Atacama Desert
The driest desert on Earth, known for its lunar landscapes and exceptional starlit skies.
Chile
From the driest desert on Earth to Patagonian glaciers, Chile stretches over 4,000 kilometers, offering exceptional landscape diversity across volcanoes, vineyards and Pacific shores.
Why visit Chile?
Chile stands out for the extreme diversity of its landscapes, from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonian glaciers in the south, and Easter Island in the Pacific. This unique geography makes it a prime destination for lovers of nature and wide-open spaces.
What to discover in Chile?
The Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, offers lunar landscapes, geysers and an exceptional starlit sky, ideal for astronomical observation. Santiago, the capital, serves as a gateway to the vineyards of the central valley, renowned for their wines.
Further south, Chilean Patagonia, home to Torres del Paine National Park, draws hikers with its granite peaks and glaciers. Easter Island, isolated in the Pacific, completes the picture with its famous moai statues and unique Polynesian culture. This geographic diversity makes Chile a top destination for a trip combining nature, astronomy and culture.
Cities to visit in Chile
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Chile in pictures
Highlights of Chile
The sites and experiences that define a trip to Chile.
Torres del Paine
Iconic Patagonian national park, renowned for its granite peaks and glaciers.
Easter Island
Isolated Pacific island, famous for its moai statues and unique Polynesian culture.
Wine valleys
Wine-producing regions around Santiago, known for their grape varieties and rolling landscapes.
Valparaíso
Colorful port city, known for its unusual architecture and vibrant urban art scene.
Stargazing
Among the clearest skies in the world, making northern Chile a hub for astronomy.
Practical information
- Capital
- Santiago
- Area
- about 756,000 km²
- Population
- about 19.5 million people
- Language
- Spanish
- Currency
- Chilean peso (CLP)
- Time zone
- UTC-4 (varies with the season)
- Climate
- highly variable, from northern desert to cold, wet south
- Best season
- October to April, depending on the region visited
Frequently asked questions about Chile
What is the best time to visit Chile?
October to April, corresponding to the austral spring and summer, is generally the most favorable period depending on the region visited.
Do I need a visa to travel to Chile?
Many nationalities are exempt from a visa for short tourist stays; it's recommended to check requirements before departure.
How do you travel between northern and southern Chile?
Given the country's length, domestic flights are often preferred to connect the desert regions and Patagonia.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Easter Island?
It's advisable to book flights and accommodation ahead of time, as island access is limited and tourist demand is high.
What language is spoken in Chile?
Spanish is the official language, spoken throughout the country with regional variations.
Is Chile suitable for hiking enthusiasts?
Yes, particularly in Patagonia, where Torres del Paine National Park offers internationally recognized trekking routes.
Plan your trip to Chile
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
