What to do in Chile: top 20 must-sees and must-dos

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Torres del Paine National Park

Located in southern Chile, Torres del Paine National Park is surrounded by the Andes, the Patagonian steppe and the Pampa region. Grey Glacier and Lake Pehoé are nearby.

The park’s scenery is breathtaking, with majestic mountains, glistening glaciers, crystal-clear rivers, turquoise lakes and abundant wildlife. Hikers can take multi-day tours to explore the park, including the famous “W Trek”. It’s also possible to observe animals such as guanacos, pumas and gray foxes.

Hey Yupers! Did you know that Torres del Paine is known for its violent, unpredictable winds, which can reach speeds of over 160 km/h?

The Atacama Desert and the Valley of the Moon

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is an enchanting place that will leave you in awe. Considered the world’s driest desert, it offers lunar landscapes and breathtaking panoramas.

During your visit, you’ll discover spectacular rock formations such as the Valle de la Luna and the desert sand dunes. The Tatio geysers and high-altitude lagoons, such as Laguna Cejar, are also not to be missed.

There’s plenty to explore in this desert, including hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 expeditions. Last but not least, don’t miss out on stargazing in this area renowned for its clear skies.

Let yourself be seduced by the immensity and beauty of the Atacama Desert, a unique and unforgettable experience.

Visit Santiago, the country’s capital

Santiago is located in central Chile, surrounded by the Andes mountains to the east and the coastal hills to the west.

If you visit this city, you won’t want to miss the panoramic view from Cerro San Cristobal, or a stroll through the historic center to admire the colonial architecture.

For art lovers, don’t miss the National Museum of Fine Arts or the Museum of Contemporary Art.

For sports enthusiasts, Metropolitan Park and Bicentenario Park offer numerous outdoor activities. Finally, did you know that the city boasts some iconic modern buildings, such as the Costanera Center tower?

The popular city of Valparaiso

You’ll be charmed by its bohemian atmosphere and colorful houses. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is nicknamed “the Pearl of the Pacific”.

Take a stroll through the town’s steep streets, admire the murals and frescoes adorning the facades, and soak up the artistic ambience. So don’t hesitate to take the historic funiculars to get around the hills.

Highlights include Pablo Neruda’s house museum, La Sebastiana, and the port of Valparaiso, where you can spot sea lions. Afterwards, treat yourself to a culinary break with empanadas or fresh seafood.

What’s more, Valparaiso is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts, such as sailing, surfing and scuba diving. Finally, take advantage of your stay to discover the vineyards of the nearby Casablanca Valley.

Lauca National Park

Here I take you to Lauca National Park, located in northern Chile on the border with Bolivia. This incredible place is surrounded by majestic mountains, including the Parinacota volcano, which rises to over 6,300 metres! Take in the breathtaking scenery on our hiking trails. You can also visit the region’s small villages, such as Putre, which has preserved its colonial architecture. For lovers of flora and fauna, you can observe pink flamingos, vicuñas and giant cacti. Don’t miss a dip in the hot waters of the nearby Jurasi thermal springs. Hey Yupers! Did you know that Lauca National Park is considered one of the highest places in the world inhabited by human beings? A unique experience not to be missed!

Discover Easter Island

A mystical island in the Pacific Ocean. This island has an incredible wealth of culture and history, not least the monolithic statues known as “Moai”. You can admire them on beaches, cliffs or plateaus. To better understand the history of this island, I invite you to visit the Padre Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum. You can also stroll through the remains of the island’s villages and fortifications. If you’re looking for more sporting activities, you can explore the island’s spectacular scenery by mountain bike or hiking. Finally, don’t miss the sunset on Anakena beach.

Hey Yupers! Did you know that Easter Island is the most isolated island in the world? A magical place that will leave you with unforgettable memories!

Chiloé Island

Welcome to Chiloé, the island of astonishing colors and unique beliefs. When you arrive here, you’ll be amazed by the colorful houses on stilts called “palafitos”. The landscape is surrounded by calm waters, and the fishermen’s boats remind you of the quiet life of the locals.

Don’t miss a visit to Chiloé’s wooden churches, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which will tell you all about the island’s history. Indulge in fresh seafood and typical local dishes such as “curanto” and “milcaos”.

There are plenty of cultural and sporting activities to do here. You can attend traditional music and dance festivals, or go hiking in the national parks to discover the local flora and fauna.

Vincente Pérez Rosales National Park

Today, I’m taking you to the magnificent Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park in southern Chile. If you’re looking for a place where nature is king, this is the place to come. You’ll marvel at the beauty of the Osorno volcano, which dominates the landscape, and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Todos Los Santos. You can also visit the Calbuco volcano, Lake Llanquihue and the Salto del Petrohué. And don’t miss the Cascada del Río Pescado, a majestic and enchanting waterfall. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, rafting, hiking or skiing, depending on the season.

Hey Yupers! Did you know that Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park is Chile’s oldest national park? Come and discover this natural wonder!

The town of La serena

We’re in La Serena, a Chilean town on the Pacific coast. The town is surrounded by green hills and valleys, offering a magnificent landscape to explore. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy the ocean waves. Don’t miss the historic lighthouse overlooking the town. The Plaza de Armas, the cathedral and the colonial buildings are also important cultural landmarks to visit. Museums abound with historical objects and local works of art. You can also discover the stars at the La Silla observatory.

Hey Yupers! Did you know that La Serena is Chile’s second oldest city, founded in 1544? Come and discover the history of this fascinating city and its unique Chilean culture.

The national park Puyehue National Park

Puyehue National Park, in southern Chile, is an ideal place for nature lovers and hikers. It boasts a wide variety of landscapes, from dense forests to crystal-clear lakes and active volcanoes.

The park’s main attraction is the Puyehue volcano, which rises to an altitude of over 2,200 metres. Hikers can climb the volcano and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The park also offers many other outdoor activities, such as fishing, kayaking, camping and wildlife viewing, including wolves, pumas and condors.

Finally, the thermal baths at the Termas de Puyehue hotel are a real attraction for visitors looking to relax after a day’s hiking.

The ghost village of Humberstone

In the late 19th century, this village, which could more accurately be described as a former mining town, was home to workers from Chile, Peru and Bolivia, whose role was to work in saltpeter factories to extract nitrate.

The site was abandoned around 1960, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

The village, now abandoned, bears witness to the working and living conditions of the workers. When you consider that the village is located in one of the most desolate regions on the planet, you can only imagine the hostile environment in which they had to live and work.

Humberstone is located some 50 km from Iquique, and today gives you the feeling of being immersed in a made-in-the-USA western setting!

The town of Pucon

Pucón, a small Chilean town in the Araucania region, surrounded by mountains, lakes and volcanoes, with a breathtaking view of the famous Villarrica volcano. If you’re looking for adventure, this is the city for you! Must-sees include a hike up the volcano, a visit to the natural thermal baths, a stroll around Lake Caburgua, and finally the discovery of the Ojos del Caburgua waterfalls.

You can also enjoy rafting, kayaking, canyoning and horseback riding. Hey Yupers! Did you know that: Pucón is considered the “Mecca” of adventure in South America.

El Tatio Geysers

This impressive geyser site is the third largest in the world (after Yellowstone in the USA and Geyser Valley in Russia), and the largest in the southern hemisphere. Its eighty geysers are located at an altitude of 4,320 metres.

You’ll need a bit of courage to visit this Chilean must-see, as the geysers are most active before sunrise! You can set off from San Pedro de Atacama, a superb village in the region, 90 kilometers from El Tatio.

Waking up early in the morning is well worth the effort… You can’t help but marvel at the columns of smoke, reaching up to ten meters high and standing out against the early morning sky. You can even take a dip in the thermal waters (if you’re brave enough to brave the cold before, and especially after, your swim!).

Elqui Valley

This valley, which takes us gradually southwards, has two major attractions.

It is the starting point of the Chilean wine route, and is renowned for the production of Pisco (wine brandy, obtained by distilling grapes). The region enjoys an ideal climate for growing the vines that produce this eau-de-vie.

The second attraction is the sky… Yes. This region of Chile makes for incredible viewing. The clear skies and low light pollution make the Elqui Valley the country’s leading astrological site. It has also been declared the “International Dark Sky Sanctuary of the World”. That’s all there is to it!

General Carrera Lake and the Marble Cathedral

This lake, which straddles the border between Chile andArgentina (where it’s called Lake Buenos Aires), is famous for its Marble Cathedral. This geological phenomenon is simply magnificent! It’s an islet of mostly marble (calcium carbonate, to be precise) that the waters of the lake have eroded over time, forming sumptuous cavities of white marble. The reflections of the turquoise water on the walls are a breathtaking sight!

It can only be accessed when the lake is at a low level.

Two smaller islands surround the Cathedral: the Marble Chapel and the Marble Cave.

A must-see!

The city of Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas, in Chile’s far south, is a port city full of charm and character, offering a unique blend of wilderness, history and culture. Nestled on the Brunswick Peninsula, it is the gateway to Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica.

The city center is packed with colorful historic buildings, monuments and museums. See the Plaza Muñoz Gamero, the Palacio Sara Braun and the Patagonia Regional Museum.

The surrounding scenery is simply breathtaking. Nearby, you can explore Torres del Paine National Park, Francisco Coloane Marine Park and Magallanes National Reserve. Activities in the area include hiking, sailing, fishing and wildlife watching, including penguins, whales and sea lions.

Let yourself be seduced by the adventure and authenticity of Punta Arenas and discover this pearl at the end of the world!

Patagonia National Park

Patagonia National Park, located in Argentina and Chile, is a natural jewel that invites exploration. Surrounded by mountains, lakes and forests, this park offers an idyllic setting for adventurers and nature lovers.

Highlights include the Fitz Roy massif, Cerro Torre and the Perito Moreno and Grey glaciers. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of cultural and sporting activities, including hiking, climbing, glacier trekking and wildlife watching.

Hey Yupers! Did you know: Patagonia National Park is home to exceptional biodiversity, including endangered species such as the huemul, an Andean deer.

Huerquehue National Park

Huerquehue, a Chilean nature reserve in the Araucania region, famous for its crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls and forest hiking trails.

If you’re looking for an escape into nature, this park is perfect for you! Highlights include hiking to Lake Tinquilco, visiting the Nido de Aguilas waterfalls and discovering the Verde lagoon.

You can also observe the rich diversity of local flora and fauna.

Hey Yupers! Did you know: The name “Huerquehue” means “place of messengers” in Mapudungun, the language of the Mapuche indigenous community.

The city of Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales, a picturesque Chilean town, is the ideal starting point for exploring Patagonia. Situated on the shores of the Última Esperanza fjord, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

In this charming town, don’t miss the Plaza de Armas, colorful houses and wooden sculptures. Culture lovers will appreciate the local art galleries and museums. For sporting activities, take a boat trip in the fjords or go hiking in nearby Torres del Paine National Park.

Hey Yupers! Did you know that Puerto Natales was once an important center of the wool industry before its decline in the 20th century?