This Patagonian country is a rich tapestry of mountain and plain, jungle and ocean. Chile’s unusual long shape has given it a varied climate with one of the world’s driest desert in the north, while its southern tip is home to cold-weather creatures like penguins. Chile is one of the closest nations, along with Argentina and New Zealand, to Antarctica. The South has a strong history of visiting explorers, as everyone who sailed around the world before the Panama Canal was built needed to pass its tip. The country also has a well-known wine region that attracts many oenophiles each year. Here is a look at some of the best places to visit in Chile:
Santiago
Santiago is both the largest city and the capital of Chile, a place often overlooked by travelers as a mere stop on the way to other cities within the country. This, however, is a mistake as Santiago is a booming metropolis featuring impressive views of mountainous terrain. Worldly, cosmopolitan, lively, and sophisticated are descriptors of the city’s expansive cultural scene, buzzing nightlife, thought-provoking museums, and top-tier restaurants. Each area of the city offers visitors something different, from the architecture, museums, and pedestrian malls of the Centro to the beer halls, cafes, and sidewalk eateries of Lastarria. Neighborhoods like Las Condes and Providencia offer world-class hotels and restaurants.
Laguna San Rafael National Park
Laguna San Rafael National Park is the largest in Aysen at a whopping 3,832,400 acres. It includes all of the Northern Patagonian Ice Fields, where numerous lakes and rivers are created. It is also home to the highest peak in the Southern Andes, Mount San Valentin. The ice field stretches over San Valentin and the neighboring hills, creating 19 glaciers, the most remarkable of which is the San Rafael Glacier, hence the park’s name. One of the highlights to the park, and an extraordinary sight to behold, are the blocks of ice that break off the glaciers and fall into the lake with a deafening boom.
Torres del Paine National Park
The towering peaks of the Torres are the perfect reward after a tough hike. With jade-green glacial waters, you really couldn’t make its stunning beauty up. Photos make this natural masterpiece look incredible, but you really have to see its sheer size for yourself.
San Pedro de Atacama
With views that are reminiscent of a scene out of a sci-fi film, this beautiful landscape can be found in the north of Chile. It’s a perfect holiday destination, where you can let the warmth of the thermal baths soothe you, awe at the spurting geysers and watch as some of the world’s most colourful sunsets develop into a celestial sky.
Valle de Elqui
Sleeping under the stars in Chile’s mystical Valle de Elqui is a unique experience to truly commune with nature. With some of the world’s clearest skies, surrounded by the majestic Andes mountains, camping doesn’t get much better than this. To learn more about the night sky, the nearby Observatorio Mamalluca and Pangue Observatory are open for star tours.
Chiloé
The Island of Chiloé is the fifth largest island in Latin America. Locals, referred to as “Chilotes,” are known for their strong sense of pride in their island’s rich culture and history. While on the island, visit Chiloé National Park, to see diverse marine life, such as whales, dolphins, and penguins. In Castro, the island’s capital, colorful stilt houses called palafitos add to the city’s unique charm.
Valparaíso
Chile’s capital of culture and a historic port city, Valparaíso‘s beauty is cherished by Chileans and visitors alike. Known worldwide for its unique street art and winding roads, get a lay of the land when you first arrive by trying out a walking tour through Valparaíso Tours 4 Tips. The Paseo Yugoslavo lookout offers breathtaking views and excellent photo opportunities, while the former prison Ex-cárcel Valparaíso or Valparaíso Cultural Park, hosts regular community events and showcases artwork and photography.
Pucón
The Villarica volcano is the centerpiece of this beautiful outdoorsy town, which has hot springs, waterfalls, hills, and the Villarica lake nearby. Adventure travelers will adore Pucón’s numerous outdoor opportunities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, and hiking up the Villarica volcano. Or rent a bike and explore the area’s biodiversity on one of the local bike or hiking paths.
Osorno
Osorno is the capital city of the Osorno Province, situated at the juncture of the Damas River and Rahue. Its natural beauty is created by the Rahue River, which cuts through its center running north to south with a smaller stream that breaks off to the east before heading south. The city’s highlight is the Volcan Osorno, an active yet slight volcano just outside the city that can be seen from anywhere within the town. The city is also architecturally beautiful, with sights such as Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral of Saint Matthew. The main attractions are the Osorno Rodeo Stadium and Plaza Sol de los Lagos, a recently opened casino.
Antofagasta
Antofagasta is not so much an in-demand Chilean travel destination as a convenient and restful place to relax for a day or two between other attractions. As a coastal city, it has the requisite white sand beaches nearby with areas of calm water for families with small children and areas of waves for surf and body boarders. Barrio Histórico is worth a look for the architecture. The main tourist attractions are not in the city itself, but in the surrounding region, including the 140-foot-high La Portada Natural Monument, Atacama Desert, Mano del Desierto (Hand of the Desert) sculpture, and Atacama Solar.