Chile, that thin, long country with mountains to the east and the ocean to the west, boasts astounding geographic diversity as one of its principal attractions for travelers.
From the Atacama Desert of northern Chile–some parts of which have not received rain in 200 or more years– to the massive glaciers of the south, where visitors are likely to experience weather that takes them through four seasons in a single day, Chile delivers on its promise.
Here are 8 natural wonders that should move Chile to the top of your trip list:
Photos: Julie Schwietert (Matador Travel)
1. The sand dunes of the Atacama Desert.
Photo: clearlycool (Flickr creative commons)
2. The massive glaciers of Tierra del Fuego.
Photo: angela7dreams (Flickr creative commons)
3. The 6000 ft. tall granite walls of Torres del Paine.
Photo: winkyintheuk (Flickr creative commons)
4. The penguins of Punta de Arenas.
Photo: Steve Deger (Flickr creative commons)
5. The active Volcán Villarica, just outside of Pucón.
Photo: philliecasablanca (Flickr creative commons)
6. The surreal world of the Atacama Desert.
Photo: magical-world (Flickr creative commons)
7. The pristine beaches of Easter Island.
Photo: magical-world (Flickr creative commons)
8. The quiet bays of Chiloe.
Photo: velazsolano (Flickr creative commons)
Photo: SFmatador (Flickr creative commons)
Community Connection: Have you been to Chile? Thinking about going? Share your favorite natural wonders or questions about Chile below. Read Matador member VickiElizabeth’s blog, “10 Things I Have Learned in Chile.” Check out Matador organization Patagonia Volunteer, which offers numerous opportunities for travelers to volunteer in the Southern Cone.
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29 Comments... join the discussion!
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Monumental photos! This has put ALL of Chile on my must-visit list for my trip to South America next year!
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# 9—incredible, untouched surf breaks. massive points.
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This is perfect intel for my upcoming trip to Chile. I am about to start routing my trip so thanks!
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Wow these photos are incredible. Never really thought about Chile much, but now I gotta say, it's on my travel radar.
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Seems like Chile is often overshadowed by Argentina and Brazil as a SA destination, but it easily rivals both. I spent some time there and had amazing adventures, but never got to the south, which I regret after seeing some of these photos. On my travel list again. Also, to echo David, there is some awesome surf in Chile.
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Stunning! Can't wait to go
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I'm really amazed and delighted by those photos. So beautifully alien and surreal, especially Torres del Paine. And I feel a bit silly not knowing Easter Island was a Chilean territory. What wonderful geography.
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All those mountain pix got me in a mountain mood! It looks like Chile covers all the bases, desert, mountains, ocean… Chile anyone?
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The penguin is really too cute. Never been to South America, but these photos give me something to shoot for!
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so alien and beautiful, especially Torres del Paine
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Wow, Chile looks incredible. Thanks for the highlights!
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Why did I not know that the Easter Islands were part of Chile. Never been south of Peru – but now I realize I have a long way to go. What's your advice on the weather/times to trek/travel?
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This just sold me. Planning a trip here for 2009!
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They should have filmed Lord of the Rings in Chile…
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sold. see you there.
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These pics have me drooling and including Chile in my places to-visit list – thanks for sharing!!
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wow. absolutely amazing.
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Thanks, everyone, for your comments. I've been many places, but Chile wins hands down for sheer beauty, especially in Torres del Paine. And Ian, I was definitely thinking a Lord of the Rings follow up should be filmed there! For all of you who are convinced to travel there, stay tuned– I'll be publishing a few more articles about Chile and trip planning.
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So inspiring. I love the photos too. Chile is at the top of my places-to-visit-immediately queue.
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Well, shove Argentina and Brazil out of the way, cause Chile now tops my Where I Want To Go in South America list. Thanks for the insight, I had no idea Chile was so diverse. Thanks for the info!
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Erin- If you want some city tips, let me know!
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OMG! Oh man. Looking at the pictures brings tears to my eyes. Chile is on my list.
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hi there- i’m trying to figure out a semester abroad next spring- right now, the decision is between santiago, valparaiso, mendoza, and buenos aires. chile is obviously STUNNING, but how easy is it to get to all these places from, say, santiago? and what’s santiago like for 5 months?
any advice would be much appreciated. these pictures are incredible, btw!
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Beautiful photos. but no photograph can do the country justice! i was an exchange student for 6 months in 2004 and live on la isla Chiloe. i miss it and would give anything to go back…
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I am from Chile and I loved the photos! There is a lot more than this, of course.
Any question about my beautiful country can be sent to my mail: karitoherna@gmail.com I hope you decide to come to Chile!↵ -
more pictures about The pristine beaches of Easter Island.
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Wow, Chile it’s a beautifull country, full of natural wonders.
My name is Israel, and I live en Concepción, Chile. Your work it’s very good.
I’m glad to see it
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It is my dream to drive through the entire of South American continent and Chile is the longest part of this drive
Got to save a hell of a lot of money and learn the language before I do that..I will MOST definitely do this before I die; writing from New Delhi, India, Asia.
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