7 Top-Rated Attractions to Visit During Chile Vacation

Day 1: Santiago

Both the capital as well as the largest city of Chile, Santiago is a place which is often overlooked by most travelers as just a halt en route other cities within Chile. Although, this is actually a mistake as the city is a thriving metropolis presenting striking views of mountainous terrain. Stimulating, urbane, cultivated, and cosmopolitan are some of the words that are used to describe the bustling nightlife, exquisite restaurants, stimulating museums, and extensive cultural scene of the city. Each area in the city offers tourists something unique, from museums, Centro’s pedestrian malls, and architecture to cafes, Lastarria’s sidewalk eateries, and beer halls.  

Day 2: Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia

Torres del Paine’s granite pillars rise for over 6500 feet above the landscape of Patagonia, influencing the scenery of the finest national park of South america, and is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous in the world. For the ones willing to get to the southernmost region of the country, you’ll discover some of the most magnificent and impressive opportunities with trails that wind through emerald forests, crossing azure lakes, blue glacier, and enormous rivers. The park also houses flamingo, Andean condor and ostrich-like rhea. A relative of the camel, Guanacos were hunted to almost extinction, however, after a decade of successful protection, the giant and continuously growing herds do not even flinch in the area when a human or vehicle approaches. 

Day 3: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

San Pedro de Atacama is a compact town on a desert plateau constructed around an oasis and is home to about 5,000 people. The ethereal landscapes spanning throughout the Atacama Desert and the classical way of living attracts tourists who come here to appreciate the naturally gorgeous surroundings, ancient culture, and simple lifestyles. The 16th-century church of San Pedro de Atacama is the iconic landmark of the town. Meander through the Craft Village to see the age-old local art traditions which are still practiced here. 

Salt caves, giant salt dunes, the Moon Valley and its lunar landscape are some of the must-visit places in San Pedro de Atacama. Moreover, Tebinquinche Lagoon is a stunning sunset vista area and is a hot spot for photography.  

Day 4: Robinson Crusoe Island

A magical place, Robinson Crusoe Island is where the relaxing waters, coastal cliffs, and lush vegetation form an oasis of activity and beauty. Commonly referred to as the Desert Island, it is a dreamland for nature lovers as it offers a peaceful atmosphere cocooned by the Pacific Ocean. You can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities here, including diving underwater exploring the mystical marine life or swimming in crystal-clear waters, fishing, sailing, and kayaking.  

Day 5: Valle de la Luna and the Atacama Desert

Valle de la Luna, translating as “Valley of the Moon”, is situated 13kms west of San Pedro de Atacama at the country’s north end, close to the border with Bolivia. It can be easily accessed via well-marked bike trails, self-drive car rentals, or tour buses. This robust, unwelcoming kind of landscape situated in the heart of the Atacama Desert draws many tourists for its strange resemblance to the moon’s surface. This effect is caused due to the erosion of sand and stone by wind and water over infinite millennia. In Spite of its aloofness, this unexpectedly gorgeous landscape has endured life for many centuries. 

Day 6: Osorno

The Osorno Province’s capital city, Osorno is located at the junction of the Rahue and Damas River. The Rahue river has created its natural beauty, flowing through its heart passing north to south breaking off to the east before running south. Volcan Osorno is the major attraction of the city, which is an active volcano just outside Osorno and can be witnessed from anywhere within the town. The city also possess beautiful architecture, with sights such as the Cathedral of Saint Matthew and Plaza de Armas. The major highlights also include Plaza Sol de los Lagos and the Osorno Rodeo Stadium. 

Day 7: Valparaíso

The vibrant crumbling streets of Valparaiso are a walking tour in themselves unlike any you would have seen. Though it might not be as famous as Santiago, Tin-walled buildings and incredible Victorians embrace the abrupt hillsies, will walkways wind through the slopes. Explore the Bohemian neighborhoods, gaze at the 19th-century mansions and a lively art scene that includes the faultlessly rehabilitated landmark Palacio Baburizza, featuring European as well as Chilean artists. There are a number of restaurants here that serve exotic cuisine combined with fine wines, majorly produced locally and also a vibrating nightlife. This city gives Santiago a competition with its scenic street art, overflowing culture and a continuously expanding size. Appreciate the vibrant houses that artistically hang off each other and wonder at how these are intact even after so many earthquakes.