Embark on a Chilean adventure, where nature steals the spotlight, and each destination has a unique tale. Venture to remote Easter Island or savor world-class wines in Casablanca Valley. Explore the Lake District, sail past volcanoes, and paddle through Marble Chapels. Discover Valparaíso's vibrant colors and ascend Santiago's hills for breathtaking views.
If you’re planning a Chile vacation, these eight experiences highlight the country’s most unforgettable destinations and help you build an itinerary that matches your travel style.
Chile's diverse experiences await. Let’s get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Have a look at some of our Chile Itineraries:
Best for: Hiking over otherworldly terrain
Best time to visit: Spring (September to November) for mild temperatures and blooming flora
Patagonia is one of the most striking landscapes in the world, spilling across the southern edges of Chile and Argentina. Both countries hold incredible natural wonders. In Chile, you can visit the iconic Torres del Paine National Park, one of the greatest natural treasures in Chile. It is renowned for the three granite peaks or ‘horns’ of the Paine mountain range.
The national park is packed with other natural gems, including the Grey Glacier, Grey Lake, Salto Grande, and the French Valley. The Grey Glacier is a unique ice field, where you can peer into blue crevasses, explore ice caves, and cross ice cracks.
A contrasting experience is to take a horse ride across the park, and you can even go horseback riding with Patagonian gauchos (traditional horsemen). Make sure to look out for the elusive pumas!
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Check out our itineraries including Patagonia:
Check out accommodation in Patagonia:
Best for: Stargazing
Best time to visit: Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) bring mild temperatures and fewer tourists
Strewn for over 60 miles across Chile’s scorching north, the Atacama Desert is renowned as the driest place on Earth. It’s so dry that scientists have used it to test prototypes of the Mars rovers.
Marked by otherworldly valleys, mystical rock sculptures, towering volcanoes, and dazzling lakes, the Atacama Desert is one of the best places to visit in Chile because it feels like another planet. The region also has some of the clearest night skies in the world, perfect for stargazing.
Explore this stunning region with local guides through trekking, mountain biking, or driving, and learn how ancient nomadic communities survived and thrived in one of the harshest landscapes in the world.
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Accomodation in the Atacama Desert:
Best for: Iconic Moai statues
Best time to visit: Summer (December to February) for the Tapati Raoa Nui Festival
As one of the most mysterious and remote islands on Earth, Easter Island has enchanted travelers for decades. The island, also known as Isla de Pascua or Rapa Nui to the traditional inhabitants of the island, is set in a remote region of the Pacific Ocean, off the west coast of Chile.
Here you’ll find the famed moai statues and ancient archaeological sites, created by the Rapa Nui people between the 13th and 16th centuries. You can tour the colossal stone-carved statues, hike up volcanoes, and watch the beautiful Pacific sunset on the white sandy beaches. Anakena Beach is one of the few sandy beaches on the island, boasting lovely turquoise waters fringed by palm trees. It’s the perfect place for snorkelling.
Itineraries including Easter Island:
Best for: Tasting delicious wine
Best time to visit: September to June is the most beautiful time to visit
Chile is renowned for its world-class vineyards and wineries, and one of the best places to sample its fine grapes is the Casablanca Valley. Just an hour out of Santiago, you’ll find the gorgeous region, famed for its white wines, particularly its Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Stay in a luxurious property among the vineyards, go walking, driving, or cycling around the wineries, and be sure to sample their best wines.
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Best for: Outdoors adventure
Best time to visit: Winter (June to August) is great for skiing
As one of the most stunning regions in Chile, the Lake District combines natural beauty with thrilling adventure. Located in the bottom half of the country, the Lake District is marked with incredible rivers, forests, and volcanoes.
One of the best things to do in Chile is to trek or go horse riding through the Lake District’s forest. You’ll discover enchanting lakes, and can zipline over the canopy, or go sailing past dramatic, snow-capped volcanoes. Plus, the Lake District has the magnificent Petrohué Waterfalls, located in the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, which is one of the most breathtaking sites in the country.
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Have a look at our Family itinerary:
Best for: Otherworldly formations
Best time to visit: Between December and March, when weather conditions are easier to navigate
One of the best things to do in Chile is to visit the astonishingly beautiful Lake General Carrera, which spreads across Chile and Argentina. The Marble Chapels are located on the shores of Lake General Carrera.
These “chapels” are incredible rock formations made of calcium carbonate that have eroded over millions of years. They’ve left behind blue and grey caves, tunnels, and pillars carved out by waves and wind.
You can navigate through these caves on a kayak to discover marbled patterns, swirling through the ancient rock.
Check out our Off the Beaten Track itinerary:
Best for: Street art & Chilean culture
Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) as the weather is great for visiting urban dwellings
Valparaíso is one of the most beautiful cities in Chile. Located just over an hour outside Santiago, this UNESCO World Heritage city is filled with colorful, hillside homes and historic street art. The Chilean street art movement was born in the sixties, peaking throughout the seventies and eighties through the Brigada Ramona Parra (BRP). The BRP used its art to send a message of radical social change.
Set beside a major port on Chile’s coast, you can spend your days wandering the cobblestone streets and quirky buildings.
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Have a look at some of accomodation in Chile:
Best for: City life
Best time to visit: Winter (June to August) for cooler weathers
Santiago is the bustling capital city of Chile, brimming with lively neighbourhoods (barrios), fascinating museums and galleries, leafy parklands, and delicious cuisine, surrounded by beautiful Andes mountains.
For the best view over the city, climb the trails to the top of San Cristobal Hill (Cerro San Cristóbal), an 860-metre hill with breathtaking views towards the mountains and over Parque Metropolitano, Santiago’s largest park.
You’ll also see the famous Virgin Mary statue, a white-washed, 22-metre statue that can be seen from all over the city. Follow the trails around the hillside to discover peaceful Japanese gardens, cherry trees, and wonderful picnic spots.
So, there you have it, our favourite adventurous things to do in Chile. Did any stand out to you?
If so, hit the button to find out how you can make your dream Chile vacation a reality.
Start planning your Chile vacation
Chile is best known for its diverse landscapes, including Patagonia, the Atacama Desert, and Easter Island, along with wine regions and vibrant cities.
The best time to visit Chile depends on the region, but spring (September-November) and fall (March-May) offer mild weather across most of the country.
Yes, Chile is one of the top destinations for adventure travel, offering hiking, skiing, stargazing, and wildlife experiences.
Most travelers spend 10-14 days exploring multiple regions like Patagonia, Santiago, and the Atacama Desert.