If you are looking for your next destination, give us a couple of minutes of your time to convince you that Chile should be very high on your list of choices.

Moai, or monolithic human figures, on Easter Island. Photo by Maria Victoria Alister of Santiago, Chile.
This gorgeous country has plenty to offer, from bustling cities to breathtaking deserts and the chance to visit Easter Island. Here’s our list of the top places to visit in Chile.
Easter Island
Easter Island is one of the most isolated islands in the entire world. This, however, does not prevent it from being one of the most popular Chilean tourist attractions.
It is located in the southeast Pacific Ocean and was first visited by European explorers in the 18th century. You already know what they found there: the key reason Easter Island is so popular and so fascinating. The mysterious statues of human faces are called moai, and they were made by the Rapa Nui people. We still don’t know why they were created, though. Was it just artistic expression, were they part of a ritual, or is there something about them we still don’t understand?
There are 887 statues to marvel at on the island, but you can also go hiking, surfing, and diving if you want to make the most of your island stay.
Santiago, Chile
Santiago is the capital of Chile, and it is also the business and administrative center of the country. It is also home to amazing nightlife and a vast number of cultural attractions you shouldn’t miss while staying in the city. If you are looking for a low cost flight, this is where you are most likely to land, so you can take advantage and explore for a day or two before moving on.
Since nearly 40% of the population lives in the capital, Santiago is buzzing with life, and there is always something to do. Just walking down the street will open you up to the culture and language of Chile.
To get to know more about its colonial history, head to the Plaza de Armas, where you’ll find the National History Museum and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
You can also hike out to one of the hills above Santiago and get a magnificent view of the entire city, laid out in the palm of your hand.
Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile
Hiking is a very popular activity in Chile, so you’ll find plenty of trails all over the country. But the Torres Del Paine National Park is most famous for them.
All the trails are clearly marked and well organized, so you can head out on the one that best suits your fitness levels. Most of them will take a couple of hours to complete, but you can also head out on a two-day hike. There are shelters available for your overnight stay as well.
There are tours on the most popular routes, so if you don’t mind moving in a crowd, you’ll benefit from the guide’s knowledge of local wildlife. They will also show you some of the best waterfalls and lakes that are often hidden near your route, and of course, make sure you get back in one piece.
Isla Magdalena, Chile
Isla Magdalena is famous for its penguins. If you are fascinated by these animals, you can take a boat tour to the island (from November to March) and walk among these magnificent animals.
The island is home to the largest penguin colony in southern Chile, and it is only accessible via the boat tour. You can’t get to the island by yourself, and neither should you. On the way, you may also spot some dolphins or even whales!
The island itself is nothing special to see, but the penguins will make your day. They come back here to find their mate, so you will see them in large numbers. Don’t disturb them, and be very careful and gentle while on the island.
Valle del Elqui, Chile
If you want to get away from busy city life and enjoy some fresh air, head out to the Valle del Elqui. It is home to fields of papaya and avocado, but there are also vineyards and distilleries to check out.
You can taste some of the produce or just enjoy the view. There are tours available, and you can also go on a sky-gazing tour, which obviously happens at night. It’s a joyful and glorious experience you can’t find in the city, and that will definitely help you ease your mind and release some of the stress you have been holding on to in your everyday life.
Wrapping Up
Chile is a fantastic destination you should definitely consider exploring. You can go on a self-organized tour and hit all the locations you are most interested in, or you can book a package deal and have a guide help you learn all about the country’s culture and history.
About the Author
More Things to See & Do in South America
About the Photo
The cover photo was taken by Muha04. It was taken in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.
About the Author
The article is by Hannah Thomas, an Australian freelance writer who frequently writes for guide2travel.ca.
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