12 Things to Do in Chile

You’ll find Chile’s diverse landscapes offer incredible adventures from north to south. Trek Torres del Paine’s W Circuit through granite spires and glacial valleys, stargaze under Atacama’s pristine skies with professional telescopes, and climb Villarrica Volcano for molten lava views. Explore Santiago’s vibrant markets, soak in volcanic hot springs near Pucón, and kayak through sculpted Marble Caves on Lake General Carrera. Experience Valle de la Luna‘s otherworldly sunsets and discover Valparaíso’s colorful hillside neighborhoods for a complete Chilean adventure that reveals hidden gems beyond these highlights.

Trek the W Circuit in Torres Del Paine National Park

One of South America’s most iconic multi-day treks, the W Circuit carves a distinctive “W” shape through Torres del Paine National Park‘s most spectacular landscapes, connecting Grey Glacier, French Valley, and the legendary granite towers in a 65-80 kilometer point-to-point journey.

Plan 4-6 days for this moderate trek, tackling 10-22 kilometers daily. Trek west-to-east to leverage prevailing winds and save the challenging Base de las Torres for last when you’re carrying less weight.

The hardest section awaits at French Valley’s Mirador Británico—expect steep, rocky terrain requiring 6 kilometers of scrambling. Your final day’s 22-kilometer round trip to Base de las Torres demands 800 meters of elevation gain through boulder fields, but you’ll witness Chile’s most photographed granite spires. The trek from Paine Grande to Grey Refugio covers 11 kilometers before an additional 2-kilometer extension reaches the actual glacier viewpoint.

Stargaze in the Atacama Desert From San Pedro De Atacama

When darkness blankets the Atacama Desert, San Pedro de Atacama transforms into one of Earth’s premier stargazing destinations. Exceptional sky conditions—created by extreme aridity, 2,400-meter elevation, and virtually zero light pollution—reveal celestial wonders invisible from most locations worldwide.

You’ll access professional-grade telescopes through local tour operators who offer year-round stargazing experiences featuring astronomy lectures and guided sky interpretation.

Drive just 1 kilometer outside town to Valle de la Luna or Valle de la Muerte for dramatically darker skies and surreal desert backdrops. Professional observatories utilize six state-of-the-art telescopes, including specialized Unistellar equipment for deep-space photography and 12″ Dobsonian Newtonians for detailed planetary observation.

Expert guides teach constellation identification, astrophotography techniques, and Southern Hemisphere highlights like the Magellanic Clouds.

Book small-group tours combining telescope sessions with educational talks about stellar evolution and cosmology for the most all-encompassing experience.

Explore the Colorful Hills of Valparaíso by Funicular

From Chile’s pristine night skies, you’ll discover equally mesmerizing views by day as Valparaíso’s historic funiculars carry you up steep hillsides to panoramic overlooks of the Pacific coastline.

These UNESCO World Heritage elevators, dating from 1883, transport you through vibrant neighborhoods adorned with world-renowned street art. Start with Ascensor Concepción, the oldest funicular climbing at a 45° gradient, then experience Reina Victoria’s dramatic 57° incline.

El Peral connects Plaza Sotomayor with artistic Cerro Alegre, while Artillería ascends to the Naval Museum with sweeping harbor views. Originally built to connect Lower Town businesses with hilltop residential districts, these engineering marvels served the practical needs of European immigrant communities settling on the steep terrain. Bring coins for 100-200 CLP fares and visit hilltop promenades like Paseo Dimalow for sunset photography.

These vintage railways offer authentic access to Valparaíso’s colorful, terraced cityscape.

Climb Villarrica Volcano From Pucón

Adventure seekers flock to Pucón for Chile’s most accessible active volcano climb, where Villarrica’s snow-capped summit at 2,847 meters offers molten lava lake views and Andean panoramas.

You’ll need a certified guide—solo climbing isn’t permitted. Tours cost CLP 80,000-145,000 and include all technical gear: crampons, ice axe, helmet, and gas mask.

The 4-6 hour ascent begins around 6 AM from the ski lodge at 1,400 meters, following switchbacks through volcanic rock before tackling snow-covered slopes.

Consider the chairlift option to save 90 minutes and 400 meters of elevation.

November through April offers the best climbing season, though departures depend on volcanic activity and weather. From the summit, you’ll witness breathtaking views of eight volcanoes and multiple lakes stretching across the landscape.

You’ll spend only 10-20 minutes at the crater rim due to safety restrictions, but the descent takes just 2-3 hours.

Tour Wine Country in the Maipo Valley

Chile’s prestigious Maipo Valley delivers world-class wine experiences just 30-60 minutes from Santiago, making it perfect for day trips after your Andean adventures. Known as the “Bordeaux of South America,” this historic region specializes in exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon from gravelly Alto Maipo vineyards at 1,300-2,500 feet elevation.

Book tours focusing on specific subregions to maximize your tasting experience. Alto Maipo estates like Puente Alto and Pirque offer Chile’s most prestigious labels with structured, age-worthy reds featuring blackcurrant and spice notes. Central Maipo produces approachable, fruit-forward wines perfect for casual tastings.

Visit November through March for ideal vineyard scenery and pre-harvest energy. Most wineries offer guided cellar tours, barrel tastings, and regional cuisine pairings. The arid climate’s unique drip irrigation systems make fascinating talking points during vineyard walks. Don’t miss family-run operations like Antiyal, which has been producing wines since 1996 and offers intimate vineyard tours with tastings and picnic experiences.

Stand Among the Moai Statues on Easter Island

Over 1,000 mysterious moai statues await you on Easter Island (Rapa Nui), where you’ll witness one of the world’s most enigmatic archaeological wonders 2,300 miles off Chile’s coast. These massive 13-foot volcanic stone figures, carved between 1250-1500 CE, represent deified ancestors watching over ancient communities.

Start at Rano Raraku quarry, where 397 moai remain partially buried in volcanic slopes. Visit Ahu Tongariki for the most impressive display—15 restored statues standing together on the largest ceremonial platform.

Don’t miss Anakena Beach’s Ahu Nau Nau, featuring five well-preserved moai with detailed carvings and red scoria topknots. Look closely for statues that once had coral eyes with obsidian or scoria pupils, which were removable during ancient ceremonies.

The statues face inland, symbolically protecting villages with their spiritual power. Plan multiple days to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site properly, as each location reveals different aspects of Rapa Nui’s remarkable stone-carving civilization.

Watch Sunrise at El Tatio Geysers

As dawn breaks across the Andes at 14,000 feet above sea level, you’ll witness El Tatio’s geysers erupting in spectacular 30-foot steam columns against the frigid morning air.

This world’s highest geothermal field creates its most dramatic show when cold temperatures maximize steam density around 6:00-7:00 AM.

You’ll need to depart San Pedro de Atacama by 4:30 AM for the 90-kilometer drive through desert switchbacks.

Bring warm layers—temperatures often drop below freezing at sunrise.

Pay the CLP$10,000 entrance fee in cash only.

Stay behind safety barriers; the 85°C water and unstable ground have caused fatalities. Plan to spend about one hour exploring the geothermal field before the rising sun disperses the dramatic steam formations.

After photographing the steam plumes, you can soak in nearby hot springs while watching vicuñas and llamas graze across the volcanic altiplano landscape.

Take the Ferry Through Chile’s Marble Caves

While most visitors expect typical cave exploration, you’ll discover that Chile’s Marble Caves require a completely different approach—navigating by boat or kayak through the turquoise waters of Lake General Carrera in remote Patagonian wilderness.

These calcium carbonate formations, sculpted over 6,000+ years, create stunning marble chapels and cathedrals accessible only through licensed operators from Puerto Río Tranquilo. The caves showcase vibrant mineral hues of pink, blue, green, and yellow created by natural mineral deposits within the metamorphic limestone.

Book boat tours (10,000-18,000 CLP) for 1-2 hours or kayak excursions (30,000+ CLP) lasting 3-5 hours.

Visit during spring-summer (October-March) when weather’s most stable, and choose early morning departures for ideal lighting.

Water levels determine cave penetration depth—lower levels allow deeper exploration.

Independent access isn’t permitted, so you’ll need guided tours that include equipment and safety briefings for this protected National Monument.

Hike to Grey Glacier in Patagonia

Though Grey Glacier sits within one of Patagonia’s most challenging national parks, you’ll find this iconic hike rewards your effort with front-row views of a massive 6-kilometer-wide glacier tongue calving icebergs into turquoise Lago Grey.

This 23-kilometer round-trip trek from Paine Grande refugio takes 7-8 hours, gaining 573 meters through rocky terrain and exposed lakeshores.

Start early with the 8:30 AM ferry from Cafetería Pudeto to maximize daylight.

If you’re pressed for time, turn around at Mirador Lago Grey (6 kilometers) for satisfying glacier views.

Pack wind protection—Patagonian gusts are notorious. Along the route, you’ll pass the scenic Laguna Los Patos with its rocky islands and windswept conifers.

Consider adding the guided ice trek excursion for crampon hiking directly on the glacier.

Visit December through February for ideal weather and extended daylight hours.

Soak in Natural Hot Springs Near Pucon

Five world-class thermal centers within an hour of Pucón transform this Lake District adventure hub into Chile’s premier hot springs destination. Here, volcanic activity feeds naturally heated pools ranging from intimate forest hideaways to architectural marvels.

Termas Geométricas stands out with 17 stone pools connected by striking red walkways through Valdivian rainforest. Temperatures range from 36–42°C, plus a 6°C waterfall for contrast therapy. The two-hour drive requires 4WD or organized tours.

Closer options include Huife, with pools ranging from 38–58°C beside the Liucura River. Menetue offers 40 hectares of native forest to explore. Pucón Indómito provides night bathing experiences with mountain mist. Most centers provide towels and lockers—bring swimwear only.

Visit during afternoon lulls for fewer crowds, or choose rainy days when outdoor adventures aren’t feasible. The on-site café at Termas Geométricas serves wood-fired pizzas and German-style küchen for a complete mountain retreat experience.

Walk Through Valle De La Luna at Sunset

Just thirteen kilometers west of San Pedro de Atacama, Valle de la Luna transforms into Chile’s most spectacular natural theater as the sun sets over this otherworldly landscape. You’ll witness wind-sculpted rock formations and giant dunes shift through golden, orange, and fuchsia tones as shadows dance across the Cordillera de la Sal.

Book sunset tours departing around 2:00-4:00 PM, visiting iconic sites like Las Tres Marías, the Canyon, and Gran Duna before ending at Ckari or Likan-Antay viewpoints. The Ckari sector stays open until 7:30 PM specifically for sunset access.

Bring layers—temperatures drop quickly at 2,550 meters elevation. Many tours include hotel pickup and return you to San Pedro by 8:30 PM after this unforgettable lunar-like experience. Most guided excursions feature bilingual guides who enhance the experience with expert knowledge of the geological formations and local history.

Explore Santiago’s Markets and Museums

Santiago’s vibrant markets and world-class museums offer you an authentic immersion into Chilean culture, from the bustling seafood stalls of Mercado Central to the ancient treasures housed in the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino.

Start at Mercado Central’s iron-and-glass halls for caldillo de congrio, then cross to La Vega Central for seasonal fruits like cherimoya and lucuma. Visit during morning hours for peak activity. The market was built between 1868-1872 with sections prefabricated in England before serving as Santiago’s premier food destination.

In Barrio Lastarria, explore weekend antiques fairs and contemporary art at MAVI and MAC museums.

The Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino showcases 4,000-10,000 years of pre-Columbian history through exceptional ceramics and textiles.

For crafts, circuit between Los Dominicos’ silverwork, Santa Lucía’s Andean handicrafts, and Bellavista’s street art-inspired pieces. This combination reveals Chile’s culinary traditions, artistic heritage, and contemporary creative scene.

The Sum Up

You’ve got endless adventures waiting across Chile’s diverse landscapes. Pack layers since you’ll encounter everything from desert heat to Patagonian winds. Book accommodations early in peak season (December-February), especially in Torres del Paine and San Pedro de Atacama. Don’t rush—Chile’s massive, so focus on 2-3 regions per trip. Learn basic Spanish phrases; locals appreciate the effort. Bring cash for small towns and remote areas where cards aren’t always accepted.