Top 10 Activities in Chile.
Chile boasts an astounding diversity of landscapes that provide the backdrop for life-changing experiences. These landscapes include Andean peaks, dramatic coasts, and bizarre deserts. For instance, in the extreme south, you can hike through the Patagonian wilderness, one of Chile’s top activities. Meanwhile, in the north, you can explore bustling seaside communities. Additionally, in between are vibrant South American cities, award-winning vineyards, artistically inclined bohemian communities, and breathtakingly beautiful valleys. The most difficult part is figuring out where to start your adventure with the top activities in Chile.
Overview: Top Activities in Chile
Chile, a long and narrow country along South America’s western edge, offers a diverse array of attractions, encompassing urban sophistication, mountains, deserts, beaches, and abundant outdoor activities. Among the top activities in Chile, Santiago serves as the nation’s gateway and is a compelling destination renowned for its captivating museums, top-notch dining establishments, and vibrant nightlife. Additionally, a short journey from Santiago leads to Valparaíso, a revitalized port city exuding a bohemian atmosphere, or southward to the Colchagua Valley, Chile’s foremost wine-producing region.
Furthermore, visitors can spend several days in the Elqui Valley, featuring serene villages, stargazing excursions, and pisco distilleries. Moreover, continuing north to San Pedro de Atacama, accessible via a flight to the nearby Calama airport, offers a week of exploring alpine lakes, canyons, geysers, and hot springs.
Additionally, embarking on a road trip along the northern coast from La Serena to Iquique presents opportunities to visit fishing communities, unspoiled beaches, and colonial towns. Lastly, at the opposite end of Chile lies Patagonia, a haven for adventurers. Its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, exemplified in places like Torres del Paine, rank among the world’s most remarkable natural wonders. In no specific order, these represent the top activities in Chile.
Top Activities in Chile: #1 Visit Santiago's Historic Center to Travel Back in Time
Chile’s bustling capital, Santiago, showcases impressive architecture, a thriving dining and social scene, and verdant neighborhoods waiting to be discovered. Additionally, it hosts outstanding museums, such as the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, featuring a remarkable assortment of indigenous textiles and pottery. Furthermore, within the city’s historic center, visitors can delve into the past, encountering the magnificent 16th-century Plaza de Armas, the neoclassical Catedral Metropolitana, and the Museo Histórico Nacional. Moreover, the Bellavista district is another essential destination, housing an exceptional house-museum dedicated to Pablo Neruda, and the elevated vantage point of Cerro San Cristóbal.
These highlights are among the top activities in Chile.
Top Activities in Chile: #2 Hike in Torres del Paine's Patagonian Wilderness
The Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, one of South America’s most striking national parks, features a diverse landscape encompassing turbulent rivers, verdant forests, glaciers, and the towering granite peaks of Torres del Paine. Additionally, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve teems with diverse wildlife, from large herds of guanaco grazing on the open steppe to groups of swift-footed rhea and the elusive puma. Furthermore, the optimal approach to fully immerse oneself in this environment is by embarking on a multi-day trek. The renowned W Circuit spans 44 miles (71 km) and provides awe-inspiring vistas and exhilarating adventures, including trails that cross hanging bridges.
Top Activities in Chile: #3 Visit the Colchagua Valley and Go Wine Tasting
The fertile farmlands south of Santiago, Chile, yield some of the nation’s most exceptional wines. Since the Spanish originally planted vines in the 16th century, vineyards have thrived in this area. Consequently, exploring the wine country offers an opportunity to taste acclaimed wines from family-owned wineries with deep-rooted legacies. Moreover, the scenic mountainous setting and picturesque villages further enhance the region’s allure, best experienced from charming wine lodges throughout the area. Additionally, for those visiting in early March, the Fiesta de la Vendimia (harvest festival) in Santa Cruz is highly recommended.
Top Activities in Chile: #4 Walk Valparaíso's Art-Filled Alleyways
Over the last twenty years, the formerly rugged port city of Valparaíso has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as one of Chile’s most captivating urban centers. Firstly, winding cobblestone streets meander through hilly neighborhoods adorned with vibrantly painted 19th-century homes. Additionally, more than a dozen traditional ascensores (funiculars) transport people up the hillsides, sparing them from the arduous ascent.
Furthermore, public art is omnipresent, with artists from various parts of Latin America crafting expansive, deeply hued murals throughout the city. A great starting point for an art-infused stroll is the Parque Cultural de Valparaíso, a former prison adorned with striking paintings in the former exercise yard, and the Museo a Cielo Abierto—an outdoor gallery showcasing artworks along the streets of Cerro Bellavista.
Top Activities in Chile: #5 Take in the Surreal Scenery of the Atacama Desert
The driest desert on Earth conceals numerous wonders, including bubbling geysers, sapphire-colored lakes, and crimson-hued valleys that resemble the surface of Mars. Moreover, serving as the gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes is the high-altitude village and popular destination of San Pedro de Atacama. From here, visitors can embark on day excursions to witness gatherings of wild flamingos, relax in hot springs, or admire the sunset against the vibrant rock formations of Valle de la Luna. Additionally, it’s an ideal location for outdoor pursuits, offering excellent opportunities for activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, and even sandboarding.
#6 Unwind in Elqui Valley
Renowned for its tranquil villages, sustainable accommodations, and captivating starry nights, the picturesque Elqui Valley, situated six hours north of Santiago, presents an exceptional retreat. Firstly, visitors have the opportunity to discover the landscapes that inspired Chile’s inaugural Nobel Prize laureate, Gabriela Mistral. Additionally, they can explore historic pisco distilleries that have been operating since the 1800s. Moreover, dining options abound in unassuming eateries that showcase local fare, including dishes prepared in solar ovens just beyond Vicuña. Furthermore, the region is home to several observatories, where astronomical tours provide breathtaking views of the night sky.
#7 Take a northern coast road excursion.
Chile’s extensive and stunning northern coastline sets the stage for an unforgettable road trip. Firstly, along this route, travelers will encounter tranquil fishing villages, vibrant surfing communities, and untamed national parks where the desert meets the sea. Additionally, north of La Serena, the Reserve Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt offers opportunities to observe penguins, sea lions, and dolphins on the rugged islands. Furthermore, continuing further north, Bahía Inglesa presents a charming coastal village with superb seafood eateries overlooking a beautiful beach. Lastly, additional attractions include the secluded desert expanse of Pan de Azúcar and the bustling coastal city of Iquique, renowned for its colonial architecture and captivating surf-friendly beaches.
