The 10 best places to visit in Chile

1. Santiago

Chile’s charming capital – Santiago – is a sprawling, bustling metropolis. And the perfect starting point for adventures. Encircled by the snow-smeared peaks of the Andes Mountains and dotted with white-thorned vachellia caven brimming with bright yellow flowers – natural and urban elements intertwine perfectly here. Between striking neoclassical architecture and palm-scattered plazas, we’ll show you the best places to visit in Santiago. Just follow in our footsteps. Or those of our expert guides, at any rate. This is luxury travel in Chile, Black Tomato style.

Things to do in Santiago

Between visiting Cerro Santa Lucia with its glittering fountains and picturesque terraces and marveling at the intricate architecture of Catedral Metropolitana – our private guides will show you the very heart of the city. At Mercado Central, watch as locals haggle for the best Chilean ingredients. Fresh locos (sea snails), creamy chirimoya (custard apples), sweet maqui (Chilean wineberries). Amongst colorful produce-laden stalls, you’ll sample traditional dishes like seafood empanadas at one of the market’s many tucked-away restaurants.

But that’s not all. For unrivalled views of Santiago, we’ll take you to Parque Metropolitano. It’s here that Cerro San Cristobal’s iconic statue resides, reached by a winding stone walkway. By daylight, stood between clear blue skies and luscious greenery. By night, illuminated against a backdrop of darkness and twinkling city lights. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best tourist attractions in Chile. Next up? An evening spent sampling fine Chilean wines – and tasting some delicious Chilean cuisine. Don’t mind if you do.

Where to stay in Santiago

When it comes to the best places to stay in Santiago, we tried to narrow it down to just one. But we couldn’t. So we’ll tell you three instead.

First up, The Singular. This luxurious and tranquil retreat boasts elegant interior design with neoclassical features, soft lighting, and muted tones. Here, surrounded by picturesque churches and fascinating museums, it’s all about peaceful relaxation in the heart of downtown Santiago. Take a dip in the rooftop pool and feel your worries drift away as you look out over the glittering Lastarria neighborhood.

Another? Amid Santiago’s trendy El Centro district lies a beautifully preserved mansion decorated with original stained glass windows. Or Hotel Magnolia, as it’s otherwise known. Perfectly positioned close to all the city’s must-see sights, here you’ll wind your way through beautiful parks and historical monuments before heading up to the hotel’s private rooftop terrace – cocktail in hand. Alternatively, relax with an in-room massage in your private suite, surrounded by elegant art deco touches. Now that’s what we call service.

Encircled by glimmering skyscrapers, luxury boutiques, and its own luscious gardens, one of the most glamorous places to stay in Santiago has to be Mandarin Oriental Santiago. A serene oasis situated in the exclusive neighborhood of Las Condes (and one with its own lagoon-like swimming pool complete with waterfall), this is the perfect place to unwind. With stunning views of the Andes Mountains to the east and San Cristobal Hill to the west, everything is at your fingertips. Opting for the Executive Suite, you’ll have access to your very own spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the city skyline, perfect for watching the sunset – or for enjoying a private dinner beneath the stars. The choice is yours.

If you’d like to stay in one (or more) of these stylish retreats, our luxury Travel Experts will be happy to arrange it as part of your bespoke trip to Chile. Just say the word.

2. Torres Del Paine

Where sprawling ice fields meet snow-capped mountains, towering granite spires pierce vast open skies in the iconic Torres del Paine National Park. A breath-taking expanse of wilderness – this is one of the best places to visit in Chile. And every escapist’s dream. Here, you’ll head off the beaten path, tracking pumas and llama-like guanacos – keeping your eyes peeled for a rare sighting of the endangered Andean deer. Horse-riding through mesmerizing landscapes of ice and mighty peaks, you’ll weave your way through luscious valleys adorned with the vivid red flowers of Chilean fire trees.

To top it off, we’ll arrange for you to stay at an exclusive lodge truly at the heart of nature: Explora Patagonia. Perched overlooking the shores of the turquoise-tinted Lake Pehoe, this hidden retreat offers striking views of the Paine ridge and the iconic granite towers. Heading out into astoundingly beautiful landscapes (and the purest mountain air), you’ll hike and horse ride to your heart’s content. What more could you want from a Chilean adventure? Except, perhaps, an indulgent soak in an open-air jacuzzi. Walk a few steps to the lodge’s Ona Bathhouses, you’ll have that too. Along with mesmerizing views of Lago Pehoe and Macizo del Paine.

3. Patagonia National Park

Home to glistening lakes, rugged peaks, and glittering glaciers, the untamed wilderness of Patagonia awaits. And with over 750,000 acres of picturesque landscapes, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice. Here, peaceful remoteness and undisputed beauty go hand in hand in effortless harmony. This is a place for those hearing the call of the wild. We did – and still do. That’s why we sent a few of our team here for some in-depth field research – spending their days in the wilderness, exploring barely-trodden trails flanked by bright blue lagoons and clay-red peaks. One of their favorite activities? The Lagunas Altas full-day trek. It left them breathless – in the best possible way. And you can catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their adventures here.

But that’s not all. With the largest private land donation ever to be made by a private entity to a country and the conservation effort of the Tompkins Conservation Foundation, this captivating National Park has recently reached new heights. And you can be amongst the first to pioneer these new wilds. Just ask one of our luxury Travel Experts. They’ll make it happen.

4. Atacama

A visit to Chile’s Atacama Desert isn’t quite a trip to Mars – but it’s not far off. Ruby-red sands and dust-coated rocky terrain stretch out before you in endless waves, dotted with steaming thermal pools, deep valleys, and ancient salt lakes. Made up of lunar landscapes peppered with towering cardon cacti and yareta cushion plants – light green bubble-like forms – it really is like landing on the surface of another planet. And yet (rather remarkably) to a wealth of exotic wildlife, this is home. Sand-colored grasshoppers and lava lizards blend with pebbles along the desert floor as red scorpions scuttle by, past the flamingo-filled waters of the salt flats, framed by the rugged peaks of the Andes. Of course, we had to explore this – one of Chile’s top tourist attractions – for ourselves. Yes, it was spectacular. And yes, you should go.

Another one of our favorite things to do in Chile’s Atacama? Stargaze. As night falls, another world comes to life – one of extra-terrestrial landscapes lit by the mesmerizing glow of star-blanketed skies. Shadows and starlight. Glimpses of galaxies far, far away. There’s nothing quite so magical as this.

Due to the high elevation and lack of humidity or light pollution, the desert is also home to ESO Paranal Observatory – a captivating hub of modern astronomy. And as part of your bespoke family trip, we’ll take you behind the scenes. On this Field Trip class, you’ll discover the machinery, research, and workings of this powerful observatory and visit the world’s most advanced optical telescope – perfect for spotting stars and distant planets. This location is also home to another famous place in Chile: the Paranal Residencia. Featuring as a backdrop for the renowned movie – Quantum of Solace – here, on the driest place on Earth, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the ultimate secret agent. James Bond, to be precise.

5. Easter Island

Shrouded in the myths and legends of the Rapa Nui, here ancient monumental statues rise above the vastness of the Pacific Ocean and thousands of wild horses roam free amid low sloping hills. This is Easter Island – one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. And it’s home to one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in Chile – the moai. Enormous statues carved from solidified volcanic ash, the early Rapa Nui people are believed to have created these iconic heads to honor their ancestors and chiefs. With many of them erected along the coastline, they would watch over the settlements of their descendants with their backs facing the deep, mystical depths of the ocean – the spirit world. Or so the story goes.

On this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the grass-carpeted flanks of extinct volcanoes are peppered with archaeological sites, glistening freshwater lakes form in craters, and volcanic caves create jagged spaces beneath the island’s surface. Let the adventures begin.

We’ll take you hiking up historic hills, cycling past plantations and colorful towns, and relaxing in the shade of palm groves beside the tranquil waters of the Pacific. Winding your way through fields and intriguing archaeological sites, you’ll hike to the Ranu Raraku Moai quarry, where you’ll come face to face with the iconic moai statues. Next up? Climbing Maunga Kuma and Maunga Terevaka – the island’s highest point. From up here, you’ll look out at breath-taking views over the entire island and the glittering Pacific Ocean that extends beyond. It’s a wonder that humanity ever reached this far-flung corner of the world all those years ago. But it’s certainly no wonder why a visit to this beautifully wild island is one of our favorite things to do in Chile. Just say the word, and one of our luxury Travel Experts will make it happen.

6. Chiloé Archipelago

Off the coast of Southern Chile lies the Chiloé Archipelago. Dusted with luscious forests and rolling hills, this isolated group of islands is the perfect place to do as much (or as little) as you like. Staying at the sleek Tierra Chiloé – an idyllic rural retreat – you’ll have the chance to embark on a range of excursions, dine on delicious Indigenous dishes, and relax in the hotel’s soothing spa.

But that’s not all. Hopping aboard the Williche – Tierra Chiloé’s traditional boat – you’ll explore these fascinating islands to your heart’s content. Sailing past mountains and green-carpeted isles, you’ll come across South American sea lion colonies on rocky outcrops, keeping your eyes peeled for panda dolphins and blue whales as they dip beneath the waves. Feet back on dry land, you’ll explore the vibrant local culture. Weaving your way through the area’s variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you’ll discover picturesque churches and fascinating museums before heading back to the spa for an indulgent massage – or a relaxing soak in the Jacuzzi. The choice is yours.

7. Valparaiso

A beautiful seaport city peppered with colorful houses, cobbled lanes, and vibrant street art, the delights of Valparaiso are not to be missed. Here, you’ll instantly feel immersed in the nautical lifestyle as we take you on a private tour around the port before embarking on a private boat ride to marvel at this multihued city from afar. Hiking up to the house of renowned artist, Pablo Neruda, you’ll look out at breath-taking views of the harbor. And then there’s the local cuisine. Amid the architectural beauty of the historic quarter (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you’ll sample flavorsome Chilean dishes paired with local artisan beers. This is a true taste of South American culture. And you won’t want to miss it. After all, there’s a reason this picturesque city is often called ‘Paradise Valley’.

8. Your own private camp

Imagine your own luxury camp in one of the world’s most remote and untouched landscapes. Well, fortunately you don’t have to. This is Blink. With this exclusive service, our luxury Travel Experts will help you design your own fully bespoke pop-up hotel in the midst of breath-taking natural beauty. We’ll build it before you arrive, and then dismantle it once you’ve left. And one thing’s for certain: you’ll experience your own corner of the world in a way nobody else ever has. Or ever will. As they say – blink, and you’ll miss it.

What will your Blink camp include? Whatever you want. An innovative offering of outdoor accommodation and experiences, your tailor-made camp can include everything from private chefs and dining facilities to a mobile spa and on-site masseuse. Sourcing the most comfortable and luxurious ‘tents’ – you’ll feel as if you’re staying in a hotel suite (just one that’ll be taken down once you’ve gone). This is yours – and only yours. Now for the activities. Depending entirely on your tastes and your chosen destination, we’ll arrange an itinerary of activities and events for your whole trip – if you’d like us to, of course. Horse-riding, climbing, skiing, kayaking. The list goes on. Cocktail classes, foraging expeditions, helicopter adventures. And on.

This is luxury travel like never before. And, we may be slightly biased, but staying in one of our Blink camps is one of our favorite things to do in Chile. Whether you choose the surging valleys and towering peaks of Patagonia or the red-dusted landscapes of the Atacama – there’s nothing quite like it.

9. The Chilean Lake District

In the Andean foothills of Southern Chile, luscious landscapes are dotted with glittering, emerald-tinted lakes. This is the Chilean Lake District. The perfect place to experience nature at its most pure; at its most rugged and fresh. A haven for cyclists, kayakers, and hikers – and a popular destination for family trips – here, nature-filled adventures and gourmet picnics are the order of the day. Spend the morning cycling beside the magnificent snow-capped Osorno Volcano, kayaking across beautifully clear waters, or hiking up ice-capped mountains. Each day, you’ll enjoy unforgettable picnic lunches amid lush greenery and snow-smeared peaks as you look out onto sun-dappled glacial lakes. Breathing in the crisp, fresh air and the mesmerizing views – this is alfresco dining at its most breath-taking.

For a dash of sweetness, head to the lakeside town of Futrono for a taste of their mouth-watering jams. Made from maqui (Chilean wineberries) found in the surrounding countryside, you’ll savor their sugary and yet slightly tart notes before venturing back out into the Chilean wilds.

10. Maipo Valley

At the foot of the Andes Mountains, sprawling vineyards unfurl in endless waves. This is the Maipo Valley. The birthplace of the Chilean wine industry, this historic wine-producing region boasts over 7000 acres of fragrant, luscious vineyards encircled by snow-capped mountains. And just outside the city of Santiago, we’ll take you to one of our favorites – Viña El Principal. A small family-owned winery, here you’ll discover the perfect combination of climate, soil, and altitude which gives their wines a distinct (and entirely delicious) character. Uncovering the secrets behind Chile’s famous wine production, you’ll taste their finest reds with lunch in the sunshine, surrounded by grape-laden vines waiting to be plucked.

As the closest wine region to Chile’s capital, a visit to this peaceful valley combined with the vibrant streets of Santiago makes for the perfect pairing. Tempted? Speak to one of our luxury Travel Experts and they’ll plan your trip exactly as you’d like it.