From desert to glacier – Take a look at why Chile should be on your bucket list for 2026
1. Superlative nature – a journey from desert to ice
Chile is one of the longest and narrowest countries in the world, and also one of the most diverse. In the north, the Atacama Desert—the driest on Earth—captivates visitors with the clearest skies in the southern hemisphere, alongside dunes, geysers, salt flats and dramatic volcanic scenery. In the far south, Patagonia enchants with millennia-old glaciers, jagged mountain peaks, turquoise lakes and seemingly endless forests.
2. Sports and adventure for every taste
For the seventh year in a row, Chile was named World’s Leading Adventure Destination at the 2025 World Travel Awards—and with good reason. From trekking in its vast national parks to sandboarding in the desert, surfing the Pacific coast, skiing and mountaineering in the Andes, climbing volcanoes, rafting wild rivers or cruising through remote fjords, Chile offers adventure in spectacular natural settings.
3. A paradise for wine and food lovers
Chile’s cuisine reflects its extraordinary geography: world-class wines, fresh Pacific seafood and produce from fertile valleys combined with European influences and indigenous traditions. The wine valleys surrounding Santiago and across central Chile are a particular highlight, offering vineyard hikes, cycling tours, tastings and overnight stays at wineries.
4. Authentic experiences – cultural diversity
Chile’s cultural richness mirrors its natural diversity. Visitors encounter UNESCO World Heritage Sites, engaging museums, traditional festivals and living cultures – from Andean villages in the highlands and the traditions of the Mapuche people in the south, to the mysterious stone figures of Rapa Nui, the world’s oldest statues and the folklore of Chiloé Island.
5. Unique accommodation, starry skies and natural wellness
With more than 300 cloudless nights each year, northern Chile is one of the world’s premier destinations for stargazing. The Atacama Desert is renowned for having the clearest night skies in the southern hemisphere and is home to over 40 observatories, many of which are open to visitors. Stargazing tours are widely available in destinations such as La Serena, the Elqui Valley, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta and Iquique.
6. A destination for every season
Chile’s extraordinary geographical range makes it a genuine year-round destination. From desert exploration in the north and skiing in the Andes to trekking in Patagonia or beach escapes along the Pacific coast, each season offers ideal conditions for different experiences. As Chile lies in the southern hemisphere, seasons are opposite to those in Europe.
7. Safe, stable and high-quality long-haul travel
Chile is widely regarded as one of the safest and most politically stable destinations in South America. Modern infrastructure, a well-developed road network and reliable medical services provide reassurance for long-haul travellers. High service standards, experienced guides and good hygiene practices further enhance confidence.
8. A strong commitment to sustainable travel
Chile is a leader in sustainable tourism in South America, with a strong focus on certified ecotourism, conservation and responsible travel. Many lodges, tour operators and destinations adhere to international sustainability standards, protect natural environments and support local communities.
9. Untouched wilderness across three continents
Chile’s territory extends across three continents: the Americas, Antarctica and, through Rapa Nui, Oceania. As a result, its landscapes are extraordinarily varied. From the Atacama Desert and the windswept wilderness of Tierra del Fuego to the icy expanses of Antarctica, few countries offer so many places that remain largely untouched by human activity.
10. Chile: a world tour in one country
Thanks to its dramatic contrasts and breadth of experiences, travelling through Chile feels like embarking on a world tour within a single nation. From the driest desert on Earth and ancient Patagonian glaciers to vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage, few destinations offer such diversity in one journey.
