Highlights of Chile travel guide: where to go and what to do

Stretching 4,300km from the rugged and windswept wilds of Patagonia to the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert, Chile is a land of diversity.

The natural wonders of Chile are its greatest spectacle. In the south, you can sail between awe-inspiring fjords and glaciers. In the north, you can explore the desolate beauty of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth, home to vast salt flats and dramatic rock formations. The lush forests and serene lakes of the Lake District are set against a backdrop of towering, snow-capped volcanoes.

Chile’s cultural heritage is a blend of both Spanish colonial and indigenous influences, which you can experience throughout the country in its food, architecture, and local traditions. The Mapuche people of south-central Chile are known for their intricate weaving and silverwork, while the Aymara people of the north have a shared heritage with the indigenous people of Peru and Bolivia.

On Rapa Nui (Easter Island) you can experience the cultural contributions of the indigenous Polynesian civilisation and their ancient Moai statues. Chile's literary tradition is also internationally celebrated, with figures such as Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral – both Nobel Laureates in Literature – representing the country’s intellectual and artistic legacy.

The influence of the Humboldt Current, which brings nutrient-rich waters to the coast, has made Chile one of the world’s richest fishing grounds, contributing to a vibrant seafood culture. From fresh coastal seafood to hearty dishes of the Andes and southern plains, the cuisine reflects both Spanish flavours – such as olive oil, garlic, and various meats – and Indigenous ingredients including quinoa, potatoes, and native grains. Dishes like empanadas, pastel de choclo (corn pie), and mote con huesillos (a refreshing drink made with husked wheat and dried peaches) embody this delicious fusion.

Chile’s renowned wine regions are easily accessible from Santiago. Here, you can sample world-class wines amid the scenic beauty of sprawling vineyards, either as a leisurely day trip or an indulgent stay at a wine estate.

A local legend says that eating calafate berries will make you fall in love and ensure your return. But you may find that it is not just the berries that captivate you, but rather the vast, unspoiled landscapes and the warm, welcoming people you meet along the way.

Northern Chile

Explore the natural wonders of the Atacama Desert and the North

A two-hour flight from Santiago lies the Atacama Desert, a place so dry Hollywood uses it as a stand-in for Mars. But this is no barren wasteland; you will find ancient petroglyphs carved in stone, picturesque adobe villages, blissful thermal springs, hardy flora and fauna adapted to the harsh environment, as well as magnificent sunsets over desolate dunes and sharp cliffs. As night falls, you can gaze up to a universe alight with stars. Chile is home to one of the world’s designated Dark Sky Sanctuaries, ‘Gabriela Mistral’, as well as internationally acclaimed observatories in La Serena, Valle del Elqui, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, and Iquique.

90km from San Pedro de Atacama, the altiplanic lagoons are tucked away in the heart of the high desert. Despite being one of the driest regions on Earth, these pools are a refuge for Chilean and Andean flamingos, which gracefully feed in the clear pools. The landscape, with its dramatic valleys and canyons, offers an ideal setting for hikers and mountain bikers to explore.

The Tatio Geysers are located 4,200 metres above sea level and are the largest geothermal field in the southern hemisphere. Situated 90km from San Pedro de Atacama, the geysers are most impressive in the early morning when steam rises from the craters, reaching heights of up to 7 or 8 metres. In addition to the geothermal activity, the area is home to wildlife such as vicuñas, llamas, and ñandúes, while the flora includes giant cacti and llaretas. Thermal pools in the area offer a chance to relax in the warm waters.

No visit to the Atacama Desert would be complete without an adventure to the Valley of the Moon. Wander through the mesmerising Salt Mountain Range, marvel at the mysterious 'Three Marias’, and climb the Great Dune. As the sun dips below the horizon, Kari Lookout unveils a breathtaking final act – colours swirl and shimmer across the landscape, as if the land itself is alive, shifting with the fading light.

After your explorations, unwind in the thermal pools of the Puritama River in San Pedro de Atacama. These mountain-fed springs, naturally warmed by volcanic forces, are the perfect spot to relax in the beauty of the desert.

You can experience the Atacama Desert on the Splendours of Chile small-group tour, as well as on our Essence of Chile Superior and Essence of Chile Luxury tailor-made holidays.

Head off the beaten track in Lauca National Park

Lauca National Park, located in the far north of Chile within the Andean range, is an expanse of natural beauty covering 1,379 sq km of altiplano. This protected area is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in Chile, dominated by towering volcanoes that rise above the plains. The park's diverse topography encompasses high-altitude lakes, rugged valleys, and expansive salt flats, all set against the backdrop of the Andes, making it a haven for nature lovers.

One of the park’s notable features is its proximity to other protected areas that together form the Lauca Biosphere Reserve. To the south lies Las Vicuñas National Reserve, a neighbouring region known for its populations of vicuñas, a wild relative of the alpaca, as well as unique wildlife and flora that thrive in the harsh altiplano climate. Adjacent to Lauca National Park is the Salar de Surire Natural Monument, the salt flat known for its abundant birdlife, including flamingos, which flock to its saline waters.

The park borders Bolivia’s Sajama National Park, creating an interconnected ecological zone that spans both countries, making it a critical area for biodiversity and conservation efforts.

You can visit Lauca National Park as part of a tailor-made holiday.

Central Chile

Explore Chile’s capital of Santiago

Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital, is a bustling metropolis which blends modernity with rich history. The city’s heart is Plaza de Armas, with its grand governmental buildings and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Nearby, the Palacio Arzobispal offers colonial architecture, while Plaza de la Constitución and the Library of Congress are central to the country’s political history. Sky Costanera, the tallest building in South America, and San Cristóbal Hill provide splendid views of the city.

Bicentenario Park is a peaceful escape, while ‘Sanhattan’ (Las Condes and Vitacura) is the city's modern financial district. For an artistic vibe, visit the Italia and Lastarria districts, filled with cafes, galleries, and boutiques. Bellavista is known for nightlife and street art, while Pomaire offers traditional pottery. Santiago’s Historic Centre is rich in colonial heritage, and Providencia, with its relaxed cafes and shops, offers a charming retreat. In addition to the local highlights, Santiago is an excellent base for exploring the nearby Andes, coast, and wine region.

You can experience Santiago on the following small-group tours: Splendours of Chile and Splendours of South America; and as a pre-tour extension to Wonders of the New World.

If you would prefer to travel privately you can take a group tour on a private basis, build your own holiday from scratch, or use one of the following itinerary suggestions as a starting point: Essence of Chile Superior and Essence of Chile Luxury.

Sample the produce of the Chilean Winelands

The Chilean winelands are easily accessible from Santiago and are a must for wine enthusiasts. Renowned for their exceptional vineyards and world-class wines, this region offers an exquisite blend of tradition and innovation. Visitors can indulge in leisurely wine tours, exploring the sprawling estates and tasting the region’s finest reds, whites, and blends. The valley's diverse climates, from the cooler coastal areas to the sun-drenched foothills, contribute to the unique flavours that have put Chile on the world map as a premier wine-producing destination.

You can experience the Chilean winelands on our Essence of Chile Superior and Essence of Chile Luxury tailor-made holidays. Or as an extension.

Visit the colourful port city of Valparaíso

Located just 115km from Santiago, Valparaíso is easily accessible for a day trip. However, if time allows, this vibrant port city is well worth a longer stay. Once a major merchant port on the Pacific coast of South America, Valparaíso continues to serve as a living testament to Chile’s rich culture.

Chile’s most colourful city, Valparaíso’s streets are a canvas of street art, and its hillside neighbourhoods are adorned with a kaleidoscope of vibrant buildings. Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre are renowned for murals which tell stories of the city’s past and present. These hills are not only visually striking but culturally significant, as they served as a form of self-expression during Chile’s tumultuous periods, including under dictatorship.

The crown jewel of Valparaíso is undoubtedly the cheerful Cerro Alegre, where the brightly painted buildings narrate tales of resilience, each piece a reflection of the people’s enduring spirit.

For a truly immersive experience, take a ride on one of the city’s iconic funiculars, or ascensores, which have been transporting locals and visitors for over a century. There are more than 15 active funiculars, providing panoramic views of the city’s picturesque seafront.

You can experience Valparaíso as an extension of our Splendours of Chile small-group tour, or as part of a private tailor-made holiday to Chile.

Southern Chile

The Chilean Lake District

The Chilean Lake District offers a picturesque blend of shimmering lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, and lush forests. During your journey through the region, explore Puerto Varas, known as the "City of Roses," with its charming Germanic architecture and views of Lake Llanquihue. Marvel at the imposing Osorno Volcano, with its conical peak and glistening snowfields, perfect for photography and scenic hikes. Discover the natural wonders of Alerce Andino National Park, home to ancient alerce trees, pristine rivers, and diverse wildlife.

 You can experience Chilean Lake District on the Splendours of Chile and Patagonia: Untouched Wilderness small-group tours.

Visit the mysterious Chiloé Island

A short journey from the lake district and just off Chile’s coast, Chiloé enchants visitors with its timelessness. The island is known for its wooden churches, 16 of which form a UNESCO World Heritage site. They were built by the Jesuits, then Franciscans, applying the principles of the Chilota School of architecture, which blends European and indigenous influences. These historic churches are scattered across the island and emblematic of Chile’s mestizo culture. 
Chiloé is also famed for its picturesque, colourful palafitos – houses on stilts that line the waterfronts, painted in vibrant hues that reflect beautifully on the water’s surface. These homes give the island its distinctive character and are a symbol of the islanders’ close connection to the sea.

You can experience the Chiloé Island as part of a tailor-made to Chile holiday.

Meet the Mapuche

The Chilean Lake District is famous for its serene lakes, towering mountains, and impressive volcanoes. But beyond its natural wonders and adventurous activities, this region features a unique cultural heritage through the enduring presence of the Mapuche people. Many visitors delight in the chance to enjoy a meal within a ruka – a traditional house – where they can savour authentic Mapuche dishes prepared in with local ingredients. The experience often includes Mapuche hosts, bringing their heritage to life by sharing their stories and customs.

One of the most memorable encounters is visiting a Mapuche weaver, whose skilled hands breathe life into vibrant textiles using time-honoured loom work. Watching this intricate craft is a window into the centuries-old knowledge passed down through generations.

You can experience the Mapuche culture as part of a tailor-made to Chile holiday.

Off-the-beaten-track Parque Futangue

Parque Futangue is a natural reserve located in the Los Rios Region of southern Chile, nestled between the Andes mountains and the Patagonian rainforest. Spanning an area of approximately 6,000 hectares, the park boasts lush forests, clear rivers, and breathtaking views of the nearby Futangue Volcano.

Hiking trails wind through the park, offering glimpses of waterfalls, lakes and wildlife – including the endemic huemul deer, the most endangered species of deer in the Americas. The park also offers the opportunity to explore ancient temperate rainforests, with trees reaching towering heights and a canopy alive with the sounds of birds. Parque Futangue is a wonderful place to connect with nature, whether you’re kayaking on the peaceful waters or walking amidst the towering trees.

Futangue Hotel & Spa, located within Parque Futangue, provides the perfect balance of luxury and immersion in nature. The hotel exudes warmth and comfort, with panoramic views of the hills and lakes. It features refined interiors, a full-service spa, and a range of wellness treatments, allowing guests to unwind after a day of exploration.

Patagonia

Explore Torres del Paine National Park

The journey from Santiago to Patagonia begins with a scenic three-hour flight to Puerto Natales, and from there, the wilderness of Torres del Paine awaits. This untamed landscape is a haven for the adventurous, offering breathtaking vistas, snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers, and turquoise lakes. Here, herds of guanaco graze, elusive pumas roam, and condors soar high above – a true sanctuary of nature’s wonders.

Accommodation both within and outside the park allows visitors to immerse themselves in this remarkable landscape at their own pace. There are gentle lakeside strolls and scenic drives that reveal the park’s splendour. Meanwhile, adventurers can take their pick from a range of hikes – be it a half-day excursion or an epic multi-day trek. Staying within the park at the luxurious Explora Patagonia opens enchanting possibilities, from horse rides to exploring off the beaten track.

For the bold-hearted, the famed W-Trek offers a three-day journey across Grey Glacier, the French Valley, and the awe-inspiring Base of the Towers. And for the most seasoned explorers, the O-Trek spans an unforgettable week, circling the Paine Massif and uncovering the park’s lesser-travelled paths.

Those preferring a gentler pace can also revel in the park’s beauty, as many excursions are tailored for relaxed exploration. You can enjoy a boat ride on Lake Grey, taking pictures of the glacier and granite peaks. Walk the trails through the park, which are home to spectacular Patagonian wildlife including elusive pumas, swirling condors, and grazing guanacos.

After a day of discovery, what could be better than unwinding at your lodge with a refreshing Calafate Sour, savouring Patagonia’s warm hospitality as you plan your inevitable return?

You can experience Torres Del Paine National Park on the following small-group tours: Splendours of South America, Splendours of Chile, and Patagonia: Untouched Wilderness.

You can also experience Torres Del Paine National Park on our Essence of Chile Superior and Essence of Chile Luxury tailor-made holidays.

Cruise the Chilean fjords

An expedition cruise through the Chilean fjords offers unparalleled adventure in one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Navigate through the labyrinthine waterways of the Magellan Strait and the Beagle Channel, where jagged mountains rise dramatically from the water and glaciers spill into the sea. These untouched fjords, dotted with islands and uninhabited shores, offer a rare glimpse into one of the most pristine environments on Earth. As you sail, you will encounter spectacular wildlife, from sea lions and penguin colonies to soaring condors. Some of Patagonia’s most remote corners can only be accessed by cruising the Patagonian fjords.

You can extend the Splendours of Chile small-group tour with a Chilean fjord cruise, journeying from Punta Arenas in Chile to Ushuaia in Argentina aboard the Stella Australis or Ventus Australis.

Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island

Magdalena Island, located in the Strait of Magellan in Chilean Patagonia, is one of the most remarkable sites for observing Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat. This small, windswept island is home to an extraordinary colony of over 60,000 nesting pairs of Magellanic penguins that arrive here each year between September and March for breeding and raising their chicks. The island is part of the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, a protected area established specifically to safeguard this critical habitat.

Visitors to Magdalena Island are treated to an up-close view of these penguins, who often waddle along the well-trodden paths with little concern for the human observers nearby. Walking trails on the island allow for safe viewing and photography while minimising disruption to the penguins’ daily activities. In addition to penguins, Magdalena Island is also home to other seabirds such as cormorants and seagulls, and visitors may spot sea lions on nearby Marta Island.

You can visit Magdalena Island by extending the Splendours of Chile small-group tour with an additional night stay at Punta Arenas. 

Self-drive the Carretera Austral

The Carretera Austral, or the Southern Highway, is one of Chile’s most remote road trips, winding through the rugged landscapes of Patagonia. Stretching over 1,200km from Puerto Montt in the north to the remote town of Villa O'Higgins in the south, this spectacular route takes travellers through pristine rainforests, crystal-clear lakes, towering glaciers, and dramatic fjords. Along the way, you will pass through charming villages, where local hospitality and the unspoiled beauty of nature are in perfect harmony. The Carretera Austral offers an unparalleled opportunity for adventure seekers and nature lovers to explore some of the most untouched corners of Chile, where the magnificence of Patagonia unfolds at every turn.

You can experience the Carretera Austral on our Carretera Austral Adventure tailor-made holiday.

Uncover the mysteries of Easter Island

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui as it is known locally, is a mesmerising and isolated island situated some 3,790km off the coast of mainland Chile. A flight of five and a half hours from Santiago brings travellers to the world’s most remote inhabited island, a place that captivates with its mystery, beauty and remarkable cultural heritage.

The island’s defining feature is its extraordinary collection of nearly 600 moai statues – massive stone figures that dot the landscape and have intrigued archaeologists, historians and visitors for centuries. Carved by the Rapa Nui people between the 13th and 16th centuries, these moai stand as enduring symbols of ancestral respect and ancient artistry. The figures, some towering over 10 metres, are thought to represent important ancestors and are believed to carry a spiritual significance, watching over the island from their stone ahu (platforms).

Beyond the moai, Easter Island’s landscapes are equally compelling. Rugged volcanic formations, sweeping coastlines, and lush green hills create a breathtaking backdrop for exploring. Visitors can hike to the Rano Raraku quarry, where many of the moai were carved, or ascend the Rano Kau volcano for panoramic views of the island.

You can experience Easter Island as an extension of our Splendours of Chile small-group tour.

Continue your adventure in Antarctica, Argentina, Bolivia or Peru

After a holiday to Chile, you can extend your journey by visiting Argentina, crossing the border to visit Salta from northern Chile, Mendoza from central Chile, and Ushuaia and El Calafate from Patagonia.

From northern Chile, you can venture into Peru and Bolivia to experience the Andean civilisations, while from Punta Arenas in the far south it is possible to visit Antarctica on an expedition cruise.

To start planning your holiday to Chile, speak to one of our travel specialists today on 020 7873 5000 or submit a web enquiry. For further inspiration, order a free copy of our brochure.