Reason to visit Chile
With the soaring Andes to the east, the pounding Pacific to the west, Patagonian fjords down south and an immense desert up north, Chile is the kind of diverse natural playground that adventure lovers dream about.
Yet, this thin South American country also boasts vibrant cities, enigmatic islands and rolling vinelands dotted with world-class wineries.
Below, we look at the 10 spots you won’t want to miss.
San Pedro de Atacama – Best place to access the Atacama Desert
Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
Santiago
Pucón – Best place to hike and ski a volcano
Valparaíso – Best place for sweeping views and street art
Aysén – Best place to get away from it all
The Colchagua Valley – Best place for wine
Chiloé – Best place for mythology and ghost stories
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine – Best place for hiking
The Elqui Valley – Best place for stars and pisco
At between 1650 and 2206 meters (5413-7237ft) above sea level, Viñedos de Alcohuaz is one of Chile’s highest-altitude wineries. It produces some truly experimental (and spectacular) bottles, and has a Bond-like underground tasting room.
UNESCO World Heritage Sights
Rapa Nui National Park
Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso
Churches of Chiloé
Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works
Sewell Mining Town
Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System