Chilean folklore says that God left behind a little bit of each type of landscape after he created the world. He gathered them all and created Chile. It’s easy to understand why when you see the tiny country that lies just west of South America.
Chile spans nearly 3,000 miles, from the tropical climates of central South America to cold, storm-lashed continents dipped in the Drake Passage. This length has given it access to almost every type of environment.
It would take many years to explore all of its natural wonders. But some places stand out. Some are made by nature, and others by man that captures the beauty and majesty of the country. These are the 12 most stunning places in Chile to explore if you want to see Chile at its best.
Torres del Paine National Park
Are you looking to find Patagonia’s greatest hits of mountains, glaciers and grasslands? Visit Torres del Paine.
This is Chile’s most famous national park. It covers 448,280 acres and is highly popular with backpackers. They are looking to do the W Trek, a multi-day hike that follows a W-shaped route. The W Trek takes backpackers through the central massif of the park, stopping at highlights such as the Grey Glacier, French Valley, or the Towers. These three granite spires rise above a glacial lake.
In the park, you can also spot native wildlife such as pumas, guanacos, and the Patagonia condor.
Marble Caves
The Marble Caves are located in the south Aysen region near the lively General Carrera Lake. They answer the question about what the inside looks like for a kaleidoscope. The limestone-rich waters have, over time, eroded calcium-carbonate rocks and transformed them into caves painted with Impressionist swirls in multi-coloured Blue.
You can only access the caves by boat or kayak. Tours are available from nearby towns.
Elqui Valley
These intertwining valleys, located in Chile’s “Norte Chico”, are often overlooked by foreign tourists. However, they are worth a visit. The steep, rocky mountain slopes lead to valley floors lined with verdant green vines. These vineyards are used to grow the pisco, Chile’s preferred liquor, at Pesquera distilleries.
It is believed that the valleys have a special mystical power, which allows for direct communication with the universe. There are many countercultures and New Age beliefs and practices. The clear skies and elevation provide exceptional stargazing at night.
Miscanti and Miniques, Atacama Desert
These twin lakes, located at 13,500 feet above sea level, are nestled between volcanoes and mountains in the northern Atacama Desert. The cobalt-blue waters reflect the sky above, almost like you are touching it.
White sandy beaches, yellow desert grasses and purple-and red mountains frame the lakes. It’s a picture you can only appreciate when you stand at the lakes and listen to the wind blow through the peaks.
It takes approximately an hour and a half to reach the lagoons from San Pedro de Atacama.
Chiloe Archipelago
Chiloe is an idyllic archipelago just off the coast of the Lakes District. It is charming because of its beautiful forests, rolling hills and scenic bays. But also because of its mythology, which is filled with stories about womanizers, trolls, mermaids, and ghost ships.
The islands are separated from the mainland by no bridge and have developed a unique culture and way of life. In a tradition known as Minga, whole houses are moved by oxen and men. People live in colourful wooden houses (known as Palafitos) built on stilts above bays. Time seems to have stopped in isolated villages on the outlying islands.
It is also known for its beautiful wooden churches, many of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.