Chile Holidays
Top hotels in Chile
Reviewed on 31 Jan 2021
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2020
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2021
Chile
Admire scenic coastline, see the ruins left behind by ancient island civilizations and taste fresh seafood in this long, thin and wildly diverse country. While Chile may be South America’s thinnest country, it packs plenty of beauty into its narrow boundaries. Whether you’re just looking to sit out by the beach and sunbathe or you have your sights set on a thrilling hike through forests and mountains, Chile has the perfect destination for you.
Listen for the enchanting sounds of Chilean Spanish, identifiable by its soft consonants and dropped “s” sounds. Chilean people are known for being friendly and open, so don’t be hesitant to ask for directions or local advice.
Santiago, Chile’s capital city, is the first port of call for many visitors. Enjoy the city’s grand architecture and beautiful parks. Head to the historic La Chascona building. A former hideaway for Pablo Neruda, it now houses a museum dedicated to the poet. For a traditional seafood lunch, visit the stalls at Mercado Central and sample steaming fish stews.
The diversity of the Chilean landscape means that there are plenty of options for daytrips. Visit Arica, a beautiful port town with year-round sun and surf beaches. In the south of Chile, the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine dominates the landscape. Follow trails leading through lush green forests, past thundering rivers, rugged mountain peaks and a brilliantly blue glacier.
For a remote island adventure, head to Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island. See the ruins of the famous Moai stone statues, go diving in the sparkling blue seas or try horseback riding along the shore.
December to February is a popular time to visit Chile as temperatures are warm. If you’re hoping for snowy slopes for skiing, head to Chile between June and August.
Fly into Santiago’s international airport, Aeropuerto Internacional Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez. From here, a bus can get you downtown in about an hour. Public transportation runs efficiently up and down the coast, and domestic flights are a popular way to traverse the long, narrow country.
Discover the wonders of this long, thin country, which encompasses extreme terrain ranging from glaciers to deserts, deserted valleys to people-packed cities.