Amazing Things To Do in Chile | Top 10 Best Things To Do in Chile - Travel Guide

Chile, a narrow strip of land stretching along the western coast of South America, is a country of stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes. From the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the icy glaciers of Patagonia in the south, Chile offers some of unique experiences for any traveler. In this guide, we will explore the top 10 attractions and activities to experience while visiting this enchanting country. So let's dive in and discover the wonders that await you in Chile.
1. Explore the Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is a region located in the northern part of Chile, covering over 40,000 square miles. It is considered to be the driest place on the planet, with some areas not receiving any rainfall for decades.
The landscape of the Atacama Desert is otherworldly and unique, with numerous geological formations that have been shaped over millions of years. One of the most popular attractions is the Salar de Atacama, which is the largest salt flat in Chile, covering an area of over 1,200 square miles. The salt flat is surrounded by stunning mountains and is home of flamingos and vicunas.
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, is one of the most popular attractions in the Atacama Desert. This surreal landscape, reminiscent of the moon's surface, is best explored during sunset when the colors of the sky and the surrounding rock formations create a breathtaking spectacle.
Opening Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Entrance Fee: CLP 3,000 (around USD 4)
Tatio Geysers, another must-see destination, is a geothermal field with over 80 active geysers. The best time to visit the Tatio Geysers is at sunrise when the geysers erupt with the most intensity, creating a mystical atmosphere.
Opening Hours: 6:00 am - 12:00 pm
Entrance Fee: CLP 10,000 (around USD 13)
2. Discover Santiago de Chile
Santiago is the capital city of Chile and is known for its vibrant culture, historic sites, and bustling city life. Visitors can explore the city's many museums and cultural sites, take a walking tour of the historic neighborhoods, or go shopping in one of the city's many markets.
Cerro San Cristóbal, a hill located in the heart of the city, offers panoramic views of Santiago. At the summit, you'll find a large statue of the Virgin Mary and a picturesque park.
Opening Hours: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm (Monday to Sunday)
La Chascona, the former home of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, now serves as a museum dedicated to his life and work. This quirky house, filled with the poet's personal possessions, reflects his eccentric personality.
Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Entrance Fee: CLP 7,000 (around USD 9)
3. Visit Easter Island
aster Island, or Rapa Nui as it is known to the locals, is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. It is located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile. Despite its isolation, Easter Island has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, who are drawn to the island's rich history and unique culture.
The island is most famous for its moai statues, which are giant stone figures that were carved by the island's ancient inhabitants. The moai are believed to have been created between the 13th and 16th centuries, and there are more than 900 of them scattered throughout the island. The largest moai stands at 33 feet tall and weighs an estimated 75 tons
Rano Raraku, the quarry where most of the moai were carved, is an essential stop on your island tour. Here, you'll find numerous unfinished statues still embedded in the volcanic rock.
Opening Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Entrance Fee: Included in the Rapa Nui National Park ticket (USD 80)
4. Trek Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park is a breathtaking destination located in the Patagonia region of Chile. The park covers over 590,000 acres and is home to some stunning landscapes, including granite peaks, turquoise lakes, vast glaciers, and pristine forests, making it a haven for nature lovers and hikers.
The most iconic feature of the park is the towering granite peaks known as the Torres del Paine, which rise over 9,000 feet above sea level.
The park is also home of glaciers, including the Grey Glacier, which is over 17 miles long and is one of the largest glaciers in the Southern Hemisphere.
The W Trek, a famous 4- to 5-day trek, is the most popular way to explore the park. Along the trek, you'll encounter the magnificent Grey Glacier, the French Valley, and the iconic Torres del Paine towers.
Tour Fee: CLP 21,000 (around USD 28) for foreigners during high season
5. Experience the Wine Regions
Chile is a country that is famous for its wine production, with a long history of winemaking dating back to the 16th century.
One of the most famous wine regions in Chile is the Colchagua Valley, located in the central part of the country. The valley is known for producing some of Chile's best red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, and Syrah.
The Casablanca Valley is another popular wine region in Chile, located just 45 minutes from Santiago.

Montes Winery, located in the Colchagua Valley, offers guided tours and tastings that allow you to explore their vineyards and learn about their winemaking process.
Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Tour and Tasting Fee: From CLP 25,000 (around USD 33) per person
6. Visit Chiloé Island
Chiloé Island is a unique and fascinating destination located in the Lake District of southern Chile.
The island has a long and rich history, with evidence of human occupation dating back over 7,000 years. The island was also an important center of the Spanish colonial empire in South America and was a hub for trade and commerce during the 18th and 19th centuries.
One of the most iconic features of Chiloé Island is its palafitos, which are colorful wooden houses built on stilts over the water. The palafitos are a testament to the island's unique architectural style, which has been influenced by the island's maritime history and the local environment.
The island is also home to several UNESCO-listed wooden churches, which are a testament to the island's rich history and distinct architectural style.
Church of San Francisco, located in the town of Castro, is one of the most famous and well-preserved churches on the island.
Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm (Monday to Saturday), 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (Sunday)
7. Explore the Lauca National Park
Lauca National Park, situated in the Altiplano region of northern Chile, is known for its diverse flora and fauna and stunning landscapes. The park features several majestic volcanoes, including Parinacota and Pomerape.
Chungará Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, is a must-visit spot in Lauca National Park. The lake is home of many bird species, including the Chilean flamingo and the Andean goose.
8. Visit the Elqui Valley
The Elqui Valley, located in the Coquimbo Region, is famous for its clear skies, making it an ideal destination for stargazing. The valley is also known for its pisco production, Chile's national spirit.
Pisco Elqui, a picturesque village nestled in the valley, offers several pisco distilleries where you can take a tour and taste the local spirit.
Mamalluca Observatory is the perfect place to stargaze and admire the vast night sky.
Opening Hours: Tours usually start around 8:30 pm or 9:00 pm
Tour Fee: From CLP 10,000 (around USD 13) per person
9. Marvel at the Marble Caves
The Marble Caves, located in Patagonia near the border with Argentina, are a unique geological formation created by centuries of erosion. These stunning caves can be accessed by boat, allowing you to get up close and personal with the vibrant blue and turquoise hues.
Boat Tours: Depart from Puerto Río Tranquilo
Tour Fee: From CLP 10,000 (around USD 13) per person
10. Surf in Pichilemu
Pichilemu, a small coastal town in central Chile, is known as the surf capital of the country. With consistent waves and beautiful black-sand beaches, it's a popular destination for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Punta de Lobos is the most famous surf spot in the area, offering world-class waves suitable for advanced surfers.
Surf Lessons: Available from several local surf schools
Lesson Fee: From CLP 20,000 (around USD 26) per person
Conclusion
Chile is a land of contrasts and breathtaking landscapes, offering a wealth of experiences for any traveler. From the otherworldly Atacama Desert to the remote and mysterious Easter Island, Chile's diverse attractions will captivate and inspire you. With its rich culture, history, and natural beauty, it's no wonder that Chile is considered one of the top travel destinations in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this incredible country and create unforgettable memories during your visit.