Chile Travel Insights

Atacama Desert Highlights - 6 Days

One destination that should be on any traveler's list of must-visit desert landscapes is Chile's northern Atacama region. It's an arid, high-altitude desert filled with incredible natural wonders, including salt flats, geysers, lunar landscapes, painted mountains, and towering volcanoes. This quick six-day itinerary covers the highlights, including stops in the remote colonial outpost of San Pedro de Atacama, tours of the Moon Valley, stargazing, visits to natural hot springs, and traveling to indigenous villages.

Chilean Deserts & Towers Excursion - 10 Days

Experience Chile's beautiful extremes on this 10-day journey. Begin your adventure in the Atacama Desert—a region characterized by its lunar landscapes, geysers, salt flats, and starry skies. Next, head south to Patagonia to experience Torres del Paine National Park. Here, you'll enjoy an in-depth exploration of the park's natural beauty, including a hike to the base of the iconic towers and an up-close look at the majestic Grey Glacier during a boat tour.

Elqui Valley & Atacama Desert - 9 Days

Explore two regions of Chile where few travelers venture on this 9-day itinerary. After checking out Santiago, you'll fly to the northern coast for day trips to offshore islands and Elqui Valley wine country. From here, head to the Atacama desert—an oasis in the driest part in the world known for its geysers, salt flats, and starry skies. If that's not enough, you'll also meet local indigenous communities on a guided cultural excursion.

Santiago de Chile & Torres del Paine National Park - 6 Days

Explore the sights, tastes, and beautiful landscapes of Chile on this 6-day itinerary. Begin in the cosmopolitan city of Santiago, and explore its vibrant culture. Next, head just outside of the city to learn all about how Chilean wines are made, and more importantly, how they taste. Then, head to one of the most impressive landscapes on earth, Torres del Paine National Park. Here, you'll enjoy an in-depth exploration of the park's natural beauty, including a hike to the base of the iconic towers, and an up-close look at the majestic Grey Glacier during a boat tour.

Atacama Desert & Marble Caves Adventure - 7 Days

On this itinerary, you'll get to experience the two most beautiful regions of Chile: the northern Atacama Desert and southern Patagonia. Your adventure begins in the capital city of Santiago, where you'll glean insight into the culture on a city tour. Then, it's off to the north and the otherworldly desert landscapes of Atacama. You'll visit geyser, lunar valleys, and even do some high-altitude stargazing. Finally, you'll head to Chile's unspoiled Patagonia region, where you'll visit one of the most unique sites on the continent: the marble caves of Lago General Carrera.

Easter Island & Santiago - 6 Days

Discover Easter Island on this weeklong itinerary that includes two nights in Santiago. Formed of volcanic rock 2.5 million years ago, you'll get to explore Easter Island's major archaeological sites. First, fly into Santiago and experience the culture of the capital city and the seaside city of Valparaíso. Next, you'll then hop on a flight to Easter Island, where you'll stay for four days, immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Santiago, Torres del Paine & Easter Island - 11 Days

This 11-day cultural tour of Chile begins in the metropolitan capital of Santiago. Discover the best the city has to offer on a tour that highlights markets, historic centers, and urban views. Next, travel to the coastal towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso to take in their colorful streets and vibrant arts scene. Then, head south to Patagonia to hike through Torres del Paine National Park. Top off the adventure with a visit to Easter Island to delve into the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Adventure in Santiago & Torres del Paine National Park - 10 Days

Begin your journey in the metropolitan capital city of Santiago. Learn all about Chilean culture during your city tour and wine tasting, followed by a visit to the vibrant port cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Next, head south to Patagonia and walk with Magellanic penguins on Isla Magdalena. Top it all off with a trip to Torres del Paine National Park. Here, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of vast grasslands, glaciers, forests, and more. You'll even have the opportunity to hike to the base of the park's iconic towers.

Easter Island & Torres del Paine Adventure - 8 Days

To the Chileans, it's Isla de Pascua, and Indigenous residents call it Rapa Nui—but the rest of the world knows it by its most famous nickname: Easter Island. This Chilean territory, formed of volcanic rock, is 2.5 million years old, and on this adventure, you'll get to explore its major archaeological sites. Next, venture to Patagonia to experience the rugged beauty of Torres del Paine National Park.

Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Beyond - 7 Days

Explore two of South America's greatest cities (and beyond) on this week-long tour. Begin with a day of exploration in Santiago de Chile, followed by wine tastings and vineyard tours in the Casablanca Valley. Visit the seaport town of Valparaiso before heading to Buenos Aires for a city tour and tango show. Finish your trip with a day in charming Tigre, a Venetian-style village filled with freshwater canals and fabulous museums.

Central Chile Exploration - 5 Days

Experience some of Chile's highlights in five days with this itinerary, perfect if you're short on time. You'll arrive in Santiago and explore the city on foot, taking in the major sights before enjoying a day trip to coastal (and colorful) Valparaíso for some wine tasting. Back in the capital, and after a tasty food tour, you'll finish your time in the country with a road trip into Chile's central mountains.

Wine tour in Santiago de Chile - 4 Days

Do you ever get the urge to drop everything and abscond to wine country to relax with a few glasses of good reds and whites? Then this brisk four-day sojourn to Chile's famous vineyards is just what the doctor ordered. You'll arrive in the capital of Santiago, which will be your home base for excursions into Chile's renowned wine country. Over a couple of days, you'll visit various wineries and taste the different varietals produced on site. As an added bonus you'll get to explore the streets of Santiago on foot and discover its many treasures!

Santiago, Atacama Desert & Marble Caves Adventure - 11 Days

On this itinerary, you'll get to experience the many different faces of Chile. You'll have the opportunity to explore Chile's culturally-rich cities, taste premium Chilean wine, and take in some of the country's most stunning landscapes. First, tour Santiago along with the colorful coastal cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso. Next, explore the world-famous wine regions surrounding Santiago - you'll learn all about how Chilean wine is made, and more importantly, how it tastes. Then it's off to the north and the otherworldly desert landscapes of Atacama. You'll visit geysers, lunar valleys, and even do some high-altitude stargazing. Finally, you'll head to Chile's unspoiled Patagonia region, where you'll visit one of the most unique sites on the continent: the marble caves of Lago General Carrera.

Exploring Santiago & Chile's Lake District - 14 Days

On this active and comprehensive 14-day itinerary, you will discover one of the lesser-visited gems of South America: Chile's Lake District, where central Chile meets Patagonia. First, you'll take a food tour of the capital of Santiago. Then it's wine tasting and a jaunt to the coastal seaport of Valparaíso, one of the most colorful cities in Latin America. Next, you're off to the southern city of Puerto Montt, where you'll visit the mythical island of Chiloé. The remainder of your trip has it all: penguin colonies, kayaking fjords, trekking through native Alajuela forests, hiking up to glaciers, and much, much more.

Exploring Santiago & the Atacama Desert - 7 Days

This week-long itinerary allows you to experience central Chile's major cities and wine regions and the arid desert landscapes in the country's north. First, you'll arrive in Santiago and take a city tour before discovering the nearby wilderness and wine country. Then, it's a trip to the coastal seaport and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valparaíso. Afterward, you'll jet off to the Atacama Desert in the north, where you'll visit the Indigenous villages, geysers, painted mountains, salt flats, and lunar landscapes for which the region is deservedly famous.

W Trek & Central Chile Adventure - 14 Days

It's unlikely you'll ever pack so much culture, nature, and adventure on a two-week holiday then you will with this 14-day Chilean itinerary. It starts with a culinary tour of Santiago, where you'll delve into the culture of the city one bite at a time. Then it's off to Torres del Paine, one of Chile's premier national parks and a must-visit destination for trekkers from across the globe. You'll then head to northern Patagonia to experience less-visited but equally beautiful Aysén region. Pack your winter gear, because things are going to get cold on this intrepid adventure you won't soon forget.

Easter Island & Santiago - 7 Days

On this adventure, you'll explore remote Rapa Nui—the Chilean territory also known as the legendary Easter Island. Fly into Santiago to experience the culture of the capital city and seaside Valparaíso. After a wine tour and an excursion into the Chilean mountains, you'll finally hop on a flight to Easter Island, where you'll hang out with the famous stone moai statues that are found nowhere else on Earth.

San Pedro de Atacama & Uyuni - 8 Days

This seven-day itinerary affords just enough time to take part in one of the most epic journeys in South America: the multi-day 4x4 adventure from San Pedro de Atacama, in northern Chile, to the town of Uyuni, in southern Bolivia. Your journey starts in the town of San Pedro, an ancient desert outpost in Chile's northern Altiplano (high plateau) region. You'll take a tour of the lagoons around the Atacama Desert, and then you'll embark on the four-day journey to Uyuni. Along the way, you'll be awestruck by the seemingly endless salt flats, towering volcanoes, and painted mountains. You'll even overnight in a guesthouse made out of salt!

Wine Regions of Chile & Argentina - 10 Days

On this epic 10-day tour, visit the best wine-producing regions of Chile and Argentina as you tour the vineyards that produce their most famous varietals. Arrive in Santiago and tour the Cachapoal Valley, then visit a wine estate near the town of Pirque. Next, head to the Maipo Valley in central Chile before moving on to Mendoza, Argentina. Explore the surrounding vineyards and mountain villages before returning to Santiago.

View the 2019 Solar Eclipse in Chile - 7 Days

Head to Chile in July 2019 to witness one of the most important events of the century—a total solar eclipse, observable for over four minutes. View the eclipse from a prime location in the beautiful Coquimbo region, with protective glasses and cozy blankets provided. Spend the rest of your visit touring cosmopolitan Santiago de Chile and colorful Valparaíso, sampling native varietals at Viña del Bosco winery, checking out the Enchanted Valley petroglyphs, and more.

Santiago, Valparaíso & Skiing in Portillo - 7 Days

This active week-long trip is perfect for anyone who wants a taste of Chilean culture along with an unforgettable skiing excursion. Tour Santiago's historic neighborhoods and discover the delights of nearby Valparaíso before traveling north to the Portillo Ski Center. Located in the Andes, this all-inclusive boutique ski resort offers excellent slopes for all levels and ages, from complete beginners to advanced.

Mountain Biking in Chile's Lake & Volcano District - 9 Days

Chile’s Lake and Volcano District is home to fifteen active volcanoes and twelve major lakes, which makes it a pretty scenic place for heading out on a bicycle tour. Start in hip Temuco, the region’s capital, before heading out on quiet dirt roads and singletracks to spots like Araucarias Biosphere Reserve and Chile’s most active volcano. Along the way, there are natural hot springs to soak in and comfy cabins to spend the night in.

The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in Santiago de Chile

Santiago de Chile is nestled in a bowl-shaped valley between the Andes Mountains and the Cordillera de la Costa (Chilean Coastal Range). Hidden among its office blocks and skyscrapers are some unique boutique hotels noted for their imaginative design and architectural flair. Most offer personal service that sets them apart from the business hotels that comprise many of the city's accommodations.

Explore Santiago & Torres del Paine National Park - 10 Days

This 10-day Chilean itinerary combines city life, nature hikes, and wine tasting. Lose yourself in the cosmopolitan city of Santiago as you explore it on a city tour, visit Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, then head to southern Patagonia to hike in the amazing Torres del Paine National Park. End your trip with a relaxing stay at a charming vineyard, where you'll enjoy wine tasting, horseback riding, cycling, trekking, and other excursions.

Cycling the Atacama Desert in Chile - 7 Days

Mountain bikers, this one's for you! Cycle through the Atacama Desert off the beaten path and into areas not yet accessible by vehicle, only currently frequented by llama and goat herds. Small villages, geysers, lagoons, valleys, archaeological ruins, Andean wildlife, and spectacular panoramas crowned by dormant volcanoes await!

Atacama Desert & Lake District - 9 Days

Explore the geysers, volcanoes, valleys and salt flats of San Pedro de Atacama. Discover the unique lake district including the Osorno Volcano, the tiny town of Frutillar and the mythical Chiloe Island.

Santiago & Atacama Desert - 9 Days

Immerse yourself in the colorful tiny town of San Pedro de Atacama and discover geysers, volcanoes, valleys, and salt flats amidst the arid Chilean desert. Lose yourself in the cosmopolitan city of Santiago, walk through its many squares, and marvel at the diverse architecture that makes this city a unique metropolis in Latin America all while being wowed by the grandeur of the Andes.

Best of Chile - 15 Days

This tour takes full advantage of all that Chile has to offer. Begin in the urban center of Santiago de Chile, with its stunning backdrop of mountains and beautiful architecture. From there, explore the hinterlands of San Pedro de Atacama, spend a few days chilling out to your own itinerary on Chiloe Island, and trek through Torres del Paine National Park.

Explore the Atacama Desert - 4 Days

Explore the Atacama desert in the Antofagasta region of Chile, starting at San Pedro de Atacama, a laid-back oasis town on the edge of the driest desert on the earth. Revel in the stark beauty of the desert landscape and marvel at the dramatic scenery while enjoying the cozy hospitality and art in town.

Top 10 Regions in Chile: Where to Go & What to See

A magnet for nature lovers, Chile has a little of everything, from ice-capped volcanoes to lush rain forests. The diversity of its landscapes and vast size offer limitless adventures: trekking past glaciers and soaring Patagonian peaks, watching sunsets over otherworldly desert valleys, and basking in mountain hot springs or on a white-sand beach after long days of exploring. The following is a list of the country’s top 10 regions to visit when traveling one of the world’s longest countries. 

Hiking the Atacama Desert - 10 Days

This 10-day trip takes you through some of Chile's most dramatic high desert landscapes. Arrive in Santiago, then head to San Pedro de Atacama. Go stargazing in Cuchabrache, visit a traditional Indigenous village, explore the Atacama Salt Flat, and go hiking at Punta del Inca. Trek to Río Grande Village and explore the Altiplanic Lagoons, then hike through the Rainbow Valley and visit the Tatio Geysers before heading home.

Best Things to Do in Chile

Home to Andean peaks, dramatic coastlines and otherworldly deserts, Chile has an astonishing variety of landscapes that set the scene for unforgettable adventures. You can trek through Patagonian wilderness in the deep south or buzzing beach towns in the north. In between, you’ll find award-winning wineries, art-filled bohemian enclaves and impossibly picturesque valleys, not to mention one of South America’s most dynamic cities. The biggest challenge is deciding where to begin.

Chile's Famous Wine Valleys - 7 Days

Chilean wines are today considered to be among the best in the world. Chile’s geographical diversity coupled with its Mediterranean climate makes it ideal to grow sustainable wines and to produce a variety of wine styles. The country is home to a wide range of wineries, from age-old to new biodynamic establishments committed to sustainable viticulture.

Cultural Bike & Hike Trip at Atacama Desert - 8 Days

This journey in the Atacama desert takes you to some of the most spectacular desert scenery on the planet. You’ll see sputtering geysers, salt flats where flamingoes roam, and gorgeous sunsets over otherworldly rock formations. This Chilean adventure is for active-minded travelers, with biking and hiking among astonishing Andean landscapes.

Best Time of Year to Visit Chile

Stretching for more than 2600 miles along the western side of South America, Chile is a narrow country of dramatic extremes. You’ll find bone dry deserts in the north, glacial fields in the south, and lush valleys, smoldering volcanoes and enchanting beaches in between. With its diversity of geography and climates, Chile offers year-round appeal, from skiing in winter to trekking and beach-hopping in summer.

Highlights of Northern Chile

Home to red-rock deserts, craggy mountain peaks and sparkling coastlines, northern Chile offers boundless adventures for avid travelers. You can spend your days wandering through eerie ghost towns, zipping down sand dunes or basking on pristine beaches, followed by nights of stargazing beneath the dark southern hemisphere skies. Here are some of the top destinations when planning a trip through Chile.

Bike & Hike the Backroads of Chile near Pucón - 9 Days

This 9-day hiking and biking adventure along central Chile's backroads is perfect for active travelers. You'll discover a fascinating part of the country dominated by clear lakes and amazing active volcanoes. Together with expert guides, you will pedal alongside snow-capped peaks, green meadows and stunning lakes, make visits to local indigenous villages and relax in soothing natural hot springs.

Discover the Atacama Desert - 4 Days

Spend four days taking advantage of the natural beauty of the town and hinterlands of San Pedro de Atacama. Visit geysers, volcanoes, valleys and salt flats on this trip around the arid Chilean plateau and be wowed by the formidable grandeur of the Andes at every turn.

Wonders of Chile - 14 Days

On this two week trip, you’ll visit many of the classic places that have made Chile an iconic country for travelers and mountaineers alike. You’ll journey to places like the Atacama Desert and the Patagonian glaciers as you discover a land of myths and mountains. You’ll also have the chance to stay in Santiago and Valparaíso to get a sense of Chile’s city life.