If you’re planning a holiday in Chile, you’re probably wondering which are the places you really can’t miss.
Chile is a charming country, with a millenary history that left its traces in many archaeological sites of great importance. Its natural landscapes vary a lot from north to south, from the Andes Cordillera, to the beaches on the ocean, down to the “end of the world”, the southernmost tip, not too far from Antarctica.
Santiago del Chile
Chile’s capital is located in a valley, between the Andes’ mountains and the coast. It’s a very modern metropolis, rich in archeological sites and important historical museums, like the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Arts, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
The elegant skyscrapers and the numerous shops make it a great shopping spot.
Other places of interest are the Plaza de Armas, the Palacio de La Moneda (the former mint) and the Plaza de la Costitucion. You can’t miss the Pablo Neruda Foundation, an artistic and literary center.
Easter Island
The mysterious Easter Island has become famous all over the world thanks to the huge anthropomorphic statues called “Moai” which dot the island, sprouting from the ground.
In the native language, the island is called “Rapa Nui” (meaning great island), and it used to be one of the most isolated territories in the world.
The great Moai are placed on platforms called Ahu, in ancient times possessed by the different clans who inhabited the island. Recently, it was discovered how the big statues were placed near freshwater springs.
Apart from the Moai, the Rano Kau volcano and the Rano Raraku volcano are incredible sights, as well as the beaches of Anakena and Ovahe.
Valparaìso
This port city is well known for its fish-based cuisine and the colorful buildings. It’s a very popular spot for every tourist travelling in Chile.
Valparaìso is also called “Garden City” for its splendid parks. You must see its cerros (or hills), that you can cross thanks to funicular railways.
Chiloé
The island of Chiloé is the greatest in the archipelago that bears the same name, not too far from the Chilean coast.
Here the wood churches are famous, built under the German stylistic influence. Famous are also the stilt house buildings, which have vibrant colours.
The most important places are Ancud (the ancient capital) with its penguin colonies, Dalcahue, Castro (nowadays the real administrative center) and the National Park of Chiloé.
Lauca National Park
This National Park is a natural reserve rich in local flora and fauna, a sight you must see if you’re a nature lover.
Don’t miss Lake Chungarà, at the foot of the Payachata volcanoes; the excursions will give you the chance to admire the local animals (like llamas, alpacas, vicunas, rheas and many more).
Another interesting place is the village of Parinacota, inhabited by an ethnic minority, the Aymara.
Moon Valley
In the Atacama desert, the driest in the world, the landscape is a real discovery: inside, the Moon Valley is an incredible geological sight. It’s the result of a rock and sand formation, shaped by time, wind and water.
Its name derives from its peculiar appearance, that reminds the viewer of the moon surface.
Among the desert’s dunes, the salt caves and its shimmering colors create an extreme atmosphere you can’t miss.
San Rafael glacier
San Rafael Glacier is located in Puerto Chacabuco, and it’s a unique and exciting place.
After reaching the Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael, you can have access to this majestic glacier, after travelling for a few hours on the sea. Its spectacular height reaches 70 meters, and on the top ice pinnacles stand out, while the sun colors everything in extraordinary shades.
Chilean Patagonia
The Chilean Patagonia isn’t any less beautiful than the Argentinian one: the path to the End of the World, through the Tierra del Fuego, is an unforgettable journey.
It’s characterized by many fjords that you can explore by boat, and it’s divided in two regions: the Aysén Region and the Magellanic and Chilean Antarctica Region.
Excursions usually start from Puerto Montt, where the Hielo Continental (the ice field of Patagonia) develops, and where you can also visit natural parks.
In the Tierra del Fuego you can cross the fjords, up to the point most in the south: Capo Horn and the city of Ushuaia, with its dedicated Museum.
Valle del Maipo
If you’re a foodie and wine lover, you can’t miss a wine tour in the Valle del Maipo.
The area is very famous for its wine production, like the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Carménère (Chile’s national wine). Many itineraries are available to discover the excellent products of the wine market.
Los Pinguinos
An incredible experience for nature lovers is the colony of Los Pinguinos, a natural reserve on the island of Las Magdalenas where the Magellanic penguins stay for long periods during the year. Tourists can get close enough to take pictures of these cute animals, or admire other species like seagulls and sea lions.
