• Santiago: Opening up to Mapuche culture means opening up to Chilean history and culture. Mapuche refers to a group of indigenous peoples of South America, mainly in Chile and Argentina, who have a rich cultural heritage that includes unique traditions, language and beliefs. The Mapuche are known for their resistance to Spanish colonization and their continued efforts to preserve their cultural identity and ancestral lands. These people are a source of pride for the Chilean people to this day. Santiago, the Chilean capital, is a vibrant mix of culture, history and modernity. It has museums, parks, great cuisine and a lively nightlife.

  • Historic center: Explore the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city, where you'll find the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio de la Real Audiencia, and the National Historical Museum.

  • Cerro San Cristóbal: Climb to the top of this hill for a panoramic view of Santiago. You can get there by funicular or walking along trails. Cerro San is an important landmark in the city, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Santiago and the surrounding area. At the top, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary and a sanctuary, attracting tourists and pilgrims. The hill is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and picnics. The views from up there are stunning, especially during sunset or sunrise. 

  • Bellavista neighborhood: Known for its vibrant nightlife, it is also home to Parque Metropolitano and the colorful La Feria crafts market.

    • Metropolitan Park​

    • La Feria

  • Central Market: Discover Chilean gastronomic culture in one of the country's most famous markets, where you'll find fresh seafood and traditional restaurants.

  • La Chascona: Visit one of the poet Pablo Neruda's houses, a unique and colorful building that reflects the personality of the famous writer.

  • Museums:Santiago has a variety of interesting museums, such as:

    •  National Museum of Fine Arts;

    • Museum of Memory and Human Rights (about the military dictatorship in Chile);

    • Mirador Interactive Museum, great for families.

  • Barrio Lastarria: A bohemian and cultural neighborhood with art galleries, cafes, restaurants and street performances.

  • Wineries: Take the opportunity to tour wineries on the outskirts of Santiago, such as Concha y Toro and Santa Rita, to learn about Chilean wine production.

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• Valparaiso: Known for its colorful architecture, street art and charming funiculars, Valparaíso is a port city full of character. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre: These are colorful, bohemian neighborhoods filled with street art, vibrant murals, art galleries, cafes, and incredible views of the city and ocean.

  • La Sebastiana: One of the houses of the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. It is a museum that offers an insight into the poet's life and work, as well as providing a panoramic view of the city.

  • Porto Tour: Valparaíso is an important port in Chile. A walk along the pier and docks offers a unique view of the port activity, as well as allowing you to appreciate the colorful boats and the maritime atmosphere.

  • Lifts (Funiculars): These are the old funicular elevators that connect the highest and lowest neighborhoods in the city. They are an important part of Valparaíso's history and provide spectacular views.

  • Museums: The city is home to several interesting museums, such as the Open Air Museum, with artistic outdoor murals, the Naval and Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

  • Plaza Sotomayor: An important square where you can see several historic buildings, such as the Monument to the Heroes of Iquique and the Armada de Chile Building.

  • Casa Mirador Lukas: Another house transformed into a museum, offering panoramic views and art exhibitions.

  • Pier 21 de Mayo: A bustling area where you can see local fishermen selling fresh fish and enjoy delicious seafood at the seaside restaurants.

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• Viña del Mar: Close to Valparaíso, it is famous for its beaches, casinos and festivals, such as the Viña del Mar International Song Festival.

  • Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores):One of the city's icons, a large clock made of flowers.

  • Quinta Vergara:A park with beautiful gardens, the Vergara Palace and the Quinta Vergara Amphitheater, where the famous Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar takes place.

  • Wulff Castle:A building on the seafront, offering a beautiful view of the ocean. The castle houses a museum with exhibits on local history.

  • Moai from Viña del Mar: Replica of the famous Easter Island moais, a gift from the Chilean government.

  • Avenida Peru: One of the main avenues by the sea, full of restaurants, shops and a beautiful landscape for walks.

  • Playa Acapulco and Playa Caleta Abarca:Beautiful urban beaches where you can relax and enjoy the sun.

  • Fonck Museum:It houses a collection of indigenous artifacts and an unmissable attraction: an authentic Easter Island moai.

  • Cerro Castillo:A hill with a castle and a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

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• Cajón del Maipo: is a stunning canyon located in the Andes Mountains, near Santiago, Chile. It is a popular destination among locals and tourists alike due to its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor activities. The Maipo River flows through this canyon, surrounded by rugged landscapes, mountains and picturesque scenery. People visit Cajón del Maipo for a variety of reasons, from hiking and trekking along its trails to outdoor adventures like horseback riding, mountain biking, and even skiing in the winter months. One of the most iconic spots in Cajón del Maipo is Embalse El Yeso, a reservoir surrounded by towering mountains and often visited for its stunning views and serene atmosphere. Additionally, the area is known for its hot springs, which offer a relaxing experience amid the natural beauty of the Andes. Visitors can relax in these thermal baths while taking in the surrounding mountainous landscapes. Cajón del Maipo's proximity to Santiago makes it an affordable day trip for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Many tour companies offer guided tours, making it easy for travelers to explore and appreciate the region's beauty.

  • Embalse El Yeso:A stunning dam of turquoise water surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offering spectacular views and a serene environment.

  • Valle de Colina Hot Springs: Natural hot springs in a mountain setting. It is a relaxing place to enjoy the outdoor thermal pools.

  • El Morado Glacier: A trail leads to this majestic glacier, offering visitors the chance to see a glacier in the region up close.

  • Cascade de las Animas: An impressive waterfall where visitors can do activities such as ziplining, rafting and trekking.

  • San José de Maipo: A charming little town in the heart of the Cajón del Maipo, with its central square, church and rural charm.

  • Mirador de las Águilas: A viewpoint famous for its panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding peaks. Pay attention to the sky and the flights of theAndean condor (or Vultur gryphus), is one of the most impressive birds in South America. It is a species of bird of prey found mainly in the Andes region, one of the largest flying birds in the world, with an impressive wingspan that can reach more than 3 meters. Condors play a significant role in Andean culture and are considered symbols of power and freedom in many indigenous communities.

  • El Arrayán Natural Sanctuary: A natural reserve that offers trails with spectacular views and a great diversity of flora and fauna.

  • Cerro Province: A challenging mountain for trekking lovers, offering incredible views from the top.

 

• Pucon: Located in the region of lakes and volcanoes, Pucon is a destination for nature lovers, offering trails, water sports and stunning views.

  • Villarrica Volcano: One of Pucón's most iconic attractions, this active volcano offers the opportunity to make an exhilarating climb to its summit. The view from up there is simply incredible.

  • Villarrica Lake: A stunning lake that offers opportunities for swimming, boating, kayaking or simply relaxing on its shores.

  • Geometric Spas: Near Pucón, these hot springs are a perfect place to relax and enjoy the warm waters in a unique natural environment.

  • Huerquehue National Park:Stunning trails lead to crystal-clear lakes and spectacular views of the region's peaks. It is a great option for those who like hiking.

  • Rafting on the Trancura River: For adventure seekers, the Trancura River offers great opportunities for rafting on fast, exciting waters.

  • Craft Market: Explore the local market to shop for traditional Chilean crafts, including clothing, jewelry, and artwork.

  • Ojos del Caburga Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall situated amidst stunning landscapes. It is possible to take trails to get closer to the waterfall.

 

• San Pedro de Atacama:In the Atacama Desert, this city is a starting point for exploring surreal landscapes, such as the Valley of the Moon, geysers, high-altitude lagoons and stargazing.

  • Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna): Known for its lunar landscape and incredible rock formations. During sunset, the colors and textures become stunning.

  • Tatio Geysers:Located at a high altitude, this geyser field offers an impressive spectacle at dawn, with jets of water and steam.

  • Altiplanic Lagoons: Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques are saltwater lakes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, providing spectacular views.

  • Atacama Salt Flat: The largest salt flat in Chile, a vast salt desert surrounded by volcanoes.

  • Pukará de Quitor:An archaeological site dating back to pre-Inca culture, with ruins of an ancient fortress and incredible views of the valley.

  • Puritama Hot Springs: Natural thermal water pools, perfect for relaxing after days of exploration.

  • Astronomical Observatory:The desert night sky is incredibly clear, and there are observatories that offer a privileged view of the stars and planets.

  • Salt Range: Mountain ranges with unique and spectacular rock formations, looking like natural sculptures carved by time.

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• Puerto Varas:On the shores of Lake Llanquihue and overlooking the Osorno volcano, it is a charming town known for its German influences and the natural beauty of the surroundings.

  • Osorno volcano: One of the most iconic views in the region. You can hike to the top for incredible views of the area and Llanquihue Lake.

  • Llanquihue Lake: The largest lake in Chile, it offers opportunities for boating, kayaking and simply enjoying the surrounding beaches and landscapes.

  • Puerto Varas Center:The city itself has charming architecture, with German-influenced houses. The Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Church, with its characteristic towers, is a landmark in the central area.

  • Petrohué Waterfall: Located in the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, it is a stunning waterfall, with turquoise waters from melting glaciers.

  • Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park: In addition to the waterfall, the park offers several hiking trails with views of volcanoes, lakes and lush forests.

  • Municipal market: An opportunity to explore local culture, with stalls selling typical products from the region, such as handicrafts, food and drinks.

  • Chiloé Island: Although it is not in Puerto Varas, it is relatively close and worth visiting. It is known for its colorful houses, wooden churches and stunning landscapes.

  • Outdoor Adventures:The region offers many outdoor activities such as trekking, climbing, fishing, rafting and even skiing in winter.

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• La Serena:It offers beaches, astronomical observation, a rich colonial heritage and is an excellent starting point for exploring the Elqui Valley, known for its vineyards and pisco production.

  • El Faro: The La Serena lighthouse is one of the oldest in Chile and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the Pacific Ocean.

  • Avenida del Mar: This coastal avenue is perfect for strolling, with beautiful beaches, green areas and a wide range of restaurants and recreational activities.

  • The Elqui Valley: A short distance from La Serena, this valley is famous for its clear skies, ideal for stargazing, and for being the home of Chilean pisco. Visiting its vineyards and distilleries is a unique experience.

  • The Japanese Gardens: a peaceful and beautiful place to relax, with lakes, bonsai trees and architecture that reflects Japanese influence.

  • The Plaza de Armas: The historic heart of the city, surrounded by colonial buildings, the cathedral and the clock tower, is an important meeting point for locals and tourists.

  • La Casa Gabriel González Videla: former presidential residence and now a museum, where you can learn more about Chile's political and cultural history.

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• Easter Island: This Chilean island is famous for its enormous stone statues, known as moais, which are a true archaeological enigma. These giant statues are a testament to the ancient civilization that inhabited the island and still leave many unanswered questions about how they were constructed and transported. In addition to the moai, Easter Island has a rich Polynesian culture, stunning beaches, impressive volcanoes and a unique and mysterious atmosphere. The mix of history, incredible landscapes and the enigmatic aura of the moai make this place a truly special tourist destination. 

  • Ahu Tongariki:An impressive Moai complex consisting of 15 restored statues on a seaside ceremonial platform.

  • Rapa Nui National Park: This park protects most of the island's archaeological sites, including Anakena Beach and Rano Raraku, the quarry where most of the Moai were carved.

  • Rano Kau: A volcanic crater that houses the freshwater lake, offering stunning views and a unique perspective of the island.

  • Orongo: An ancient ceremonial site where ceremonial Birdman competitions were held, a traditional island ritual.

  • Ahu Akivi: Unlike most ahus (ceremonial platforms), these Moai are positioned to look out over the ocean rather than inland.

  • Vinapu: An archaeological site with impressively precise stone walls, some compared to Inca constructions.

  • Padre Sebastián Englert Anthropological Museum: Offers an in-depth look at the island's history, culture and traditions.

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• Chilean gastronomy: it is a rich mix of indigenous, Spanish and even other immigrant cultures. Here are some typical dishes you should definitely try:

  • Empanadas: Pastries filled with meat, cheese, onion, olives and sometimes boiled eggs. They can be fried or roasted.

  • Cazuela: A stew traditionally made with meat (usually chicken), pumpkin, potatoes, corn, rice and seasonings.

  • Healing:A slow-cooked meal, typically prepared in a mass grave in the earth. It includes seafood, meat, potatoes, corn and other vegetables.

  • Chorillana: A delicious mix of fried potatoes, meat (usually beef), onions and eggs.

  • Choclo Pastry: A type of corn pie, filled with ground meat, onion, olives and boiled eggs.

  • Humitas: Made from corn dough stuffed with a mixture of corn, onion and seasonings, steamed and wrapped in corn leaves.

  • Sopaipillas: A type of fried bread made from pumpkin and flour, served with pebre (a tomato, onion and pepper sauce).

  • Congrio Caldillo: A fish soup made with congrio (sole), potatoes, onions and seasonings.

  • Complete: A Chilean hot dog that comes with everything: avocado, tomato, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onion and, sometimes, even straw potatoes.

  • Baked:Chilean barbecue, typically made with different types of grilled meats, such as ribs, sausages and chicken.

  • Pisco: is a distilled drink originating in Chile and Peru. Chilean pisco is known for being made from grapes, usually Moscatel or Pedro Jimenez. It is a strong drink, with an alcohol content of around 30% to 40%.