Chile might not be at the top of your travel list, but it should be. This quiet country may fly under the radar, but Chile is a land of natural riches that stun even the most traveled of explorers. From impressive volcanoes and sprawling vineyards to star-filled deserts and massive glaciers, Chile boasts innumerable beauties. Whether you come for the food, the adventure, or the scenery, Chile will ensure that the question of what to do there is always answered, from hiking the famous treks of Torres del Paine National Park to riding funiculars up the sloping hillside of Valparaíso. This is one country where boredom isn’t on the menu.
This post may contain affiliate links. Making a purchase through our site may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you. This does not affect the independence or quality of our content.
See Stars in the Atacama Desert
Chile’s Atacama Desert is full of wonders, from the Mars-like landscapes of the Moon Valley to the flamingo-dotted waters of Laguna Chaxa. Still, none have quite the impact as the sky come nightfall. Once the sun sets in the desert, get used to craning your head back to stare at the sky. The Atacama Desert boasts six hundred miles of land and an infinite expanse of dark sky that’s perfect for admiring countless stars. And we do mean countless. Because the Southern Hemisphere faces directly into the center of the Milky Way, the Atacama Desert bursts with billions of stars, more than you’re likely to have ever seen before. And because the Atacama Desert is the driest in the world, with a high altitude, minimal light pollution, and cloudless skies, it hits the trifecta for perfect stargazing conditions, allowing you to see them all.
From familiar constellations to stars that aren’t visible anywhere else, the Atacama Desert is unmatched when it comes to stargazing. Whether you decide to experience it on a stargazing tour or while soaking in your hotel’s hot spring, the Atacama Desert is a must-do on your list of things to do in Chile.
Hike in Torres del Paine National Park
Tucked away in Chile’s Patagonia region, Torres del Paine National Park is a hiker’s paradise with no equal in Chile or anywhere else in the world, for that matter. The park’s beauty is all in the name; Torres is the Spanish word for “towers,” while paine, though it sounds like “pain,” is actually the Teheulche word for “blue.” And once you see the park for yourself, you’ll understand just how accurate the name “Towers of Blue” really is. Mountains of gray-blue granite pierce the sky, dominating the view of Torres del Paine and creating a breathtaking panorama that gives visitors a perfect introduction to the park.
The rugged landscape is a testament to untamed and untouched wilds at their best. Between the jagged peaks, golden fields of pampas, and glittering blue lakes, the park is a feast for the eyes. And there are miles and miles of trails to experience it firsthand, from simple day hikes, such as the Cuernos Lookout and Laguna Azul hikes, to more challenging ones, like the W Trek and O Circuit.
While there are endless ways to experience the park, from horseback riding along the trails to kayaking on the lakes and even sailing up to icebergs, taking in the wild beauty of Torres del Paine on foot is an experience you won’t regret.
Enjoy the Sights of Chiloé
Up against the infinite wonders of the Patagonia region, a stop at this unassuming archipelago might, at first, seem pointless. Why visit a small scattering of mist-drenched islands when places like Torres del Paine, the Marble Caves, and so many other marvels exist? But this is one stop on your Chilean adventure that you won’t want to leave as an afterthought. Chiloé is overflowing with riches, from picturesque villages to stunning landscapes and remarkable wildlife.
First settled by colonists, Chiloé sports a unique fusion of Indigenous and European cultures, especially in its architecture. The Palafito villages are a perfect example of this, with their bright log cabins reminiscent of places like Norway and sat atop stilts the likes of which you’d find in the Amazon. The UNESCO churches are also a must-see, each one unique in design, personality, and appearance, but all built in the same style without the use of a single metal nail.
When you’ve finished exploring the vibrant villages and character-filled churches, take in some fresh air by hiking through the verdant forests of Chiloé National Park or soaking in the dramatic sea views from Muelle de las Almas. And don’t forget the wildlife! From whale sightings off the coast to penguins at Ancud and pudu—the world’s smallest deer—in Parque Tantauco, you may just find yourself experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime animal encounter.
Chiloé is a bit of a hidden gem, but one you’ll fall in love with as soon as you set foot on the island.
Kayak Through the Marble Caves
The Marble Caves are exactly as the name suggests: caves made of marble. And yet, they’re so much more than those words alone could capture. From an unassuming cliff face outside to stunning marbled walls in shades of blue and purple, entering the Marble Caves feels like entering nature’s cathedral. Gliding through the water maze under the arched ceilings and watching the constant play of light along the cave walls is a feeling close to magic.
Because the caves are only accessible by water, you can take a group boat tour to view them. But we’d argue the best and most memorable way to experience the caves is by kayaking through them. Kayaking allows you to explore all the small tunnels and passages inaccessible to larger boats. Silently drifting along, watching the walls shift and change with the light, is a powerful experience you won’t soon forget.
Conquer Villarrica Volcano
Located in the Andes, Villarrica is one of the most active volcanoes in Chile. Standing at 9,383 feet, Villarrica towers over the surrounding landscape, its white tip a beacon of challenge to any in the area who might see it and feel the call to scale its towering slopes. And the challengers come in droves. Every year, thousands of people flock to Villarrica to don their hiking boots and crampons to conquer the fiery volcano. And the enticements for such a trek are fairly convincing, from its moderate difficulty to the fiery lava lake you can view from the top and from the spectacular views on the way up to the heart-pumping thrill of sledding your way back down (provided there’s enough snow). Conquering Villarrica is far from an impossible feat and will be something you think about long after it’s over.
Eat Your Way Through the Capital of Santiago
The beating heart of Chile, Santiago, lies between the towering Andes to the east and the glittering Pacific to the west and between the Atacama Desert to the north and Patagonia to the south. So, of course, it’s only natural to want to get out of the city as quickly as possible to explore everything else Chile has to offer. But put the brakes on those plans. Santiago is a cultural gem worthy of its own exploration. And while you might be tempted only to follow the sights, Santiago is a city where you’d do well to follow your nose.
Touted as a city with a vibrant food culture, Santiago’s local foods are guaranteed to grip you by the taste buds and never let go. Grab a Chilean empanada on the way to explore history at the Plaza de Armas. Try a completo, a Chilean-style hot dog loaded with toppings, before heading to Cerro San Cristóbal for epic views of the city. Sit down to enjoy some fresh ceviche before hunting for the perfect souvenir in Barrio Bellavista, or chow down on a hearty dish of Pastel de Choclo after looking for colorful street art in Bohemian neighborhoods like Barrio Yungay.
Santiago is a mix of fun, culture, and savory bites around every turn.
Breathe the Fresh Air in Cajón del Maipo
Need a quick break from the city? Abandon the busy streets and restless energy to breathe deep in the “green lung” of Santiago: Cajón del Maipo. Just a few hours outside of Santiago, Cajón del Maipo is a stunning valley nestled within the Andes Mountains. Snow-peaked crests and striking blue lakes dominate the landscape, offering up sensational views and photo opportunities. But Cajón del Maipo is more than just a photography paradise. From hiking to horseback riding and from rafting to waterfall chasing, the ways to experience Cajón del Maipo are as endless as its charms. Picnic by El Yeso reservoir, explore the adobe buildings of San Jose, and soak in the incredible views as you soak in the high mountain hot springs. Cajón del Maipo proves you don’t have to travel far for breathtaking vistas or incredible outdoor experiences.
Get Lost in the Colorful Streets of Valparaíso
They say Valparaíso is a bit of a hidden gem; if that’s true, it won’t be for much longer. Vibrant, colorful, and rich in culture, Valparaíso is a hilly seaport boasting captivating panoramas, bright murals, and a wealth of history around every corner. And what winding corners they are. The city of Valparaíso was built without a plan and extends from the narrow flats and up into the hills. The result is a sloping city piled onto the hillside with classic funiculars dotting the steep incline.
The best way to experience this city isn’t via a tour, though there are plenty of those for the inexperienced traveler; instead, get lost among the hills. Valparaíso is a city of hidden art, with murals around every corner and splashed upon almost every building, creating a vivid and exciting atmosphere. Whether you’re hunting for murals, exploring the historic quarter of this World Heritage City, or enjoying local favorites like chorrillana, Valparaíso is a quirky city filled with charm and character that’ll sweep you off your feet and into the hills.
Sip Wine in Casablanca Valley
Nothing pairs better with picturesque scenery than a refreshing glass of white wine. And where else to get the perfect glass of white wine than in the Casablanca Valley? Casablanca, meaning “white house,” is renowned for its prolific production of white wine and some of the finest wine flavors in Chile. Although the first vines were only planted in the mid-1980s, the favorable climate—cool ocean breezes and coastal fog—has made Casablanca a growing giant among Chile’s wine valleys. So with coastal mountains as your backdrop, dive into the wine scene in Casablanca. From exploring the forests of Veramonte Vineyard before delving into its chocolate macerated wines to relaxing at Indomita Vineyard and savoring the view while sipping the Sauvignon, the Casablanca Valley is a go-to destination for enjoying the sweet life, one sip at a time.
Cruise Through the Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
Patagonia is known for its stunning glaciers. With over 17,000 glaciers in the region, it wouldn’t be a stretch to call this the land of ice and snow. And the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park is a perfect glimpse into this world. Part of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field, the park boasts its fair share of stunning icy scenery, from fjords and icebergs to snowcapped mountains and frosty glaciers. Among such stunning natural treasures, some still manage to stand out from the rest, like two of the most iconic Patagonia glaciers: Balmaceda and Serrano. These two glaciers both mantle the Monte Balmaceda, creating breathtaking displays, from Balmaceda’s gentle cascade to Serrano’s steep slope into the sea. Both are only accessible by water, making them the perfect destination for a boat tour or a kayaking adventure for the truly brave.
Sail to the Remote Easter Island
Sail away to a remote paradise on Easter Island. Located nearly 2,400 miles from its closest neighbor in Chile, Easter Island— or Rapa Nui, as it’s known by the people who live there—is one of the most secluded inhabited islands in the world. But that’s not what this island is most known for. That honor lies with the island’s oldest residents, the moai, statues.
An estimated 900 moai dot the island, and much speculation surrounds how the heads were moved. Considering the tallest one, Paro, is 33 feet tall and weighs 82 tons, it’s a question you might find yourself asking as well in between watching the sunsets, lounging on Anakena Beach, and trying to track down all 900 moai, or as many as you can before your boat departs. From wandering through the island’s only museum to standing on its tallest point and looking out to see nothing but the ocean, every step on Rapa Nui is laced with history and memories that are sure to follow you home.
