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Much like a glass of its world-renowned Carmenere wine, Chile is a destination with complex depths and bold notes that leave a lasting impression on the soul. From the otherworldly lunar landscapes of the Atacama Desert in the north to the jagged granite peaks of Patagonia in the south, from the mystical Moai statues of Easter Island to the vibrant street art of Valparaíso, Chile travel offers an adventure that defies imagination. Whether you're stargazing under the clearest skies on Earth, hiking the legendary W-Trek in Torres del Paine, sipping wine in sun-drenched central valleys, or watching ice calve from massive glaciers into turquoise lakes, Chile's allure becomes impossible to resist. Not sure where to start planning your majestic Andean adventure? Get inspired with expert tips on places to visit in Chile, the best time to visit Chile, and unforgettable experiences.
Planning to visit Chile? Then you must visit these places. From legendary wilderness and arid deserts to vibrant cities and mysterious islands, here are the top places to visit in Chile.
The crown jewel of Patagonia and arguably one of the most stunning places on Earth. Known for its iconic granite towers (Las Torres), bright blue glaciers, and turquoise lakes, this park is a hiker's paradise. It is ideal for multi-day treks like the famous "W" circuit or scenic day trips to see guanacos, condors, and breathtaking landscapes. All these traits make Torres del Paine unmatched among places to visit in Chile.
The driest non-polar desert in the world offers landscapes that look like Mars. You can expect to experience the otherworldly Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), witness the steam rising from El Tatio Geysers at sunrise, and float in high-altitude salt lagoons. Plus, you see the clearest night skies on the planet, making it the world's premier stargazing destination.
Located over 3,500 km from the mainland, this mystical island is famous for its nearly 900 monumental Moai statues created by the early Rapa Nui people. If you're looking for history and mystery, then this remote island should be on your bucket list. Featuring stunning beaches like Anakena and the Rano Raraku quarry, Easter Island is a once-in-a-lifetime destination.
This bohemian port city is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colorful cliffside homes, steep funicular elevators, and incredible street art. Just a short trip from Santiago, Valparaíso offers a vibrant cultural experience where poetry, art, and maritime history collide. It gives you an immersive vision of Chile's creative soul and was the beloved home of Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda.
The capital city nestled below the towering Andes Mountains is the dynamic heart of the country. Visit the historic Plaza de Armas, take the cable car up Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic city views, and explore trendy neighborhoods like Lastarria and Bellavista. It serves as the perfect base for day trips to nearby world-class wineries in the Maipo Valley or ski resorts in the Andes.
Chile offers an incredible array of activities for every type of traveler. Experience the best things to do in Chile as you dive into a land of extremes. Start with hiking the legendary trails of Patagonia, where the W-Trek offers unparalleled views of glaciers and mountains. For adrenaline seekers, go sandboarding down massive dunes in the Atacama Desert or enjoy world-class whitewater rafting on the Futaleufú River. Wine lovers should tour the lush vineyards of the Colchagua and Maipo Valleys to taste Chile's signature Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon directly from the source.
Explore the mysterious wooden churches of the Chiloé Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, and discover the island's unique mythology. In winter, hit the slopes at Portillo or Valle Nevado for some of the Southern Hemisphere's best skiing. For a relaxing experience, soak in volcanic hot springs like Termasométricas in the Lake District.
The best time to visit Chile depends largely on which region you plan to explore, as the country spans diverse climates. For Patagonia and the south (Torres del Paine, Lake District), the summer months from December to February are ideal, offering warmer temperatures (around 16°C/60°F) and longer daylight hours perfect for hiking. This is the peak tourist season, so booking early is essential.
For the Atacama Desert and northern regions, Chile is a year-round destination, though winter (June to August) brings cooler nights and clearer skies. If you're looking for cheap flights to Chile and fewer crowds, consider the shoulder seasons of October-November (Spring) and March-April (Autumn). During these times, the weather remains pleasant in Santiago and Central Chile, and the fall foliage in the south is spectacular. Ski enthusiasts should visit between June and August to enjoy the winter sports season in the Andes.
Reaching Chile is simple with major international connections. Flights to Chile typically land at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago. Major airlines such as LATAM Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM, American Airlines, Delta, and British Airways provide frequent service from North America, Europe, and neighboring South American hubs.
Travelers looking for cheap flights to Chile should book in advance, especially for travel during the peak summer season (December-January). November often offers the lowest fares. Domestic travel is dominated by LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART, which offer affordable connections to remote regions like Calama (for Atacama), Puerto Montt (for the Lake District), and Punta Arenas (for Patagonia). These low-cost carriers make exploring the country's vast distances surprisingly affordable.
Chile offers diverse accommodation options ranging from world-class luxury lodges to budget-friendly hostels. Chile hotels in Santiago, like The Singular Santiago and Mandarin Oriental, provide urban luxury in trendy neighborhoods. In the Atacama Desert, Nayara Alto Atacama offers all-inclusive luxury blending seamlessly into the red rock landscape with private stargazing.
Chile food is a delicious reflection of its diverse geography, featuring fresh seafood, quality meats, and seasonal produce. You must try Pastel de Choclo, a comforting savory corn and beef casserole baked in a clay pot, a true national classic. Empanadas de Pino, filled with ground beef, onions, olives, hard boiled eggs, and raisins, are the quintessential Chilean snack found everywhere from street stalls to bakeries. Don't miss Curanto, a traditional Chilote dish of shellfish, meats, and potatoes cooked in an underground pit, or fresh Caldillo de Congrio (conger eel soup), famously celebrated in Pablo Neruda's poetry. Pair your meals with a Pisco Sour, the national cocktail, or a glass of world-class Chilean wine.
Chile transportation is modern, safe, and efficient. In Santiago, the Metro de Santiago is the best way to get around, being clean, fast, and extensive. You'll need a "Bip!" card to pay for rides. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify are widely available and convenient in major cities.
For long-distance travel, Chile's bus network is excellent. Companies like Turbus and Pullman Bus offer comfortable semi-cama (semi-bed) and salón cama (full bed) seats that make overnight journeys affordable and restful.
What currency does Chile use? Chile uses the Chilean Peso (CLP). As of 2025, the exchange rate fluctuates, so checking current rates is recommended. Locals often refer to 1,000 pesos as a "luca." Chile currency notes come in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 pesos.
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops throughout the country. However, it's essential to carry small cash for tolls, local markets, and rural areas.
The summer months from December to February are perfect for Patagonia and the Lake District. For the Atacama Desert, it's a year-round destination.
The official currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is useful for rural areas.
Travelers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU typically do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. Always check the latest entry requirements.
Chile is considered one of the safest countries in South America. However, exercise standard precautions in major cities like Santiago and Valparaíso.
Don't leave without trying Pastel de Choclo (corn pie), Empanadas de Pino, fresh seafood like Ceviche, and the famous Pisco Sour cocktail.
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