Top 5 Must-Visit Places in Chile: Insights from 4 Months of Extensive Travel
We spent nearly four months exploring Chile from north to south, east to west, and back again. Reflecting on this unforgettable journey, here are our top five must-visit destinations in this remarkable country.
Chile's elongated shape—stretching 4,270 km (2,653 miles) from top to bottom, with an average width of just 177 km (110 miles)—makes it a challenging yet rewarding destination. Expect long bus rides between highlights, like the 24-hour journey from Santiago to the Atacama Desert or the 4,700 km (2,920 miles) to Puerto Natales, gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Despite the logistics, Chile captivates with its glaciers, deserts, lakes, Andes peaks, and vast coastline.
We'll cover budgeting and logistics in a future guide, but first, our top five picks based on firsthand experience.
The Top 5 Places to Visit in Chile
5. Elqui Valley
A serendipitous discovery en route from Santiago to Iquique, the Elqui Valley extends 140 km from the charming beach town of La Serena (7 hours north of Santiago) to the Argentine border. Dramatic rugged mountains frame lush greenery where grapes for pisco and wine thrive alongside Chilean papayas, avocados, oranges, and more. Sleepy towns with quaint squares dot the landscape, offering pisco distillery tastings. Renowned for crystal-clear night skies, it's ideal for stargazing. 
Join a tour from La Serena or take public buses to key spots: Vicuña (birthplace of Nobel poet Gabriela Mistral), Monte Grande (her childhood home), and Pisco Elqui (perfect base for hikes, biking, or horseback riding). Stay overnight at valley hotels to witness the stunning starry skies!
4. The Lake District
Located 1,000 km (620 miles) south of Santiago, the Lake District evokes Switzerland or Austria with its alpine lakes and six surrounding volcanoes. Chilean culture and German settler influences—evident in the ubiquitous kuchen—add unique charm. A haven for adventurers, it offers volcano climbs, rafting, water sports, winter skiing, and summer mountain biking across twelve lakes and national parks. We focused on Pucón and Puerto Varas due to weather, but Temuco, Villarrica, and Osorno are also worthwhile.
From here, detour to Chiloé Island (a couple of hours away) for an authentic glimpse of indigenous Chilean culture.
3. Valparaíso
Chile's historic port city climbs 42 hillsides, creating a uniquely vibrant urban landscape. A 19th-century trade hub, it blends bohemian vibes with faded elegance. Ride ascensores (funiculars) to navigate cobblestone streets and alleys. 
Colorful houses, street art, hillside cafes, and bay views (like from our stay at Casa Kreyenberg) enchant visitors. UNESCO World Heritage status since 2003 has spurred renovations, though its gritty edge remains part of the allure.
2. Torres del Paine
We skipped the famed 4-5 day W Trek but lingered longer than planned in Puerto Natales, the trekker-friendly gateway with excellent food and amenities. 
The national park dazzles with Patagonian spectacles: glaciers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and the Cerro Paine massif. Spot guanacos on hikes or drive to landmarks in 1-2 days, with lodging from refugios to glamping.
1. San Pedro de Atacama
Our absolute favorite, this tiny oasis in the world's driest desert retains Spanish-colonial charm with its white church, tree-shaded plaza, and adobe buildings now housing boutique hotels, eateries, and shops. Surprisingly, it boasts Chile's best cuisine. Explore Valle de la Luna, El Tatio Geysers, high lagoons, hot springs, salt flats, and caves—all spectacular. 
Join stargazing tours under some of the clearest skies globally. 
What About Santiago?
We spent over two months in the capital, warming to its charms gradually—more time than most visitors allow. Don't miss key sights, and venture beyond the center if possible. 
Have you visited Chile? Share your favorite spots in the comments!
