Most Popular Places to Visit in Chile
Chile is a long, narrow country with 6,000km of Pacific Ocean coastline. Its capital Santiago is located in a valley surrounded by mountains. The city’s central business district (CBD) is home to a neoclassical cathedral, the National History Museum, and an extensive botanical garden and zoo.
Torres del Paine National Park
For a breathtaking view of the fjords, lakes, and towering mountains, visit Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile. This park is a must-see destination on any traveler’s list. With its stunning landscape, you can experience horseback riding with gauchos or embark on a hiking tour.
Torres del Paine is famous for its multi-day treks. Many of these treks have unusual names, based on their shapes on the map. One of the most popular hikes is the W-trek, which goes through the Patagonian landscape and ends by a lake. This 6-day trek is highly popular and should be booked well in advance.
La Serena
La Serena is one of the best places to visit in Chile for its beautiful beaches. It is the second oldest city in the country, and it has a population of more than 300,000. The city has beautiful architecture, including 29 historic churches. The area also has national parks.
The main museum in La Serena features artifacts from the city’s past. The museum also includes pieces from the lives of Chile’s first president, Gabriel Gonzalez. He was famous for being the first man to reach Antarctica and for his role in bringing women the right to vote. The museum is located near the Plaza de Armas and is free to enter.
Cochamo Valley
If you want to explore Chile’s remote and stunning landscapes, the Cochamo Valley is a wonderful option. The valley has a history that dates back to pre-Hispanic times. Today, the region is a commune, and the nearest airport is El Tepual, served by LAN, Sky Airline, and charter flights. Alternatively, there are daily buses that run from Puerto Montt to Cochamo.
The Cochamo Valley is a private region, and the land has been passed down through the generations. Homesteaders first staked their claims in the first quarter of the 20th century. The land owners live in the valley and visit occasionally to check on their cattle. They also bring animals down for sale every now and then. Visitors to the valley will find something to suit all tastes.
Caleta Tortel
Caleta Tortel is a coastal village in Chile and is the administrative centre of the commune of Tortel. It lies on a small embayment in the Baker Channel and the mouth of the Baker River, Chile’s largest river.
The town was first established a few decades ago and is located in a cypress forest. Road access was completed in 2003 and connects the area to the Carretera Austral. Until then, it was only accessible by boat or plane. The accommodations at Caleta Tortel are made from local cypress wood.
Conguillio National Park
In the middle of the Andes in the Araucania region of Chile is the beautiful Conguillio National Park. The park is home to lush forests and the distinctive araucaria trees, also known as monkey puzzle trees. A visit to the park will give you an incredible sense of relaxation surrounded by nature. A trip to the park will also give you an opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities including trekking and skiing.
The park has three entrances and is located 80km east of Temuco. It’s accessible from Vilcun, Cherquenco, Melipeuco, and Curacautin. If you’re planning to visit, make sure you buy your ticket in advance. The park is small, so you’ll need to be prepared for limited accommodations and services. There are no restrooms or shops to buy food.
Chiloe Island
There are many ways to see Chiloe Island. The island’s northern half is home to the Punihuil penguin colony. The western portion is home to the main city of Ancud. For a scenic drive, take the Sendero de Chile road that links the island’s tiny villages.
You can get to Chiloe Island via bus. There are regular buses running between Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt. However, buses are less frequent in smaller villages. If you plan to drive to Chiloe, it is recommended to rent a car. While renting a car is safe, it is best to use a GPS or Google translate to navigate the island.
Lake District
While the Lake District is not one of the best-known tourist attractions in Chile, it offers a wide variety of exciting activities. For instance, kayaking is a great way to experience the area’s stunning landscapes. You don’t need to be an expert kayaker to enjoy this activity, but you should be willing to get a bit wet. You’ll paddle past glaciers and fjords, and get a view of the mountainous landscape.
The Lake District is known as the “doorstep” to Patagonia and is home to many active volcanoes. Whether you’re interested in hiking or mountain climbing, this region offers a wide range of outdoor activities. It also boasts some of the country’s top hotels and restaurants. It’s an ideal place to enjoy the nightlife as well.