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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.
Table of Contents
1. Easter Island – The Mystical Moai Statues
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.
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.
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2. Atacama Desert – Stargazing Paradise
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 ā 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.
3. Torres del Paine National Park – Patagonian Wonderland
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.
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.
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, ValparaĆso, and ViƱa del Mar Tour is recommended; an excellent way to discover the culture, history, art, wine, and cuisine of the central region of Chile.
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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.
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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.
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.
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10. Punta Arenas – Gateway to Antarctica
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.
If you have the time and budget to travel to Argentina after exploring Chile, we highly recommend that you do! Argentina is an exciting country to visit; it’s also one of the 5 Cheapest Countries in South America to Travel.
And, if you’re heading north to explore Colombia, this is the perfect itinerary for 2 Days in Bogota. And the colourful town of Salento, nestled in the lush countryside, is unmissable.
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