
The South has a strong history of visiting explorers, as everyone who sailed around the world before the Panama Canal was built needed to pass its tip. The country also has a well-known wine region that attracts many oenophiles each year. So, let’s dive into our list and discover the best places to visit in Chile!
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Number 1: Easter Island
Located more than 3,500 km (2,000 miles) from central Chile, Easter Island continues to be one of the world’s great mysteries. This treeless island of hundreds of giant, hollow-eyed statues carved by its Polynesian visitors is an eerie yet beautiful example of human artistry and achievement. Besides visiting these statues from a respectful distance to avoid immense fines and hiking the rocky plains, guests here can enjoy two white sand beaches with off-coast diving, an extinct cinder cone, and a number of native-run tours that offer views of things that are unique and well worth it.
Number 2: Torres del Paine
The ‘towers of blue’ national park constitutes a glaciated region on the southern tip of Chile. Three large pillars in the park give it its name, and it is also home to a number of ‘horns,’ or other mountains, and glaciated lakes. Exploration through this park can be done via mini-van tours, multi-day treks, or catamaran trips. There are a few services that also offer horseback tours to some of the sites. Much of the park is foot-only, and there are a number of excellent guide companies who can help carry gear and cook meals on five to seven-day treks.
Number 3: San Pedro de Atacama
Set high on a plateau, San Pedro de Atacama lies in the Antofagasta Region of Chile, surrounded by countless mountains, lakes, and rock formations. Due to its awe-inspiring landscapes and scenery, the small town is a very popular destination among Chilean tourists and international visitors alike and can be found not far from the Bolivian border. While San Pedro is pleasant and picturesque to visit, with a laidback vibe and lively cafes, most people just use it as a base from which to explore the surrounding area. From the center of town, you can easily arrange to visit the incredible Atacama Desert or any one of the impressive pre-Columbian archaeological sites and ruins that lie nearby.
Number 4: Chilean Lake District
This long, lush volcanic valley region stretches from Puerto Montt in the South to Temuco in the North. It is home to dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, and snowcapped volcanoes. Before the introduction of Europeans, the lake district was thickly forested and inhabited by the Mapuche, one of the few South American tribes to avoid being swallowed into the Incan nations. Today, there are still some beautiful untouched lands, like Los Alerces National Park, known as Chile’s Yosemite. Mountains here are very young, only two thousand years old, which makes them higher and more jagged than anything in North America, and well worth the trip all by themselves.
Number 5: Valparaiso
This hard-working economic port town on the coast of Central Chile was loved by the poet Pablo Neruda for its beautiful chaos. It boasts some of the first urban innovations in Latin America, like the first volunteer fire department. In addition to its working-class roots, Valparaiso has a reputation for an underground street art movement. Instead of specific tourist attractions, Valparaiso is best known for its brightly colored houses, a vibrant nightlife, and beautiful seaside views.
Number 6: Chilean Fjords
The southern coast of Chile presents a large number of fjords and channels that provide the only access to this part of Patagonia. Sailing through this region can be an unforgettable experience. Most of the trips start from Puerto Montt and travel towards Carretera Austral, Laguna San Rafael, and Puerto Natales. The journey takes visitors through days of uninhabited fjords, close encounters with glaciers, and views of orange sunsets over the Pacific. To the south, the channels become narrower. Along the way, travelers might spot whales, many birds, and sea lions.
Number 7: Iquique
This beautiful beach and casino town offers a vibrant boardwalk and gorgeous 19th-century Georgian architecture like the Aztoreca Palace. Iquique is the Monte Carlo of Chile and has much to offer for anyone who loves free-spirited fun. During the day, guests here can participate in world-famous surfing waves, paraglide or sand-board on the golden coast. A stroll down the wooden sidewalks of the historic mining town, or the cobbled Baquedano street, gives a look into an older economic boom time. Finally, the spectacular nightlife offers glitzy gambling, excellent cuisine, and shopping in the duty-free district.
Number 8: Chiloe Island
Chiloé Island is the largest island of the Chiloé Archipelago in the Los Lagos Region and the second-largest island in South America after Tierra del Fuego. In part because of its physical isolation from the rest of Chile, Chiloé has a very special architecture and local culture. The Spanish who arrived in the 16th century, and Jesuit missionaries who followed, constructed hundreds of unique wooden churches in an attempt to bring Christianity to the archipelago. The result was a mixing of Catholicism and indigenous Chilean beliefs.
Number 9: Santiago
The capital city is the political and cultural heart of Chile. From the high mountain views of the Cerro San Cristobal Park to the secluded history of poet Pablo Neruda’s writing retreat, there is much to see in Santiago. Top picks include skiing Valle Nevado or Portillo, wine tasting at Vina Aquitania, or visits to one of several top museums like Museo Chile de Arte Precolumbio or Museo de la Moda. For those who don’t want to spend all of their time in the city, there are amazing hiking opportunities like the steep slopes of Cajon de Maipo.
Number 10: La Serena
This northern Chilean town is the second oldest in the nation. It boasts a city full of lovely architecture and a warm golden beach. La Serena has a reputation as an intellectual town and has a number of great sights that fit this description, like an archaeological museum and astronomical observatory. Outdoor enthusiasts will love to bike through the Elqui Valley, swim, snorkel, dive, and/or hike through Isla Damas, and visit the national park at Fray Jorge.
And that wraps up our top 10 most beautiful places to visit in Chile! We hope you enjoyed this virtual journey as much as we did. Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe to our channel, and follow us on social media for more travel inspiration. Thank you for watching, and until next time, keep exploring the world with Life Travel!
FAQs:
What is the best time to visit Chile?
The best time to visit Chile is during the summer months, from December to February, when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities.
Is Chile safe for tourists?
Yes, Chile is generally safe for tourists. However, as with any destination, it’s important to take standard safety precautions.
What is the currency used in Chile?
The currency used in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP).
What languages are spoken in Chile?
The official language is Spanish, but English is also spoken, especially in tourist areas.
What is Chile famous for?
Chile is famous for its diverse landscapes, wine, Easter Island, and the Atacama Desert.
How do I get around in Chile?
Chile has a variety of transportation options, including buses, trains, and domestic flights. Renting a car is also an option.
What are the must-see attractions on Easter Island?
Must-see attractions include the Moai statues, Anakena Beach, and the Rano Kau volcano.
What outdoor activities can I do in Torres del Paine?
You can go hiking, trekking, horseback riding, and catamaran trips.
What is San Pedro de Atacama known for?
San Pedro de Atacama is known for its stunning landscapes, the Atacama Desert, and pre-Columbian archaeological sites.
What can I do in the Chilean Lake District?
You can explore dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, and snowcapped volcanoes.
What is Valparaiso famous for?
Valparaiso is famous for its vibrant street art, brightly colored houses, and beautiful seaside views.
What can I expect from a trip to the Chilean Fjords?
You can expect uninhabited fjords, close encounters with glaciers, and views of orange sunsets over the Pacific.
What makes Iquique a popular destination?
Iquique is popular for its beautiful beaches, casino, and vibrant nightlife.
What is unique about Chiloe Island?
Chiloe Island is unique for its special architecture and local culture, including unique wooden churches.
What cultural attractions are there in Santiago?
Cultural attractions include museums, wine tasting, and historical sites.
What outdoor activities can I do in La Serena?
You can go biking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and hiking.
What should I pack for a trip to Chile?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, layers for varying weather, and essentials like a travel adapter and local currency.
What is the best way to experience Chilean cuisine?
Try local dishes like empanadas, pastel de choclo, and enjoy fresh seafood and wine.
Are there any festivals in Chile I should know about?
Chile hosts numerous festivals, including the Fiesta de la Tirana and the Viña del Mar International Song Festival.
What is the best souvenir to bring back from Chile?
Popular souvenirs include Chilean wine, lapis lazuli jewelry, and handmade crafts.
