Chile, named one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Best Travel Destinations of 2018, dazzles with its diverse landscapes—deserts, salt flats, snow-capped mountains, lakes, and glaciers.
Chile is home to some of the best trekking routes on Earth, along with the driest desert, the most mesmerizing stargazing, the world’s most advanced observatories, the largest swimming pool, and the fifth-largest wine cellar in the world!
Santiago – The Dynamic Capital
Santiago, Chile’s capital and largest city, blends over 400 years of history with modern urban life. Despite past wars and disasters, it remains a stylish, contemporary hub with historic charm. 
Easter Island – The Most Remote Island on Earth
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 and is often called the “Navel of the Earth” for its isolation. This island, considered the most remote inhabited place on the planet, remained virtually untouched by outsiders until 1722.
The island’s most famous feature is its Moai statues—over 1,000 massive stone faces scattered across the land, some weighing up to 90 tons. These mysterious statues, standing 6-23 meters tall, face the sea and are believed to represent ancestral spirits, with their faces etched with enigmatic symbols.
Valparaíso – A Colorful Harbor Town
Valparaíso, Chile’s second-largest city, is known as the “Pearl of the Pacific.” It’s famous for its vibrant colors and unique architecture. The city’s streets are painted in a rainbow of hues, creating a lively atmosphere. As the largest deep-water port on the Pacific coast, Valparaíso has long been a trade hub.
The city’s geography, with hills running directly down to the sea, creates a fascinating challenge for transportation, solved by the city’s funiculars (cable cars). These funiculars, built in the late 19th century, are one of the most exciting ways to take in the panoramic views of the city.
Punta Arenas – Gateway to Antarctica
Punta Arenas is one of the southernmost cities in the world, located at the gateway to Antarctica. With its European-style buildings and colorful rooftops, it is also known as the “World of Colored Roofs.”
Puerto Natales – The Gateway to Torres del Paine
Nestled near the southern end of Chile, Puerto Natales is a tranquil town that serves as the entry point for travelers heading into Torres del Paine National Park. This picturesque place is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including jagged peaks and crystal-clear lakes.
Torres del Paine National Park – Nature’s Masterpiece
Torres del Paine National Park, straddling Chile and Argentina, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a National Geographic “50 Places to Visit Before You Die.” Known for its granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and glaciers, it’s a top trekking destination.
Atacama Desert – The Driest Place on Earth
The Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth, saw no rainfall for centuries—1570 to 1971, to be exact. Its landscape feels more like Mars than Earth. The terrain is so harsh that even bacteria can’t survive.
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) in the Atacama Desert is known for its moon-like formations. Nearby, the Atacama Salt Flat, the world’s largest, creates a surreal, alien landscape, while flamingos add a touch of life.
