Chile stretches 2,670 miles along the Pacific Coast, offering an extraordinary range of landscapes from north to south.
At it's southern tip, windswept Cape Horn marks the start of the adventure.
In the heart of the country, lush valleys, active volcanoes, and the temperate Valdivian rainforest create a striking contrast. At the other extreme, the Atacama Desert’s otherworldly terrain adds a touch of wonder. For travelers, Chile presents a rare opportunity to experience dramatically different landscapes on a single journey.
For those planning their first trip, the following regions and cities are highly recommended by experts at Extraordinary Journeys South America as must-visit destinations in Chile!
1. Santiago
On a winter day, Santiago can be shrouded in low clouds, but it's striking position between the Andes Mountains and makes it the perfect starting point for any Chilean adventure. As the main entry point for international travelers, Santiago blends modernity with charm, featuring a vibrant mix of stylish stores, grand theaters, street art, and an energetic nightlife.
Explore the murals in Barrio Yungay, hunt for unique treasures in Barrio Italia, dine in the lively Vitacura neighborhood, and dance the night away in Bellavista.
2. The Atacama Desert
Step into one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth—Chile’s Atacama Desert. Known as the driest non-polar desert, it's vast salt flats and towering dunes resemble the surface of another planet, frequently serving as a backdrop in Mars-themed films.
Begin your adventure in San Pedro de Atacama, a charming town that acts as the gateway to iconic desert landmarks like the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) and the otherworldly El Tatio Geysers. Adventurers flock to the Atacama for it's unique beauty and outdoor activities, making it one of the most popular destinations in Chile.
3. The Elqui Valley
Just 300 miles north of Santiago, the Elqui Valley offers a tranquil escape with it's stunning vineyards, starry skies, and pisco distilleries. Nestled between arid mountain walls, the region boasts more than 320 sunny days a year.
While most of the grapes are used for drink, some are reserved for Chile’s national spirit—pisco. Spend your days touring, perhaps by bike, and sample a pisco sour. As night falls, the valley’s clear, cloud-free skies make it an ideal spot for stargazing. In fact, it was designated the world’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2015.
4. Valparaíso
Discover the eclectic, bohemian spirit of Valparaíso, known as the Jewel of the Pacific. Wander through it's colorful, narrow streets, admire the vibrant street art scene and visit the grand Plaza Sotomayor. Take a ride on the El Perla funicular to see the Baburizza Palace, home to the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts.
5. Chilean Ski Resorts
Looking for an unforgettable adventure more than 6,000 feet above sea level in Chile? The answer is simple: grab your skis or snowboard and hit one of the country’s premier ski resorts. The Andes Mountains are home to a stunning array of powder-covered slopes, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Hemisphere. Take on the iconic side-country runs at Portillo, where you can carve down towards the sparkling Laguna del Inca, enjoy the thrill of heli-skiing in Valle Nevado.
