Chile Highlights
Country: Chile 🇨🇱
País: Chile 🇨🇱
Страна: Чили 🇨🇱
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Overview
Chile stretches for more than 4,000 km along the Pacific coast of South America. This itinerary focuses on Chile’s core highlights, connected primarily by domestic flights:
- Santiago – capital and cultural hub
- Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands
- Puerto Varas – lakes, volcanoes, and southern nature
An optional extension to the Atacama Desert is included for those with extra time.
This route works best for 2–3 weeks, but can be shortened by skipping optional sections.
Santiago – Capital & Andes Foothills ▾
Santiago is the main international gateway to Chile and the starting point for most itineraries.
The city lies in a valley near the Andes and combines history, modern architecture, and green spaces.
Highlights:
• Plaza de Armas – historic center
• La Moneda Palace – presidential palace and civic landmark
• Cerro Santa Lucía – small hill with city views and colonial-era structures
• Cerro San Cristóbal – highest viewpoint in the city, accessible by cable car
• Gran Torre Santiago – tallest building in Latin America with an observation deck
Activities:
• City walks and museums
• Cafés and local restaurants
Recommended stay: 2 days.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Remote Polynesian World ▾
Easter Island is one of the most isolated inhabited places on Earth and a cultural highlight of Chile.
How to get there:
• Direct flight from Santiago (~5 hours)
• Flights are limited and expensive – book in advance
Main base:
• Hanga Roa – the island’s only town, with all accommodation and services
Key sites:
• Rano Raraku – volcanic quarry where most moai were carved
• Ahu Tongariki – largest ceremonial platform with 15 restored moai
• Anakena Beach – white sand beach with moai nearby
• Ahu Akivi – seven moai facing the ocean
• Rano Kau – crater lake and Orongo ceremonial village
• Ana Te Pahu – lava tube cave system
Recommended stay: 3–5 days.
Most places require a guided tours to explore.
This is one of the most unique cultural landscapes in the world.
Puerto Varas – Lakes & Volcanoes of Southern Chile ▾
Puerto Varas lies on the shores of Lake Llanquihue in southern Chile
and is known for its calm atmosphere and volcano views.
How to get there:
• Flight from Santiago to Puerto Montt (~1.5–2 hours)
• Short transfer to Puerto Varas
Highlights:
• Costanera Puerto Varas – lakeside promenade with views of Osorno, Calbuco, and Tronador volcanoes
• Petrohué Waterfalls – powerful cascades over volcanic rock
• Lago Todos los Santos – emerald-colored lake surrounded by mountains
• Volcán Osorno – accessible by road and ski lift, offering panoramic views
Activities:
• Easy hikes and viewpoints
• Boat trips on lakes
• Relaxed walks along the waterfront
Recommended stay: 3–5 days.
Puerto Varas is ideal for slowing down and enjoying Chile’s southern landscapes.
Optional Extension – Atacama Desert ▾
The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is one of the most extreme landscapes on the planet
and can be added as an optional extension.
How to get there:
• Flight from Santiago to Calama
• Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama
Highlights:
• Valle de la Luna – desert formations and sunsets
• El Tatio Geysers – early morning geothermal activity
• High-altitude lagoons and salt flats
• Night sky observation (some of the clearest skies in the world)
Important notes:
• High altitude and dry climate
• Tours are usually guided
• Significant temperature changes between day and night
Recommended stay: 3–4 days.
Atacama adds a dramatic contrast to the rest of Chile, but is optional due to distance and cost.
Best season
Chile’s climate varies greatly by region.
General guidance:
- October–April: best overall window for most regions
- Summer (Dec–Feb): best for the south, very hot in the Atacama
- Winter (Jun–Aug): snow in the Andes, limited access to some areas
Easter Island is warm year-round, but flights are more expensive in peak season.