14 Top Activities in Chile: From Climbing Volcanoes to Enjoying Pisco Sours

With its erupting volcanoes, crashing waves, vast salt flats, and shimmering glaciers, Chile is a dream destination for adventure seekers in South America. Yet, you don't have to be an expert skier, surfer, or hiker to find enjoyable activities here.

This elongated, narrow South American country boasts renowned wineries, relaxing hot springs, and vibrant cities where locals know how to enjoy life. Whether you're traveling on a budget or indulging in luxury, the experiences you gain here will stay with you long after you've left this beautiful stretch of land, from the arid north to the frigid wilderness of Tierra del Fuego.

Whatever kind of journey you're seeking, there’s a perfect piece of Chile awaiting you. Here’s how to kick off your adventure.

1. Experience Wine Tasting in the Central Valley

In a global survey conducted by the Image of Chile Foundation to uncover the country’s most famous exports, one answer stood out: wine! The finest bottles rarely leave the country, so enjoy tasting exceptional varieties at the breathtaking vineyards near Santiago that you won't find back home.

The renowned Colchagua Valley, located three hours south of Santiago, is the prime destination for bold reds like Carmenere (Chile’s signature grape), produced at delightful vineyards such as MontGras, where you can even pick and stomp your own grapes. For crisp Sauvignon blancs, head to the Casablanca Valley, just an hour to the west of the capital.

Planning tip: Try to visit during the grape harvest season in March and April, when wine regions come alive with vibrant festivals celebrating the new crop.

2. Take a Funicular Ride in Valparaiso

Once, there were 30 ascensores (funiculars) connecting downtown Valparaíso to the 42 surrounding hills. Today, 16 remain in operation, serving as nostalgic reminders of the city’s former glory when it was one of the most significant ports in the Americas.

Both Ascensor El Peral and Ascensor Concepción lead to expansive walkways offering breathtaking views of a patchwork of colorful houses stretching across the uneven skyline. Meanwhile, Ascensor Reina Victoria takes you to the hilltop eateries of Paseo Dimalow and the nearby alleyways adorned with vibrant street art.

3. Summit a Volcano

Are you a fan of volcanoes? Great news—Chile boasts 2,000 of them! About a quarter are still considered potentially active, including the highest volcano in the world, Ojos del Salado, standing at 6,893 meters (22,615 feet). Climbing a volcano, whether active or not, is a highlight of many adventures in Chile.

As long as the seismographs remain stable, the trek to the summit of Ojos del Salado is a challenging yet rewarding two-week journey, offering incredible views once you reach the peak. There are also several other cones you can conquer in a single day, such as Volcán Villarrica near Pucón and Volcán Láscar close to San Pedro de Atacama.

4. Stargaze in the Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert on the planet, hosts an impressive two-thirds of the world's ground-based astronomical facilities. Researchers from Europe, Asia, and North America flock to this area to work with billion-dollar telescopes, but they aren’t the only ones who come to marvel at the spectacular star-filled sky.

Both Elqui Valley and San Pedro de Atacama feature hotels and observatories dedicated to astro-tourism. You can gain scientific insights about the night sky one evening, and then learn about local indigenous perspectives the next, all under a breathtaking display of constellations.

Planning tip: The prime time for visiting the Atacama Desert is from December to February, but the skies are clearest during the cooler winter months, June to August.

5. Ski in the Andes

Each winter, professional skiers and snowboarders from the Northern Hemisphere flock to Chile to train at numerous resorts nestled in the Central Andes. Join the ranks at premier (and high-altitude) destinations like Valle Nevado and Ski Portillo near Santiago.

Further south, Nevados de Chillán is renowned as the powder capital of South America; unlike the resorts to the north, you can ski here even below the tree line. The ski areas in the Lakes District, even farther south, are smaller, more intimate, and often located atop active volcanoes.

Planning tip: Keep in mind that winter in the southern hemisphere corresponds to summer in the northern hemisphere. The ski season lasts from late June to late September, with July typically being the most dependable month for snow activities.

6. Sample pisco in the Elqui Valley

For years, a heated debate has simmered between Chile and Peru regarding the origins of the potent spirit known as pisco and which country does it best. To take part in this rivalry, head to the Elqui Valley and the aptly named Pisco Elqui to taste this fiery liquor at its source.

In this region, you'll discover artisanal pisco makers like Fundo los Nichos and Doña Josefa, whose products are exclusive to the area, alongside popular brands like Mistral that you can find back home. Most distilleries feature tasting rooms, and many offer tours and gourmet lunches.

7. Dance the night away in Santiago

If you're accustomed to hitting bars at 7 PM and returning home by midnight, you'll need to adjust your schedule in Santiago. Here, the night comes alive around midnight and continues until dawn. The bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista is the heart of Chilean nightlife, with venues catering to every musical preference.

Expect to hear a mix of synth-pop, Latin trap, and reggaeton dominating the live music scene, along with DJs spinning electronic dance music and dazzling drag queens strutting their stuff. If you start your evening with pisco sours, be ready to wrap it up with piscolas (a blend of pisco and Coca-Cola, typically heavy on the pisco).

Planning tip: Be wary of the impressive drinking stamina of Chileans, who can seem as if they’re still on their first drink! Pace yourself with pisco and intersperse with soft drinks to make your night last longer.

8. Discover Mapuche culture in La Araucanía

The Mapuche are the largest indigenous group in Chile, having fiercely defended their identity in a country that hasn't always valued indigenous traditions. Consequently, there are remarkable opportunities for visitors to connect with this rich cultural heritage.

Ethno-tourism initiatives have emerged along the south-central Chilean coast in areas like Lago Budi and Mapu Lahual. Additionally, projects in small villages within the Araucanía Region, such as Curarrehue and Malalcahuello, offer immersive experiences amidst towering umbrella-like pehuén (araucaria) trees. Guests can stay in traditional ruca homes, explore the world of herbal medicine, and savor meals seasoned with the smoky chili pepper known as merkén.

9. Explore the world's oldest mummies in Arica

While many assume that the oldest mummies reside in Egypt, the early inhabitants of the Atacama coast had already developed advanced preservation techniques nearly 2000 years earlier. The region recognized for the 'Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture' was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021, encompassing ancient burial sites stretching from the regional capital of Arica to the quaint fishing village of Caleta Camarones.

Planning tip: If you want to see Chilean mummies up close, visit the mummy museum in the nearby Azapa Valley; it’s an intriguing, albeit eerie, experience.

10. Experience wildlife watching in Parque Nacional Patagonia

Parque Nacional Patagonia is one of the few places left on Earth where a remarkable wildlife comeback is taking place. Once overgrazed ranchlands, this expansive area in the Chacabuco Valley is now referred to as 'the Serengeti of the Southern Cone,' thanks to one of the world's most ambitious rewilding initiatives.

Visitors can look for endangered huemul deer, pumas, guanacos, flamingos, viscachas, and a variety of other species while helping fund efforts to reintroduce native Patagonian wildlife.

Planning tip: Exploring Parque Nacional Patagonia is best done on foot. Hiking trails ranging from 16km to 23km (10 to 14 miles) connect the park's campsites to stunning spots like the Aviles Valley and Lago Chico.

11. Navigate the Patagonian Fjords

The vast expanse of Chilean Patagonia consists of a remote, wind-battered archipelago filled with penguins, sea lions, and little else. To explore this wilderness, a boat is essential. Fortunately, there are many boatmen ready to guide you through this natural wonder.

Ferries set sail from Puerto Montt, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas to reach the steel-blue fjords, glacier-topped peaks, and pristine parks of Patagonia's untamed frontier. It's an exhilarating journey, but a vessel with heating is a must at this chilly latitude.

12. Explore the moai of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

A 5½-hour flight will take you from the Chilean mainland to this isolated island, stranded in the Pacific Ocean about 1,930 km (1,200 miles) from its nearest neighbor, the equally remote Pitcairn Islands. It's absolutely worth the journey. The moment you see the mysterious moai statues lining the coast of Rapa Nui, you'll be captivated.

The reason behind the carving of these massive figures from volcanic stone between 1,000 and 1,500 CE remains a mystery, yet over 800 can be found scattered across the island. The largest groups are located at Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki, opposite the only town, Hanga Roa.

Planning tip: The sole airline servicing Easter Island is LATAM, offering daily flights from Santiago. Previously, they have also run a weekly flight from Pape'ete in Tahiti.

13. Ride the waves along the Pacific Coast

With vast stretches of open ocean between Chile and Australia, the waves along the Pacific Coast are powerful and consistent. You can discover excellent surf spots in many charming towns along Middle Chile – while Pichilemu is the most renowned surf destination, nearby Cobquecura and Matanzas also boast great breaks.

In the north, surf towns like Iquique and Arica, located near the Peruvian border, offer stunning desert landscapes that meet the beach, with reef breaks providing impressive barrels throughout the year. Just be prepared for challenging waves that are better suited for experienced surfers than novices.

Planning tip: While it is technically possible to surf in Chile all year round, the cold water keeps many surfers out during the winter months. The northern waves are at their best in spring, from September to November.

14. Soak in soothing hot springs

Given the numerous volcanoes along Chile’s Andean range, it's no surprise that the country is rich in hot springs. The resort town of Pucón in the Lakes District is a prime spot for spa enthusiasts, featuring a plethora of natural Jacuzzis nestled in the surrounding rainforests, including the architecturally stunning Termas Geométricas near Coñaripe.

If you prefer a hot spring experience on the Altiplano, consider the remote, natural, and often free pools located above San Pedro or near the Aymara village of Putre. For hot springs beside a Patagonian fjord, visit Puyuhuapi. Looking for a rugged Andes option? Termas Valle de Colina is just a short day trip from Santiago.