From its capital, Santiago, to the southernmost fjords, a trip to Chile is the perfect vacation for explorers. You can visit deserts, salt flats, and also lake-side villages and amazing beaches. Heading south, the Patagonian steppe rises and the stunning peaks of Torres del Paine National Park invite all travelers to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime hiking experience. Isla de Pascua, Easter Island, is also a popular, must-visit attraction on a tour to Chile. 

Santiago de Chile

Santiago is the capital of Chile and the largest city in the country. It’s located in the Central Valley and it features an amazing mixture of art deco and neo-gothic architecture with fantastic views of the Andes Mountain Range. It was founded in 1541 by the Spanish crown, and today is a must-stop to include in any of your tours to Chile.

Art collections of pre-Columbian and contemporary art, local markets, beautiful parks like Cerro Santa Lucía and the Mapocho River that flows through the city, are some of the attractions of Santiago. Located just one hour away from vineyards and the Pacific Ocean, there are other attractions you can visit near the city like Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, where most locals prefer to spend their summer vacation.

Torres del Paine

This tourist attraction is located in Chilean Patagonia. Located in southern Chile, Torres del Paine National Park was created in 1959. Its name comes from the distinctive three granite peaks of the Paine mountain range or Paine Massif. Paine comes from the Tehuelche language and means “blue” while torres means “towers” in Spanish. The Tehuelches, known for their hunting skills, were the first community to inhabit this region. Today, Torres del Paine National Park receives thousands of visitors every year looking for adventure. Most of them come to the park for the famous “W” trek, a 5-day hiking trip. 

Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas is located on the shore of Llanquihue Lake, one of the largest lakes in Chile. As part of a government colonization project, it was founded in 1853 by German immigrants. Known as “the city of the roses”, Puerto Varas offers perfect views of the snow-capped and still active Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes. This destination is a perfect option to include in a tour to Chile where travelers seek outdoor sports such as kayaking, fishing and trekking. Don’t miss during winter the “Rain Festival”, when the locals celebrate the abundant seasonal rains. Looking to cross to Argentina? Puerto Varas is also an ideal tourist attraction to reach Argentina through a bus-and-boat trip, enjoy spectacular forested mountains reflected in shimmering lakes while traveling to Bariloche, Argentina. 

Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales, the provincial capital of Ultima Esperanza, is located in the Chilean Patagonia at sea level on the shore of the Señoret Channel. This city is the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park and starting your Patagonian journey here is easy as there are nearby airports. A popular spot to visit is the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, with South America’s largest glacier, the Pio XI or Ana María Glacier. Discover the Milodon Cave and learn about the history of this giant sloth that used to live here in this southernmost part of Chile more than 10,000 years ago. Sail through the Ultima Esperanza fjord and be amazed by the glaciers you’ll find on your trip. You’ll be amazed by the vibrant colors that paint the sky at sunset and the countless activities to do outdoors.

San Pedro de Atacama

Named after the patron saint, San Pedro, San Pedro de Atacama is built around a laid-back oasis in the driest desert of the world! For all the thrill-seekers, it includes the perfect adventures between volcanoes, sand dunes, and lagoons. With a blanket of crystal clear skies at night, this town is an amazing stop for all nature lovers out there. San Pedro is quite small, but it attracts hordes of travelers. Ancient cultures and travelers from all over the world intermingle in this age-old town with dirt roads and adobe homes. Visit the old plaza and learn about the customs of its residents. Make sure to visit the old church. Take in all of the local art, and take a stroll through the workshops of the Craft Village to find out how they keep their traditions alive.