Visiting Chile offers a unique opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind landscapes and beautiful urban destinations. Recognized as an official independent republic in 1818, Chile is internationally renowned for its rich culture and historical heritage. From the peaks of Patagonia to the Atacama Desert, Chile is a country overflowing with distinct experiences that appeal to every type of traveler. Planning your trip with Gray Line gives you exclusive access to popular attractions, tours, and landmarks while ensuring that you enjoy stress-free transportation options in the process. See the best of Chile when you book a tour with Gray Line today!
Tour Expert, Gray Line Santiago
A stunning natural gem located in the Chilean region of Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is well-known for its dramatic scenery, diverse ecosystems, and many outdoor activities. Stretching over 242,000 acres, the park is a breathtaking vision of towering granite peaks, verdant valleys, vibrant blue lakes, and massive glaciers. One of Torres del Paine National Park’s highlights is the W Trek, a 46-mile (75-kilometer) hike that can take travelers four to five days to complete. If you’re looking for something a little less intense, plan a stay at the many campsites and lodges available within the park.
As the driest non polar desert in the world, the Atacama Desert is well-worth a venture into Chile’s northernmost parts. Often described as an “out-of-this-world” landscape, this desert is home to famous geological formations, including the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) and El Tatio geysers. The former in particular is a striking mirror to the moon’s surface with its sculpted stone monuments, dry salt lakes, and panoramic views from the iconic Big Dune. This is one desertscape you won’t want to miss!
Affectionately referred to as “Valpo,” Valparaíso is a lively coastal city in Chile and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. With a unique bohemian culture and hillside neighborhoods, Valparaíso is a literal splash of color on the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The city’s steep hills — colloquially known as “cerros” — are adorned with bright paint that makes a guided walking tour an absolute must. Along the winding and narrow streets, visitors can encounter dozens of local street art displays, which are deeply rooted in Valparaíso culture and represent the different artistic styles of varying districts. Take a ride on the ascensores (Chile’s version of elevated railways) and grab a bite to eat at many of the internationally recognized restaurants while you’re there!
When you visit urban Santiago, make sure and book a reservation at one of its rooftop bars. For a truly breathtaking view of the surrounding Andes Mountains, engage in the city’s popular dining practice of eating on trendy rooftop venues. Although many establishments of this type exist in Santiago, some of the most popular places include the Azotea Matilde and W Santiago’s Red2One. As the tallest building in South America, the Sky Costanera restaurant offers an upscale bar experience combined with a 360-degree view of the city.
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is a remote volcanic island located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Located about 3,500 kilometers (about 2,175 miles) west of mainland Chile, Easter Island is considered a special territory of the nation. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is best known for the nearly 900 massive stone figures carved by the Rapa Nui people between 1000 and 1650 CE. Each moai is believed to represent an important ancestor and was carved predominantly from tuff, a volcanic rock local to the island. Traditionally erected on stone platforms known as ahu, some of the most visible moai monuments are located on the ceremonial site of Ahu Tongariki, the ‘moai factory’ of Rano Raraku, and the legendary landing site of Polynesian settlers on Anakena Beach.
Found along the southern coast of Chile, Chiloé Island is beloved for its natural landscapes, traditional wooden architecture, and compelling folklore. One of its most iconic features are its colorful stilt houses — locally known as Palafitos — that line the waterfronts of its towns. Because the region experiences frequent tidal shifts, these homes are intentionally lifted to protect against flooding and provide easy access for fishermen to moor their boats. With 16 official UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the island is also home to more than 150 wooden churches built during the 18th and 19th centuries and reflects the cultural melding of European colonizers and native peoples. Before you go, look up some of Chiloé Island’s mythological stories, including tales of the Trauco and Voladora.
Chile is globally recognized for its excellent wine production, and Colchagua Valley is a standout for its delectable red wines. This picturesque valley is located approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) south of Santiago and is famous for its Carménère grapes (which had been considered extinct for 150 years until researchers discovered its presence in the region). Other varieties — including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Malbec — are also grown in the valley’s mineral-rich volcanic soils. Visit one (or more!) of the area’s vineyards for a guided tour, tasting, or gourmet meal.
Chile’s Carretera Austral, or Southern Highway, stretches 1,200 kilometers (about 750 miles) from Puerto Montt in the north to Villa O’Higgins in the south. With the gorgeous Patagonia region on full display, this route is worth a drive past the dense forests, mountains, glacial lakes, and fjords. Notable highlights include Queulat National Park with its Hanging Glacier and the Marble Caves on Lake General Carrera. If you need a break from driving, stop for some hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. The Futaleufú River is especially popular as a white-water rafting spot.
Pucón is a charming Chilean town located near Lake Villarrica and the active Villarrica Volcano. With a reputation as an adventure sports hub, Pucón attracts outdoor enthusiasts for a variety of activities, including volcano climbing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming. The Trancura River is a prime spot for white-water rafting and hydrospeed bodyboarding while hiking fans can take on trails at Huerquehue National Park. Pucón is also a great place to book a horseback riding tour through the beautiful Chilean countryside.
For hot air balloon newbies and veterans alike, the village of San Pedro de Atacama offers an incredible opportunity to ride through Chile’s clear skies. Soar over one of the driest places on Earth and get an unbelievable vantage point of salt flats, geysers, and rugged mountains. San Pedro de Atacama itself sits at an altitude of 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) and is a central hub for visitors intent on exploring the Atacama Desert. Since departures are typically scheduled for sunrise, you can fly among the clouds in the morning and return to the village for a stop at one of its many historical sites — like the R.P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum — in the afternoon.
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Consistent great tours, service and communication
From Puerto Natales Navigation to Balmaceda Serrano Glaciers
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Vina del Mar and Valparaiso Stopover Tour from Santiago International Airport
Very well organized tour, lunch was excellent.