Are you planning to travel to Chile and wondering what the must-see travel destinations are? This page is specifically dedicated to Chile as a destination, containing all travel locations that deserve a visit. With 4,000 miles of coastline, Chile certainly boasts an extraordinary diversity of landscapes. From north to south, Chile is a country of contrasts: deserts and highlands (Altiplano), immense coastline, lakes and volcanoes, not to mention the plains of Patagonia and the iconic Andean mountain range. In short, it is a paradise for all.
Bref, c’est le paradis de tous les amoureux de la nature lovers.
If the destination Argentina is one of the must-sees on the South American continent, Chile is still a confidential destination. No doubt you have already heard of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, two territories that Chile shares with its neighboring country Argentina, the Atacama Desert, or Easter Island.
Indeed, these three extraordinary destinations are the top 3 places to travel to Chile. Among the emblematic places: the incredible Torres del Paine National Park, which many call the eighth wonder of the world, for the clearest sky in the world in Atacama desert, or just to mention “moais”, the famous stone giants, located in the middle of the Pacific on Easter Island.
Traveling to Chile is above all about nature travel and outdoor adventures. If you like grandiose landscapes, you will not miss during your trip to Chile a hike in the Valley of the Moon, a navigation to Grey Glacier or a roadtrip to Northern Patagonia, also called Carretera Austral. Chile is also a land of fire and volcanoes, such as Villarica (still active) volcano on which you can ski, the Licancabur volcano (one of the highest on the continent) in the middle of the desert, or the Osorno volcano which dominates Puerto Varas in the lake district.
Culture enthusiasts will be delighted to stroll through the colourful streets of Valparaíso while food oriented people will enjoy a good wine tasting, such as a Carménère, unique in Chile. And if you are more interested towards authentic encounters with the local population, then you will probably head to Araucanía to meet the Mapuche, or the Aymaras who live in the highlands (Altiplano) in the North of the country.
Do you feel confused while considering all the options Chile has to offer for only one trip ? You don’t know what to choose given the time you have to spend in the country? Call on our English-speaking travel agency specialized in Chile: we are always happy to take care of the organization of your itinerary. And to help you prepare your trip, we have prepared travel guides to know everything about the different must-see destinations in Chile.
To get inspired and prioritize your trip in Chile, we recommend exploring our destination guides and discovering our tour ideas. Then, get in touch with our team and have your tailor-made trip to Chile designed with one of our experts.
Let’s go, on the way to Chile
Our trademark is the design of 100% tailor-made itineraries, perfectly aligned with your travel desires and expectations. To listen to your needs and offer you a personalized trip to Chile, we suggest that you complete our form before booking a phone call together. Based on this, we will be able to prepare our conversation and we then get a better understanding of your travel plan to Chile through additional questions by phone. Then we send you a tailor-made quote and iterate until it suits you perfectly. Once confirmed, it is then time to move on to the reservations… and then to pack the suitcase!
We highly recommend Travel Coach Chile to help plan and manage a successful trip through the region. They had the knowledge and experience that we did not and many of their suggestions for additional activities were what made our trip so very special. Morgane and the rest of the team were always available, professional and extremely responsive to our needs. Very reliable and trustworthy company!
L’attention portée par TravelCoachChile pour définir précisément les transports a été très précieuse et permet de gagner beaucoup de temps et d’éviter tous les soucis .
voyage magnifique avec des paysages époustouflants du désert d Atacama à la Patagonie chilienne et argentine en passant par Valparaiso.
Merci à Anne qui a su reprendre avec brio l élaboration de notre voyage avec Héloîse. merci pour l’écoute les réponses à nos questionnements. au suivi durant tout notre trajet du Chili à l’Argentine
Il s’agissait pour nous d’un premier voyage avec notre fille qui avait à peine 3 mois. Découvrir la région des lacs avec elle fut parfois un défi, mais sans aucun doute mémorable!
Nous avons beaucoup apprécié les contacts, conseils, appels vidéos pour l’organisation du voyage.
Cerise sur le gâteau, la petite visite surprise de Camille au restaurant le dernier soir!
Agence de voyage très sérieuse , à l’écoute des souhaits des clients , très bon choix de guides , d’hébergement, de restaurants , et d’activités , et de réservation de véhicules et temps de loisirs et de nombre de nuits de repos .
Nous sommes des habitués des voyages au départ d’Evanéos; alors permettez-moi de recommander Travel Coach Chile ! Nous avions des demandes et des envies que nous avons exprimés ? Chacune d’elles, au cours d’échanges répétés par e-mails et visioconférences, ont été rencontrées. Tous les transferts se sont déroulés parfaitement, les hébergements répondaient à nos attentes et toujours nous y avons été accueillis chaleureusement ! Le voyage était un véritable ravissement avec des paysages très différents mais toujours magnifiques. Bref, un voyage parfaitement réussi …
Chiloe, l’île de Pâques et Atacama : 3 voyages en un, sans compter la hâlte à Valparaiso. Tous les guides locaux amoureux de l’endroit où ils vivent et faisant partager leur passion. Nous sommes rentrés avec de belles images plein la tête, de belles histoires Il ne manque que la Patagonie et ce sera bien sûr avec TravelCoachChile!!!
Une expérience de voyage inoubliable, une réponse parfaite à nos attentes et même au-delà. Nous vivons en Thaïlande où la qualité de service est très élevée, nous avons trouvé plus que l’équivalent dans ce fabuleux séjour. Un grand MERCI
Nous avons fait un superbe voyage au chili avec travel coach chile qui a bien respecté nos attentes en terme de type de voyage et nous a proposé un programme adapté. La réaction de l’agence si un problème advient est aussi très rapide et efficace. Contact agréable et prix plus que corrects. Je vous recommande . Elisabeth
Avant, pendant le voyage, Pierrick a été à l’écoute de nos souhaits. Les petits problèmes ont été rapidement solutionnés. Les sites visités ont permis, comme nous le désirions, de voir les contrastes au Chili.
Excellent service, personnel à l’écoute et activités fantastiques.
Un voyage exceptionnel grâce à une combinaison de lieux extraordinaires, d’une communication et d’une compréhension du client optimales, des activités pertinentes pour découvrir le Chili, sans compter un accompagnement spécifique de la préparation du voyage jusqu’au retour.
Nous recommandons cette agence.
“Dépaysement total avec un guide local au top!”
“C’était la première fois qu’on partait en vacances en faisant appel à une agence de voyage. Outre le budget intéressant par rapport au programme concocté, on a beaucoup aimé ne s’occuper de rien, et surtout pas des trajets entre aéroport et hôtel ou ce genre de détails logistiques ! Le fait aussi de ne pas avoir potasser plus que ça les visites, en faisant confiance à Myriam et Travel Coach Chile, a rajouté beaucoup à l’effet wahou qu’on a eu à chaque excursion ! Surprises garanties ! Le Chili est un pays sublime, avec des paysages de fou, l’impression d’être tout petit et seul parfois, dans une nature incroyable et où l’on se sent ‘libre’. Le contraste entre le nord et le sud offre une variété de paysages unique ! “
You helped organise some tours for us in September in the Atacama desert. We had the most wonderful time and were completely blown away by the landscape, and the the amazing flora and fauna native to that area. The tour guides were warm, approachable and very knowledgable. We were also grateful that they knew of ways to avoid the large crowds of tourists, allowing us to enjoy and really soak up the atmosphere. It really was an unforgettable experience.
Merci pour votre professionnalisme que nous avons beaucoup apprécié.
Nous n’hésiterons pas à vous recommander. Nous avons apprécié la visite de Myriam à San Pedro de Atacama. Cela donne vraiment une impression de sérieux. Au moment du premier contact, nous avons apprécié la personnalisation immédiate de la prise en charge. Notre meilleur souvenir ? Sans hésiter le Salar de Surire qui a été un moment unique. La beauté des paysages, l’atmosphère magique qui nous met en lien avec la nature. Nous avons tous ressenti une forte émotion à cet endroit. Notre impression ? Nous avons particulièrement apprécié les paysages et la nature. C’est un pays pour les amateurs de grands espaces, qui veulent se tenir à l’abri du tourisme de masse.
Agence performante dans ce Voyage sur mesure, prenant bien en compte les desiderata des voyageurs tant du point de vue intérêt touristique des destinations que du point de vue des spécificités d’âge des participants dans le cadre d’un voyage familial.
Activités intéressantes pour toutes les générations. (par ex. promenade avec les lamas, chouette guide)
Roadbook très bien documenté ! Concernant les guides, tous ont un excellent niveau linguistique en francais et sont professionnels et conciliants.
Meilleurs souvenirs ? “Visites nature” des sites montagneux, volcans, lagunes, geysers; Expérience positive du bivouac a cheval et soirée magique d’initiation à l’astronomie !
Je recommande Travel Coach Chile, Florence nous a organisé un tour combiné Chili Atacama – Bolivie Uyuni extraordinaire!!
Organisation au top! Tout était orchestré de manière très professionnelle, selon ce que nous avions souhaité. Pour moi la différence principale est le côté “familiale” de l’agence, on sent que les itinéraires sont construits selon nos désirs, que l’on est entendue et comprise 🙂
"I really enjoyed ziplining and tree climbing in the jungle during my trip to Iguazu Falls! The sensations were incredible and since then, I particularly recommend it to families"
"One of my best adventures in Chile was the expedition to the Nevado 3 Cruces Park, in the Copiapo region. Once I arrived at the refuge completely remote and facing the lagoon, with only flamingos for company, I was transported to another world."
"I recently travelled in Salta region, I had the opportunity to meet Raúl and Maria. They opened the doors of their rural community to me and I was able to discover their culture, beliefs and customs with them. This day off the beaten track gave a real soul to my stay in the northwest of Argentina."
Special mention for Maria and Raul, a couple who run a guest house near Puerto Varas, who moved me with their kindness and openness, but who also conquered my heart with their walnut pie which I still remember.
"I spent a month in Buenos Aires, living to the vibrant rhythm of the Argentina capital, drinking mate and Fernet, dancing tango. I loved traveling by boat between the islands of Mar del Plata, where I felt like I was escaping into nature for a weekend."
Want to get off the beaten track for your trip to Chile and take a trip away from the crowds ? You’ve found the right Chilean travel agency! Check out the lesser-known destinations to travel to Chile like a local below.
As you have read above, we have dedicated a complete guide for each of the 5 must-see destinations in Chile. There are also more confidential destinations, which we are keen to highlight.
We invite you to discover them by clicking on them, you will discover information to understand the destination better: we present the best places to visit as well as some points of interest outside of the main touristic locations. We have also included examples of local experiences to build a journey to the heart of authentic Chile.
Arica, located in the very north of Chile, near the border with Peru and Bolivia, is a great gateway to discover the Far North region , which is still little known and little visited.
This region offers a wide variety of landscapes and activities: from surfing to hiking at altitude, there is something for everyone. Culture enthusiasts will not be left out, as it is also the land of the Aymara people, who are proud of their traditions and share them with great interest with travelers.
The region starts at the border with Peru and Bolivia and ends lower than Iquique, another emblematic spot for adventure sports.
From Arica, you can reach Putre, a typical village of Altiplano (at an altitude of 11.500 feet) and from there, you can access the Lauca National Park, the Salar de Surire (which climbs above 14.700 feet) and the reserve of Vicuñas. Further down on the coast, you will find Iquique, the ideal starting point for a 5-day itinerant stay along the mountain range, a chance to explore off the beaten track and discover authentic Northern Chile. You might also be interested in Humberstone, the ghost town, or by the Pica Oasis, a cool place with fertile lands… in the middle of the desert!
Located half way between San Pedro de Atacama and Santiago, it is an ideal stopover for slow travel enthusiasts, and people who want to discover Chile on a roadtrip. Though it is quite famous among local tourists, the park is underrated by foreigners…
This is one of the TravelCoachChile team’s favorite spots. We love spending barefoot on the whitesand beach and gazing the ocean from the terrace of the park’s cabin. Do not expect to be served a fresh pisco sour, however, because apart from the forest ranger and the guanacos, you are not likely to meet anyone.
The region is called the coastal desert, where the ocean sits side by side with the desert landscapes. So, you can can relax on the beach, or hike the cliffs.
The small seaside town of Bahia Inglesa, two hours by car from the park, will delight local foodies. If camping is not for you, then you might be interested in “glamping”, a more comfortable version of camping thanks to domes located on the beach.
La Serena, a seaside town located just 6 hours by car from Santiago, is one of the favorite summer destinations of Chileans. At TravelCoachChile, we especially recommend the region for the mysterious Elqui Valley, or for the Punta de Choros Park, two points of interest that are worth a detour.
First, in Elqui Valley, we suggest exploring from the base towns of Vicuña and Pisco Elqui. This valley is known for its mystical energy, and it will delight fans of relaxation who want to add a touch of leisure to their stay, while the more of idleness who want to add a touch of relaxation to their stay, while the more athletically-inclined can traverse the entire valley by bike. Either way, travelers can reunite for a tasting of locally-made pisco sour.
Then, head to Punta de Chorosa natural sanctuary by the sea for lovers of marine fauna. Fishermen offer boat tours to observe, in season, several species such as dolphins, sea lions, penguins, cormorants, and more. Those who want to try their luck whale watching can head towards Chañaral.
By spending one or two nights in La Serena, you can also explore small traditional villages. We often suggest going to Andacollo, located in the mountains, or the Caleta Tongoy for a culinary experience and tasting of the catch of the day.
This region is recommended for road trip lovers as it is easily reachable by car from Santiago.
Chile’s former administrative capital, Valparaíso, is one of the country’s must-sees. This bohemian city is full of surprises, and every corner reveals originality and authenticity, not to mention its colorful hills.
Known for its street art, it is also an essential step to fully understand the history of Chile, as well as its economic and social reality. Ideally, we recommend visiting it at the beginning of your stay, to start your trip smoothly, or at the end of it, to wrap up properly before taking your flight home.
Lovers of good wines will enjoy a detour to the nearby Casablanca Valley, whose vineyards are renowned for their professionalism and the quality of their wine (particularly, but not exclusively, for Sauvignon Blanc).
It is also an ideal area to take some deep breaths of fresh air and to enjoy two or three days of relaxation at an architect’s house by the sea.
For some, a visit to a country’s capital city cannot be missed. As an international gateway to Chile and an essential stopover point between all destinations, you will almost certainly have the opportunity to discover Santiago during your stay.
Depending on the time available, you can discover the historic center (accompanied by our favorite guide to hear all the anecdotes), take the funicular to San Cristobal Hill to enjoy a view of the whole city, or take a trip to the small, unique shops of Barrio Italia.
In the evening, take some time to choose among our favorite restaurants where you will taste the local offerings and, of course, drink a pisco sour.
With a little more time, you may want to wander through urban parks or visit the city’s spectacular museums, like the Pre-Columbian Museum or the Museum of Memory (essential to understand the recent history of the country).
If you have a few more days to dedicate, then a tour to Cajon del Maipo is a nice option. In winter season you can also go skiing in the Andes. And of course, throughout the year, the vineyards of Pirque are open for wine tastings on their property.
Colchagua Valley is one of the best wine regions in Chile and is ideal for wine and gastronomy lovers. Not far from the famous surf spot Pichilemu, this is the perfect stopover to add a touch of relaxation and leisure to your stay.
Did you know that some famous guidebooks do not even mention the Colchagua Valley? Is this a small oversight or big mistake? A couple of days is enough to taste unfamiliar wine varieties, such as Carmenère, and visit several different vineyards, such as renowned estates or avant-garde vineyards. The best period to discover this region is during spring or autumn.
For surf fans, the detour to Pichilemu is a must! World famous for its waves, it has also become a trendy vacation spot where boutique hotels have flourished, surrounded by nature or the water. What does a typical day in Pichilemu look like? Surfing lessons in the morning, yoga in the afternoon, an aperitif at sunset, and barbecue or ceviche in the evening.
And if you prefer reading our trip ideas, we recommend checking our suggested itineraries in Chile. We are specialists of tailor-made travel, but we want you to be able to set your expectations and build an idea of your perfect trip. That’s why we included our top itineraries in Chile, filled with unique travel experiences… Reading through those trip ideas is like traveling to Chile virtually, which gives you an initial taste of the country!
Once you have made your choice based on the tourist destinations presented on our map of Chile, be sure to make an appointment with our travel experts so that we can start planning your trip together. After a first call we will design a personalized trip in line with your expectations and interests, your budget, and your favorite destinations. Do not spend more time reading travel blogs and travel forums, let us take care of the organization of your trip. We are based in Chile and we are true travel experts. Our passion is to share all the secrets of Chile with our travelers.
The Atacama Desert is a great classic of Chile, not to be missed if you visit the north of the country. Known for being one of the driest deserts in the world and for its climate conducive to stargazing, it is also a place of impressive natural diversity.
In fact, there is so much to see that a visit of only a few days is too short to do it justice! The Atacama has many sites, each as unusual as the next: you will wander from a golden sand dune to hot springs, passing through a valley of a thousand colors, or even blue lagoons, surrounded by white salt flats.
The small village of San Pedro de Atacama is ideal as a base point for discovering the various iconic places of the region, while respecting acclimatization to the altitude: Moon Valley, Miñiques and Miscanti altiplanic lagoons, El Tatio Geysers, and Rainbow Valley are some of the more famous spots among numerous others.
Accessible all year round, this destination makes it one of the most popular in Chile. Thanks to our quality providers, we are proud to offer alternatives to avoid the crowd while living unique experiences. For example, we suggest a culinary tour or walk with the llamas to discover ancestral traditions, climbing an active volcano (+16,400 feet), mountain biking across a slat flat, taking a dip in natural springs, or simply admiring a sunset in the middle of the desert.
Lost in the middle of the Pacific, this is the most isolated island in the world. Known worldwide for the mysterious moai, it is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. This paradise island is very much appropriated for travelers looking for mystique and culture.
Easter Island covers around 64 square miles and the island is organized around Hanga Roa, the main village. From there you can reach, by bike or by car, the moai and ceremonial sites. Not to be forgotten is the famous white sand beach, Anakena, located only 40 minutes from town.
The island is a good balance between enjoying crystal clear ocean water (among the clearest in the world), hiking along the coasts (accompanied by our guides), or even relaxing at the end of a busy stay. Plus, the Rapanui people are always happy to share the secrets of their wonderful island with foreigners.
Accessible all year round, the tropical climate is hot and humid (and rainy in southern winter). Buy your plane tickets well in advance because the 5-hour flight that separates the island from the continent can be (very) expensive.
A must-see in Chile, Patagonia is a dream destination for many. It is a legendary region for all travelers.
You can get to Punta Arenas by plane, unless you are a slow travel fan and want to opt for a 4-day ferry trip. From there, do not skip a short tour to Magdalena Island to watch Magellan penguins up close. Bird watchers will probably prefer Tierra del Fuego to see the king penguin.
Only 3 hours away, head to Puerto Natales, a small town that has a unique “end of the world” atmosphere. TravelCoachChile is connected with good accommodations there, many of which offer a comfortable overnight stay with a view! This is also a good place to recharge your batteries before setting off for the well-known Torres del Paine Park.
Torres del Paine Park, unmissable for hikers, is a collection of wonders. You can discover it by trekking, but also by car with day hikes. Photographers will try to immortalize the puma, which roams in the early morning, while others will wait for the famous condors.
Patagonia is also a privileged place to discover glaciers such as Balmaceda and Serrano, or even Glacier Gray. The excursion is by boat, and the tasting of pisco on fresh glacier ice is just the icing on the cake, as they say.
Preferring northern Patagonia to the classic Torres del Paine means choosing to discover rural Patagonia, away from the crowds. This region is therefore perfect for travelers looking for authenticity and special experiences.
The road trip begins in Coyhaique. Whether you go north or south, you will travel through unforgettable landscapes among glaciers, mountains, and turquoise blue lakes. You will find memorable experiences here.
Hiking to glaciers, kayaking in the heart of the marble cathedrals, cruising to the San Rafael lagoon on a small boat, rafting, fly fishing, and, of course, trekking in the great outdoors are some of the experiences you can have. In short, the Austral road is a land of adventures.
Whether you are planning a busy itinerary or a lighter stay, you will drive miles upon miles. Fortunately, we have found some wonderful lodges that are perfect for a comfortable night after an action-packed day.
To discover the wonders of the lake region and the mysteries of the island of Chiloé, we recommend stopping in Puerto Varas. Located around Lake Llanquihue, it is a good base for exploring what the area has to offer.
Traveling around Puerto Varas will enable you to discover Petrohué Falls in the Vicente Perez Rosales Reserve, or sail on Lake Todos los Santos. The most experienced hikers can go to the Alerce Andino Park, hidden off the beaten path. Culture lovers can take a tour of the traditional villages of Frutillar or Puerto Octay. Special mention for rafting enthusiasts: the rapids of the Rio Petrohué perfectly combine thrills with idyllic surroundings.
Architecture enthusiasts and culture buffs can opt to take a self-guided tour for several days on the island of Chiloé. Staying in a palafito, taking a ferry from one island to another, tasting seafood specialties…. It’s a perfect stay to enjoy the local lifestyle. Beware, however, of the climate! This is one of the rainiest regions in Chile.
This region is named after the araucaria, an endemic tree, that may be thousands of years old. From Temuco (which you can reach by plane), two regions are recommended: Pucón and its surroundings, and Conguillio National Park. Our favorite is undoubtedly the beautiful Conguillio park, perfect for an escape into the great outdoors, and far from crowds of tourists.
Pucón and Conguillio park have various things in common, such as panoramic views of blue lakes and surrounding volcanoes. It is also perfect for taking some time off in natural hot springs or experiencing new adventures.
Whatever area you choose, you can hike in natural parks to appreciate a unique landscape between lakes and volcanoes, do sport activities on the water, and enjoy accommodation located in the heart of nature.
The region is ideal for road trips and nature lovers. For thrills, you have a choice between rafting, kayaking, horse riding, and even dog sledding in winter! To recover from the adrenaline rush, head to the thermal baths (yes, the region is also known for its natural hot springs).
Are you planning to travel to Chile and wondering what the must-see travel destinations are? You came to the perfect web site. In this section, we present a map of Chile containing all travel locations that deserve a visit . With 4,000 miles of coastline, Chile certainly boasts an extraordinary diversity of landscapes. From north to south, Chile is a country of contrasts: deserts and highlands (Altiplano), immense coastline, lakes and volcanoes, not to mention the plains of Patagonia and the iconic Andean mountain range. In short, it is a paradise for all nature lovers.
