Traveling down the coast of South America, you’ll find a skinny, narrow country that boasts incredible diversity. Chile boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from fiery volcanoes to picturesque beaches and towering glaciers. It’s a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Chile offers a plethora of outdoor activities for travelers seeking adventure and exploration. Some of the top tourist attractions include the driest desert on earth, breathtaking views of glaciers and fjords, and numerous volcanoes along the Pacific’s “ring of fire”. Chile offers great opportunities for travelers interested in hiking, surfing, paragliding, and swimming.

Regardless of your preferences, you are assured to be mesmerized by the stunning natural landscapes of this unspoiled nation, creating an enduring impact on you.

1. Santiago

​​Santiago is a chic city that serves as both the capital and the largest city of Chile. Located in a mesmerizing location surrounded by the Andes. Chile is a popular travel destination with a variety of attractions, including ski resorts, wineries, and the beautiful Pacific coast. Many travelers begin their journey in this long and narrow South American country.

Santiago de Chile, founded by the Spanish in 1541, has become one of the largest metropolises in the Americas over time. Explore the diverse neighborhoods of the city, from the historic colonial and neoclassical buildings to the vibrant and artistic Barrio Bellavista and Lastarria.

Explore the vast city and discover its many hills, including San Cristobal and Santa Lucia. These hills offer breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Although the Andes and the artistic city of Valparaiso are nearby and tempting, it is highly recommended to spend a few days discovering the top attractions in Santiago de Chile before embarking on a journey to distant locations.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Santiago: Best Areas & Hotels

2. Valparaíso

Valparaíso is a charming town that is often referred to as the “Jewel of the Pacific” due to its picturesque beauty. The coastal town boasts vibrant houses, art galleries, and meandering cobblestone pathways.

Valparaíso is a great travel destination for those interested in history and culture. Visitors can explore some of the country’s most significant landmarks, such as the first library, the oldest Spanish-language newspaper, and the oldest stock exchange. Other travel destinations include the lively Plaza Sotomayor and the renowned museum of Pablo Neruda. Consider taking a trip on the Artilleria funicular railway to enjoy breathtaking views of the entire city.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Valparaíso: Best Areas & Hotels

3. Valle de la Luna

San Pedro de Atacama, located on the border of Bolivia, is a highly sought-after travel destination in Chile. Perhaps you are familiar with the Atacama Desert, which is known as the driest place on Earth. 

Valle de la Luna is situated in the center of a seemingly uninhabitable desert, making it a popular travel destination. This tourist attracts millions of travelers every year with its lunar-like landscape. Due to the great interest, there are numerous travel activities that you can participate in. During a travel tour, you can witness the ancient Chinchorro mummies.

4. Easter Island & Rapa Nui National Park

Travelers can explore this beautiful island located 3500 km away from mainland Chile. This is considered one of the top destinations in the country. The destination boasts impressive stone sculptures that draw in a large crowd of visitors. Rapa Nui National Park is a popular travel destination known for its Moai statues, which were not created by the island’s early inhabitants. When you travel to the island, be sure to visit Ahu Tongariki, which is a must-see attraction. You’ll be amazed by the impressive collection of 15 statues that have been erected on the platform of the island or ahu. Hare Paenga is a significant tourist destination in the area.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Easter Island : Best Areas & Hotels

5. Bahía Inglesa

Indulge in a serene travel experience with a visit to Bahía Inglesa, a picturesque beach destination. This coastal village near the Port of Caldera offers white-sand beaches, warm waters, and a variety of shops and restaurants for your entertainment.

While many travelers come to sunbathe on the beach, Bahía Inglesa also offers exciting opportunities for those seeking adventure during their journey. Spend your afternoon traveling by windsurfing on the rolling waves or diving deep beneath the ocean’s surface.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bahía Inglesa : Best Areas & Hotels

6. Cerro San Cristobal

Located in the heart of Santiago, Cerro San Cristobal is a prominent hill that rises 880 meters above sea level, forming an integral part of the city’s landscape. This iconic landmark is renowned for its spiritual significance, offering a sanctuary of peace and tranquility amidst the bustling city life.

This hill, named after St. Christopher, offers some of the most breathtaking views in the city with its beautiful tree-lined surroundings. At the top, you can enjoy a view of the lively streets of Santiago.

The journey to the top of the hill requires a 45-minute walk. You can reach the summit by taking a cable car. While traveling, you can relish the panoramic vistas and explore Santiago Metropolitan Park or a dip in one of the two outdoor pools.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Cerro San Cristobal : Best Areas & Hotels

7. Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is a popular travel destination due to its stunning crystal lakes, snow-capped mountains, and icy glaciers. While you’ll need several weeks to explore everything the destination has to offer, it’s worth picking out a few of its most notable sights to visit during your travel.

Trek through the Valley Frances’ dense woodlands, kayak over the Rio Serrano’s beautiful blue waters, or ice pick your way along the Grey Glacier. You may even take a leisurely walk around the trails while enjoying the park’s most famous feature – the Paine Mountains’ towering granite peaks.

8. Chiloe Island

Consider including the country’s second-largest island in your travel plans. The rural area you’ll discover during your travels is one-of-a-kind and distinct from any European examples. The town is symbolized by colorful houses known as “palafitos”. Moreover, there are numerous iconic churches and remnants of Jesuit missionaries’ settlements that were established on the island during the 1600s and more. Chiloe Island is a popular tourist attraction in Chile located on the island. Visiting the national park offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitat.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Chiloe Island : Best Areas & Hotels

9. Lauca National Park

Exploring the untamed splendor of Lauca National Park is a must-do experience for travelers exploring Chile. Situated in the Andean Mountain range in the northern region, it remains a popular destination for travelers seeking to discover the varied and challenging terrain of Chile’s great outdoors.

You will have the opportunity to witness a diverse range of wildlife while surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes and cobalt-blue lakes. Lauca National Park is a great travel destination where you can spot alpacas, flamingos, and over 130 bird species.

10. Mamalluca Observatory

A fascinating tour of the Mamalluca Observatory will take you on a star-studded voyage through many galaxies, planets, and constellations. The observatory is situated high in the highlands of the Region of Coquimbo, where it is insulated from the city’s loud light pollution. Because of the perfect sky conditions, you will be able to view far beyond your own planet.

Take a close look at Saturn’s rings or the moon’s craters and fissures. You may also view the Omega Nebula, which is 6,000 lightyears distant from Earth. The experienced guides at the observatory also do an excellent job of describing the various astronomical characteristics.

11. Pumalín Park

In Chile, The Park has quickly become one of the top tourist destinations despite being relatively new, having been established only 16 years ago. Despite its vast expanse of over 988000 acres, the land remains largely untouched by human activity. Travelers who love nature will have the opportunity to witness some of the rarest tree species, including Alerce, which is one of the oldest types of trees. Pumalin Park offers a great opportunity for travel enthusiasts to explore its vast trail network and tourist facilities. Whether you’re looking for a short nature hike or a longer ecotourism adventure, this park has got you covered.

12. Los Pingüinos Natural Monument

Los Pinguinos Natural Monument is one of the top tourist attractions in Chile where you can witness conservation efforts being made across the Chilean regions. One of the most famous tourist attractions in this destination is situated in the northeast region of Punta Arenas, approximately 35 km away. Located on the southern tip of the island, this travel destination includes the stunning Magdalena and Marta islands. Explore one of Chile’s biggest penguin colonies, home to approximately 60,000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguins. This island is also a great travel destination to see a large colony of seals and sea lions.