Things to Do in Chile: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1Torres del Paine National ParkMustPatagonia4.8(11,000)

Chile’s signature wilderness destination delivers the country’s most concentrated combination of big trekking, wildlife viewing and dramatic mountain scenery. Build an itinerary around it rather than treating it as a day trip, and reserve accommodation and transport before finalizing the rest of Patagonia.

Sells out — book weeks aheadStart major trails at first light and avoid the busiest midday viewpoints.

Park access is manageable, but refugios, campsites and the best transport arrangements can sell out well in advance.

Pairs with: Petrohué Waterfalls · Marble Caves

#2Atacama DesertMustNorthern Chile4.5(1,400)

The Atacama is a whole landscape destination rather than one stop: salt flats, lagoons, volcano views and extraordinary night skies all radiate from San Pedro de Atacama. Give it several nights so altitude, weather and tour timing do not dictate every choice.

FreePlan headline excursions at dawn or late afternoon, and leave a flexible day for weather or altitude.

Pairs with: Valley of the Moon · El Tatio · Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works

#3Ahu TongarikiMustEaster Island4.8(3,000)

The island’s most powerful ceremonial platform is the clearest expression of Rapa Nui’s monumental stone figures and their relationship to the volcanic landscape. See it at sunrise if your schedule allows, then return to quieter sites for a less rushed understanding of the island.

1.5h Book aheadSunrise is the iconic time; arrive early because tours gather well before dawn.

Access is covered by the Rapa Nui National Park ticket, which is best arranged before visiting major sites.

Pairs with: Rapa Nui National Park-Land Of the Shark Spirits · Easter Island

#4Rapa Nui National Park-Land Of the Shark SpiritsMustEaster Island4.8(3,000)

The national park protects the archaeological landscapes that make Easter Island unlike anywhere else in Chile, including ceremonial platforms, quarries and volcanic terrain. Visit with a local guide where required and spread your park days across the island rather than racing through highlights.

Book aheadVisit major ceremonial sites early or late; use the middle of the day for drives and smaller stops.

Buy the park ticket in advance and confirm current rules for guided access to sensitive sites.

Pairs with: Ahu Tongariki · Easter Island

#5Easter IslandMustEaster Island4.4(4,800)

Easter Island is a remote destination in its own right, combining Rapa Nui heritage with volcanic coastlines, beaches and a distinctive living culture. Stay long enough to absorb both the archaeological sites and the slower rhythm of the island beyond them.

FreeBook flights and lodging early, then structure sightseeing around changing weather and sunrise or sunset sites.

Pairs with: Rapa Nui National Park-Land Of the Shark Spirits · Ahu Tongariki

#6ValparaísoMustCentral Chile

Valparaíso’s steep, mural-covered hills, worn port-city texture and labyrinthine streets make it Chile’s most characterful urban counterpoint to Santiago. Stay overnight if possible, choose a locally informed walking route, and keep valuables discreet in busier areas.

FreeExplore the hills in daylight, ideally on a weekday morning before visitor groups arrive.

Pairs with: Santiago · Cajón del Maipo

#7El TatioShouldNorthern Chile4.8(8,400)

This high-altitude geyser field is one of the Atacama’s essential dawn outings, best experienced for the steam, cold air and wide-open altiplano setting rather than as an all-day attraction. Go with a reputable acclimatization-conscious operator after spending time in San Pedro de Atacama.

4h Walk upArrive at dawn, when geothermal activity and the light are at their best.

Most visitors go on a prearranged early-morning tour; bring cash for the entrance fee if required.

Pairs with: Atacama Desert · Valley of the Moon

#8Museum of Memory & Human RightsShouldCentral Chile4.7(15,000)

This is Santiago’s most important museum for understanding the human consequences of Chile’s recent political history. Allow time to read and absorb it rather than squeezing it between lighter city sights.

2h FreeWeekday mornings are generally quieter and give the exhibits the attention they deserve.

Pairs with: Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art · Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago

#9Valley of the MoonShouldNorthern Chile4.6(2,400)

This is the Atacama’s most accessible otherworldly landscape, with sculpted salt-and-rock terrain close to San Pedro. It works especially well as a short late-day excursion, leaving fuller days for the altiplano and geysers.

2.5h Book aheadChoose a late-afternoon visit; midday heat and glare diminish the experience.

Reserve ahead for the most popular sunset windows, particularly in peak travel periods.

Pairs with: Atacama Desert · El Tatio

#10Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian ArtShouldCentral Chile4.7(11,000)

The compact, superbly curated collection gives essential context for the cultures that predate modern Chile and makes a strong counterweight to Santiago’s political-history museums. It is a high-value indoor stop near the historic center.

1.5h Walk upVisit near opening for the calmest galleries.

Walk-up entry usually works, though checking opening hours before a Monday visit is wise.

Pairs with: Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago · Museum of Memory & Human Rights · Santiago

#11SantiagoShouldCentral Chile

Chile’s capital is the practical and cultural gateway to the country, with its strongest rewards in museums, food, lively barrios and Andes-backed city views rather than one single monument. Use it for a focused city stay before moving on to the north, lake country or Patagonia.

FreeExplore central districts early on weekdays, then save Bellavista and Lastarria for later in the day.

Pairs with: Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art · La Chascona · Estación Pío Nono Funicular Santiago by Turistik

#12Estación Pío Nono Funicular Santiago by TuristikShouldCentral Chile4.6(12,000)

The funicular is the classic, efficient way up Cerro San Cristóbal and earns its place for the city-and-Andes panorama rather than for the ride alone. Combine it with a walk around the summit rather than treating it as a standalone transport experience.

1.5h Walk upGo near opening or toward dusk on a clear day; midday weekend queues are longest.

Buy on arrival when possible, but expect queues on clear weekends and holidays.

Pairs with: Santiago · La Chascona · Bicentennial Park

#13Termas GeometricasShouldSouthern Chile4.7(8,600)

These architecturally distinctive hot springs are an excellent restorative stop amid the forests and volcanoes of the lake district. They are best used as a deliberate half-day reset between hiking or driving days, not as a quick roadside dip.

3h Book aheadAn early or late session is quieter and more atmospheric than the middle of the day.

Reserve ahead in busy periods, especially if you need transport from Pucón or nearby lodging.

Pairs with: Conguillío National Park · Petrohué Waterfalls

#14La ChasconaShouldCentral Chile4.6(5,500)

Pablo Neruda’s Santiago house offers a vivid, personal route into one of Chile’s defining cultural figures and the city’s bohemian Bellavista district. The timed visit is short, so pair it with the funicular or a neighborhood meal.

1h Book aheadBook an early slot, then explore Bellavista before it becomes busy in the evening.

Timed visits often fill ahead, so reserve before committing to a Bellavista afternoon.

Pairs with: Estación Pío Nono Funicular Santiago by Turistik · Santiago

#15Petrohué WaterfallsShouldSouthern Chile4.8(26,000)

These powerful falls framed by volcanic scenery are one of the most satisfying easy-access stops in the Lake District. They fit naturally into a day around Puerto Varas, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park and lakeside viewpoints.

1.3h Walk upGo close to opening, before day tours arrive from Puerto Varas.

Buy entry on arrival, but arrive early in peak season to avoid parking and tour-bus congestion.

Pairs with: Termas Geometricas · Conguillío National Park

#16Marble CavesShouldPatagonia

The marble formations on Lago General Carrera are among Chilean Patagonia’s most memorable small-scale natural spectacles, seen properly from the water. They reward travelers already driving the Carretera Austral and are less practical as a standalone detour from major cities.

2h Book aheadMorning trips often have calmer water, though conditions matter more than the clock.

Reserve a boat outing ahead in the travel season, while keeping flexibility for wind and lake conditions.

Pairs with: Torres del Paine National Park · Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park

#17Chiloé ChurchesShouldSouthern Chile

Chiloé’s wooden churches reveal a regional culture and architecture quite different from mainland Chile, and they are best encountered as part of a slow island road trip. Pair several churches with markets, coastal villages and local food rather than checking off a single building.

4h FreeWeekday mornings offer the best chance to see village churches without tour groups.

Pairs with: Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park · Petrohué Waterfalls

#18Conguillío National ParkShouldSouthern Chile

This Araucanía park combines volcanic terrain, ancient araucaria forest and excellent day hikes in a setting that feels distinctly Chilean. It is a strong alternative for travelers seeking wilderness without the logistical commitment of Patagonia.

6h Book aheadArrive early for trailhead parking and clearer views before afternoon weather develops.

Check reservation requirements and road conditions before setting out, especially outside the main season.

Pairs with: Termas Geometricas · Petrohué Waterfalls

#19Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National ParkShouldPatagonia

This vast temperate-rainforest park is one of the finest expressions of Chilean Patagonia beyond the Torres del Paine circuit, with fjords, volcanoes and lush hiking country. It works best as part of a Carretera Austral journey and rewards travelers willing to accept slower logistics.

Book aheadBegin hikes early and keep spare time for ferry schedules and rain.

Book transport, ferries and scarce local lodging ahead during the main travel season.

Pairs with: Marble Caves · Chiloé Churches

#20Bicentennial ParkIf timeCentral Chile4.8(56,000)

A polished urban park in Vitacura, it is most useful as a restorative walk, picnic stop or easy break between Santiago museums and restaurants. It is not a reason to cross the city on a short first visit, but it works well if you are staying nearby.

1h FreeGo in late afternoon, when the heat eases and locals come out for a walk.

Pairs with: Santiago · Estación Pío Nono Funicular Santiago by Turistik

#21Valle NevadoIf timeCentral Chile4.6(14,000)

Valle Nevado is the easiest way to pair Santiago with serious Andes scenery, whether you ski in season or simply go for mountain views. Treat it as a weather-dependent full-day escape, not an urban attraction.

6h Book aheadTravel on a weekday and depart Santiago early to avoid mountain-road traffic.

In ski season, reserve transport and lift access ahead, especially for weekends and holidays.

Pairs with: Santiago · Cajón del Maipo

#22Metropolitan Cathedral of SantiagoIf timeCentral Chile4.7(6,100)

On Plaza de Armas, the cathedral is a worthwhile short stop that anchors an exploration of Santiago’s historic center. Its value is contextual: combine it with nearby streets, museums and cafés rather than making a special journey for it alone.

30m FreeVisit during a weekday morning, outside service times, for a more relaxed look inside.

Pairs with: Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art · Santiago · Museum of Memory & Human Rights

#23Cajón del MaipoIf timeCentral Chile4.8(4,100)

This Andean valley is Santiago’s accessible escape for mountain air, reservoirs, hot springs and outdoor excursions. It is most worthwhile for travelers with extra time or those who cannot continue south to the lake district or Patagonia.

7h Walk upLeave Santiago very early; road traffic can consume much of the day.

Most tours and transport should be arranged ahead for weekends, though the landscape itself has no single ticket.

Pairs with: Santiago · Valle Nevado

#24Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter WorksIf timeNorthern Chile

These abandoned nitrate works give the Atacama region a human and industrial history that the desert’s natural scenery alone cannot convey. Visit from Iquique if your northern itinerary extends beyond San Pedro de Atacama.

2h Walk upGo early or late in the day, when desert temperatures are more comfortable.

Entry is generally arranged on arrival or through an Iquique excursion.

Pairs with: Atacama Desert · El Tatio