With so many incredible places to visit in Chile, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide highlights the must-see destinations across the country, making it easier to plan your Chile trip. From vibrant cities to stunning national parks, breathtaking trekking trails, and hidden gems, these locations will ensure an unforgettable travel experience.
I’ve traveled through Chile four times, exploring 13 of its 15 regions, and I’ve discovered some of the best places to visit. To make the most of your Chile adventure, I recommend planning a trip of at least two to three weeks. If you’re traveling independently, taking a Spanish course can be a huge help in navigating the country and interacting with locals.
Map
Use this map to plan your trip to Chile. Each place mentioned in this post is marked on the map below to help you plan your route more efficiently, from the Atacama Desert in the north to the glaciers of Chilean Patagonia in the south. Whether you're looking for hiking trails, national parks, or cultural hotspots, this map will help you explore the country’s most stunning locations.
This map highlights the top places to visit in Chile, including famous national parks, scenic trekking routes, and vibrant towns. The capital, Santiago, is also marked as a key starting point.
1. Atacama Desert
From the town of San Pedro de Atacama, you can also continue your travel adventure with a multi-day trip to Uyuni or head directly to Salta and northern Argentina. If you’re into thrill and fun, I can highly recommend sandboarding at sunset. Definitely one of the most unique ways to experience the atacama desert!
Tour Options
There are plenty of tour packages you can book in advance, making it easy to explore the area around San Pedro without hassle:
- San Pedro de Atacama: 3-Day Nature Tour Combo
- Moon Valley, Salt Caves & Sunset Dune Tour
- Day Trip: Piedras Rojas, Altiplanic Lagoons & Salt Flat
- El Tatio Geysers & Putana Valley Tour
- Stargazing Tour in San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation
San Pedro de Atacama is one of the more touristy places to visit in Chile, so accommodation prices tend to be higher than elsewhere in the country. That said, hotel standards have improved a lot over the years, and most places now offer decent breakfast as part of the package. I’ve stayed in various hotels and guesthouses here on my trips, and these are my top recommendations:
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Hostal Mamatierra | €€ | 9.2 | great atmosphere, lovely owners, rich breakfast |
Hostal Sonchek | €€ | 9.0 | good location, very clean |
La Casa de José | €€€ | 9.2 | helpful staff, pool, great breakfast |
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás | €€€€ | 9.0 | Awesome breakfast, pool, good restaurant |
Hotel Pascual Andino | €€€€+ | 9.4 | modern, luxurios ressort with pool, great breakfast |
2. Valparaíso
During your stay, I recommend exploring the central hills like Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre. You’ll find plenty of cafés, galleries, and some of the best views in town. Make sure to hop on one of the old-fashioned funiculars. It's a fun and very local experience. The maritime museum is also worth a visit if you’re curious about chilean naval history.
Accommodation
Since many of the best hotels and guesthouses are built on the hills, expect excellent views over the city and bay. Casa Volante was my home base here and a solid pick for anyone looking to explore cultural highlights and local nightlife. Below are a few more great options for your trip:
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Casa Volante | € | 8.6 | great location, good breakfast selection, budget friendly |
La Casa Piola | € | 9.3 | lovely atmospehere, rooftop terrace, good value for money |
Pontoval B&B | €€ | 9.8 | pool, good breakfast, modern interior |
Hotel Winebox | €€€ | 9.0 | unusual accommodation (remodelled shipping containers), great view and good breakfast |
Zero Hotel | €€€ | 9.2 | Hotel with lovely garden and terrace, good breakfast |
3. Santiago de Chile
In the historic center, you’ll find several important landmarks, including the cathedral and a bronze statue of Pedro de Valdivia, the city's founder. Santiago is also a great starting point for day tours into the nearby Andes or the vineyards just outside the city. If you're planning to travel deeper into Chile, this is also a good place to organize the next legs of your trip—whether heading to Patagonia or the Atacama.
Tours
You’ll find a range of excellent day tours that give you a solid intro to Santiago and its surroundings:
- Santiago de Chile: Day Tour to the Highlights by Bike
- Santiago: Private Tour with Optional Lunch and Wine
- Vineyard Tour: Concha y Toro and Undurraga
- Cajón del Maipo and Embalse del Yeso Day Tour
Accommodation
Over the years I’ve stayed in a few different spots in Santiago, from cozy hostels to stylish boutique hotels. Most recently, I picked Tambo Verde in the Bellavista district. A great mix of comfort and location. Here are my top picks to help you plan your stay:
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde | $ | 9.5 | good atmosphere, lovely hosts, solid breakfast |
Casa Bellavista | $+ | 9.0 | central location, modern, good breakfast |
One NK Apartments | $$ | 9.2 | very modern, good location next to metro, rooms with balcony |
Hotel Los Españoles Plus | $$$ | 9.0 | comfortable, rooftop terrace with pool, great breakfast |
4. Punta de Lobos
You’ll see locals and travelers hanging out on the cliffs, admiring the views, and soaking up the fresh ocean breeze. It’s one of those corners of the country that feels off the beaten path yet still welcoming.
Accommodation
Hotels and hostels in Pichilemu are a bit more basic, but prices are lower than in most other tourist spots. If you prefer more comfort, check out Hotel Mar y Vino: definitely worth it for the views and vibe!
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Kom Hostal (meine Wahl) | € | 8.3 | very friendly owner, great central location, very affordable |
Hostel Moreno | € | 8.6 | good location, lovely terrace, excellent breakfast |
Hotel Mar & Vino | €€€ | 8.0 | central location, modern interior, breakfast included, great restaurants and bars on the ground floor |
5. Villarrica Volcano
Climbing the volcano isn’t always possible due to changing activity levels, but even when the summit is off-limits, it’s still worth coming here. There are plenty of hot springs nearby to relax in—perfect after a long day of exploring the region…or post climbing the volcano.
Tour
You can book the Villarrica volcano climb in advance here:
Accommodation
Pucón has a beautiful setting and offers plenty of great places to stay. On my last trip, I stayed at Newen Bed and Breakfast—the modern room and excellent breakfast were a real treat. Here are my top accommodation picks:
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Chili Kiwi Lakefront Backpackers | $ | 9.0 | good value for money, great location at the lake, good atmosphere |
Lucky's Hostel | $$ | 9.6 | central location, sympathetic hosts, breakfast included |
B&B HMüller | $$ | 9.4 | cozy, helpful staff |
Newen B&B (my choice) | $$ | 8.8 | great central location, modern and cozy interior, good breakfast, very good value for money |
Hotel Küyen-Ko | $$ | 9.0 | family run hotel, rustic |
Maki Hotel | $$$ | 9.2 | modern boutique hotel, great breakfast |
6. Conguillío National Park
This national park is definitely a highlight in the east of the Araucanía region. One of the best hiking trails is the Sierra Nevada trek, taking you through old Araucaria forests with fantastic views of the Llaima volcano and the lakes below. If you love hiking and nature, this park should be high on your list of attractions to visit in Chile!
7. Puerto Varas
The nearby Osorno volcano is a must-see in this part of the country. Unlike Villarrica, you don’t need hiking boots to get amazing views – you can drive quite far up and enjoy the scenery without breaking a sweat.
Tours
There are several great tours you can book in advance from Puerto Varas:
Accommodation
I stayed at a cozy B&B just a short walk from the lake and town center. Prices in Puerto Varas tend to be a bit higher, but the town has a lot of charm and is one of the safer places to visit in Chile.
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
MaPatagonia Hostel | € | 9.6 | great location, kitchen well equipped, lovely staff |
Casa Apel | € | 9.1 | spacious rooms but cozy and very clean |
B&B Puerto Austral | €€ | 9.0 | great location right at the lake, helpful staff, beautiful rooms |
Hotel Dein Haus | €€€ | 9.0 | unique panorama, great breakfast |
Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas | €€€€ | 9.2 | exclusive resort in great location, comfortable rooms and rich breakfast |
8. Chiloé Island
The best base for exploring the island is the town of Castro. Known for its colorful stilt houses (palafitos), iconic wooden churches, and great food scene, it offers the best infrastructure for travelers on Chiloé.
Tours
If you’re short on time, you can also book a day trip from Puerto Varas to Chiloé:
- Chiloé Day Trip (from Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt)
Accommodation
For a real local experience, try staying in one of the stilt house hotels (I recommend Sizigia):
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Estación Hostel | € | 9.6 | Great location, very friendly owners happy to share tips on restaurants and places to visit, shared kitchen, optional breakfast for a small fee |
Palafito Hostel | €€ | 9.0 | More like a small B&B, located in a traditional palafito, cozy modern rooms, good breakfast included |
Alma Chilota | €€€ | 9.4 | Palafito right on the water with a stunning panoramic view from the living room, great atmosphere, excellent breakfast included |
Sizigia Hotel | €€€ | 8.8 | Boutique hotel in a beautiful waterfront location, modern rooms with amazing views, good breakfast included – one of my favorite cafés with a lovely outdoor terrace is on the ground floor |
9. Pumalín National Park
The landscapes and wildlife are incredible here, with much of the area covered in temperate rainforest. The park offers several rewarding hikes, well-maintained campsites, and scenic trails. One of the best things to do is hike up to the Chaitén volcano—the very one that devastated the nearby town during its eruption years ago. Standing on the crater rim really gives you a sense of nature’s force.
You can see more from this section and the rest of Patagonia in my Patagonia video documentary:
Accommodation:
Along the Carretera Austral, staying in small family-run guesthouses is the norm. Here are my personal recommendations for a cozy and authentic stay in Chaitén:
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Tenchita Homestay | $$ | 8.8 | simple private rooms, breakfast included, lovely hosts |
Paraiso Patagonico | $$ | 8.6 | great hosts, nice breakfast, very clean |
Chucao Bosque y Cabanas | $$ | 8.9 | Chalet's in the forrest in the outskirts of Chaiten, helpful staff |
Tranqueras del Monte | $$$ | 8.1 | comfortable accommodation with great breakfast and a lot of space, perfect for families and small groups |
10. Futaleufú
I went on a multi-day rafting trip here and highly recommend it. The trip wasn’t just thrilling—it also gave me the chance to truly disconnect and soak in the natural beauty of the region.
Accommodation:
To start your rafting trip well-rested, here are my recommended places to stay in Futaleufú:
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Hostería Futaleufu | $ | 9.1 | location, atmosphere |
Hostal Las Natalias | $$ | 8.8 | beautiful surrounding, friendly staff |
Hotel El Barranco | $$$ | 9.3 | breakfast, upscale hotel with pool |
11. Queulat Glacier
In Queulat National Park you can follow a short trail that takes you to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the glacier. I recommend starting the hike as early as possible to enjoy the view before the day tours arrive.
Accommodation:
As with many other towns in this part of Patagonia, I found a place to stay on the spot right after arriving. That said, many accommodations are now available for online booking and I recommend booking in advance in the summer months:
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Hostal Robinson | $ | 8.7 | simple but cozy private rooms, lovely hosts |
Hostal Scarlett | $ | 8.3 | great value for money, helpful staff |
Los Mañíos Del Queulat | $$ | 8.6 | cozy, delicious breakfast and good in-house restaurant |
Eco Cabañas Wanderlust | $$ | 8.8 | beautiful bungalows just outside of Puyuhuapi |
Cabanas Senderos Puyuhuapi | $$$ | 9.5 | spacious bungalows with great breakfast - ideal for families and groups |
12. Cerro Castillo
Accommodation:
The only bookable and highly recommended place to stay is the Cerro Castillo B&B, which is located close to the park entrance and the start of the trail.
13. Marble Caves
Accommodation:
As with many other towns along the Carretera Austral, you can find simple guesthouses here. In summer, however, it’s a good idea to book in advance:
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Los alamos | $ | 8.2 | value for money, central location |
APART HOME COSTANERA | $$ | 8.9 | hospitality, central location |
Apart Hotel y Cabañas Valle Exploradores | $$$ | 7.4 | central location |
Chelenko Lodge | $$$ | 8.4 | incredible remote location by the lake |
14. Patagonia National Park
The town of Cochrane is a great base for hikes in the park, especially with the Tamango sector located right on its eastern edge. From here, you can also access other areas of this massive park. Depending on the season, local transport and tour options are available from Cochrane.
Accommodation:
Cochrane now offers a small but solid selection of places to stay. Due to limited capacity, it’s smart to reserve ahead of time:
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Hostal Lejana Patagonia (my choice) | $ | 8.0 | best value for price, good breakfast, basic rooms in very central location |
Cabañas Rincon del Sur | $$$ | 9.4 | spacious but cozy bungalow located on a hill overlooking Cochrane |
Kalfu Patagonia | $$$$ | 9.5 | modern apartments, good location, solid breakfast, great atmosphere |
Hotel Último Paraíso | $$$$ | 9.6 | friendly staff, cozy, good breakfast |
15. Tortel
Its location at the end of a fjord and the unique wooden architecture make Tortel one of the most unforgettable Destinations in southern Chile.
16. O'Higgins Glacier
Besides the glacier excursion, you can also start another unique adventure from here: the border hike to El Chaltén.
Accommodation:
To explore the attractions at the southern end of the Carretera Austral, I recommend staying at El Mosco Hostel. Due to the remote location, reservations are usually not necessary (this applies to dorms and camping). If you’re looking for more comfort, check out the Rumbo Sur lodge – a stylish mix of rustic charm and luxury, complete with a hot tub.
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
El Mosco Hostel | € | - | great atmosphere, best value for money, solid breakfast (private rooms) |
Puesto Canogas Hostel | €€ | 9.6 | great breakfast, lovely hosts, good location |
Hotel Rumbo Sur | €€€€ | 9.1 | very comfortable, exclusive lodge with good breakfast and great service |
17. Torres del Paine
Check out my Torres del Paine trekking guide for tips on how to plan your independent outdoor adventure.
Tours:
Due to high demand and limited availability of campsites and trail permits, joining a tour is often the easiest way to experience the park. Local tour operators have reserved spots, and you'll save yourself the hassle of organizing everything – this applies to both day trips and multi-day treks including guide services and transportation:
- Full-Day Tour of Torres del Paine
- Day Hike to the Torres Base
- Boat Tour to the Grey Glacier in TdP
- Torres del Paine – The “W” Trek (6 days)
- Torres del Paine “O” Circuit (11 days)
Accommodation:
Yes, the hotels located directly inside the park are pricey – but they also offer truly unique views and experiences that are hard to find elsewhere in Patagonia. If you’re looking for something extra special, these options are definitely worth considering:
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Ecocamp Patagonia | $$$ | 9.1 | location, glamping at its best |
Hotel Lago Grey | $$$ | 8.6 | close to glaciar grey, incredible viewpoints |
Hotel Las Torres | $$$$ | 7.9 | tour options, most central location inside the park |
Explora Patagonia | $$$$$ | 9.8 | Hands down one of the best and most exclusive places to stay in all of Patagonia! |
18. Balmaceda Glacier
When you are back in Puerto Natales, take a short walk along the waterfront promenade for sunset – here you’ll also find an iconic statue of the Milodón, the prehistoric creature discovered in a nearby cave.
Tour:
Due to its popularity, it’s best to book in advance. I reserved my spot two weeks ahead with the following company – they offered one of the more affordable packages and I had a great experience:
Accommodation:
Over the years, I’ve stayed in a number of places in Puerto Natales – I actually spent a total of five weeks here during my Patagonia trips. Here are my favorites accommodations:
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Xalpen B&B | $ | 8.7 | best budget option, modern rooms, awesome panorama from common area, breakfast included (basic) |
Yagan House | $$ | 9.3 | relaxed atmosphere, cozy common areas, in-house equipment rental, great breakfast, central location |
Hostal Los Pinos | $$ | 8.7 | good location next to central square, great value for money, breakfast included (basic), friendly staff |
Hostal Treehouse Patagonia | $$$ | 9.9 | lovely atmosphere, cozy and comfortable rooms, breakfast included, helpful staff |
Toore Patagonia (***) | $$$ | 9.3 | well equipped spacious bungalows, modern design, comfortable and cozy, good location |
NOI Indigo Patagonia (Boutique Hotel) | $$$$ | 7.9 | mountain lodge style, great location at the waterfront, awesome breakfast, sauna and spa |
The Singular Patagonia Hotel (****) | $$$$$ | 9.5 | best hotel in town, luxurious and exclusive experience, pool, spa, incredible breakfast, on-site museum, on-site restaurant (best in town) |
19. Isla Magdalena
Before heading to Isla Magdalena, make sure to stroll through Punta Arenas. Look out for the statue of Ferdinand Magellan in the main square, where locals and travelers rub the foot for good luck. From Punta Arenas, it’s also easy to continue your journey to Ushuaia. If time allows, this might even be your gateway to exploring the southernmost destination in Argentina as well.
Accommodation:
Punta Arenas has a good range of smaller hotels and guesthouses with solid value. I’ve used the city as a base multiple times and can therefore recommend several options:
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Hostal Balmaceda | € | 8.0 | simple but budget-friendly & clean private rooms |
Hostal Buenavista Patagonia | € | 9.5 | best value for money in town, nice rooms with good breakfast included |
Apart Hotel Endurance | €€ | 9.0 | modern furnished apartments with Kitchenette, breakfast included |
Apart Hotel Quillango | €€ | 9.1 | comfortable, spacious apartment in a good location, friendly service, breakfast included |
Hotel Ilaia | €€€ | 9.2 | lovely small hotel with cozy atmosphere and great breakfast |
20. Isla Navarino
This circular trek is demanding and only recommended for experienced hikers. You’ll need to be fully equipped, including GPS and solid camping gear. But if you're up for the challenge, the rewards in this part of the region are unforgettable.
Accommodation:
Even at the end of the world, you’ll find a few good places to stay. Availability is very limited though, so booking ahead is a must. I can personally recommend both El Padrino and Hotel Fio Fio. For something truly unique, check out the Errante Ecolodge:
Budget | Rating | Reasons to stay | |
---|---|---|---|
Refugio El Padrino (Hostel & Camping) | € | 8.0 | Simple hostel with dorm rooms and an adjacent campground, shared kitchen, very kind host, great atmosphere, very budget-friendly |
Hotel Forjadores | €€ | 8.3 | Cozy, family-run place with warm hosts, excellent breakfast included, central location, transfer to airport or ferry available on request |
Hotel Fio Fio | €€€ | 9.7 | Great value for money, modern facilities, very cozy, good breakfast included, helpful hosts |
Errante Ecolodge | €€€€ | 9.2 | Ecolodge in an exclusive location, very modern and cozy interior, fantastic breakfast included, unique panoramic view, shuttle service included, on-site restaurant |
Chile Tours
After working with G Adventures on trips in Peru, Cuba, Tanzania, Bhutan, and Costa Rica, I can highly recommend their small group tours. They focus on sustainability and support local businesses, which is exactly what I look for when choosing a tour:
- Highlights of Chile & Argentina – a diverse 10-day tour covering top sights in Chile and a few must-see spots in Argentina. From Santiago to Valparaiso, Pucon, Bariloche, a Gaucho-style asado, and tango in Buenos Aires. Includes some meals, guides, hotels, domestic flights, bus travel, and several tours.
- Discover Chile & Argentina – a 9-day National Geographic adventure through both countries’ cities and nature. Includes food experiences, waterfalls, lake hikes, and a tango class. Hotels, flights, guides, minibuses, ferry rides, and exclusive NatGeo experiences included.
- Hike Patagonia XL – an active 14-day tour visiting the top trekking highlights in Patagonia: the W Trek in Torres del Paine, El Chaltén (Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre), and El Calafate (Perito Moreno Glacier). Includes meals, guides, camps, tents, hotels, transport, and porters.
- Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego – a 14-day tour combining Patagonia’s best with Tierra del Fuego, including the W Trek, Fitz Roy, Perito Moreno Glacier, and Ushuaia. Meals, guides, accommodations, transport, and gear included.
Places to Visit in Chile: What Are Your Favorites?
With this post, I want to help you plan your trip to Chile. Have you been to Chile yourself? What places to visit in Chile would you personally recommend? If you have any extra tips on restaurants, hotels, hikes, or unique experiences across the country, I’d love to hear them—feel free to reach out via Instagram!
Note: This travel guide about the best places to visit in Chile includes affiliate links. These are all providers and services I personally use and trust. If you book through these links, you can support this blog at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions, experiences, and sarcastic remarks are my own. If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it or bookmark it for your future travel planning.