Chile is the southernmost country in the world. Located in South America, on the western part of the Andes mountain, its populations arise up to more than 19.000.000 people whose mother tongue is Spanish in its Chilean version (with a slight difference in pronunciation and words from Spain). Is the narrowest country in the world (with only 110 miles wide) and the second-longest (with only 57 miles difference from the first one, Brazil). It is a great country to plan your next trip.
From imposing skyscrapers and sophisticated cities surrounded by one of the longest ranges in the world to jagged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, pristine lakes, salt flats, and geysers fields. Chile offers a wide range of stunning landscapes but above all, unique ones: did you know Atacama’s desert in northern Chile is the driest nonpolar desert? Discover with our travel guide the incredible nature and culture of Chile.
A Chile trip is an unforgettable experience, surrounded by the Andes Mountain Range everywhere, every time. Discover the west side of one of the longest ranges in the world in your Chile vacation. From majestic glaciers, pristine lakes, enchanting lagoons, and falls, and a stunning coastline to the Pacific Ocean, to top-ranked technological and multicultural city centers. Let’s see what are the main tourist attractions in Chile!
Your Chile trip will probably start in the capital of the country. If you are looking to get stunned by architecture and cultural contrast, Santiago is your call in this travel guide. The city is divided into two parts: an old one, with colonial architecture and historical attractions, and a modern one, known as Sanhattan, for its similar skyscrapers and top-class buildings and lifestyle, similar to Manhattan. The surroundings of Santiago include its wine route where you must try their world-known unique wine: Carmenere. Taste Carmenere and other red wines in one of the many vineyards and wineries located in Valle de Colchagua, Casa Blanca, or Valle de Rapel. For experiencing local culture, you may want to visit some ranches to learn more about the figure of the “huasos”, the local people who traditionally worked in these ranches.
This coastline city is known as the Garden City, and although is best known for its iconic Music Festival, Viña del Mar hosts high-level cuisine restaurants and dazzling sunsets views of the Pacific Ocean. Include Viña in your Chile vacation and discover the beautiful castles and old houses of the golden age of the city, now converted into museums and art galleries. All of these, are surrounded by the magic views of the Pacific Ocean!
Gastronomy, culture, and amazing views of the Pacific Ocean are guaranteed in Valparaíso. This city cannot be missing from your Chile vacation because it is an important seaport. Its Historic Quarter was named World Heritage by UNESCO, as it represents an outstanding example of industrial heritage from the international sea trade of the late 19th and early 20th. Enjoy a ride in its historical funicular or the fresh seafood in one of the many delicious restaurants at the Jewel of the Pacific, as Valparaiso is called.
Did you know it is the driest nonpolar desert in the world? Meaning only exceptional things can be found. Add to your Chile trip a visit to San Pedro de Atacama, a small city with little adobe houses, the jumping-off point for all travelers who want to visit this area. For starters, this place is also cataloged as one the best places in the world for stargazing for its clear sky and lack of light pollution. You can also visit the Salts Flats and bathe in one of the many pristine water lagoons with stunning volcanoes as the backdrop, or visit Geysers del Tatio, the highest geothermal field in the world. Flamingoes, salt caves and salt gemstones, and Atacama’s traditional cuisine are also part of the one-of-a-kind destination.
If within your Chile vacation, you are looking for an immersive experience of local cultures, in this region, especially in Chiloé, you will for sure learn and connect with the history and culture of Mapuches, the native inhabitants of this area. Great pristine lakes and millenary forests will also be part of your Lake District visit. Some of the villages you can include in your Chile trip to discover this area include Pucón, Villa Rica, Frutillar, and Puerto Varas.
Located in the south, Torres del Paine National Park is declared a Natural Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Puerto Natales, a small town but with great restaurants to try local cuisine, is the jumping-off point to start your adventure here in Torres del Paine. For true hiking lovers, this place might seem like a paradise: jagged- snow-capped mountains, turquoise water lakes, and majestic glaciers are going to be your hiking landscapes. The most famous circuit is known as the “W ” circuit, wherein on a 5-day tour, you get to discover Torres del Paine’s highlights such as Paine Towers, Paine Horns Grey Glacier, and Lake Pehoé.
The Land of Pisco, a traditional alcoholic drink in Chile, offers a wide range of high-level gastronomy. During your Chile vacation stay open to trying new unique flavors and beverages and level up your Chile trip– you won’t regret it!
Ana Maria
Club Hipico #476
Regional Food
This restaurant is known as one of the best ones in town if you are looking to try authentic Chilean food. From exquisite seafood and exotic meat cuts of quail, rabbit, and ostrich to traditional Cazuelas, similar to soup made of onion, corn, peppers with chicken or meat.
La Piojera
Aillavilú 1030
Restaurant / Bar
Enjoy traditional food in a chill environment. Try Chorillana (french fries with onion, fried eggs, and meat), Pichanga (mix of tunas, cheese, pickles) accompanied with La Piojera’s star cocktail: Terremoto (earthquakes).
Dominó
Paseo Ahumada 37
Restaurant
A Completo is basically a hotdog covered in avocado, tomato, and mayonnaise but this could vary. Dominó is a family business restaurant that has been working in Santiago de Chile for almost 60 years and serves one of the great completo’s in the city.
Chilenazo
Libertad #37
Restaurant / Pub
This restaurant offers all kinds of meat cuts. It is similar to a grill but cooked and served in a Chilean way to keep local culture alive.
Tierra de Fuego
8 norte Nº65, Playa Acapulco
Restaurant / Seafood
Located on the coast, Tierra de Fuego’s dazzling views of the Pacific Ocean will join the delicious seafood menu they offer. You should try “Machas a la Parmesana”, a traditional plate of the area!
El Asador Patagonico
Arturo Prat 158
Restaurant / Patagonic Lamb
This restaurant will for sure delight yourself with the specialty of this region: Patagonic lamb. Enjoy the local cuisine and a local beer in a nice atmosphere.
La Disquería Restaurant
Hermann Eberhard 299
Restaurant / Plow Disc-made Food
La Disqueria specializes in their food made by using “Discos de Arado”. You’ll be tasting different kinds of meat, chicken, and fish in the most traditional Chilean way.
Restaurant / plow disc made food
La Disqueria specializes in their food made by using “discos de arado”. You’ll be tasting different kinds of meat, chicken and fish in the most traditional Chilean way.
El Humedal, Casa Cocina
Turismo 145. Puerto Varas, Los Lagos, Chile
Fusion / Vegetarian
A great restaurant with a spectacular view of Llanquihue Lake. Even though their menu is Fusion Food based, they always make sure to include vegetarian and vegan options.
Café Turri
Templeman 147, Cerro Concepción
Local Food / Meals
Rumors say this restaurant has the best views of Valparaiso’s city. You can enjoy traditional Chilean dishes for dinner, or visit this 19th-century building for tea time also!
If you are planning a Chile trip from North America or Europe, you can purchase a flight to Chile. Depending on which city you are departing for your Chile vacation, your flight may last between 8 to 15 hours long.
The main international airport, and jumping-off point to other national airports, is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, located in Chile’s capital city, Santiago de Chile.
Chile reopened its borders, so all travelers from all countries are welcome to visit this amazing country!
However, we strongly recommend checking specific requirements to enter the country, to be ready to start your Chile trip!
You will find many airlines flying to amazing Chile:
American Airlines, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, Avianca, LATAM, Aeromexico, Copa Airlines, United Airlines, KLM, Iberia, British Airways, GOL, JetSmart, Sky.
Choosing is difficult but you can prioritize some of these in your Chile vacation. Discover the delightful lakeside town, the gateway of the Chilean Lake District, Puerto Varas. From this picturesque village, you can visit several stunning natural marvels, like the Green Lagoon, Osorno’s volcano, and Petrohué Falls.
Following southern Chile, the Patagonia region also awaits! Go hiking in one of the 8th wonders of the world named by UNESCO: Torres del Paine National Park. A true paradise for hikers where you can discover imposing high-peak mountains and turquoise water lakes.
Santiago, on the other hand, hosts impressive skyscrapers and high-class buildings and services. You can enjoy top-ranked restaurants to delight yourself with local Chilean cuisine.
Find out more places to explore on your Chile trip.
Exploring the unique Andes Mountains Range natural environment, its native wildlife, and local culture will for sure create memories of a lifetime in any Chile vacation. Driest nonpolar desert on Earth? The Atacama Desert awaits. The 8th Wonder of the World by UNESCO? Torres del Paine National Park awaits. And salt flats, geysers fields, dazzling pristine lakes, imposing glaciers and jagged mountains also await you. Chile hosts adventures for all ages and tastes!
It depends on which destination you are thinking of visiting, but mostly during summer is the best time to visit most of the destinations:
The answer is an absolute yes! Chile’s borders are opened for all travelers from all countries.
However, we strongly recommend you to check Chile’s requirements to enter the country.
Looking forward to an epic adventure, huh? These neighboring countries have jaw-dropping landscapes and one-of-a-kind experiences that will live forever on you.
Our explorer’s favorite option to discover these two countries in one whole trip is our 9-day tour or 13-day tour Best of Patagonia, where you will visit all Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia highlights. Plus, you will immerse yourself into the local culture of ranches to get to know the “huasos” (in your Chile trip) and “gauchos” (in Argentina) story and lifestyle, while being delighted with traditional local cuisine.
Visit Puerto Varas, Punta Arenas, Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia and Ushuaia, El Calafate, El Chalten in Argentinian Patagonia. Ready for some adventure?
Learn more about Chile and Argentina tours here.
A Chile trip to discover its unique landscapes can cost you similar to a trip you’ve done to North America or European destinations. But, as Chile’s territory is long and diverse Chile’s territory, it is the budget you can choose to spend. Depending on your preference, the budget may increase or decrease:
In Chile, 86,5% of the population is fully vaccinated with at least two doses of Covid-19 vaccines. Learn more about Chile’s restrictions and protocols.
Chilean Patagonia is one of the most visited areas in the country. The main destinations you can visit in your Chile vacation in Patagonian are Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, or Torres del Paine. Discover absolutely jaw-dropping landscapes in the top-ranked hiking paradise: Torres del Paine. Our 5-day tour known as the “W” circuit, the most popular, will take you to every highlight of this National Park, sleeping under the starlit skies of Chilean Patagonia.
When it comes to tourism purposes, visas might be required in some countries although most European, and American countries can enter Chile visa-free. Learn more about visa requirements here.
These fees can only be paid in the equivalent of local currency in cash.
This project seeks to ensure a sustainable future for Torres del Paine National Park and its surrounding communities. At Torres del Paine Legacy Fund they see the growth of tourism as an opportunity to create a positive impact, uniting travelers, residents, and the public and private sectors to carry out local sustainability initiatives that strengthen the long-term health of the region. 100% of all donations go directly to sustainability initiatives that preserve, support, and celebrate the park and its surrounding communities. To make a donation, please follow this link.
Etnia fabrics are handmade with sheep’s wool and alpaca. In addition, handicrafts with recycled materials and souvenirs are also offered. Only products made in Chile are marketed in a sustainable way.
Address: Manuel Bulnes 1004, Puerto Natales, Patagonia, Chile.
Mon – Sat: 10:30-20:00 hrs, Sun:11:00-13:00 hrs
SayHueque’s Sustainability Involves
In Partnership with Reforestarg, we stand against deforestation, planting and donating trees in damaged zones (consequence mainly of forest fires) helping at the same time to compensate for our carbon footprint. To plant a tree is leaving a part of your legacy in Argentina, and promoting hope for future generations.
You can take part in this initiative by volunteering at tree-planting ceremonies (which can be arranged at specific destinations in your itinerary) or you can also donate a native tree for each passenger who travels to Patagonia.
Last but not least, here are some other truly world-changing sustainable actions we are involved in:
This project features the creation of solar-powered water heaters to provide hot water day and night to residents of villages like Garin. The NGO works alongside locals and volunteers to build their panels on-site.
The full hot water system consists of an array of leftover cans, bottles, and cartons, piping to carry water, and an insulated storage tank.
Say Hueque has been part of these encounters where our agents help the community build their heaters.
To learn more about Sumando energías make click on this link.
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