Country guides South & Central America
Things to do in Chile
The list of attractions in Chile is as long as the country itself. The best of these lie in the country's vast wilderness areas, although Santiago, the capital city, also has an impressive sightseeing offering, and the nearby city of Valparaiso is increasingly drawing global attention with its street art and bohemian atmosphere.
In Chilean Patagonia, nature lovers will find Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael and Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, both of which rank among the most impressive scenic sites in the world, and encompass mountains, ice fields, glaciers and lagoons. These can all be explored by way of extensive and well-maintained hiking trails.
Interesting towns such as Castro, Puerto Montt and Pucon provide springboards into The Lake District and Parque Nacional Chiloe, where rivers, lakes and volcanoes promise a playground for adventure sports enthusiasts, and the age-old Chilean folklore enchants the more culturally minded.
Chile continues to amaze with weird and wonderful landscapes and natural features such as the El Tatio Gyesers and The Valley of the Moon in the northern Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos. Those willing to make a trip into yet more remote country can hop across to the mysterious Easter Island, where the giant stone Moai stare out to sea, guarding the ancient secrets of one of the most isolated places on earth.
Chile is truly one of the most diverse countries in the world and it is best to pick a region or two to explore to avoid travelling long distances, as popular regions such as Chilean Patagonia, the Lake District and the Atacama Desert can all easily occupy an entire holiday. Travellers should also note that Chile covers a number of different climate zones and there is no one ideal season to visit; trips should be scheduled according to the desired destination.
Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos
This popular nature reserve in northern Chile (many claim it is the most popular) is 459 square miles (740km sq) and is divided into seven sections, all offering highlights of thei…
Parque Nacional Chiloe
Following in the footsteps of 19th-century English naturalist Charles Darwin, visitors will find an isolated but wildly beautiful landscape of rolling hills, native forests and pri…
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this 180,000-hectare (442-acre) park is the pride and joy of southern Chile. The park takes its name from the towering granite pillars that rise over 6,…
Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael
Remote and dramatically beautiful, Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael lies on Chile's southern Pacific coast and is one of the largest national parks in the country. Created in 1959…
Chilean Tierra del Fuego
In the furthest southern reaches of Patagonia, at the tip of South America, lies the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, which translates to 'Land of Fire'. It is a dramatic name for …
Magdalena Island Penguin Reserve
Magdalena Island is located 21.7 miles (35km) south of Punta Arenas, and the Magdalena Island Penguin Reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers, or for anybody who is fond of penguins…