Chile Travel Guide

Top Experiences in Chile

Atacama Desert. Explore the vast landscape of this high-altitude desert. Visit a geothermal field with geysers, hike through valleys of jagged rock, see salt flats, lagoons, and flamingos, and admire the snow-capped peaks off in the distance. The driest non-polar desert in the world, the Atacama Desert is also a test site for NASA Mars missions.

See Flamingos. The Los Flamencos National Reserve, located within the Atacama Desert, is a great place for seeing Flamingos. Three flamingo species (Andean, Chilean, and James’s) can be found here.

Santiago. Seated at the base of the Andes, this sprawling collection of historic neighborhoods and modern skyscrapers is Chile’s capital city. Full of great museums, vivid park spaces, and fantastic restaurants and bars, it’s easy to get lost in all you can do here. Be sure to visit some of Santiago’s markets and walk the different colorful neighborhoods.

Wine Tasting. Santiago is a paradise for wine enthusiasts, offering easy access to some of Chile’s most renowned wine regions, just a short drive away.

Valparaiso. This colorful coastal town is one of the top day trip destinations from Santiago. A hub for the arts, Valparaiso is notable for its lively music festivals and sprawling street art. Stroll through narrow alleys, admire the abundance of creative murals, and ride a funicular to the top of the hillside for views over the Pacific Ocean.

Easter Island. Fly over to Easter Island to see the iconic moai statues carved by the Rapa Nui people. Also be sure to check out the beautiful tropical beaches and hike across the volcanic landscapes. It is roughly a 5-hour flight to Easter Island from Santiago, so plan on spending a few days here to have the best experience.

Pucón. This small lake town in the Chilean Lake District is a hub for year-round outdoor activities and adventures, such as kayaking, white-water rafting, canyoning, skiing, ascending a volcano, and more.

Lago Llanquihue. Relax by the calm waters of the lake, with the prominent snow-capped Volcán Osorno as your backdrop.

Chiloé Island. The largest island in the Chilean Lake District, Chiloé Island is home to the colorful Palafitos: stilted houses built along the shore. This somewhat off-the-beaten-path destination is great for hiking, horseback riding, seeing penguins, and more.

Marble Caves. Take a kayaking tour through the Marble Caves, a hidden natural beauty of southern Chile. These smooth, swirling caverns are beautifully lit by sunlight reflecting off the turquoise water.

Torres del Paine National Park. For some of the most beautiful hiking in the Americas, take a visit to Torres del Paine. This Chilean national park sits within the Patagonia region of South America. Go for a multi-day trek through this mountain paradise, kayak past glaciers, and explore the park on horseback. Torres del Paine is notable for its eye-catching alpine scenery, with jagged peaks forming the backdrop to stunning blue lakes.

Go Stargazing. From the Andes to the Atacama Desert, Chile has an abundance of dark sky locations, making it one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to see the Milky Way.

When To Visit Chile

Being a nation that stretches over a vast number of different climates, the best time to visit Chile will depend mostly on the types of activities and regions you are interested in.

In general, the best time to visit Chile is during their summer season, from December to February. You will enjoy warm weather throughout most of the country, perfect for outdoor activities. Hiking trails in Torres del Paine will also be in great condition, and you will have the clearest skies for stargazing.

If you are only looking to spend time around Santiago, we recommend shoulder season, from March to May and September to November. The weather is typically pleasant during these months. In addition, the wine festivals near Santiago usually occur in March and April.

April can also be a good time to explore further south to Chile’s Lake District if you want to catch the fall colors in action.