The Ultimate Guide To The Best Things To Do In Chile: What To See, Do And Eat!

Chile deserves all the travel hype, this country is full of epic things to do from the tippy top all the way to the bottom. The country is so rich and diverse that it’s impossible to experience everything in one trip. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide to help you plan your dream Chilean adventure.

Of course, there are the more popular tourist attractions like Easter Island, Patagonia, and the Atacama Desert, but Chile has so much more to offer than just these top spots. This guide will give you insight into some of the lesser-known gems as well. And I can’t say this enough: Now is the time to go! So let’s start planning. Here are the best things to do in Chile.

Best Things To Do In Chile

Chile is usually overlooked by Argentina and Peru when it comes to top destinations in South America, but don’t let that fool you.

Chile is on the rise as a travel hot spot and we’ve got everything you need to know to make the most out of your trip.

From stunning natural beauty and awesome outdoor activities to delicious food and wine, Chile might just become your favorite holiday destination.

Explore Torres Del Paine National Park’s Iconic W Trek

Starting big with one of the most popular things to do in Chile—the W Trek. Located in Torres del Paine National Park, this multi-day hike takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in South America. It’s seriously out of this world how gorgeous this place is!

The 4 to 5-day trek covers around 50 miles and offers views of glaciers, mountains, lakes, and the iconic granite towers that give the park its name. And with it being so remote and a little bit more of a challenge to get to, you’ll look around and have that sense of awe, accomplishment, and even a little bit of “this can’t be real” attitude.

Now, when we spent a month in Chile, we actually opted out of the W Trek (I know, we’re terrible) but we had good reason! After doing loads of research, we realized we could see quite a bit of the trek while visiting other parts of the park without sacrificing too much. And we were keen on seeing a variety of things, so that was the game plan. To do this, we opted to signup for Chile Nativo, a 5 day guided hike through the parks most popular spots.

Our 10-day Patagonia Itinerary was the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. So if that sounds more like you than trekking for a week straight, you have to check out our guide. We also dive into why there’s more to Torres del Paine than just the W Trek.

Where To Stay In Torres Del Paine National Park

Hotel Las Torres – Located right at the base of the towers, this hotel offers stunning views and easy access to the hiking trails. They have traditional and all-inclusive stay options.

Make sure not to miss our full review of Hotel Las Torres! Promotion inside!

Visit the Atacama Desert

Another big one, and personally we think it’s a must-do, is visiting the Atacama Desert. Located in northern Chile, it’s known as one of the driest deserts in the world and offers some truly unique landscapes.

This is what we love about Chile, in one part of the country you have these larger-than-life glaciers, and then you head to one of the driest parts of the world. It’s mind-blowing how diverse it is, and if you love the outdoors and nature, Chile is going to rock your world!

One of the best things to do in the Atacama Desert is to wait for nightfall and witness the stars in all their glory. It’s one of the best places in the world for stargazing, with minimal light pollution and clear skies. It’s literally called the “Clearest Night Sky” so, you know it’s gotta be epic!

We decided to book a stargazing tour and we’re so glad we did. We learned so much from our guide and got an astronomy lesson under the stars. He had multiple telescopes for us to look through and it was incredible seeing the moon, planets, and clusters of stars up close.

Aside from stargazing, there are plenty of outdoor activities to do in the Atacama Desert such as sandboarding, visiting geysers and hot springs, and exploring the unique rock formations and salt flats. It’s also a popular spot for wildlife watching, with flamingos, llamas, and vicuñas roaming around.

You can rent a car to road trip on your own or join a guided tour for a more in-depth experience. We chose to do it ourselves and had a blast driving around and discovering the various landscapes. You can check out how we spent 6 days in the Atacama Desert for more in depth details on what all we tried!

Where To Stay In The Atacama Desert

Casa Lickana B&B – Just 200 meters from the San Pedro main square, this budget-friendly bed and breakfast offers a cozy stay and even a hot spring to soak in under the stars.

Hostal Campo Base – Solo travelers will love this stay, with great common spaces to meet others. And it’s just a 5-minute walk from the bus so that 25lb backpack will be manageable.

Hoteles Pueblo de Tierra – Great price and location, with a variety of room options including private rooms and dorms. They also offer tours and activities.

Go Wine Tasting In Maipo Valley

If you love a good glass of vino, Chile might be your dream destination. The country is home to some of the best wine regions in South America, and Maipo Valley is one of them.

Located just an hour from Santiago, Maipo Valley produces some of the finest red wines in Chile. It’s also known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere grapes. I mean, it’s almost a crime to be this close to a world-renowned wine region and not have a sip or two.

There are multiple wineries in the region, and because of its close proximity to the capital city, it makes for an easy day trip. We had such a blast joining a day tour from Santiago, we sipped on all different types of red wine, were able to walk through the vineyards, and of course, ate some tasty empanadas.

Here are a few of the top wineries to check out in Maipo Valley:

• Concha y Toro: one of the biggest and most well-known, they offer tours and tastings as well as a beautiful garden and shop.
• Santa Rita: this winery offers both standard and premium tours, along with a bike tour option through their vineyards.
• Perez Cruz: known for its modern architecture, this boutique winery has some of the best views outside its door.

Where To Stay In Santiago

Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde – A budget-friendly option in the heart of Santiago, this eco-hostel offers comfortable rooms and a laid-back atmosphere.

BHB Hotel Boutique – This mid-range stay is perfect for those who want somewhere clean and comfortable without spending a fortune.

Visit The Coastal City Of Valparaiso

While the beaches of Chile aren’t really on travelers’ radar, this coastal city definitely needs to be. Valparaiso is such a unique destination outside of Santiago and it’s a great little day trip to take. This colorful town has a bohemian vibe and charm that really isn’t anywhere else in the country.

It’s so interesting, from certain angles it almost gives a San Francisco vibe but with bright colors and European architecture—maybe it’s just the hills, ha I don’t know. But Valparaiso is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its unique architecture and cultural significance.

In the 19th Century, Valparaiso was a major port for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Bringing over an influx of immigrants from around the world, including many Europeans. This is why you’ll see such a mix of architectural styles and influences throughout the city.

There’s also a strong artistic community in Valparaiso which can be seen through the numerous street art murals and galleries scattered throughout the town. You’ll definitely want to take some time to just wander aimlessly or even take a tour through the colorful streets, taking it all in.

Visit Easter Island And See The Famous Moai Statues

When we were planning our trip to Chile, it was for one reason, and one reason only. Okay well, that’s not true, but Easter Island was definitely high on our list! Located over 2,000 miles off the coast of Chile, Easter Island is a remote and mysterious island shrouded in history and legend—and we just had to see it!

I mean the giant moai statues are just legendary, they’re practically a bucket list item on their own. These massive stone figures were created by the native Rapa Nui people, and over 900 of them can be found scattered across the island. It’s truly an incredible sight to see. Some of them stand at around 33 feet tall and weigh over 80 tons! It’s still unknown how the Rapa Nui people were able to move these massive statues from the quarry to their final resting place, making it all the more mysterious and fascinating.

But besides the moai, Easter Island offers so much more to explore. The island is so raw and undeveloped that it’s like stepping into a world without mass tourism or commercialization. The island is full of laid-back beaches, amazing hiking trails, and a rich cultural history. It’s truly a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Chile.

To get to Easter Island, you must take a flight from Santiago, Chile. It’s the only way to reach the island and can be quite expensive. However, it is worth every penny. Once on the island, there are guided tours available or you can rent a car or bike to explore on your own. Just make sure to plan enough time for your visit as there’s so much to see and experience in this remote paradise.

Check out our Comprehensive Guide to Easter Island for a full breakdown of where to stay, what to do, and just how much it will cost you.

Where To Stay In Easter Island

Takarua Lodge – With just 7 suites, this lodge is the perfect spot for a secluded and intimate stay on Easter Island. Located a 20-minute walk to town but wake up with Easter Island as your backyard!

Inaki Uh Hotel – Recently renovated, this stay is centrally located on Easter Island and offers modern amenities and comfortable rooms at a low price. And from the reviews, the internet is super speedy!

Eat All The Chilean Dishes You Can

One of our favorite parts about traveling is all the delicious food you get to try. And Chile is no exception! While a lot of the countries in South America, Brazil, Peru, and Argentina are heavy hitters in the food department. We’d say Chile is up there with some of the best too.

Now, not every dish we had in Chile was a hit, but let me tell you, the ones that did. WOW! Probably some of the best empanadas we’ve ever had were from a local shop on Easter Island of all places. And let’s not forget about Chilean seafood, especially their famous ceviche. The ones on Easter Island were perfectly fresh and full of flavor.

Explore Chiloé Island

If you’re looking for something unique and a little off the beaten path, make sure to visit Chiloé Island. Located in the South, this Island is seriously underrated and often overlooked by tourists. It’s most famous for the way the local people built their houses and buildings out of wood and tin. They all sit high over the water on stilts—making for some amazing photos!

In the 1500s, the Spanish tried to convert the natives of this island, but the locals held onto their beliefs pretty strongly. Although they resisted, at one point there were literally 150 churches on Chiloe Island, we know, it’s a lot! Today 16 of these wooden churches are protected by UNESCO and are pretty cool to visit.

Besides the interesting architecture, Chiloé Island has some pretty cool things to see and do around the island. Chiloé National Park is a great spot for hiking and birdwatching, while Punihuil Beach is the perfect place to see penguins in their natural habitat—yes, penguins!

Where To Stay On Chiloe Island

Alma Chilota – Enjoy gorgeous sea views, delicious breakfasts, and cozy rooms at this charming bed and breakfast located in Castro.

Hotel y Cabanas Terrazas – With some of the best ratings on the island, this hotel has beautiful views of the sea and mountains. Located at the top of the bay, guests can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing stay while still being close.

Go Hiking Or Kayaking In The Stunning Chilean Lake District

We were blown away by the beauty of the Lake District in Chile. With white-capped volcanoes all around and beautiful clear waters, it’s seriously breathtaking. The Lake District is a region in southern Chile bordering Argentina and if you like the outdoors, boy are you about to be in heaven!

Hiking in the Lake District is an incredible experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature. There are a lot of different trails that are good for all levels of hikers, from beginners to advanced trekkers. You can choose from easy walks around the lakes or more challenging hikes up into the mountains with breathtaking views.

One of the coolest hiking spots in the Lake District is Villarrica Volcano, you can hike up or even ski down this active volcano near Pucon—it’s epic! Being so close to such a powerful natural wonder will make you feel like a speck on the earth, and the most awesome person in the world at the same time. And if you’ve done some pretty cool hikes, you know the feeling!

There are several guided tours you can book to see the volcano, so be sure to check those out. This one allows you to sled down the volcano if it’s snowy enough!

Kayaking is another must-do in the Lake District. Check out Lago Todos los Santos. It’s famous for its amazing emerald-green waters and the beautiful scenery around it. Whether you want to kayak or just chill and connect with nature, this is the perfect spot.

Where To Stay In The Lake District

Hotel Cabaña Del Lago Puerto Varas – Sitting right on the lake, every room offers stunning views of the volcanoes across the water. Rent a bike right from the hotel to explore the area!

Casa Azul Hostel – Located in Puerto Varas, this hostel offers budget-friendly stays with a cozy and welcoming vibe. Plus, it’s conveniently close to popular spots like Llanquihue Lake and the German Colonial Museum.

Luckys Hostel – The perfect stay in Pucon near the Villarrica National Park, a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking and climbing. With its rustic charm and friendly staff, this hostel is a top choice for travelers.

Mini Packing Guide For Chile

Packing for Chile isn’t for the faint of heart. You will need a wide variety of clothes and gear for all the different activities you’ll be doing, and the ever-changing weather. Here’s a quick list of essential items to pack:

• Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes– This is an absolute must. You’ll want your shoes to be broken in and ready for all the long hikes you’ll be doing.
• Quick-dry clothing
• Waterproof jacket/Windbreaker
• Layers! Layers! Layers! – From the desert to the mountains, the weather can change quickly. Dress in layers to stay comfortable and prepared for any temperature.
• Sun protection – Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential as the sun can be strong at high altitudes.
• Hiking poles – If you have the space, bring hiking poles to help with the steep inclines and rocky terrain. If not you can rent some in most national parks.
• Swimwear – Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit for a dip in the hot springs or swimming in the crystal clear lakes.
• Portable charger/power bank – Electricity may not be readily available during hikes and camping trips, so bring a portable charger to keep your devices charged.

Narrowing Down All The Things To Do In Chile

If you know me at all, you know I pour over research when I plan a trip. Chile was no exception, and I quickly realized that there were so many amazing things to do and see in this country. It’s how our one-week adventure turned into a full month!

After spending time exploring the country, I realized why the most popular things to do in Chile are the Golden Triangle: Atacama Desert, Easter Island, and Torres del Paine National Park. These three destinations are incredibly unique and unlike anything else in the world.

Fortunately, many other attractions are nearby or along the way to these spots. If you have the time, stop in Santiago en route to Easter Island or drive through the Lake District on your way to Torres del Paine. Choose what you can’t miss and save the rest for your next visit!

Frequently Asked Questions