Table of Contents
On the western coast of South America lies a country which is part of the ‘Ring of Fire’ and is the longest country in the world by territory length. Chile is a unique country in South America with the Andes on the east and the South Pacific Ocean on the west. The country is one of the least travelled Latin countries in the world, with a very unique culture. Chile is home to a wide array of diverse landscapes that adorn the country. Chile shares its borders with Peru in the north, Bolivia to the northeast and Argentina to the west. The country is a must-visit for every traveller looking to experience unique Latin traditions. Below is an interesting read on the 25+ best places to visit in Chile!
List Of 25+ Best Places To Visit In Chile!
ANTOFAGASTA
In the north of Chile lies the city of Antofagasta, often called the pearl of North Chile. The city is popular for the many beautiful beaches that adorn its coastline. It is laced with several buildings depicting intricate and mesmerizing Georgian and Victorian architecture. The city is a popular port town and a walk at the city’s piers is certain to take you back a few centuries.
Location: Antofagasta province
Best time to visit: January, February, March, April, November and December
Places to visit: La Portada Natural Monument, Barrio Historico, an old fashioned plaza
ARICA
The next location on the list of Chile tourist attractions brings us to the city of Arica. The city is the northernmost city in the country, sharing its borders with Peru. Local residents of the region are the descendants of the ancient Incan civilization. The ancients of the region were known to acquire the skills of agriculture and pottery. Fast forward to today, the city is a popular seaside resort.
Location: Arica province
Best time to visit: January, February, March, April, November and December
Places to visit: El Laucho Beach, Cuevas De Anzota, Morro de Africa
CAPE HORN
The next location on the list of best places to visit in Chile in 2022 can be the location of Cape Horn. The destination is in one of the hard to reach parts of southern Chile, as is the last stop before Antarctica. A journey to this challenging location may just become one of your life’s greatest achievements. There are no roads that connect this location to the mainland. The only way to reach the location is via a cruise, a private yacht or a helicopter. The journey can be a little tiring, but the view from the top of the hill makes it worth the effort. The hill is home to the Cape Horn Memorial sculpture that stands as a sign of perseverance. Let’s not forget to mention the beautiful views from the top of the hill.
Location: Southern region of Tierra del Fuego archipelago
Best time to visit: December to February
Places to visit: Cape Horn Memorial Sculpture
CERRO SAN CRISTOBAL
The next iconic location to take Chile flights to is the place is known as Cerro San Cristobal. The location is home to a hill, where hiking is the perfect sport. A hike to the top of the hill will be worth the effort, as the top offers beautiful views of the valley surrounding the hill. Once you reach the top you would witness the beautiful statue of La Virgen in all its glory, while enjoying a number of local delicacies. The locals of the region have set up small shacks atop the hill offering visitors these local lip-smacking dishes.
Location: Northern Santiago
Best time to visit: March and April
Places to visit: National Museum Of Fine Arts, Santa Lucia Hill, La Moneda Palace
CHILOE ISLAND
The second-largest island in Chile is Chiloe island which is home to the Chiloe National Park. The island is not blessed like the rest of the country in terms of sceneries, yet is still worth a visit. The island is home to numerous old wooden structures that are the works of the Jesuit missionaries. These missionaries visited the islands back in the 1600s and coloured these structures in bright colours. These wooden structures called Palafitos form clusters along the shoreline and their colourful appearance makes it a sight to behold.
Location: Chiloe province
Best time to visit: December to March
Places to visit: Muelle De Las Almas, Chiloe National Park
COCHAMÓ VALLEY
The next destination and the best thing to do in Chile is visiting the Cochamo valley. The valley is one of the popular tourist locations amongst rock climbers and hikers. The Cochamo Valley is home to several granite walls that measure over a thousand metre in length. These stony giants are a popular activity amongst travellers seeking adventure. The valley is also well known for an activity know as fishing of fly fish.
Location: Los Lagos region
Best time to visit: January, February, March, April, November and December
Places to visit: Lago Tagua, Toboganes de la Junta, Valle del Cochamo
COPIAPO
The next destination on the list of Chile tourist attractions is the place known as Copiapo. The location serves as a gateway to the Atacama desert and is home to lakes, beaches and volcanos. Copiapo is one of the important mining locations in Chile, as the country is one of the major copper-producing countries. It is a popular tourist destination for travellers looking to explore the many attractions in the Atacama desert.
Location: Atacama
Best time to visit: April, May, August, September, October and November
Places to visit: Regional Museum Of Atacama, Mina San Jose, Plaza Prat
EASTER ISLAND
This next location is one of the must-visit places, Easter Island, Chile. The island lies around three thousand seven hundred kilometers from mainland Chile and is home to the Rapa Nui population. Easter Island lies in Polynesia and showcases several influences of the Maori tribe. The spectacular structures are the massive stone structures called Moai, carved by the early Rapa Nui settlers on the island.
Location: Isla de Pascua
Best time to visit: April to June and October to December
Places to visit: Anakena, Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki
ELQUI VALLEY
One of popular places to visit in Chile is the Elqui Valley. The location is popular for having the cleanest air and skies in Chile. This very reason has led to the setting up of many state of the art observatories in the region, making it a dream destination for astronomers. Elqui Valley is one of the best places in the world to view the night sky for amateur stargazers and astronomists.
Location: Coquimbo
Best time to visit: December to March
Places to visit: Paihuano, Vicuna, Capel Pisco
HUMBERSTONE AND SANTA LAURA SALTPETER WORKS
One of the famous destinations in Chile is the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works. The location lies in the vicinity of the northern part of the port city of Iquique in the remote Pampa desert. The site was one of the largest saltpeter mines in the region with over two hundred mines. The present-day ghost town back in the 1800s was home to workers from Chile, Peru and Bolivia. These natives came together and created a distinct culture that has been kept alive to this day.
Location: Iquique Province
Best time to visit: December to March
Places to visit: The Mines
LAUCA NATIONAL PARK
One of the popular locations to explore while on Chile holidays is the Lauca National Park. The park covers an area of over thirteen hundred kilometers’ and is home to several mountains and volcanoes. The park is a haven for bird watchers as the region is home to wide species of birds. Some of which include Chilean flamingos, Andean condors, Andean geese, crested ducks and many more. The region offers great hiking options with views of stunning sceneries surrounding the destination.
Location: Arica-Parinacota Region
Best time to visit: September and December
Places to visit: Chungara Lake, Acotango, Parinacota
MONUMENTO NATURAL LOS PINGÜINOS
The next destination is a popular pick in any Chile travel guide known as Los Pinguinos Natural Monument. The monument lies on the Magdalena and Marta islands, which is home to the biggest Magellan penguin breeding grounds in Chile. The island is home to several species of sea lions and seals as well. The location is a mark of the widespread conservation efforts undertaken by Chile to give back to the nature.
Location: Magallanes region
Best time to visit: October to March
Places to visit: Magdalena Island Lighthouse, Isla Marta, Magdalena Island
EL MONUMENTO NATURAL CUEVA DEL MILODÓN
One of the famous destinations in Chile is definitely the Mylodon Natural Monument. The destination lies in the natural wonder of the World scenic drive allowing easy access. The location is part of the formidable rock formation called the ‘Devil’s Chair’. The most popular reason for visiting the location is the famous Mylodon Cave, which is home to a life-size Mylodon statue. The statue stands tall at the same pace where the remains of the creature were found back in 1895.
Location: Patagonia region
Best time to visit: December to March
Places to visit: Cueva del Milodón, Environment Information Centre
PUCON
On the list of best things to do in Chile visiting Pucon should be on your list. The destination is a haven for travellers who are into adventure sports and activities. The hike to the top of the Villarrica volcano is among the best activities to undertake. Other activities that one can partake in includes canyoning, hiking, horseback riding, river rafting and many more. After the day ends, the next best thing to do in Pucon is to take a dip in the thermal baths found in this region.
Location: Araucania region
Best time to visit: January, February, March, November and December
Places to visit: Ojos del Caburgua, Caburgua Lake, Villarrica
PUERTO MONTT
On the list of best places to visit in Chile attractions, the next location is the town of Puerto Montt. The location is a medium-sized town in Chile which to date seems to remain untouched by tourism. The best way to explore the town is to book day trips across the town offered by several tour agencies in the Llanquihue Province. Travellers have the chance to witness penguins, beautiful landscapes and wooden stilted houses that adorn the town.
Location: Llanquihue Province
Best time to visit: December to February
Places to visit: Angelmo, Monumento a la Colonizacion Alemana, Chapo lake
PUMALIN PARK
The next destination is one of the most popular family attractions in Chile, the Pumalin Park. The location is one of the most famous and important conservation areas in all of Chile. The park is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, making a trip to this location worth it. The mesmerizing and breathtaking views from the park’s valley and the plains are certain to leave you in awe.
Location: Palena province
Best time to visit: December to March
Places to visit: Chaiten, Sendero Cascadas Escondidas, Michinmahuida
RAPA NUI NATIONAL PARK
The next location to visit lies on Easter Island Chile called the Rapa Nui National Park. The national park expands across the Easter Islands and holds immense significance in the Rapa Nui culture. Rapa Nui is a tribe that have lived on the island since ancient times and their ancestors hailed from Polynesia. One of the important remnants of their culture survives to this day in the form of the giant heads found on the island.
Location: Easter Island
Best time to visit: April to June and October to December
Places to visit: Ahu Tahai, Orongo, Rano Kau
SANTIAGO
The next best places to visit in Chile are the numerous tourists’ places that the capital city of the country houses. The location in discussion is the capital, financial and cultural centre of Chile called Santiago. The city is one of the most modern and culturally rich regions of Chile and has some of the best things to do in Santiago. Places to explore can include places like museums, art galleries, grand architecture and many more.
Location: Santiago province
Best time to visit: September to November and March to May
Places to visit: La Moneda Palace, Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
This location often makes to the list of the most beautiful places in Chile and is popularly known as the San Pedro de Atacama. The Atacama desert is one of the harshest deserts on the planet and this desert lies in the northern parts of Chile. The desert may sound a bit harsh, but it is home to some of awe-inspiring landscapes in all the world. The barren yet beautiful landscape seems like something right out of a sci-fi movie. The numerous lagoons, thermal baths, geysers and many other geological wonders call the desert their home.
Location: El Loa province
Best time to visit: December to February
Places to visit: Laguna Verde, Licancabur, Tulor
TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
One of the top tourist attractions in Chile is this neutral region where one can find snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys. The region is one of the most popular places to visit in Chile with mountains reaching a height of two thousand eight hundred and fifty meters. The location encompasses several mountains, lakes, glaciers and rivers, which contribute to the regions stunning beauty and landscapes.
Location: Ultima Esperanza province
Best time to visit: December to February
Places to visit: Grey lake, Mirador Salto Grande, Laguna Amarga
VALPARAISO
The next location in discussion is home to some of the best beaches in Chile. The city of Valparaiso is the third-largest city of Chile, which lies between the southern sea and the coastal mountain range. It is a popular tourist attraction and is perfect for a day trip from the country’s capital, Santiago. The city of Valparaiso is home to cobblestone streets and colonial architecture along with its beaches and harbours. The city prides itself on its maritime prowess and houses Chile’s only naval base.
Location: Valparaiso province
Best time to visit: September and October
Places to visit: Renaca beach, Quinta Vergara, Paseo Gervasoni
VALLE DE LA LUNA
The next location on the list of best places to visit in Chile is the location of the ‘Valley of the Moon’. The name is a reference to the barren landscape that adorns the valley. The desert valley is one of the most inhospitable regions on the planet. It is said that only if one has the knowledge, experience and stamina, should one go on a biking trail in this region, making sure to keep in close proximity to a guided tour or guide.
Location: Cordillera de la Sal
Best time to visit: December to March
Places to visit: Mars Valley, Iglesia San Pedro, Pukara de Quitor
VALLE NEVADO
The next location is perfect for the best things to do in Chile which are activities to perform on snow. The term of the location literally translates to the ‘valley of snow’, which is quite relevant for its three thousand meters elevation. The region guarantees travel enthusiasts one hundred and twelve days of snowy goodness with clear skies. The region became a popular ski resort in 1988 and has only seen an increase in the footfall of adventure enthusiasts.
Location: El Plomo
Best time to visit: June to September
Places to Visit: La Parva, Cerro Pintor, Farellones
VICENTE PÉREZ ROSALES NATIONAL PARK
One of the best family attractions in Chile is the famous Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. The park is the first of the many national parks that to this day adorn the country of Chile. It is home to some of the most mesmerizing landscapes available for viewing by the human eye. The park is rich with flora and fauna adding to the natural beauty of the national park.
Location: Llanquihue province
Best time to visit: December to March
Places to visit: Petrohue falls, Puerto Varas a Bariloche, Osorno volcano
VINA DEL MAR
The next famous destination in Chile is the fabled Vina del mar, which literally translates to the ‘Garden City’. The cities location guarantees several day and night time activities for all travellers coming to the city. The Municipal Theatre and the Wulff castle are some of the popular locations within the city that are the jewels of the Garden city. The city is home to the Municipal Casino, where one can finish the tour of the city.
Location: Valparaiso province
Best time to visit: December to February
Places to visit: Wulff castle, Aviva water park, Vina del Mar botanical garden
ZONA SUR
The final location to visit after getting a Chile visa to explore is the location of Zona Sur. The region is a playground for all travellers seeking to spark up their thrill for adventure. Zona Sur is home to some of the most beautiful snow-capped volcanoes, trails of fern-filled forests and majestic lakes. The region boasts of rich German influence that is visible in the cities culture, traditions, food and of course beer.
Location: Valparaiso province
Best time to visit: June to August
Places to visit: Pumalin Douglas Tompkins National Park, Puyehue National Park
1 Comment
By Aiden
Thanks to the one for posting this marvelous piece of content! I truly enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author.
I will remember to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back sometime soon.
I want to encourage you to continue your great work, have a nice day!