10 Best Things to Do in Santiago, Chile

Despite its humble size, Chile packs a punch with its offerings. This slim but long South American nation (average 180 km wide and 4300 km long) flaunts diverse terrains from the moon-like dry Atacama desert in the north to vineyards running through its length, the Andes Mountains forming its spine, lakes and volcanoes along the way, and glaciers in Patagonia in Chile’s south. Visitors are spoiled for choice! Most flock to Patagonia to explore Torres del Paine National Park and its amazing hiking trails, others opt to holiday in the mysterious Easter Island, and some enjoy the Bohemian cities. If you are planning a trip to Chile and are looking for inspiration, our handy list of 18 things to do in Chile below is a good place to start.

While most people are familiar with Patagonia in the South of Chile, far fewer are acquainted with Chile’s Lake District. Greener and less rugged than its Patagonian counterpart, the Lake District is bathed in vivid green and peppered with brilliant, turquoise lakes. Blessed with gorgeous backdrops of snow-capped mountains and verdant valleys, the magical scenery of the Lake District gives Switzerland some tough competition. But this Latino wonder is more than just a pretty face. The Lake District in Chile has all kinds of exciting and exotic things to see and do; from exploring nature and getting an adrenaline rush, to getting in touch with its unmistakably Chilean cultural. Whether you plan on a tour of Chile's Lake District or heading out solo, listed below are the top things to do in Chile’s Lake District, in no particular order.

Chile is home to some of the most staggering landscapes in the world. With the Atacama Desert in the North, the mountains of Patagonia in the South, and so much in between, this long, thin nation is not short of natural beauty. And while there are many adventure activities to undertake in Chile, perhaps one that stands out amongst them is whitewater kayaking. In fact, kayakers have been making pilgrimage to Chile for years now just to get a piece of the action. But, what makes kayaking in Chile so great? Aside from the chance to kayak between icy glaciers, the main reasons why a tour to Chile is so appealing are its accessibility, mild climates and excellent infrastructure. To find out more about some of the best rivers in Chile for kayaking, read through the list (in no particular order) below:

When people think ‘skiing,’ they often think of the Alps in Europe or the Rockies in the USA, but there is a lesser-known gem in South America just waiting for snow bunnies. Chile boasts more than 10 world-class ski resorts sprinkled north to south through the Andes Mountains, with the large majority concentrated around Santiago. Every year more and more skiers learn about the wonders of skiing in Chile, increasing the popularity of this hidden gem. This year, Chile is expecting to see 1.4 million skiers hit their ski slopes due to its incredible snow, slopes for all skill levels, and outstanding accommodations. This adventure destination will have you alpine, heli-skiing, freestyling, and backcountry skiing through the iconic Andes Mountains, at amazing resorts, and over volcanos. Ski Chile from July through September to take advantage of the deeper snow and longer days of the southern hemisphere winter. So when the summer heat gets too much for you, grab your skis and prepare for a Chile tour to cool off. Below we are highlighting some of the best ski destinations in Chile for you (in no particular order):

Although Chilean food has taken much inspiration from its European heritage, it has carved a niche for itself in the world food culture. The Chilean food dishes menu is a list of bright, flavorful, and wholesome meals that can put a large smile on the face of any foodie. Mostly comprising of meat, seafood, and vegetables, depending on the dish’s geographic origin, they are best eaten alongside local wine or pisco sour, a tangy local drink. Let’s look at the 10 most popular Chilean foods you must try during your tour to Chile.

The Carretera Austral, also known as Chile’s Route 7, is the country’s most challenging and yet wildly beautiful road trip. Stretching 1,240 km through Chile, from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins in Patagonia, the route takes you through untamed landscapes that constantly change and evolve. One moment the road will be fringed with lush, dense forests and the next you will be driving through stark, rugged wilderness with snow-capped mountains forming the backdrop. The entirety of the area is sparsely populated, allowing visitors to truly detach from modern civilization and lose themselves in the lap of nature. There’s no doubt that a road trip along the Carretera Austral will be a trip of a lifetime.

Chile won the award for “Best Adventure Travel Destination” two times in a row during 2015 and 2016 in the World Travel Awards. That alone speaks about the amazing adventure activities the country has to offer. Albeit its small size, Chile has one of the most diverse landscapes in South America that plates up a contrasting assemblage of mountain ranges, deserts, fjords, glaciers, and volcanoes, making Chile one of the best adventure playgrounds in the world. If you are an adventure bug, craving for your next big adrenaline rush, a trip to Chile will fulfill your wishes. Below are seven big outdoor activities in Chile, listed in random order, that will satiate even the most adventurous people.

From the fields of Patagonia, the ones that influenced Bruce Chatwin, to the endless mystery of the Easter Islands, there are a million things for you to do in Chile, an ecologically diverse country that has been a surprise to travelers for centuries. One of the most frequent questions people ask while planning their itinerary is when to visit Chile. Weather in Chile can vary quite a bit, and the seasons will definitely affect your plans. So, what is the best time to visit Chile? Let’s take a look.

You’re bumping along an unpaved road, thankful you sprung for the 4-wheel drive rental car. Enormous mountains surround you on all sides, soaring up and disappearing into the clouds. You haven’t seen another soul on the road since morning and your stomach’s reminding you it’s past lunch time. Suddenly, the road terminates and you’re faced with a massive body of water. Nearby, a ferry bobs silently in the mist, ready to catapult you ahead on your epic quest. You just reached the first out of three ferry crossings on your daring road trip down Chile’s Carretera Austral and the adventure is just beginning. This could be a day in your travel life if you decide to go on a Chile tour. At over 2,600 miles long with mountainous terrain and remote regions, Chile presents traveling challenges. However, a trip here is not without its rewards. From rich local culture, to authentic towns, to the most untouched natural areas on the planet, the places to visit in Chile make all the effort to reach them completely worth it. Check out the top 12 Chile destinations to visit:

With around 3000 miles of coastline it should come as little surprise that Chile boasts some excellent beaches. Golden sand is a staple in this notably thin country and it’s perfect for nestling down with a good book and catching some rays. What’s better is that these beautiful Chilean beaches are usually rested in equally charming towns, that add character as well as comfort to them. You don't want to miss them on your next Chile trip! Here are what we think are the best beaches in Chile (in no particular order), along with the respective beach towns.

From dramatic glaciers to majestic peaks to vast grasslands and national parks teeming with wildlife, Patagonia offers unrivaled natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventure opportunities. The region straddles Chile and Argentina and can be accessed from both countries. In this article, we will look into the ways you can travel to Patagonia via Chile. Santiago, the bustling metropolis and capital of Chile, is an ideal starting point for Patagonia tours, offering convenient access and a wide range of travel options.

Chile is a travel destination unlike any other. The slender country runs from north to south and features all kinds of landscapes including glacier-filled Patagonia in the south, the stony terrain of the Atacama Desert in the north, the lakes and volcanoes of the Lake District and even secluded Easter Island, a Chilean territory in the Pacific Ocean. The country is also home to cultural hotspots including the capital, Santiago, which is surrounded by the Andes mountains, and the port city Valparaiso. Here is an overview of possible Chile itineraries to help you plan your trip to Chile, depending on how long or short you want the stay to be.