Top 10 Attractions in Chile

My posts contain affiliate links! If you purchase something through one of the links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting our blog. When you look at the map of South America, you find a country with narrow borders resembling the Chile from your grocery. And you guessed it right! You are looking at one of the longest countries in the world, Chile (shaped like one!) running along the Pacific Coastline. Just as fascinating as the other continents, in every inch of this land you find a vigor and valor of a historical journey. From the spiraling deserts of Atacama to the snow capped ranges of Patagonia, you know you’ve hit the right chord when you have landed in Chile.

There is an interesting legend which captures the essence of this beautiful country-

“In the beginning of time, God created the wonders of the world. When he finished, however, he saw that he had many leftover pieces. He had parts of rivers and valleys, of oceans and lakes, of glaciers and deserts, of mountains and forests, and of meadows and hills. Rather than to let such beauty go to waste, God put them all together and cast them to the most remote corner of the earth. This is how Chile was born.” – Chilean Legend. Explore nature’s bounty in the diverse landscape of this amazing place, a must-have for bucket list.

Because of the country’s cryptic location and geographical features, it shows a wide variety of climate-from the tropical Atacama Desert in the north to the frozen Antarctic region in the extreme south. Chile is indeed a land of extremes. While most part of Chile is dominated by the mountainous Andes in the east, it is guarded by three countries-Peru and Bolivia in the north and Argentina in the east.

Also, extreme natural events of flash floods, violent earthquakes, winter storms and tsunamis alternately beset the natural topography of the country. Visitors are spellbound at its myriad and otherworldly terrains dotted with ancient glaciers, marble salt flats, lagoons, forests, lakes and active volcanoes.

The central region of Chile where its capital Santiago is located is the most developed region due to its temperate climate. This part known as intermediate depression is covered with lush rainforests and lagoons. Due to its abundant resources and flat terrain, this area is suitable for urban growth.

When you are done praising the natural beauty of this country, wait, as you have more to be thankful for!

Chile is known to be one of the safest countries in South America, basking in the glory of its good wine, great poets and rich cultural heritage

Ethnicity-Nealry 95% of Chilean population is a mix of native and European descent and the remaining 5% population belongs to Mapuches followed by Quechas, Aymaras, Lickanantays and Diaguitas.

The northern part of the country was ruled by the prominent Incas before the Spanish conquests took over tin in the 16th century. The country achieved independence from Spain in 1810. We are setting to explore some majestic landscapes and milestone of this country.

1. Tour the Atacama Desert-When you think of a desert the first things which come to your mind are hot, empty, dry and boring, But the Atacama desert defies your normal expectations of a desert, because it is scattered with unbelievably interesting views.

A rock sculpture in the middle of the desert is quite unanticipated. But here right in the heart of the desert you find this tall, erect structure yelling in silence. The credit for this amazing sculpture goes to Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrazabal with a poignant story behind its creation. La Mano Del Desierto or the “Hand of the desert” as it is popularly known was the artisit’s way of honoring humanity for it’s sacrifice and vunerability in the past.

2) San Pedro De Atacama– Driving miles into the desert and seeing no sign of life can be taxing. But imagine finding life in one of the driest places one earth which receives just 1 to 3 mm of rainfall each year. This is where you find San Pedro De Atacama, a tiny flocked by tourists from all over the world. San Pedro De Atacama is surrounded by some stunning wonders to explore.

2) Geyseres Del Tatio–

” The best view comes after the hardest climb” and nothing explains this better than the experience in sight of nature’s magic that you ehold at the Geyseres Del Tatio. And as refreshing and rejuvenating it sounds you will never regret a bit.

Taking a trip atop at 4000 meters above sea level is worth the pain getting up in the wee hours of morning and enjoying perfect bliss. After an hour and a half of bumpy ride which includes crossing a river, you gasp at the breathtakingly beautiful view at the summit. The real deal is however watching the sun ascending over the volcanoes, with boiling geysers, steamy fumaroles and the fuming mud craters.

The entire zone is bathed in sunlight, recreating a prismatic harmony with the fountain of geysers and the plumes of hot steam. You wonder, is this earth? Here the temperatures can drop as low as -20 degrees celsius, so you can take a dip in one of the thermal pools or heat a hot chocolate.

3) Explore The Vibrant Art City of Valparaiso

Delve into the maze of colorful imagery as you feast your eyes with these masterpieces strolling across the streets or sitting in the bars, cafes and restaurants.Also Valparaiso, is home to the famous Nobel Prize winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of this historical city riding the vintage style ascensores or funiculars moving to and fro the hillsides.

Chile is a country with surprises all over the map and Valparaiso or “Valpo” as it’s popularly known is no different. Step into a world of artistic frenzy winding up and down the alleys of this bustling port city. Visitors from all over the world come to explore the vibrant artistic melting pot with a phenomenal display of murals, paintings and abstract art.

4) Hike the classic “W”circuit at Torres Del Paine-

One of the most liberating experiences you can unfold once you set your foot in this land of extreme paradox and earthly wonders is the Torres Del Paine National Park. Your Chilean trip would be incomplete without hiking the majestic mountains of Patagonian Torres Del Paine. Declared as UNESCO’s world heritage site since 1978 this biosphere reserve is also known as “El Fin Del Mundo” or “The End of the world.” A trek across the Patagonian Paine massif will render you some jaw dropping views of its frosted peaks, groaning glaciers and exquisite wilderness. Hiking the classic “W” circuit one can get a glimpse of wild flora and fauna of this region. You can easily spot condors, mountain lions, Nandus and Guamacos enroute. The best time to vist this place is during summer (October-April)

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5) Explore The Marble Caves–

One of the most exquisite and sought after destinations of Chile are the marble caves also locally known as Capillas De Marmol. Wading through the waters of Lake General Carrera you stop by this series of sculpted caverns with turquoise waves crashing on to this 6000-year-old natural wonder, also known as the Marble Cathedral.

The swirling patterns on the wall created by the constant lashing of the waves resemble a painter’s palette. The water color and levels keep changing from one season to another. During summer the water gets a crystalline hue while in spring it changes to azure with the increase in water levels. Visitor’s from all over the globe come to capture this rare geological masterpiece that spans the Chile-Argentine border.

To get here one has to take a flight from Santiago to the city of Coyhaique. The travel 800 miles on highway followed by 200 miles of dirt road to finally embark on a boat ride to the Lake general Carrera.

6)Easter Island And Napa Rui

Your Chilean bucket list must definitely contain the visit to the Eastern Island’s most surreal landscape. The island is so named as the Dutch explorer Jacob Roggoveen in the year 1722 on an Easter Sunday.

Located 3500 miles away from the main coast of Chile, Eastern Island was home to indigenous Rapa nui people for 1000 years.

These monolithic statues are said to built around 500 years ago out of a single volcanic rock. Visitors can capture the air filled with mysticism and the surreal imagery created with these series of Moai statues facing the island while seven of them facing towards the sea. Every statue is believed to represent an important ancestral inhabitant of the island endowed with spiritual and political power.

The island serves as a repository for statues of different size range of 13 meters to 33 meters in length. The largest incomplete statue El Gigante towers over at the height of 72 feet. Most of the statues have humongous heads which constitute the entire figure

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7) Discover The Footsteps Of Pablo Neruda–

Bask in the evergreen glory of the Nobel Prize winning world Famous Chilean author Pablo Neruda’s magnificent villas located in three different settings. One can get an insight into the Nobel Laureate’s quirky and creative mind by touring these homes and discover interesting memoirs of the poet’s grand poetic and diplomatic journey.

The Isla Negra- facing the Pacific Ocean designed exclusively like a ship with narrow corridors and wooden plank floors. The house isn’t built on an island but the poet named it so because of its black rocks and the isolated charm. Knickknacks from the poet’s world travels like ships in a bottle, mermaids, insects butterflies, tusks, sailors and carved artifacts embellish his house. Rooms dotted with figureheads, mismatched furniture, and steep staircases lets us take a peek into the poet’s vibrant lifestyle. The “Captain’s bar” is the pièce de résistance of the Isla Negra. Crisscrossing one’s way across the room one cannot ignore the eerie feeling suspended amid his vast memorabilia as the poet is buried in these quarters

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La Sebastiana, located in Valparaiso, the city of hills seems to be emerging from the crashing waves of the Pacific coast like great tidal waves of land. This fulfilled Neruda’s dream of a house-La Sebastiana, which “seemed to float in air but very much grounded at the same.” The entire house is a whimsical wonder built resembling a stack of rooms in quirky shapes with stunning views of the sea.

La Chascona- Nestled in capital Santiago’s plush Bellavista neighborhood is Neruda’s third house named La Chascona which means “wild haired woman, “where he believed to live with his lover Matilda. The house bears the same charm as his two other homes with a colorful splash of blue. One of the most interesting features of the house is a series of enormous eyes hanging from the tree branches. You also get to see scattered possessions of ashtrays, polish dolls, maps, sailing compasses and traditional masks.

But one cannot ignore the iconic portrait of Matilda by Mexican muralist Diego Rivera hanging on the wall.

8) Valle De La Luna–

Welcome to the most other worldly landscapes to the west of San Pedro De Atacama in the Salt Mountain range. Step into one of the most stunning moon like landscapes, rugged mountains and distinctive plateaus at Valle De La Luna. Explore some of the most fascinating sunset points or follow the convoluted trajectory of biking trails at the Valle De La Luna.

It is said that the abundance of quartz and copper deposits in the region infuses people with good amount of positive energy. No wonder it’s called the “Moon Valley” it’s highs and lows lend you one of the most breathtakingly beautiful views of the Atacama Desert.

9) Cruise Down The Carrera Austral–

Discover the Carraterra Austral, the quintessential gravel road for an experience off the beaten track. Once you cruise down this route don’t forget to stop by and take a look at this spectacular view plush with wine valleys, wild forests, salt flats as you take detours on the east and west of this route. Dive into some of the most pristine landscapes across Chile’s route 7 also known as Carraterra Austral. This is a not to be missed epic road trip stretching for 1,240 kilometres from Porto Montt to Villa O’ Higgins. Pull over some stunning spots to discover hiking trails or store photographic memories.

10) Feel The Pulse of The City of Santiago-

Once you are done exploring the fascinating nature trails, camp sites, canyons, deserts, beaches and remote wilderness of Chile come and catch a breath at the historic capital of Santiago. Stroll through the Ciudad city promenades to grasp world class fine-dining and wine tasting experience.

Inhale the old town spirit of the Bella Artes and Bella Vista neighborhoods, home to rich the art galleries, museums, live comedy and music shows. Soak yourself in the artistic vibes of this place while you grab a cup of coffee and meander through the narrow barrios of this old town. Feast on the best Chilean seafood in one of the roadside restaurants in a platter of white fish ceviche or freshly fried empanadas stuffed with clams and salty cheese.

Chile is filled with natural abundance and stepping into this land will definitely give you a lifetime experience and inspire you to keep coming back and ignite your passion to explore similar hidden gems magical places on earth.