An independent guide to travelling in Chile
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CHOOSE YOUR NEXT STORY

Chile, one
place at a time.

From desert to forest, coast to fjords. Find places that suit you and give them time in your journey.

21 destinations16 regions9 extended guides
Valle de la Luna dunes, photographed in 2025
Valle de la Luna · Carlos Teixidor Cadenas · 2025 · CC BY 4.0 · Source

First the place. Then the bookings.

These profiles help you choose a base and prepare practical questions. Stay lengths are editorial suggestions, not booked packages. Each new destination starts with 3 editable nights in My route; existing stops are retained.

21 destinations to explore

01North · Arica y Parinacota

Arica

The Morro, Chinchorro heritage and coast give this northern city its own story.

3–4 days · suggestionCultureCoastNature
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Arrive by air and transfer into Arica; treat the coast and highlands as separate outings.

Making time for it

Our outline: a city day, a coastal day and an extra day for a booked excursion.

What to quote

Quote museums, local transport and excursions separately.

Before booking

A Lauca outing needs preparation and access checks; do not improvise it on arrival.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursions: quotes for your dates are pending, not zero.

02North · Tarapacá

Iquique

Cavancha and the historic quarter combine coastal time with nitrate-industry heritage.

3–4 days · suggestionCoastCulture
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Fly into Diego Aracena (IIQ), then arrange ground transport into Iquique.

Making time for it

Our outline: explore the city before setting aside another day for Humberstone and Santa Laura.

What to quote

Separate airport transfer, heritage-site admission and excursion transport.

Before booking

Check pickup and return: the nitrate works are not beside the beach.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursions: quotes for your dates are pending, not zero.

03North · Antofagasta

San Pedro de Atacama

Mineral landscapes by day and skywatching after dark.

3–5 days · suggestionNatureSkywatching
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Arrive through Calama and transfer to San Pedro.

Making time for it

Our outline: an easy arrival, one main outing per day and a buffer before departure.

What to quote

The guide separates accommodation, excursions, transfers and admission.

Before booking

A tour price does not automatically include site admission.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursion references in the guide; confirm dates and availability.

04North · Atacama

Bahía Inglesa y Caldera

A coastal break around Caldera, La Piscina and nearby beaches.

3–4 days · suggestionCoastNature
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Arrive at Desierto de Atacama Airport (CPO) and arrange a coastal transfer.

Making time for it

Our outline: a day in Bahía Inglesa and another at a beach with confirmed transport.

What to quote

Quote accommodation, airport transfer and trips to outlying beaches.

Before booking

Do not assume every beach is within walking distance of your stay.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursions: quotes for your dates are pending, not zero.

05North · Coquimbo

Valle del Elqui

Vicuña and Pisco Elqui combine villages, distilleries and a night devoted to the stars.

3–4 days · suggestionSkywatchingCultureWine
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Travel through La Serena and Route 41; choose your base before booking onward transport.

Making time for it

The guide budgets a La Serena base, a valley day and a separate night outing. For Vicuña or Pisco Elqui stays, confirm pickup and return separately.

What to quote

Quote the distillery, observatory and night-time return separately.

Before booking

Check which observatory accepts visitors and its meeting point; not every facility offers a night tour.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursion references in the guide; confirm dates and availability.

06Central Chile · Metropolitana

Santiago

Neighbourhoods, viewpoints and food to settle into the rhythm of Chile.

2–3 days · suggestionCitiesCulture
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Arrive at SCL and compare the final transfer to your neighbourhood.

Making time for it

Our outline: one neighbourhood per block and a viewpoint with checked access.

What to quote

The guide includes accommodation, tour and transport references.

Before booking

Keep airport transport separate from your city travel.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursion references in the guide; confirm dates and availability.

07Central Chile · Valparaíso

Valparaíso

Cerro Alegre, Cerro Concepción, funiculars and La Sebastiana reward unhurried exploring.

2–3 days · suggestionCitiesCulture
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Travel overland from Santiago via Route 68 by bus or vehicle.

Making time for it

Our outline: a hill-neighbourhood day and a heritage day without needless repeated climbs.

What to quote

Quote operating funiculars, museums and transport between hills.

Before booking

Ask about access and slopes when choosing a stay; a nearby address may sit at a different elevation.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursion references in the guide; confirm dates and availability.

08Central Chile · Metropolitana

Cajón del Maipo

San José de Maipo is a base for a mountain outing with checked access.

2–3 days · suggestionNature
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Travel from Santiago via Camino al Volcán; inland stretches need separate planning.

Making time for it

Our outline: arrival and town time, followed by one confirmed outing rather than several distant stops.

What to quote

Quote vehicle or operator, access and hot springs as separate services.

Before booking

El Yeso shore access is restricted; check road conditions and do not assume a site is open.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursions: quotes for your dates are pending, not zero.

09Central Chile · O’Higgins

Santa Cruz y Colchagua

Base yourself in Santa Cruz for winery visits that are actually booked.

2–3 days · suggestionWineCulture
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Take Route 5 towards San Fernando and continue to Santa Cruz; buses also connect from Santiago.

Making time for it

Our outline: arrive in Santa Cruz, then devote the following day to one main winery visit.

What to quote

Compare tasting, pairing, meals and transport: these are different products.

Before booking

Arrange a driver or booked transport if your visit includes wine tasting.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursions: quotes for your dates are pending, not zero.

10Central Chile · O’Higgins

Pichilemu y Punta de Lobos

Surf, coastal walks and the Ross quarter; give Punta de Lobos its own time slot.

3–4 days · suggestionCoastCulture
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Travel overland from Santiago and confirm the last connection to Punta de Lobos.

Making time for it

Our outline: city and coast first, then a booked lesson or outing.

What to quote

Quote lesson, equipment and transport; a seafront room does not include activities.

Before booking

Choose an activity for your experience level and the conditions confirmed by its provider.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursions: quotes for your dates are pending, not zero.

11Central Chile · Maule

Radal Siete Tazas y Molina

Río Claro waterfalls and forest, with Molina or a nearby stay as a base.

2–3 days · suggestionNature
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Reach Molina via Route 5, then check the final inland stretch and your return.

Making time for it

Our outline: arrive with supplies and allow a day for trails authorised under current conditions.

What to quote

Separate admission, transport, campsite or cabin and food.

Before booking

Timing depends on your chosen trail; check access and reservations before travelling.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursions: quotes for your dates are pending, not zero.

12Southern Chile · Ñuble

Chillán y su cordillera

Town and mountain are different bases: decide between hot springs, snow and walks.

3–4 days · suggestionNature
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Reach Chillán, then use Route N-55 towards the mountains with a confirmed final transfer.

Making time for it

Our outline: arrive at your chosen base, allow a mountain activity day and leave return time.

What to quote

Quote accommodation, transfer and access to the specific activity.

Before booking

Check operations for your dates: skiing, hot springs and summer activities have separate conditions.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursions: quotes for your dates are pending, not zero.

13Southern Chile · Biobío

Concepción y su costa

The university, Parque Ecuador and a coastal day provide contrasting experiences.

3–4 days · suggestionCitiesCultureCoast
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Arrive at Carriel Sur (CCP), transfer into town and check access to your chosen coastal stop.

Making time for it

Our outline: a city day and another for Talcahuano or one coastal village.

What to quote

Separate museums, ground travel and any booked boat trip.

Before booking

The coastline is extensive; do not treat distant fishing villages as a single urban walk.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursions: quotes for your dates are pending, not zero.

14Southern Chile · La Araucanía

Pucón y Villarrica

Lake Villarrica, trails and hot springs, with a base that avoids repeated transfers.

3–5 days · suggestionNature
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Arrive at La Araucanía Airport (ZCO) and transfer to Villarrica or Pucón.

Making time for it

Our outline: arrival and lake time, then choose one park or hot spring per day.

What to quote

Separate admission, transport and equipment for guided activities.

Before booking

Seeing the volcano does not confirm a climb; check operations and requirements with the provider.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursion references in the guide; confirm dates and availability.

15Southern Chile · Los Ríos

Valdivia y Niebla

The riverside market, Isla Teja and coastal heritage work best as separate days.

3–4 days · suggestionCitiesCultureNature
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Arrive through Pichoy (ZAL) and transfer to Valdivia.

Making time for it

Our outline: city and Isla Teja first; then Niebla with only a confirmed onward connection.

What to quote

Quote museums, coastal transport and any chosen boat trip.

Before booking

Check the connection and last return before combining Corral with Niebla.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursion references in the guide; confirm dates and availability.

16Southern Chile · Los Lagos

Puerto Varas y Frutillar

Lake Llanquihue offers waterfronts, heritage and a separate nature outing.

3–5 days · suggestionNatureCulture
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Arrive at El Tepual (PMC), choosing Puerto Varas or Frutillar as your base.

Making time for it

Our outline: a local day, a Frutillar day and a booked outing if staying longer.

What to quote

Distinguish ground transfers, park admission and lake navigation.

Before booking

Do not budget Petrohué, Peulla and a full lake circuit as if they were the same service.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursion references in the guide; confirm dates and availability.

17Southern Chile · Los Lagos

Chiloé

Stilt houses, wooden churches and forest: choose a base before exploring the archipelago.

4–6 days · suggestionCultureNature
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Fly through Mocopulli (MHC), or continue from Puerto Montt by road and across Chacao.

Making time for it

Our outline: base in Castro or Ancud, then cultural and nature days; allow longer for different areas.

What to quote

Quote crossings, buses or vehicle, accommodation and admission.

Before booking

Multiple islands require ferry and return checks; a Castro booking alone is not enough.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursion references in the guide; confirm dates and availability.

18Patagonia · Aysén

Aysén y Carretera Austral

Coyhaique, Queulat and Puerto Río Tranquilo are separate travel areas, not adjacent stops.

5–8 days · suggestionNature
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Balmaceda (BBA) serves the central section; Puerto Montt is an access point for the northern route.

Making time for it

Our outline: choose one section for this stop and allocate dedicated travel days.

What to quote

Quote vehicle or buses, ferries, fuel, accommodation and excursions.

Before booking

Five to eight days is a suggested section-based stay, not a complete Carretera Austral journey.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursions: quotes for your dates are pending, not zero.

19Patagonia · Magallanes

Puerto Natales y Paine

A fjord-side base for choosing the right part of Torres del Paine.

3–5 days · suggestionNature
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Compare arrival through Natales or Punta Arenas and the final ground transfer.

Making time for it

Our outline: arrival, one main excursion and a flexible day for weather and connections.

What to quote

The guide distinguishes tours, transport, navigation and admission categories.

Before booking

A panoramic full-day tour is different from the Base Torres trek or a multi-day circuit.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursion references in the guide; confirm dates and availability.

20Patagonia · Magallanes

Punta Arenas

Museums, viewpoints and the Strait of Magellan give this stop its own identity.

3–4 days · suggestionCitiesCultureNature
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Arrive at PUQ and transfer into town; Puerto Natales is a separate overland stop.

Making time for it

Our outline: city and museums first, then a chosen boat trip with rescheduling room.

What to quote

Distinguish embarkation transfer, sailing and included admission.

Before booking

Boat outings depend on conditions and operations; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursions: quotes for your dates are pending, not zero.

21Islands · Valparaíso

Rapa Nui

Hanga Roa, Rano Kau and archaeological sites need an island-specific plan.

4–6 days · suggestionCultureCoastNature
Plan this visit

Arrival and base

Arrive through Mataveri (IPC), connecting from Santiago; verify flights for your dates.

Making time for it

Our outline: settle into Hanga Roa, then separate cultural-site and coastal days.

What to quote

Quote flights, accommodation, park access, guide and local transport.

Before booking

Check entry requirements and site rules before booking; a room does not confirm access to heritage sites.

Chile Travel · destination source ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-31

Accommodation and excursions: quotes for your dates are pending, not zero.

A catalogue that makes its limits clear.

12 orientation profiles and nine extended guides with price tools. Coverage of all 16 regions, rather than an exhaustive inventory of their attractions, hotels or activities. Guide references retain their own review and expiry dates. Availability is not checked and this site does not make bookings.

Descriptions were prepared using Chile Travel sources. Selection, budget questions and suggested time allocation are HolaChile editorial work. Confirm operations, access and transport with the responsible provider.

Arrange my stops and complete the budget →

Different places. Clear choices.