13 Most Beautiful Places in Chile to Visit (North to South)

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Confession: I thought Patagonia was all Chile had going for it. Turns out that was like saying Italy is just Rome. This country runs for over 2,500 miles, from desert to glaciers, and every bit of it left me stunned.

From the colorful streets of Valparaiso to the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert, these are the most beautiful places to visit in Chile that made my jaw drop. Fair warning: choosing just 13 spots from this wild country wasn’t easy!

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#1 tip to save money on your trip to Chile

Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Chilean adventure.

• FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last summer, I flew to Santiago for just $380 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
• Food: Save by buying meals or ingredients from supermarkets like Jumbo, Lider, and Santa Isabel. Local markets like La Vega in Santiago offer incredible value – you’ll find fresh produce, empanadas, and prepared meals at great prices. Most restaurants offer set lunch menus (menú del día) for around 5,000-7,000 CLP ($6-8).
• Transport: I recommend getting a bip! card for Santiago’s metro and bus system. It saves money on every ride compared to single tickets. For long-distance travel, book buses through platforms like Recorrido.cl in advance – I’ve found overnight buses particularly good value as they save on accommodation costs. Within cities, using public bikes like Santiago’s Bikitago system can be very economical.

Chile may have a reputation for being South America’s most expensive country. You can explore this incredible nation at a much better value with these money-saving strategies. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Chile:

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Chile

Ready to jump into all the prettiest locations in Chile? Here’s a snapshot of my favorite spots:

• Best National Park Experience: Torres Del Paine National Park
• Top Desert Destination: Atacama Desert
• Best Remote Island Getaway: Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
• Top Cultural Island: Chiloé Archipelago
• Most Stunning Cave System: Marble Chapels (Capillas de Mármol)
• Best Adventure Hub: Pucón and Villarrica Volcano
• Best for Stargazing and Wine: Elqui Valley
• Top Coastal City: Valparaíso
• Best Scenic Lake Region: The Chilean Lake District
• Top Urban Destination: Santiago
• Best Southern City for Wildlife: Punta Arenas
• Best Coastal & Valley Combo: La Serena and Elqui Valley
• Best Restored Natural Landscape: Chacabuco Valley

Now, let’s explore these incredible destinations in more detail.

1. Torres Del Paine National Park

• 📍 Location: Magallanes Region, Southern Chilean Patagonia
• 🏆 Best For: 🥾 Serious hikers, 🏔️ landscape photographers, 🦙 wildlife lovers
• 📸 Top Experiences: Trekking the W Circuit, visiting Grey Glacier, spotting guanacos and condors
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for mild weather and accessible trails 🌤️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Las Torres Patagonia – Rustic-luxury lodge right inside the park with trail access

Torres Del Paine is the kind of place that lives up to every photo you’ve seen and then some. The jagged granite towers, turquoise lakes, and sprawling valleys feel like a fantasy setting you get to hike through in real life. It’s remote, wild, and unbelievably scenic.

The famous W Trek gives you front-row views of all the icons, including the French Valley, Grey Glacier, and the base of the towers. You’ll pass hanging bridges, rivers, and glacier-fed lakes, often with wildlife like guanacos or foxes nearby.

You don’t have to be a pro hiker to enjoy the park, though. There are shorter trails and scenic overlooks perfect for day trips. Sunrise over the Torres is reason enough to go. For anyone chasing epic landscapes in Chile, this is the one you don’t want to skip.

• Read next: A Week in Chilean Patagonia

2. Atacama Desert

• 📍 Location: Antofagasta Region, Northern Chile
• 🏆 Best For: 🔭 Stargazers, 🏜️ desert explorers, 📷 surreal landscape seekers
• 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Valle de la Luna, soaking in hot springs, stargazing at ALMA Observatory
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November for cooler temps and fewer tourists 🌙
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Nayara Alto Atacama – Upscale adobe-style lodge with mountain views and guided excursions

The Atacama Desert is one of the strangest and most stunning places on Earth. It’s dry, quiet, and wildly colorful. Valle de la Luna looks like something out of a sci-fi movie with its jagged rocks, salt flats, and fiery sunsets that change by the minute.

During the day, you can explore geysers, red canyons, and ancient petroglyphs. Hot springs and salt lagoons offer a relaxing break from the dry air. The landscapes are intense, but in the best way possible.

At night, everything flips. With almost no light pollution, the sky turns into a star-filled dome. Observatories like ALMA give you a front-row seat to planets and galaxies you won’t see elsewhere. Whether you’re into photography, hiking, or just being somewhere that feels otherworldly, Atacama delivers the kind of magic you don’t forget.

3. Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

• 📍 Location: Remote island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean
• 🏆 Best For: 🗿 Culture lovers, 🌋 volcanic hikers, 🏖️ remote island explorers
• 📸 Top Experiences: Seeing the Moai at Ahu Tongariki, relaxing at Anakena Beach, hiking Rano Kau volcano
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to June or October to December for pleasant weather and fewer crowds 🌺
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Nayara Hangaroa – Stylish eco-lodge near the coastline with Polynesian-inspired design

Easter Island is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world, and it feels like its own universe. You’ll find hundreds of Moai statues scattered across grassy plains, each carved from volcanic rock and steeped in legend.

Beyond the statues, there’s so much more. You can hike craters, explore lava tunnels, or swim at Anakena Beach, where palm trees meet soft white sand. The vibe here is quiet and deeply spiritual, with a mix of Polynesian tradition and Chilean influence.

Local guides share stories of how the islanders once used celestial navigation and competed in the Birdman rituals. If you’re someone who loves history, mythology, and remote beauty all in one place, Rapa Nui is one of Chile’s most unforgettable stops. It’s not easy to get here, but once you arrive, you’ll know it was worth the journey.

4. Chiloé Archipelago

• 📍 Location: Los Lagos Region, Southern Chile
• 🏆 Best For: 🪵 Culture lovers, 🌲 slow travelers, 🛶 island hoppers
• 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting UNESCO wooden churches, seeing palafitos in Castro, hiking Chiloé National Park
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March for drier weather and local festivals 🌤️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Palafito 1326 Hotel – Unique waterfront hotel in a restored stilt house with bay views

Chiloé feels like a storybook version of Chile. It’s made up of misty green islands, colorful towns, and centuries-old legends passed down through generations. The pace is slow, the food is hearty, and the culture is unlike anywhere else in the country.

Start in Castro, where colorful palafitos (stilt houses) sit above the tides. The island’s wooden churches, some dating back to the 18th century, are recognized as UNESCO sites and still hold mass today. You’ll also find quiet trails in Chiloé National Park, with views over coastline and forest.

But what makes this place special is its spirit. Locals still believe in forest creatures, ghost ships, and sea spirits. Markets are full of wool sweaters, smoked seafood, and stories. Chiloé is a great place to slow down, tune in, and experience Chile through a lens of deep tradition and wild nature.

5. Marble Chapels (Capillas de Mármol)

• 📍 Location: General Carrera Lake, Aysén Region
• 🏆 Best For: 🚤 Nature photographers, 🧊 cave explorers, 🌊 lake adventurers
• 📸 Top Experiences: Kayaking to the caves, taking a boat tour, viewing light reflections in the marble
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March for calm lake conditions and best light reflections 💧
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Terra Luna Lodge – Eco-lodge with lakefront cabins and tour access in Puerto Río Tranquilo

The Marble Chapels are a natural wonder carved over thousands of years by wind and water. Located in a remote corner of Patagonia, these swirling blue-and-white caves sit in the middle of General Carrera Lake, one of the largest in South America.

To reach them, you’ll need to join a small boat or kayaking tour from Puerto Río Tranquilo. Once inside the caves, the colors shift as sunlight hits the water. The walls glow with soft blues and silvery marble streaks, and the silence makes it feel like a hidden sanctuary.

Timing matters here. Early mornings and sunny days give the clearest reflections. Because the area is hard to reach, crowds are minimal, and it still feels untouched. If you’re traveling through southern Chile and want something totally unique, the Marble Chapels are one of the most photogenic stops you can make.

6. Pucón and Villarrica Volcano

• 📍 Location: Araucanía Region, Southern Chile
• 🏆 Best For: 🌋 Thrill seekers, 🌲 outdoor lovers, 💦 hot spring hoppers
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Villarrica Volcano, soaking in Termas Geométricas, kayaking on Lake Villarrica
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March for warm weather and trail access ☀️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Antumalal – Stylish hillside retreat with lake views and private spa access

Pucón is Chile’s go-to spot for adventure. Sitting at the edge of Lake Villarrica and watched over by the snow-capped Villarrica Volcano, this small town delivers big on outdoor fun. You can hike, kayak, zipline, or just relax in a thermal pool after a long day out.

For thrill seekers, summiting the volcano is the main event. Guided tours take you to the top, where you can peer into a smoldering crater and catch panoramic views of the lakes and forests below. If that’s too intense, there are gentler hikes and scenic boat rides available too.

After dark, grab a craft beer at a local pub or unwind in one of the region’s natural hot springs. Pucón manages to balance adrenaline with chill, which is why it’s one of Chile’s most popular stops for backpackers, couples, and outdoor fans alike.

7. Elqui Valley

• 📍 Location: Coquimbo Region, Northern Chile
• 🏆 Best For: 🔭 Stargazers, 🍇 wine lovers, 🧘‍♀️ spiritual travelers
• 📸 Top Experiences: Stargazing at Mamalluca Observatory, visiting pisco distilleries, hiking through vineyards
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for grape harvest season and clear skies 🍇
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Refugio El Molle – Peaceful retreat in the valley with garden views and pool

The Elqui Valley is a calm, sun-soaked escape tucked between dry mountains and clear skies. Known for its powerful energy and near-perfect stargazing, the valley attracts dreamers, hikers, and wine lovers from all over Chile.

By day, you can visit pisco distilleries, sip local wines, and hike quiet trails past cacti and adobe villages. The landscape shifts from green fields to desert ridges, and the sunsets are often pink and orange across the whole valley.

At night, the sky steals the show. With almost no light pollution, the stars shine bright enough to cast shadows. Observatories like Mamalluca offer guided night tours with telescopes and constellation stories. Whether you’re coming for peace, wine, or the cosmos, Elqui has a vibe that sticks with you. It’s one of the most relaxing and unexpectedly magical places you’ll find in Chile.

• Read next: Unique Travel Experiences

8. Valparaíso

• 📍 Location: Valparaíso Region, Central Chile
• 🏆 Best For: 🎨 Street art lovers, 🏙️ city explorers, 🚋 funicular riders
• 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the ascensores, walking through Cerro Alegre, visiting La Sebastiana (Pablo Neruda’s house)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for sunshine and cultural events 🎭
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Fauna Hotel – Artsy hillside stay with panoramic views and an on-site restaurant

Valparaíso is Chile’s most colorful city, literally. Bright murals cover staircases, buildings, and alleyways. Every corner feels like an open-air gallery that changes with every visit. It’s lively, bohemian, and packed with local flavor.

The city climbs steep hills, so funiculars help you move between neighborhoods. Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción are great starting points. You’ll find cafés hidden behind murals, quirky galleries, and vintage shops in every direction. The historic port area has gritty charm, while lookout points give sweeping views over the Pacific.

It’s also a city with deep literary and cultural roots. Visiting La Sebastiana, poet Pablo Neruda’s eccentric former home, adds another layer of meaning to the chaos. Valparaíso might be messy in parts, but it wears that chaos well. It’s one of those places where you just keep wandering, discovering something new each time.

• Read next: Amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• You may also like: Best Airbnb Mansions in the US

9. The Chilean Lake District

• 📍 Location: Between Bío Bío and Los Lagos Regions
• 🏆 Best For: 🛶 Nature lovers, 🌋 volcano trekkers, 🌲 forest adventurers
• 📸 Top Experiences: Kayaking on Lake Llanquihue, hiking near Osorno Volcano, exploring Puerto Varas
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to February for warm weather and full trail access ☀️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Awa – Design-forward lakeside hotel with spa and volcano views

The Chilean Lake District is like stepping into a real-life postcard. Snowy volcanoes rise above turquoise lakes, and dense forests wrap around peaceful towns. It’s quiet, green, and full of adventure opportunities.

Base yourself in Puerto Varas, where you can explore local markets or relax by the lake before heading into the wild. Popular activities include kayaking on glacial lakes, horseback riding, or hiking through Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. If you’re up for it, you can even hike near or around Osorno Volcano for sweeping views.

This region is also home to rich Mapuche heritage. Locals often sell handmade crafts and offer cultural tours that give you a deeper understanding of the land. The mix of nature and local culture makes the Lake District a perfect place to slow down, breathe in fresh air, and reconnect with the outdoors.

10. Santiago

• 📍 Location: Santiago Metropolitan Region, Central Chile
• 🏆 Best For: 🏛️ History buffs, 🍷 urban foodies, 🏞️ mountain view chasers
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Plaza de Armas, riding the funicular up San Cristóbal Hill, visiting La Moneda Palace
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to November or March to May for fewer crowds and comfortable temps 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Magnolia – Boutique hotel blending historic architecture with modern style

Santiago is Chile’s capital and cultural heartbeat. Surrounded by mountains and packed with contrast, the city mixes colonial architecture, edgy street art, and sleek skyscrapers into one vibrant experience.

In the historic center, Plaza de Armas is the perfect starting point, with its cathedrals, museums, and street performers. You can walk or bike through Parque Forestal, then head up Cerro San Cristóbal for a panoramic view of the skyline framed by the Andes.

Santiago also has one of South America’s best food scenes. Local markets like La Vega Central offer street eats and fresh produce, while neighborhoods like Bellavista are packed with bars and art spaces. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, the city has enough layers to keep things fresh. It’s where modern Chile meets its historic roots, and you’ll feel that balance everywhere you go.

11. Punta Arenas

• 📍 Location: Magallanes Region, Southern Chile
• 🏆 Best For: 🐧 Wildlife watchers, ❄️ cold-weather travelers, 🚢 Antarctic dreamers
• 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Magdalena Island for penguins, walking Plaza Muñoz Gamero, touring Palacio Sara Braun
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for wildlife sightings and clear skies 🐧
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Cabo de Hornos – Central, cozy stay with classic design and harbor views

Punta Arenas is one of the southernmost cities on Earth, and it feels like the edge of the world. It’s a place for explorers, with Antarctic winds, colorful buildings, and a gritty port-city vibe that’s full of character.

At the center is Plaza Muñoz Gamero, surrounded by historic mansions and museums. Just outside the city, you can take a boat to Magdalena Island, home to thousands of Magellanic penguins. It’s one of the most accessible wildlife encounters in all of Patagonia.

This is also the launch point for trips to Torres del Paine, Antarctica, and the fjords of southern Chile. But even without leaving town, there’s a lot to take in. The history, the windswept streets, and the views over the Strait of Magellan all remind you that you’re somewhere truly unique.

12. La Serena

• 📍 Location: Coquimbo Region, North-Central Chile
• 🏆 Best For: 🏖️ Beach lovers, 🏛️ architecture fans, 🌅 relaxed city vibes
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking along Avenida del Mar, exploring the colonial old town, visiting the Archaeological Museum
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for warm beach weather and local festivals 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Club La Serena – Beachside hotel with a pool, gardens, and great sunset views

La Serena is one of Chile’s oldest cities, but it keeps a relaxed, coastal vibe that feels fresh and easygoing. The beach here stretches for miles, with calm waves and a long promenade lined with cafés, markets, and sunbathers.

Head inland just a bit and you’ll hit the city center, where colonial buildings and stone churches give the town its historic charm. Plaza de Armas is a lively spot, surrounded by palm trees and local vendors selling crafts and snacks. It’s a great place to take a break before heading to the Archaeological Museum, which houses ancient artifacts including a real Moai statue.

At night, the city slows down. Locals stroll the coast, surfers catch the last waves, and the sky glows pink over the water. La Serena works well as a peaceful home base if you’re exploring northern Chile’s coastline.

• Read next: Unique Travel Experiences

13. Chacabuco Valley

• 📍 Location: Aysén Region, Northern Patagonia
• 🏆 Best For: 🏞️ Conservation travelers, 🐾 wildlife lovers, 🚶‍♂️ off-grid hikers
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking in Patagonia Park, spotting guanacos, exploring restored grasslands
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March for trail access and dry conditions 🌿
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Loberías del Sur – Comfortable harbor-view hotel in Puerto Chacabuco

Chacabuco Valley is one of Patagonia’s quietest but most inspiring destinations. Once overgrazed ranch land, it’s now a thriving ecosystem inside Patagonia National Park, thanks to decades of grassroots conservation work.

Hiking here is peaceful and wild. You’ll pass grasslands filled with guanacos, wetlands echoing with birdsong, and jagged mountains framing every trail. The park’s layout is beginner-friendly, with well-marked paths and a visitor center that explains the valley’s rebirth.

What makes Chacabuco special isn’t just the scenery, it’s the story behind it. This is a place where nature was given a second chance, and you can feel that in every corner. If you’re traveling in southern Chile and want a less-crowded alternative to Torres del Paine, this valley delivers both beauty and purpose. It’s a perfect end to a trip filled with Chile’s most incredible landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Chile

Looking to expand your knowledge about the most scenic spots in Chile? Here are some common questions I get a lot about the best Chilean attractions and activities.

Is Chile a beautiful place?

Yes, Chile offers breathtaking natural beauty and diverse landscapes. The unique geography gives Chile an incredible variety of ecosystems and scenery.

Here are some highlights of Chile’s natural beauty:

1. The Atacama Desert: One of the driest places on Earth, the Atacama Desert offers a stunning, almost otherworldly landscapes. This includes salt flats, sand dunes, and volcanic rock formations. It’s also an incredible place for stargazing due to its clear skies.
2. Patagonia: Located in the southern part of the country, Chilean Patagonia is famous for its rugged mountain peaks. This includes the iconic Torres del Paine, glaciers, fjords, and deep-blue lakes. It’s truly a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
3. Lake District: This area is known for its lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and snow-capped volcanoes. It’s a great destination for fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
4. Valparaíso: A vibrant port city known for its colorful, hillside neighborhoods, and rich cultural scene.
5. Easter Island: Part of Chilean territory, this remote volcanic island is famous for its mysterious Moai statues and Polynesian culture.
6. Chiloé Island: Known for its wooden churches and unique mythology, this island offers a rich cultural experience along with beautiful coastal views.
7. Wine Valleys: Chile’s wine regions, such as the Colchagua and Maipo Valleys, offer lush vineyards set against the backdrop of the Andes. It produces some of the world’s best wines.
8. Penguins: In several parts of the country, you can see penguins in their natural habitat. This includes the Magellanic and Humboldt species.
9. Santiago: The capital city, surrounded by mountains, offers historical and modern architecture with beautiful parks and vibrant cultural life.

Chile’s diverse geography means that visitors can experience everything from desert to glaciers, from lush forests to bustling cities, all within one country.

What is the best time to visit Chile?

Chile’s vast length means it spans multiple climate zones. Generally, the summer months from December to February are ideal for most regions, offering warm temperatures and clear skies. If you’re aiming for Patagonia in the south, consider visiting between November and March when the weather is milder and trails are more accessible. Conversely, the Atacama Desert in the north is a year-round destination, with its dry climate offering unique experiences in every season.

How safe is it to travel in Chile?

Chile enjoys a reputation as one of South America’s safest countries for tourists. Urban areas, like Santiago, have the typical concerns of pickpocketing in crowded places, so it’s wise to stay vigilant. In general, Chileans are friendly and helpful, especially in tourist regions. As always, it’s recommended to follow standard travel safety precautions, such as not displaying valuables and being cautious at night.

Do I need a visa to visit Chile?

Visa requirements for Chile are contingent on your nationality. Many tourists, especially from countries like the USA, Canada, and the EU, can enter Chile without a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, it’s crucial to check the latest visa regulations with the Chilean consulate or embassy in your country before your trip.

What is the most beautiful part of Chile?

Chile’s diverse landscapes range from deserts to glaciers, each with its own unique beauty. Many travelers are particularly captivated by the Torres Del Paine National Park in Patagonia, with its majestic peaks and turquoise lakes. The Atacama Desert, with its otherworldly landscapes, and the verdant vineyards of the Central Valley are also high on the list of stunning locales.

What is the #1 tourist attraction in Chile?

While Chile boasts numerous attractions, Torres Del Paine National Park often tops the list. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in southern Patagonia is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and iconic trekking routes, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

What languages are spoken in Chile?

Spanish is the official and most widely spoken language in Chile. However, in popular tourist destinations, many service providers, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tours, can communicate in English. Some indigenous languages, like Mapudungun, are spoken in specific regions, reflecting Chile’s rich cultural heritage.

What is the coolest place in Chile?

One of the most iconic and awe-inspiring destinations in Chile is the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia.

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. It features soaring granite towers, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and vast pampas filled with unique wildlife like guanacos and Andean condors. The park offers some of the best trekking experiences in the world, with trails that cater to various levels of hiking abilities.

Whether you’re hiking the famous W Trek or simply taking in the views from one of the many viewpoints, Torres del Paine is a place that captures the imagination and feels almost magical in its beauty. For many travelers and adventure enthusiasts, it represents the epitome of natural grandeur. As such, it’s often considered one of the coolest and most unforgettable places to visit in Chile.

Is it expensive to travel in Chile?

The cost of traveling in Chile can vary based on your preferences and itinerary. While it might be pricier than some neighboring South American countries, budget-conscious travelers can find hostels, local eateries, and affordable transportation options. For those seeking luxury, Chile offers upscale resorts, gourmet dining, and exclusive tours, especially in regions like the Wine Valley.