Chile

Chile is a land of impossible contrasts. Stretching over 4,000 kilometers along the spine of the Andes, it is a country that encompasses every climate imaginable. It is a destination where you can wander through the most arid desert on the planet in the morning and find yourself lost in a lush, temperate rainforest or standing before a towering blue glacier by the following day.

For the traveler who values the dramatic and the remote, Chile offers a sense of pristine isolation. It is a country of jagged peaks, world-class vineyards, and a coastline that feels like the very edge of the earth.

Why we love Chile

We love Chile for its raw, untamed elegance. It is a place where nature is the protagonist. It’s the silence of the Altiplano, the roar of a Patagonian wind, and the refined stillness of a glass of Carmenère in the Colchagua Valley. Chile manages to feel both incredibly wild and remarkably sophisticated—offering the world’s most dramatic landscapes alongside some of the finest architecture and eco-luxury lodges in the southern hemisphere.

The Most Beautiful Places in Chile

From the stargazing capital of the world to the “end of the road” in Patagonia:

1. The Atacama Desert

The driest non-polar place on earth is a landscape of surreal beauty. Visit the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) to watch the sunset turn the salt-crusted rocks into shades of deep violet, or wake before dawn to witness the El Tatio geysers erupting into the frigid morning air. At night, the sky here offers the clearest stargazing on the planet.

2. Torres del Paine National Park

The crown jewel of Patagonia. This is a landscape of granite spires, bright blue icebergs, and golden pampas where pumas roam free. Whether you are trekking the famous “W” circuit or viewing the peaks from the comfort of a luxury lodge, the scale of the scenery is nothing short of life-changing.

3. Santiago & The Central Valleys

Chile’s capital is a modern metropolis framed by the permanent backdrop of the snow-capped Andes. Just a short drive away lies the heart of Chilean wine country. The Maipo and Colchagua Valleys are home to historic estates and avant-garde wineries producing some of the world’s most celebrated reds.

4. The Lake District & Chiloé

A land of perfect volcanic cones and deep blue lakes. This region feels like a South American Switzerland, but with a unique local twist. Further south lies the mystical island of Chiloé, famous for its colorful “palafito” houses on stilts and its UNESCO-listed wooden churches.

5. Valparaíso

This bohemian port city is a riot of color and creativity. Built across dozens of steep hills overlooking the Pacific, “Valpo” is a labyrinth of street art, historic funiculars, and crumbling mansions. It was the favorite home of poet Pablo Neruda, and its poetic, gritty charm remains unmatched.

Highlights of a Tour Through Chile

  • Stargazing in the Elqui Valley: Visit one of the region’s high-tech observatories to see the rings of Saturn and distant nebulae with startling clarity.
  • Easter Island (Rapa Nui): Fly five hours into the Pacific to witness the enigmatic Moai statues. This remote volcanic island is one of the most mysterious and spiritual places on the planet.
  • Cruising the Fjords: Board a luxury expedition ship to navigate the narrow channels of the south, where the glaciers tumble directly into the sea and the only residents are seals and penguins.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: Because of its length, the “best time” depends on your destination. For Patagonia, visit during the southern summer (December to March). The Atacama Desert and Santiago are beautiful year-round, though the central region is best in spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May).
  • Getting around: Chile is long—very long. Domestic flights are essential for connecting the north and south. Within the regions, renting a car to drive the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway) is one of the world’s great road trip experiences.
  • Language: Spanish is the official language, spoken with a distinct Chilean accent and plenty of local slang (chilenismos). English is widely spoken in luxury hotels and by tour guides.
  • Currency: The Chilean Peso (CLP) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, and the infrastructure is among the most modern in Latin America.