Attractions
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!
Santiago de 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.
Viña del Mar
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!
Valparaíso
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.
Atacama Desert
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.
Lake District
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.
Torres del Paine
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.
Eating & Drinking
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!
Santiago de Chile
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.
Viña del Mar
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!
Puerto Natales
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.
Puerto Varas
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.
Valparaiso
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!
Tips & Advices
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.
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:
- Santiago de Chile: best times to visit are during fall and spring when temperatures are moderate and places aren’t as crowded as in summertime. Although, if you are into winter sports, winter is a great time to visit and get to do some skiing at the nearby ski resorts.
- Valparaiso or Viña del Mar: Summer is the best time to travel to enjoy some time at the beach as Pacific Ocean waters might be a little bit cold;
- Chilean Patagonia: best time to visit Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, or Punta Arenas is during summer, as all hiking trails are open, something that is not likely to happen during winter because of the extreme weather and snow.
- Atacama’s Desert: during summertime, this area has more pleasant weather without extreme temperatures, and is the best in the year for stargazing.
- Los Lagos Region: The best month to visit this region is in January when temperatures are moderate and most days are sunny. Summer is the best option as in winter rainy and foggy days are more likely.
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:
- Dishes at restaurants may start from 15-20 dollars per dish. You can choose to get to-go or cheaper dish options at some local restaurants, a few blocks away from main streets and avenues.
- Bus tickets: if purchased in advance, they can cost US$9 (between Lake District villages, for example) or up to US$72, depending on time and distances
- Subway: Transportation in Santiago is affordable, clean, and efficient. Tickets range from US$0.73 to – 0.91, depending on the time of the day.
- Torres del Paine National Park Tickets Fee: if you are planning to visit this National Park for less than 3 days, tickets go from US$ 17 for teenagers between 12 and 17 to US$ 35 for adults. If you are planning to visit for more than 3 days, tickets for 12 years old or more cost US$49. Best part? In all cases, kids who are 12 years old or under, have entrance-free to the park.
- National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales: the oldest national park in Chile hosts the Saltos del Petrohue. Tickets cost between US$ 4 to US$ 8. Children under 12 years old are free of charge.
- Nature Reserve Los Flamencos: to visit the famous rose flamingoes in the high altitudes of Atacama, or the salt lagoons to bathe or visit the Moon Valley, this nature reserve holds them all. Fees range from US$ 5 to US$ 10. Special rates for students are available.
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.
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.
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.
It depends on which destination you are thinking of visiting, but mostly during summer is the best time to visit most of the destinations:
- Santiago de Chile: best times to visit are during fall and spring when temperatures are moderate and places aren’t as crowded as in summertime. Although, if you are into winter sports, winter is a great time to visit and get to do some skiing at the nearby ski resorts.
- Valparaiso or Viña del Mar: Summer is the best time to travel to enjoy some time at the beach as Pacific Ocean waters might be a little bit cold;
- Chilean Patagonia: best time to visit Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, or Punta Arenas is during summer, as all hiking trails are open, something that is not likely to happen during winter because of the extreme weather and snow.
- Atacama’s Desert: during summertime, this area has more pleasant weather without extreme temperatures, and is the best in the year for stargazing.
- Los Lagos Region: The best month to visit this region is in January when temperatures are moderate and most days are sunny. Summer is the best option as in winter rainy and foggy days are more likely.
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:
- Dishes at restaurants may start from 15-20 dollars per dish. You can choose to get to-go or cheaper dish options at some local restaurants, a few blocks away from main streets and avenues.
- Bus tickets: if purchased in advance, they can cost US$9 (between Lake District villages, for example) or up to US$72, depending on time and distances
- Subway: Transportation in Santiago is affordable, clean, and efficient. Tickets range from US$0.73 to – 0.91, depending on the time of the day.
- Torres del Paine National Park Tickets Fee: if you are planning to visit this National Park for less than 3 days, tickets go from US$ 17 for teenagers between 12 and 17 to US$ 35 for adults. If you are planning to visit for more than 3 days, tickets for 12 years old or more cost US$49. Best part? In all cases, kids who are 12 years old or under, have entrance-free to the park.
- National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales: the oldest national park in Chile hosts the Saltos del Petrohue. Tickets cost between US$ 4 to US$ 8. Children under 12 years old are free of charge.
- Nature Reserve Los Flamencos: to visit the famous rose flamingoes in the high altitudes of Atacama, or the salt lagoons to bathe or visit the Moon Valley, this nature reserve holds them all. Fees range from US$ 5 to US$ 10. Special rates for students are available.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
