Want to visit Chile, but don’t know where to start? With the country of Chile stretching 2,700 miles along the Southwest of South America, there are plenty of places to visit. Chile also has the most diverse terrain of all the South American countries so regardless of your preferred climate or activity for your vacation, this country has you covered!

Know you want to visit Chile, but don’t know where to start in your planning? With the country of Chile stretching 2,700 miles along the Southwest of South America, it’s not easy to decide where to go. The country of Chile also has the most diverse terrain of all the South American countries so regardless of your climate or activity preferences for your Chile vacation, this country has you covered!

The country of Chile also has the most diverse terrain of all the South American countries so regardless of your climate or activity preferences for your Chile vacation, this country has you covered!

Central Chile – Wine, History and Coastal Beauty

Most people break up Chile into the Northern and Southern regions, especially for their vacation planning. Sticking to either the North or the South makes navigating the country a bit easier and less time consuming. These two regions are divided by the central area containing the capital city of Santiago nestled below the Andes Mountains. In Santiago you’ll find a bustling metropolis with historical sites and museums galore. A few days in this city will definitely satisfy your big city travel desires.

Casablanca Valley wine region

Around an hour outside of the city of Santiago you’ll find Casablanca Valley wine region, where your taste buds will be the ones enjoying all the entertainment. Spend the afternoon touring the vineyards, learning how the wine is made, petting the wildlife and most importantly… partaking in the product.

Wine fields and barrels in the Casablanca Valley
Casablanca Valley

After downing a few dozen reds and whites, time to head for the blue… coast that is. Just a little further west than Casablanca Valley, bask in the sunlight and white sand beaches at one of the chic seaside resorts of Vina del Mar. If you’re looking for a bit more culture, color and street art, wander over to one of Chile’s other major cities, Valparaiso. Also on Chile’s coast it’s a bustling port town that has attracted artists, foodies and anyone seeking a “chill” California-type vibe.

Ports of Valparaiso
Ports of Valparaiso

Northern Chile – Vast Desert

Traveling North from Santiago, or Central Chile, you’ll begin to see completely different landscapes. If peaceful outdoor activities are what you’re seeking, look no further than the Elqui Valley. Breathe in the fresh air on horseback or trek through the green on a refreshing hike. Don’t forget to stop in to the colonial town of La Serena for some culture.

The most notable destination in Northern Chile is the Atacama Desert. To the South of Peru, the Atacama Desert is the driest desert in the world without any ever reported rainfall. You can enjoy the view of your reflection in the salt augmentin sale online flats, the breath-taking jagged peaks and even epic active volcanoes. For the active travelers, spend the day on a sand board speeding down the dunes, star gaze into the clear night sky, ride bikes across the glistening salt flats or just soak up the beauty of this natural phenomenon. Regardless of what you do while in Atacama, it will be a sight you’ll never forget.

Atacama Desert
Atacama Desert

Southern Chile – Mountains, Glaciers, and Outdoor Adventure in Patagonia

While you think you may never see anything as amazing as the coastal town of Valparaiso or the rolling sand dunes of the Atacama Desert, you haven’t seen nothin’ yet! Patagonia, to the country’s Southern region, is the sort of untouched slice of natural beauty that only a handful of people are lucky enough to see in their lifetime.

Take in water views for days in the region’s infamous Lake District. Adventurers should head to El Chalten for horseback riding through the rolling hills or climbing up the jagged rocks for the region’s best views. In the Winter, hold on tight for a cross country dog sled tour.

Coastal Patagonia - Penguins
Coastal Patagonia – Penguins

Rest and relaxation at the coast

Cliffs not your thing? If rest and relaxation is more your idea of adventure, travel to the coast and snap photos of the hundreds of penguins (yes, penguins!) or try your luck on a whale watching trip. Stop in to the sleepy, coastal town of Camarones and spend the afternoon just enjoying the coastal breeze. No matter what type of traveling you like to do, if you make it to Patagonia you must be sure to take in the magnificent glaciers at Parque National los Glaciares and to see the thrilling Glaciar Moreno.

Glaciers in Patagonia
Glaciers in Patagonia

If you have a little extra time in Chile and don’t mind hopping another flight, jump over to Easter Island to see the mysterious moai statues from 1500 AD. This beautiful, quaint island off the coast of mainland Chile is known for its intrigue and beautiful sunsets. So… why not extend a few days and learn more about an ancient civilization?!

While Chile may not be one of the most popular South American destinations, it’s by far the most diverse and interesting. Regardless of what type of traveler you are and what you want to see, there are always plenty of options in the beautiful country of Chile. Let Chile Off Track show you why we love Chile.