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So when travelling around the country, you might need to fly between cities unless you have plenty of time to overland.
But if you do, there is a great network of buses connecting the cities.
From the Atacama Desert to the peaks of the National Park of Torres Del Paine, here are the 10 best places to visit in Chile.
Beginning with not just one of the best places in Chile to visit, but one of the coolest places on planet Earth, Easter Island.
You may have already seen ancient stone giants known as Moai Statues in photos or documentaries. This truly unique place is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
If you love archeological sites, check out our detailed look at the best archeological places in the world (most of them we have visited).
To get to Easter Island, you first need to fly to Santiago de Chile.
You’ll need to take a connecting flight from Santiago to Mataveri International Airport on Easter Island.
The flight from Santiago to Easter Island takes approximately 5 hours. LATAM Airlines is the primary carrier operating flights to Easter Island, and there are usually a few flights per week.
The cheapest return flight is around USD 380 per person.
For all you stargazers out there, the Atacama Desert is an otherworldly experience.
With some of the clearest skies on the planet, this is the ultimate destination for star enthusiasts. Just imagine lying beneath a blanket of stars, surrounded by the eerie silence of the desert – an experience that will leave you in awe.
To reach this place, you need to get to the small town of San Pedro de Atacama.
The closest airport is Calama, or you could take a bus, but it is a 24-hour journey from Santiago. But some travellers also take a bus from Bolivia.
Book your bus ticket online with Bookaway.
Chile is known for its incredible nature, and if you ask any hiker, they will probably tell you that one of the best places in Chile to hike or visit is the stunning Torres del Paine National Park. This is the ultimate gem of Patagonia!
Think stunning landscapes, rugged mountains, and turquoise lakes.
You can visit on a day trip or join a small group day hike to the base of the mountains.
But for most people, this is the place to go to do/hike the very famous W Trek, which takes 5 days. You can hire hiking gear from several small shops and hostels in Puerto Natales, the closest town. There are plenty of flights and buses connecting the city.
Choose to hike the W Trek independently (recommended for experienced trekkers with the right gear), or book this 5-Day W Trek Express trip, which takes care of logistics and has some excellent inclusions.
And if you are exploring South America, you can also take a bus to Argentina to visit the famous Perito Moreno in Patagonia.
We loved seeing this incredible glacier and wrote a detailed blog on visiting the Perito Moreno here.
If you love colourful cities, Valparaiso will quickly win your heart. Prepare to be dazzled by the vibrant streets and maze-like alleys, explore hidden gems, and soak in the bohemian atmosphere of this artistic haven.
There is a thriving craft beer culture and if you need a day on the beach, it’s easy to head out to Vina del Mar only 8 km away along the coast.
Getting to Valparaiso is very easy, and multiple buses depart from the capital city of Santiago throughout the day. It takes only 2.5 hours.
If you’ve only got time to take a day trip to Valparaiso from Santiago, then this Vineyard, Valparaíso, and Viña del Mar Tour is recommended; an excellent way to discover the culture, history, art, wine, and cuisine of the central region of Chile.
Step into a world of myths and legends on Chiloé Island. Located in the Lakes District, the closest place to fly to is the town of Puerto Montt.
Marvel at the iconic palafitos (stilt wooden houses) lining the coast, watch the waves of the Pacific and see the cute penguin colony in Puñihuil.
You can immerse yourself in the unique folklore, including tales of ghost ships and forest-dwelling creatures.
This full-day Chiloé Island tour from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas is fantastic.
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Nestled beside the stunning Llanquihue Lake and surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes, Puerto Varas is a haven for those seeking some downtime.
Stroll along the charming waterfront, indulge in local cuisine with a view, and embark on boat trips to explore the stunning landscapes.
We loved the weekend markets in Puerto Varas and enjoyed the city’s relaxed vibes.
You can join one of these tours to get a better look at one of the volcanoes.
Chile’s capital, Santiago, blends urban sophistication with stunning natural beauty.
Marvel at the Andes towering over the city skyline, then dive into the lively street markets and trendy neighbourhoods such as the Barrio Italia and historic sites.
You can spend 2 days here to see the best places in Santiago.
Are you looking for more than just urban cities, perhaps something more thrilling?
Pucon is Chile’s adventure capital, nestled beside the picturesque Villarrica volcano and Lake Villarrica.
Strap on your hiking boots, grab a kayak paddle or try your hand at volcano climbing for an adrenaline-packed experience surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Want more action-packed adventures in Pucon? View more tours here.
If you’re familiar with the Tuscany region in Italy or the Napa Valley in California, which produces excellent wines, one of the best places in Chile to visit for wine lovers is Colchagua Valley.
Indulge your taste buds renowned for its exceptional vineyards and world-class wineries that produce Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Stroll through the scenic vineyards, savouring some of Chile’s finest wines, and discover the art of winemaking in this lush and picturesque valley.
We recommend this Full Day Private Colchagua Wine Tour from Santiago
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For the ultimate adventure, head to Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in Chile. From here, you can embark on an expedition to Antarctica.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience will take you to the frozen continent and leave you with unforgettable memories of the Earth’s southernmost reaches.
Get ready to check off a bucket list item and witness the breathtaking landscapes of Antarctica.
We have travelled to Antarctica from Ushuaia, Argentina, and our best tips for Antarctica may help you prepare.
These are our ten best places to visit in Chile. As you can see, Chile is a country packed with diversity.
Did we miss a place you have visited and loved? Let us know in the comments below.
You may be interested in reading our 2 Days in Buenos Aires Itinerary, which includes the highlights of this beautiful city.
We suggest stopping by one of these 16 Best Restaurants in Buenos Aires to enjoy excellent cuisine.
If you’re heading north to explore Colombia, this is the perfect itinerary for two Days in Bogota. The colourful town of Salento, nestled in the lush countryside, is unmissable.
Our post about the 10 Best Things to Do in Salento explains why you must visit this gorgeous place.
We have many travel guides and tips for South America—a colourful and vibrant continent!
We believe these are the 15 best places to visit in South America.
Are you travelling on a budget? These five cheapest countries in South America will help you plan an itinerary that lets you see as much as possible.
Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.
Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across South America. There’s Colombian cuisine, Venezuelan food, the food in the Dominican Republic, Brazilian cuisine, and even Guyanese cuisine to inspire you on your culinary journey.
For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for food.
Would you like some suggestions for packing for your South American adventure? Our ultimate packing list for travellers has you covered for the essentials.
These top 6 travel hacks to save money are great to read when planning your travels. Try these 5 popular foods in South America; they’re delicious!
You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in South America. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual countries, or consider a regional eSIM for Latin America (which covers 19 countries).
If your travels in Latin America are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM. The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.
If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. Check out our Group Tours first for any upcoming departures in Latin America, or view Tourradar deals on group tours in Latin America.
Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.
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