Top attractions in Chile

From the world’s driest desert and virgin ice fields to the mysterious ancient statues of Easter Island, here are our top recommendations for things to see in Chile.

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Here is our selection of hand-picked top attractions and things to do in Chile.

1. Atacama Desert

It may be the driest place on earth, but the Atacama Desert is rich in natural and geological treats as well as indigenous history. Don’t miss the El Tatio geysers and their stunning display of geothermal energy as they thrust columns of steam into the cold morning air.

2. Valparaíso’s ascensores

These funiculars may look rickety but are, in fact, quite safe and afford spectacular views of the bay. One of the most curious is the Ascensor Polanco, which rises vertically through the heart of the hill up to a suspended walkway.

3. Torres del Paine

The undisputed queen of Chile’s national parks lies at the southern tip of the Andes mountain chain. It can only be visited comfortably in the southern hemisphere summer (Dec–Mar), but it offers exhilarating walks amid scenery of unparalleled beauty. Read more about Torres del Paine National Park...

The National Park Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile. Photo: Shutterstock

4. Tierra del Fuego

There are few places where it is possible to be so alone as on this windswept island at the tip of South America. You’re more likely to see guanacos and, in the woods, beavers than other people. Read more about Tierra del Fuego...

5. Chile’s southern fjords

With their inlets, islands, glaciers, and dense forests, the fjords are a transport engineer’s nightmare, but the boats that ply the channels are a nature lover’s dream.

Chilean wines are amongst the best in the world – try them for yourself during a winery tour, part of our Argentina and Chile – Wine Country Explored trip.

6. Volcán Villarrica

Look down into the molten lava, listen to its tectonic rumblings and sniff the sulfur; the crater of the conical snow-capped volcano is a relatively easy one-day hike from Pucón, and a sight few will ever forget. Read more about Volcán Villarrica...

7. The Colchagua Wine Valley

Although badly damaged by the 2010 earthquake, this prestigious wine-growing area retains its old rural traditions, alongside state-of-the-art wineries and boutique hotels. During the vendimia, or grape harvest, which takes place between early March and mid-April, there are numerous festivals. Read more about the Colchagua Wine Valley...

8. Easter Island

Famous for its mysterious stone statues, this Polynesian island is 2,000km (1,240 miles) away from the nearest inhabited land, farther than any other island in the world. Read more about Easter Island...

9. Palacio de la Moneda

Santiago’s presidential palace is still the seat of government, although no longer the president’s home. This is the building that Chilean air force fighter planes bombed during the 1973 military coup; its courtyards are open to the public. Read more about Palacio de la Moneda...

San Francisco church in Castro, Chiloe island. Photo: Shutterstock

10. The churches of Chiloé

Notable for their unusual wooden architecture, these churches often stand alone by the sea where they were built by Jesuit missionaries during the colonial period. Some of them have been listed as World Heritage sites. Read more about the churches of Chiloé...

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