“The thin country” is squeezed between the Andes and the Pacific and is never more than 221 miles wide, but its coastline is 3,000 miles long creating an incredibly diverse landscape of deserts, forests, beaches, volcanoes, mountains, lakes, glaciers and fjords.
“I cannot wait to return to Chile! I never would have expected it to be one of my favorite destinations, but it blew me away. I completely fell in love with the beautiful scenery and the lovely people.”—Kayla Torgerson, Consultant
Between the Pacific Ocean and the base of the Andes, Chile boasts some of the world’s most varied and dramatic landscapes. To comprehend its diverse geography, imagine a single country stretching from Baja California up to the Alaskan Panhandle. Chile’s length – including the entire length of its jagged coast and islands – is an amazing 7,633 miles in all.
Located in the far north, the Atacama Desert is one of Chile’s most unique land formations. This 600-mile strip of land west of the Andes on the Pacific coast is considered the driest desert in the world. Here, wide open valleys are surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, and the red rock provides changing scenery with the movement of the sun and passing clouds.
For a more diverse setting, at the far south end of the country is Patagonia, a region stretching from Valdivia to Cape Horn South America. Offering an amazing mix of fjords, channels, valleys, glaciers and much more, any nature lover would be sure to swoon over the breathtaking vistas. Torres del Paine National Park is the crown jewel of Chilean Patagonia, and perhaps of the entire country. This park is home to some of the most dramatic, spectacular mountain scenery on the planet. Opportunities for hiking abound here, and this is the best way to explore the vast wilderness, replete with alpine lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife.
While mainland Chile could offer weeks, even months, of independent adventures, pairing it with a visit to Easter Island is definitely encouraged. For those travelers who yearn for something a bit different, something magical, something in which few others have photographs to share, we recommend taking a close look at Chile’s Easter Island.
Experience the highlights of Chile
From the unique Atacama Desert to the beauty of Patagonia, you will revel in the distinct landscapes of this diverse country. Make the trek to Easter Island, whose mysteries and culture await your exploration. During your journey, you will also visit the lovely Lake District, the bustling city of Santiago and the colorful coastal town of Valparaiso, ensuring you experience the perfect cross section of this incredible country.
View Full Trip Inspiration
May 12, 2023
There is no shortage of wonderful accommodations to choose from when you want to explore southern Patagonia from the Chilean side. On two separate trips, I have been fortunate enough to spend a few days at three of Torres del Paine’s most stunning properties– Awasi Patagonia, Estancia Cerro Guido, and Tierra Patagonia. While none are Read more…
January 11, 2023
For as long as I can remember, I’ve never sat still very well. When my friends would dream of beach holidays, I’d fantasize about ascending big peaks, mountain biking away from civilization, or rock-climbing in the most remote corners of the world. So naturally, when the opportunity arose to return to Patagonia with Travel Beyond, Read more…
January 10, 2023
Desertscapes have always captivated me in ways that other biomes haven’t. The vastness offers one clarity and spending time immersed in these landscapes is often likened to a spiritual experience- a place where one can really connect to earth. The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is no exception! Famed for being the world’s driest desert, Read more…