santiago & beyond | Atacama adventures | Bucket List wonders
Chile
C hile, dubbed “the Long Country”, stretches like a ribbon across South America’s southwestern coast, covering about 2,600 miles from north to south. To put this in perspective, that’s roughly the same distance as traveling from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles. This unique shape creates a land of extreme diversity and unparalleled contrast. From soaring peaks to desert to glaciers, Chile has it all.
Just an hour outside the lively capital of Santiago, the Andes Mountains offer world-class skiing and snowboarding. The surrounding wine regions highlight Chile’s status as the sixth-largest wine producer worldwide. Many beaches are also within easy reach; few places on Earth let you ski in the morning and surf by sunset.
Begin your journey in Santiago, the country’s vibrant capital. Stroll through historic Plaza de Armas and the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood, alive with colorful street art. Ride the funicular to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal mountain, view world-class art at Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino and savor local dishes like empanadas and pastel de choclo.
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Wine tasting (left); Viña del Mar (right)
Chilean flamingos
Patagonia
Moai on Easter Island
Some of the world’s finest wines await in the nearby Maipo and Casablanca Valleys, where vineyards craft organic wines and use Andean snowmelt for irrigation. Over 80% of Chile’s wine comes from certified sustainable estates. Enjoy tastings at a fraction of the cost of Napa's or Europe's, with stunning views of the Andes.
It's just as easy to swap vineyards for sun and snow. Relax or surf at the beaches of Viña del Mar or Zapallar, all within a two-hour drive of Santiago. Hit the slopes at Valle Nevado or La Parva, just an hour or two away. Ski by day, surf by sunset—only in Chile.
Best Bet 2026
Chile was chosen as a Travelzoo Best Bet for 2026. Only ten worldwide destinations were selected for this honor, based on factors like increased interest among Travelzoo members, sustainability considerations or landmark events for the new year. See the full list here.
Best Bet 2026
Best Bet 2025
Best Bet 2026
Chile was chosen as a Travelzoo Best Bet for 2026. Only ten worldwide destinations were selected for this honor, based on factors like increased interest among Travelzoo members, sustainability considerations or landmark events for the new year. See the full list here.
Torres del Paine Naitonal Park
Valley of the Moon
Santiago
To get to the Atacama Desert, take a 2-hour flight from Santiago to Calama. From Calama, it's a 1.5-hour drive to San Pedro de Atacama, a laid-back town with local shops and adobe architecture. Then head to the stunning cratered formations of the Valley of the Moon. Despite its lunar name, the red-rock canyons and otherworldly dunes look straight out of Mars—NASA even tests rovers here. Pro tip: catch the valley at sunset for a spectacular view.
Discover Atacama’s salt flats, where flamingos gather by the turquoise lagoons. Travelers can also go hiking, soak in hot springs, bike through canyons and watch geysers erupt at sunrise. Once night falls, the desert comes alive with some of the clearest stargazing on Earth. We recommend staying at the luxe Tierra Atacama, which recently reopened following a $20-million renovation. Other options include the 5-star Nayara Alto Atacama and the upscale Our Habitas Atacama, which both earn rave reviews from Travelzoo staff.
Nearly 22% of Chile is protected through national parks and reserves, giving the country one of the best conservation track records in the world. Fly three hours from Santiago to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas to reach Patagonia. Patagonia’s crown jewel is Torres del Paine National Park, where turquoise lakes, glaciers and dramatic peaks await. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, kayak and trek glaciers. Stay at the newly renovated Las Torres Patagonia, the only lodge inside the park with direct trailhead access. In early 2026, luxury cruise line Silversea will debut the world's southernmost hotel, The Cormorant at 55 South, to offer seamless access for Antarctica expedition cruisers departing from Chile's Puerto Williams Island.
For another unforgettable escape, venture west to remote Easter Island to marvel at the ancient moai—giant stone statues carved between 1400–1650 CE to honor important ancestors. Though a 5- to 6-hour flight from Santiago, it’s well worth the trip. Travelers can explore the island on horseback, relax on the white sands of Anakena Beach and catch a traditional dance performance in Hanga Roa. Pro tip: book early, as flights fill quickly.
Head south to experience the unspoiled wilderness of Patagonia, or head north to the Atacama Desert to stargaze in a surreal Mars-like landscape. Take a side trip to see the renowned moai statues on Easter Island, a remote territory of Chile and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Starting December 2025, American Airlines will increase the number of nonstop flights from Miami to Santiago, making Chile more accessible than ever for U.S. travelers. Several new upscale lodging options are also available. Read on to discover why we can’t get enough of this South American gem, and why you should plan a trip in 2026.
Tatio Geyser
Salt flats
Atacama Desert
Serrano River
santiago & beyond | Atacama adventures | Bucket List wonders
santiago & beyond | Atacama adventures | Bucket List wonders
