Wedged between the wild Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, Chile is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. From the arid beauty of the Atacama Desert to the pristine landscapes of Patagonia, this South American country is known for its diverse beauty and stunning natural wonders. Trafalgar’s Chile tours will take you through the iconic Torres del Paine National Park, beneath starry skies, and inside ancient caves. Here’s a list of the 10 best places to visit in Chile in 2025.
1. Santiago – Chile’s buzzing capital
Chile’s capital of Santiago has been shaped by centuries of conquest, revolution, and reinvention. Founded almost 500 years ago in 1541 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, here old meets new to a backdrop of the Andes Mountains. Visit today and you’ll find a thriving city living a modern renaissance.
Get to know Santiago’s heart in the Plaza de Armas, where neoclassical cathedrals stand alongside street artists. For history with a view, take the funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal, where the Virgin Mary watches over the skyline. Then stroll through Barrio Bellavista to find cool cafés, poetry and murals. End your day at a rooftop bar toasting the skyline with a glass of world-class Carménère.
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2. Torres del Paine National Park – UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Patagonia
Torres del Paine National Park is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (since 1978), spans 113,000 hectares with incredible glaciers, roaring rivers, and jagged mountain spires. The park’s crown jewel is the Torres del Paine – three towering granite spires sculpted by ice and time.
When you join Trafalgar’s Wonders of Patagonia, a Local Specialist will lead you to Los Cuernos, Lago Pehoe, Salto Grande, the Park Administration (Conaf), and the Lago Grey viewpoint to marvel at the famous Grey Glacier. Along the way you might spot guanacos, foxes, swans, Andean condors… and if you’re lucky a puma. See the serene beauty of the Laguna Amarga region, the Torres towers from the east, spot stromatolites at the Laguna Amarga caldera, and end the day at the Blue Lagoon.
3. Atacama Desert – the driest desert on Earth
Some places in the Atacama Desert haven’t seen rain in centuries – yes, it’s really that dry! The Martian-like arid plateau is a surreal landscape that stretches 2,700 miles (4,300 km) long and more than 217 miles (349 km) wide.
Within this geologist’s dream you’ll find salt flats, volcanoes, crazy pink lagoons, ancient geoglyphs, and the surreal rock formations of the otherworldly Valley of the Moon. If you wake up before dawn you can watch the El Tatio Geysers spouting steam at 14,000 feet. Or stay up after dark to stargaze at high altitude with no light pollution. It’s one of the best places to visit in Chile – and the world – for stargazing.
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4. Valparaíso – a UNESCO-listed creative coastal city
Set by the Pacific Ocean, coastal Valparaíso is an eclectic mix of history, art, and daring architecture. This once-thriving port city was a 19th-century magnet for European immigrants, leaving behind a quirky mix of Victorian mansions and winding streets. Now UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a patchwork of galleries, cafés, and colorful street art. Wander down Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción to find the best, then at sunset, grab a pisco sour and watch the Pacific Ocean dance in the golden light.
5. Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – and the mysterious Moai statues
Easter Island – also known as Rapa Nui – is a place that seems almost mythical. Here in teh Pacific Ocean, 2,182 miles (3,511 km) from the mainland, is an island shrouded in mystery where ancient stone giants watch the horizon.
Easter Island is famous for its Moai statues, some that stand over 30 feet tall. It’s believed these sentinels represent ancestral figures, guarding secrets of a lost civilization and Polynesian culture. Visit Rano Raraku, the volcanic quarry where the Moai were carved, and stand at Ahu Tongariki, where 15 Moai face the rising sun each day.
6. Puerto Natales – gateway to southern Chilean Patagonia
The once-quiet fishing town of Puerto Natales is now Patagonia’s adventure hub. This is the gateway to the raw wilderness of Torres del Paine and Chilean Patagonia. With Trafalgar you’ll begin your journey with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Pingo Salvaje, a working ranch pioneering holistic grazing to maintain ecological balance. After, step back in time at Milodón Cave, a curious site where German explorer Herman Eberhard unearthed evidence of a giant prehistoric ground sloth and human life dating back to 6000 BC.
Then, the family-owned Rupestre Patagonia Park reveals a geologic masterpiece – 18,000-year-old glacier-sculpted caves and ancient rock paintings. Finally, visit Laguna Sofía where you can see condors glide overhead while admiring Patagonia’s raw beauty.
7. Maipo Valley – heart of wine country
Chile’s wine industry is gaining traction around the world, thanks to the diverse terroirs and exceptional quality of wines. Close to Santiago lies the Maipo Valley – the birthplace of Chilean wine. From these soils comes bold Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot wines. The valley experiences a perfect Mediterranean climate, with warm days and cool nights crafting wines of depth and complexity.
If you’re a wine lover you could also try the Colchagua Valley in central Chile. It’s renowned for its full-bodied reds, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Or the cooler, coastal Casablanca Valley – where you’ll come across exceptional white wines.
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8. Lake District – hiking and hot springs
In southern Chile lies the lush, green Lake District, a picturesque region known for its stunning landscapes of crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, lush forests, and charming villages. If you like hiking and hot springs, this is one of the best places to visit in Chile with your sense of adventure!
In this area you can hike through Huerquehue National Park, ski down Volcán Villarrica, and soak in hot springs in Pucón. There’s a huge variety of nature on offer, and the German-influenced architecture and cozy lakeside cafés add a touch of charm.
9. Serrano Glacier – see the icy turquoise sheet
Set off on a spectacular boat ride up the Rio Serrano, passing the Southern Icefield (Campo de Hielo Sur) toward the icy turquoise sheets of the Serrano Glacier. This massive ice flow is only accessible from the water, which is a dramatic way to explore the landscape.
With Trafalgar’s Wonders of Patagonia tour, you’ll jet up the river then a Local Specialist will lead a hike through unspoiled rainforest to Seno de Última Esperanza (Fjord of the Last Hope). Here you can gaze out across the Southern Patagonian Icefield before continuing through the fjord by boat.
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10. Chiloé Island – island of legends
Nestled in the wild southern coast of Chile, the Chiloé Archipelago is famous for its unique wooden churches (many UNESCO-listed) and colorful palafitos (stilt houses). The island’s misty, rolling hills and dramatic coastline are home to diverse wildlife, including playful sea otters and dolphins. Board a day cruise to sail past the mountains, green islands, and rocky outcrops that are home to sea lions.
On Chiloé traditions run deep – visit the local churches and learn about local folklore. Don’t miss trying curanto, a traditional dish of seafood and meats cooked in an underground pit.
What is the most beautiful part of Chile?
It’s often said Torres del Paine National Park is the most beautiful part of Chile. Who can resist the idea of Patagonia and this national park is home to towering granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and expansive glaciers. Its dramatic landscapes make it a must-visit site.
What is the #1 tourist attraction in Chile?
Once again, it’s Torres del Paine National Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its gorgeous natural beauty and diverse wildlife, making it a must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
That’s our list of the best places to visit in Chile. Is there anywhere missing? Leave us a comment…