Add Chile to your bucket list! One of the hottest destinations in South America today, Chile has so much to offer from north to south. To make the most of your time there, though, it’s best to choose one location and really get to know it.

If you’re ready to travel to Chile, we suggest the central region surrounding the capital city of Santiago—it’s easiest to get to with a major airport, and has so much to offer, from vibrant cities to natural wonders.

Here are five things to see and do in central Chile:

1 – Wander in Santiago

The capital city of Santiago is home to Chile’s main administrative, commercial, cultural, financial and governmental bodies. Take a walk through this incredible city to get a taste of the history and culture of Chile.

Start off with Barrios Lastarria, the city’s historic and artistic center. The majestic Palacio de la Moneda—the neoclassical seat of the Chilean government—is another must-see, along with the Plaza de Armas, home to the city’s cathedral and the main square of Santiago.

Brush elbows with locals at Mercado Central, Chile’s largest seafood market, and finish your walk by climbing Cerro Santa Lucia, a former volcano which marks the spot where the city of Santiago was founded and provides a wonderful view of the downtown area.

2 – Get lost in Valparaiso

Valparaiso, a seaside town an hour away from Santiago and one of the first Chilean cities founded by the Spaniards, is creative, vibrant and bohemian. It also happens to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural and cultural importance, and is a can’t-miss destination in Chile.

Take a ride up and down the hills of the town on a funicular to marvel at the impressive and colorful street art, plus spectacular views of the harbor. Head on foot through two of the most famous and eclectic neighborhoods, Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre, and admire the quaint and colorful houses while looking out onto the gorgeous bay.

For literature lovers, Valpo offers the unique opportunity of seeing one of renowned Chilean poet Pablo Neruda’s homes. La Sebastiana is the hilltop museum with a striking design and a fascinating look at Neruda’s life.

After visiting two of Chile’s beautiful cities, head further south to take in some of the gorgeous nature-scapes the country has to offer.

Puerto Varas is a gorgeous town with a heavy German influence, reflecting its colonial past. German-style architecture dominates the landscape, along with beautiful views of Lake Llanquihue and two snow-capped active volcanoes—Osorno and Calbuco.

Once you’ve visited the town, we highly recommend taking a cruise through the crystalline waters of the lake, enjoying striking views of the Bay of Puerto Varas, the surrounding volcanoes, and the architecture of Puerto Varas.

4 – Meet the Huilliche

If you book with a group, you can take a hike to spend an afternoon learning about the history, music, medicine and cuisine of the Huilliche community of Quechalen Aitue.

Take a walk through the beautiful, temperate rainforest around Puerto Varas and see if you can spot a monito del monte—a tiny marsupial, or the southern pudu—the world’s smallest deer,  among the lush green environment.

Then, spend the afternoon with the Huilliche. The Huilliche—whose name means “Southern people”—mostly speak Spanish, though a minority of the population speaks the Huilliche language. Enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local family and hear first-hand testimony about the experiences of the Huilliche people.

5 – Explore Chiloé Island

From Puerto Varas, you’re only a short day trip from Chiloe Island, and it’s definitely worth it! Chiloe is a known for its 18th- and 19th-century churches, made entirely of timber and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Take a walk around the island and view the palafitos, or colorful homes on stilts, and check out the fun craft market. Plus, if you love seafood, this fishing island might be the best place to order some in Chile.

You’re in for a real treat if you opt to take a wildlife cruise around the island, the only place in the world where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins—two related species both classified as threatened—nest together. See if you can spot one of each: The Humboldts are notable for the white border around the face, while the Magellanic have more extensive white patches around the eyes.

 

Want to travel to Chile after reading this post? Of course you do!