5 Amazing Places In Chile You Didnt Know Existed

Taking in diverse, breathtaking landscapes is what a trip to Chile is all about. From icy blue glaciers to snow-capped active volcanoes and the longest coastline in the world, there’s so much to see from top to bottom of this long, skinny, pepper-shaped country. Whether visiting mountains, beaches, deserts or forests, never forget to take your camera.

Valle de Elqui

There’s nowhere in the world quite like the mystical Valle de Elqui. Driving through the vineyard-filled valley and gazing up at the stars in the velvet sky are essential to the Chilean travel experience. Attracting hippies, hipsters and international travelers, the valley offers magical camping experiences, unforgettable stargazing and the chance to learn about the production of the Chile’s national liquor, pisco. Mistral pisco is produced in the valley, where pisco grapes are grown.

Valle de la Luna

Laguna de Incas

In Chile’s central Valparaíso region the Laguna de Incas is one of the country’s lesser-known natural treasures despite its breathtaking beauty and proximity to the capital. The small Portillo ski resort is located at the south end of the Inca lake, which offers a stunning view of the Andes mountains. Just over a two-hour drive from Santiago, the lake isn’t far from the capital in comparison to other sites of natural beauty. There’s also the possibility of stopping on the way for a weekend of wine tasting in Mendoza, Argentina.

Villarrica Volcano

Towering above the vast Villarrica Lake in the tourist city of Pucón, Chile, the Villarrica Volcano is one of Chile’s most active volcanoes. It’s also one of the few volcanoes in the world with a lava lake within its crater. Last time the volcano erupted was in 2015, but that usually doesn’t stop trekkers from climbing it when it’s inactive. Besides the volcano, Pucón attracts tourists due to its black pebble beaches, with gorgeous hikes and fishing and rafting opportunities for the more adventurous.

Glacier Grey

This stunning glacier in the Torres del Paine National Park entices adventurers from all over the world. Forming part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, it’s the largest ice mass in the world outside of the North and South Poles. Over time, pressure builds expelling any air trapped with fallen snow, which gives the glaciers a unique blue hue. Excursions on the Grey Glacier are available through Bigfoot Adventure Patagonia, who offer kayaking trips and hikes across the glaciers. But be warned: the hikes are physically demanding so make sure you’re in good enough shape for the challenge.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.