Discover the diverse landscapes of Chile. From the arid land of the Atacama Desert to the striking ice fields and glaciers of Patagonia, there is so much to see and do in this spectacular corner of the world.
With such an abundance of different experiences on offer, it can be difficult to know where to begin while planning your trip. In this article, we share the ten best things to do in Chile to show you how to make the most of your time in this wonderful destination.
Bright red rocks and lunar landscapes of the Atacama Desert
Exploring the Atacama Desert is often said to be the best thing to do in Chile. Situated in the northern part of the country along the Pacific coast of South America, this cool and arid desert plateau boasts a unique lunar landscape featuring salt lakes, hot springs, snow-capped mountains, and cactus-studded canyons.
Not only does the Atacama Desert offer an otherworldly experience, but it also holds the title of the driest non-polar desert in the world and the second-driest overall. To uncover the beauty of the region in all of its glory, set off on hikes through Rainbow Valley, Guatin Canyon, Vallecito, and Moon Valley.
Stargazing is another brilliant thing to do during your time here. Thanks to the Atacama Desert’s high altitude, minimal light pollution, and consistently clear skies, it is considered one of the best places on Earth for astro tourism.
The region’s dazzling star-studded night skies have earned it the honour of being made home to the most expensive ground-based telescope in the world. It is kept in the international observatory known as ALMA.
Sam and Holly trekking in Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park is a must-visit for any nature lover. The unspoilt paradise is located in Patagonia and is home to snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes and flourishing forests. For avid walkers, the renowned W and O treks across the majestic peaks of Torres del Paine National Park are two of the best things to do in Chile.
The W hike is an especially popular route and takes four to five days to complete. It leads walkers around the magnificent Paine massif, where you are greeted with a glorious spectrum of shades of blue. En route, you also encounter tumbling waterfalls, turquoise glaciers and verdant forests.
For those seeking a more challenging trek, the O trail is a great option, lasting seven to eight days and taking you further off the beaten track. If you aren’t tempted by the idea of a multi-day hiking trip, you can instead opt for shorter walks by the wilderness lodges.
Along with being easier on the legs, these routes still showcase awe-inspiring scenery, including ice-blue lakes, immense glaciers and snow-topped mountains. In terms of wildlife, you may come across condors, ñandús, guanacos and even pumas along Torres del Paine’s hiking trails.
Going to Chiloé Island is one of the top things to do in Chile. The unique landmass is steeped in mythological significance and folklore. Legend has it that the Chiloé archipelago was created when the water god, Caicai Vilu rose from the depths as an enormous serpent.
The god attempted to drown the lowlands of coastal Chile. However, the god of the earth, Trentren Vilu fought back and was victorious. Despite winning the battle, he was unable to reconnect the islands, resulting in the archipelago we see today.
Chiloé Island offers a tranquil escape. The unspoilt landmass is cloaked in dense forests and rolling hills. Beyond its picturesque landscapes, it is home to charming fishing villages and captivating wooden churches.
The island also has a vibrant food scene with lots of excellent local Indigenous dishes such as the seafood stew known as curanto. For a spot of adventure, you can jump aboard a Williche – Tierra Chiloé’s traditional boat. As you drift across the azure waters, you’ll pass dramatic mountains, emerald-dusted islets and a wealth of spectacular marine life species including sea lions, panda dolphins and blue whales.
Witness 1000 monumental 'moai' statues of Easter Island
Searching for unique things to do in Chile? Head to Easter Island, one of the most remote islands in the world, to delve into the country’s fascinating history. Otherwise known as Rapa Nui, the isolated landmass was annexed by Chile in 1888 and is famed for being home to almost 1,000 extant monumental statues, called moai.
Crafted from volcanic stone between 1,000 and 1,500 CE, these remarkable formations are believed to have been sculpted by the early Rapa Nui people to temporarily house the spirits of their departed ancestors until they were once again considered divine.
Ahu Tahai is one of the most photographed sites on the UNESCO-protected island. Here, you will find five statues with their backs to the sea gazing stoically towards the water. The sight of their silhouettes against the crashing waves is easily one of the most incredible things to see in Chile.
Getting to Easter Island from the mainland requires taking a five-and-a-half-hour flight. However, when it comes to wonderful things to see and do in Chile, it’s hard to beat a visit to this remote island so it is definitely worth the trip.
One of the most fun things to do in Chile is to head to the Lake District. This unspoilt paradise offers an abundance of outdoor adventure activities, including hiking, fly-fishing, kayaking and cycling. One of the most amazing things to do in the Lake District, however, is to hike one of Chile’s most active volcanoes.
Villarrica Volcano has a rugged snow-capped peak that stands at 2,847 metres high and majestically rises out from the lush surrounding vegetation. The climb to the top is not the easiest of hikes, it demands stamina and proper climbing equipment.
However, it becomes well worth it when you reach the top as the views are nothing short of breathtaking. Gaze out over the open lava lake and the sensational scenery below. With such fantastic scenery on offer, hiking Villarrica Volcano is certainly one of the top things to do in Chile.
During your time in the Chilean Lake District, you may also want to dedicate some time to kayaking or sailing across the shimmering lakes. If you fancy more of an adrenaline rush, you can go mountain biking, zip-lining and even skydiving. When you fancy a bite to eat, you can dine al fresco amidst the dazzling scenery with picnic lunches overlooking the glacial lakes and striking mountains.
Colourful and vibrant Valparaiso, in contrast to the vast scenery of remote Chile
Valparaíso is a picturesque port city situated along the Chilean coast. It is one of the most colourful and peaceful cities in the country and its bohemian vibe and vibrant appearance have made it extremely popular amongst aspiring creatives and artists.
Affectionately known as Valpo, the city’s winding streets are alive with an array of street art, ranging from spray can graffiti to captivating feline mosaics. These picturesque alleys also host trendy cocktail bars, craft beer establishments and quirky restaurants.
While meandering through the enchanting streets, make sure to pop into one of the local eateries to sample one of the region’s most popular delicacies: the chorrillana. This hearty dish consists of chips topped with steak, sausage and kebab, along with cheese, caramelised onions and a fried egg.
If you’re seeking one of the most unique things to do in Chile, head to Valparaíso to take a ride on one of its famous funiculars. You can opt for a newly refurbished option like Ascensor Concepción or a historic locomotive such as Ascensor Reina Victoria, which was built in 1902 and is one of the oldest in the city.
Take a wine tour before a dip in the pool staying at Matetic Vineyard hotel
One of the top things to do in Chile is go wine tasting in the Rosario Valley. The region lies nestled between the coastal valleys of Casablanca and San Antonio and stands out as one of the most amazing wine regions in the country.
Its emerald vineyards, red iron-rich soil and flourishing vegetation provide the perfect setting for viticultural production. The vineyards in the Rosario Valley are particularly renowned for their production of organic and biodynamic wines.
Take, for instance, Viña Matetic, an award-winning winery sprawling over 16,000 hectares by the ocean. During a tasting, you can sample a variety of reds and whites, thoughtfully paired with bread and olive oil.
Then, you can follow up the experience with a visit to the winery’s biodynamic garden and wine cellar, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the production process—from grape to barrel to bottle. To add an extra special touch, you can opt for shots of chocolate paired with a wine flight.
See Magellanic Penguins in remote Southern Chile
Looking for things to do in Southern Chile? Set sail on a cruise along the Patagonian fjords and channels of Tierra del Fuego for an incredible adventure amidst nature at its finest. Your adventure begins in the Chilean city of Punta Arenas.
From here, journey through the legendary Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel over five action-filled days, before docking at the world’s southernmost city: Ushuaia. During your time at sea, you’ll be treated to many unique experiences.
These include visiting the glorious Marinelli Glacier, hiking through the stunning sub-Antarctic Magellanic forest and investigating Wulaia Bay, one of the largest settlements of native Yagan canoeists. Throughout the adventure, you’ll be immersed in breathtaking scenery such as spectacular snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls and flourishing vegetation.
In the realm of wildlife, you’ll encounter adorable Magellanic penguins and majestic cormorants.
Located in southern Chile, the Marble Tunnels and Marble Island of Aysen are incredible places to visit. These natural wonders trace back over 6,000 years and are renowned for being among the most stunning and intricate cave networks in the world.
The best way to see the Marble Tunnels and Marble Island of Aysen is in the company of an expert guide. You can even take a tour with the owners of the very owners of Marble Island, who run a small tourism company that offers visits to these natural wonders.
Your guide will give you a kayak and lead you around the enchanting marble columns and under arches that have been carved out by the glistening turquoise waves over thousands of years. They’ll share insights into the geological history and ecological significance of the site as you navigate through the intricacies of the tunnels.
After a fascinating exploration, enjoy a snack on the island’s beach before crossing General Carrera Lake to visit the renowned Marble Cathedral and Marble Chapel. Then, continue your adventure to the final destination, Puerto Sanchez dock.
It was once a thriving lead and zinc mine housing over 1,500 people before it was abandoned in 1997. Wander through the old mine site, laboratory, hydroelectric plant, and other interesting remnants of the abandoned facilities before spending a night in the historic mining camp.
Enjoy horse riding against the backdrop of Torres del Paine
Estancia Cerro Guido is one of the best places to visit in Chile. The working farm and hotel lie perched amongst lakes and rolling pampas by the border of Torres del Paine National Park. It dates back to the 19th century and boasts 101,000 hectares of unspoilt land, making it one of the largest estancias in the region.
You can explore the stunning landscape on horseback, aboard a bike, in a 4×4 vehicle or while embarking on overland hikes across the glorious grounds of Torres del Paine National Park. During your adventures, you will encounter vast forests, striking mountainscapes, glistening lakes and immense glaciers.
Other exciting experiences on offer in Estancia Cerro Guido include fly fishing, and conservation safaris that invite you to track pumas and discover the work of the sheep and protection dogs in the area.
The hotel itself is a peaceful oasis with 12 plush rooms decorated in restored farm houses decorated in the original English style of the estancia. Rooms are complete with feather beds, organic amenities and sublime views over the gardens.
It is impossible to find yourself short of cool things to do in Chile. From deserts to glaciers, to islands shrouded in folklore, prepare to embark on the adventure of a lifetime in this South American gem.
Looking to Chile and wondering what to do while you’re there? Take a look at our selection of eco-conscious holidays that include opportunities to visit all of the country’s most magnificent sights, from the lunar landscapes of Atacama to the glacial lakes of Torres del Paine.
