Must See Places in Chile: Culture, patrimony and landscapes

Chile is a very long and thin territory made up of diverse landscapes, and is one of the most extravagant countries in the world. Its untamed nature and the hospitality of its people, who receive tourists with open arms, make this an attractive travel destination to visit all year round. A wise traveller will take note of this list of Must-see places Chile has to offer.  Here’s a close-up view of Chile’s culture, patrimony and landscapes.

1. Must-see in the Atacama Desert and its beaches

Bahía Inglesa

The Atacama Desert has many fantastic beaches, such as Bahía Inglesa, La Virgen beach, Pan de Azúcar National Park, which visitors prefer for spending their vacations, to disconnect and relax. The road that connects Caldera to Puerto de Huasco has some of the loveliest places to be found in the driest desert of the world.

Further north in the country are the beautiful cities of Iquique and Arica, with beaches that are great for adventure sport fans and especially for surfers. Urban life in both cities are meeting places for tourists who come from all around the world to enjoy local cuisine, traditional celebrations and Chile’s history which tells us about episodes such as the War of the Pacific between Chile, Bolivia and Peru or the saltpeter offices that is a historical landmark.

Other Must-see places include the fishing coves, where their activity is not limited only to fishing but also includes sailing and learning about the region’s marine fauna.  Visit places like Chañaral de Aceituno or Caleta de Choros, or the Humbolt Penguin National Reserve which is home to dolphins, whales and, of course, penguins.

2. Must -see Wine Routes of Chile’s Central Valley

Valle del Elqui

Central Chile is known for its valleys that produce some of the world’s finest wines. From Valle del Elqui to Valle del Itata, there are a great number of wineries that are mix Chilean history, culture and traditions.

A one-day visit from Santiago can include short trips to the Valle de Casablanca, Valle de Colchagua, Valle de Maipo, Valle de Cachapoal, Valle de Aconcagua, among others.  If you prefer, you can visit the wineries by bike or take a horse ride to learn more about the history of Chilean wines.

A bit of History: it was in the central valley of Chile where the Carmenere variety was rescued. The seed of this strain was destroyed by the phylloxera plague in France and the European immigrants who came to Chile in the mid-19^th century brought Carmenere, and luckily produced this fruit that was discovered more than 150 years later.

Come and enjoy a wine tasting of the delicious flavors and aromas from the eleven wine producing valleys located in the central regions of our country.  One of the places you Must See in Chile.

3. Carretera Austral is Chile’s Patagonian Southern Way

Caleta Tortel

Start your journey in Puerto Montt headed south for an experience like none other. This road runs for over 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) and goes past Chile’s territory of lakes and volcanoes to the southernmost point known as Patagonia.

The Carretera Austral features abundant vegetation, winding rivers and beautiful lakes, giving life to a geographic region like no other place in the world. Evergreen forests to the west and grasslands to the east make this place one of the most pristine in the continent. In Aysen you will be amazed by the enormous glaciers that make up the North and South Ice Fields.

The Carretera Austral is one of the best ways to discover Chile. We recommend that you rent a 4×4 vehicle so you can stop  and go wherever you like. Among the most visited places are: Queulat  National Park, Coyhaique, Lago General Carrera, the Patagonian Park and Caleta Tortel at the end of the  Carretera Austral.

If you like adventure tourism, the Aysen Region in Chilean Patagonia offers all types of activities like rafting, kayaking, mountain climbing, trekking, mountain biking and hikes over the ice fields.

4. The Misiones Route in the High Plateau Mountains of Chile

Belén

Would you like to see the Chilean high plateau mountains from a cultural and patrimonial view? We invite you to travel through the Misiones Route in the northern port of Chile.  This area has over 30 churches built in the 15^th century that remain intact.

This alternative offers one of the richest cultural mixes of Chile.  Its legacy includes that of the Inca Tiwanaku archaeological site and the presence of Spanish conquistadors during the colonization process.

If you want to connect with both history and nature (because this route includes landscaped valleys and crops), and meet the people who inhabit the Chilean high plains, come to the Misiones Route, a real treasure kept alive by its local communities.

Leaving from Arica you can begin a journey on a road that goes through Codpa, Belén and Putre and also visit Lauca National Park, one of the most interesting ecosystems in Chile, thanks to its native flora and fauna.

One of the greatest benefits is that you can visit this destination at any time of the year. However, we recommend that care be taken between December and March due to the phenomena of the “Bolivian Winter” when there are increased precipitations.

Now you know the best destinations for a visit to Chile. Plan you vacation to Chile and live the most extreme experiences of the  continent!