Things to Do in Chile

Things to Do in Chile: Unforgettable Experiences from Desert to Glaciers

Few countries in the world pack as much variety as Chile. From the lunar landscapes of the Atacama Desert in the north to the icy fjords of Patagonia in the south, Chile is a playground for explorers, food lovers, and dreamers alike. Whether you crave adrenaline-pumping adventure, peaceful natural escapes, or vibrant cultural encounters, there’s a world of things to do in Chile waiting to surprise you at every turn.

Top Highlights

Chile’s long, narrow geography allows travelers to experience deserts, beaches, vineyards, forests, and glaciers in a single trip. Here are some of the country’s most memorable experiences:

  • Explore the Atacama Desert: Visit moon-like valleys, geysers, and salt lagoons under one of the clearest skies on Earth.
  • Go wine tasting in the Central Valley: Sample world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère among rolling vineyards.
  • Trek through Torres del Paine National Park: Discover turquoise lakes and iconic granite towers in Patagonia.
  • Surf world-class waves in Pichilemu: Ride the legendary swells of Punta de Lobos.
  • Experience urban life in Santiago and Valparaíso: Blend art, nightlife, and mountain views.
  • Encounter ancient culture on Easter Island: Stand face-to-face with mysterious moai statues in Rapa Nui.
 

Adventure & Nature

Atacama Desert

Start your Chilean journey in the north, where the Atacama Desert offers an otherworldly landscape of salt flats, volcanoes, and geysers. Visit the Thermal Lake near El Tatio Geysers for a relaxing soak amid volcanic steam, or explore Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) for alien-like rock formations. Sunset tours reveal glowing pink skies mirrored on the salt flats, while nighttime stargazing sessions provide a clear window into the Milky Way.

Torres del Paine National Park

Down south, Torres del Paine defines adventure. Its famous “W Trek” leads hikers through glaciers, emerald lakes, and windswept plains dotted with guanacos. Camping or staying in cozy refugios along the route connects travelers deeply with Patagonia’s raw beauty. For photographers, sunrise at the Torres viewpoint — when the granite towers glow orange — is pure magic.

Lake District and Volcanoes

Central-southern Chile is dominated by shimmering lakes and snow-capped volcanoes. Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak across Lago Llanquihue beneath the symmetrical cone of Osorno Volcano, or try canopy zip-lines in Pucón’s forests. Hot-spring resorts such as Termas Geométricas offer a soothing finish to any adventure.

Cultural Experiences

Valparaíso: The Artistic Soul of Chile

A UNESCO World Heritage city, Valparaíso bursts with color, music, and bohemian spirit. Ride a 19th-century funicular up steep hills, wander through graffiti-covered streets, and sip coffee in hidden cafés overlooking the Pacific. Art galleries and open-air murals turn every corner into a creative surprise. Stay until nightfall to enjoy live music or rooftop bars with sweeping harbor views.

Santiago: The Dynamic Capital

Chile’s capital combines Andean views with cosmopolitan life. Visit the Plaza de Armas, climb Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic cityscapes, and explore the Lastarria neighborhood filled with boutique restaurants and craft stores. The nearby Maipo Valley offers day trips to vineyards producing Chile’s best reds — perfect for wine lovers who want nature and city comfort in one destination.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Located 3,700 km off Chile’s coast, Rapa Nui is one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth. Home to over 800 giant moai statues, this Polynesian island blends mystery with spirituality. Learn about ancestral traditions, hike to extinct volcanoes, or relax at Anakena Beach — a tropical gem framed by palm trees and ancient stone guardians.

Coastal Escapes

Chile’s coastline offers endless possibilities. Spend lazy days in Bahía Inglesa with turquoise water and white sand, or head to Chile Beaches for inspiration on coastal getaways. Surf enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Pichilemu, while seafood lovers can enjoy freshly caught clams and ceviche in La Serena or Coquimbo. The combination of Pacific breeze and Andes backdrop makes every coastal stop unforgettable.

Food & Wine

Chile’s cuisine reflects its geography — ocean-fresh seafood, fertile valleys, and mountain herbs all on one plate. In Santiago, try empanadas de pino (meat pastries) or pastel de choclo (corn casserole). Coastal towns serve congrio frito (fried conger eel) and machas a la parmesana (razor clams baked with cheese).

Wine tasting is a national pastime. The Colchagua Valley and Casablanca Valley are just a few hours from Santiago, featuring boutique vineyards with scenic terraces. Pair a glass of Carménère with local cheeses or a Chilean barbecue for a complete sensory experience. For more culinary inspiration, see Food & Drinks in Chile.

Adventure Sports

Chile’s diverse geography means year-round adventure. Go sandboarding in the Atacama, rafting the Futaleufú River, or skiing in the Andes at Valle Nevado. In Patagonia, ice-hike on the Grey Glacier or kayak among floating icebergs. Between June and September, snow lovers flock to the ski resorts just an hour from Santiago, while summer brings rock-climbing and mountain-biking trails alive with color.

When to Go

Chile spans multiple climates. For desert adventures, visit the north from May to October when temperatures are mild. Central Chile and the Lake District shine from November to March, offering perfect hiking and beach weather. Patagonia’s prime season is December to February, with long daylight hours ideal for trekking. Shoulder months (April and October) offer fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations while maintaining comfortable conditions.

Costs & Travel Tips

Chile is one of South America’s most developed travel destinations, with excellent infrastructure and safety. Daily budgets vary widely: backpackers can get by on around $60 USD per day, while mid-range travelers spend $100 – $150. Domestic flights connect the long country efficiently, while long-distance buses provide scenic alternatives. For guidance on logistics, check the Transportation Guide for Chile.

Essential Tips

  • Bring layers — temperatures can change dramatically between day and night.
  • Carry cash for rural areas; ATMs are common but not everywhere.
  • Use high-SPF sunscreen — UV rays are strong throughout the year.
  • Book Patagonia treks in advance; campsites and refuges fill up quickly.
  • Drink bottled or filtered water when hiking in remote regions.

Experience & Photography Insights

Chile rewards patient explorers. Photographers will find unique light conditions — crisp air in the desert, soft haze in coastal towns, and dramatic cloud layers in Patagonia. Dawn and dusk bring pastel skies perfect for long exposures. Drone photography is allowed in many regions but respect national-park rules and local communities. In Torres del Paine, the best composition frames the granite towers reflected in Lago Pehoé at sunrise.

Quick Facts

  • Official Language: Spanish
  • Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
  • Time Zone: GMT-3 (varies with daylight saving)
  • Top Attractions: Atacama Desert, Santiago, Valparaíso, Lake District, Patagonia, Easter Island
  • Ideal Trip Duration: 10–21 days for major highlights

Where to Go Next

Chile’s magic lies in its diversity. Once you’ve hiked, surfed, and tasted your way through the country, continue exploring these guides:

 

From desert stars to glacial ice, Chile delivers experiences that connect travelers with the planet’s most extraordinary contrasts. Every region feels like a different world — yet together, they form a single, unforgettable journey through the heart of South America.