Central Chile
Chile’s geographical and cultural heart is home to all the country’s major cities and many of its most impressive sights. Make the modern capital city of Santiago your base and take side trips out to famous beach towns, mountain destinations, hot springs and valleys.
Santiago sits in an incredibly beautiful location on a wide plain surrounded by the Chacabuco and Angostura mountains and the snow-covered peaks of the Andes, providing a dazzling backdrop on clear days. Explore the compact historic center with its lively atmosphere, museums and restaurants, tree-filled Plaza de Armas and narrow streets packed with stalls selling everything from fruit to fish.
Choose from a range of landscapes, from mountain ranges to desert to forest, to explore outside of the city. One of the area’s most beautiful natural sights is the Cajón del Maipo, a rocky river canyon carved out of the Andes by the Río Maipo. Venture to nearby valleys and find hot springs and a warm welcome in tiny hamlets.
As well as the fresh air and scenery, there are also great opportunities for outdoor adventure here, with organized hiking, rafting and mountain-biking trips available. Hit the slopes of the modern Valle Nevado Ski Resort in the heart of the Andes.
Central Chile has a lot to offer beach lovers too. Head for the famous coastline around Viña del Mar, one of Chile’s most popular beach cities. Stay in the town to experience its mix of beaches, clubs, casinos and high-rise hotels.
Further north, the port city of Valparaiso couldn’t be more different, with charming, colorful houses covering the hills that slope down toward the sea. Travel around its steep, cobbled streets by funicular railway and climb its meandering stairways. Valparaiso itself doesn’t have a beach, but the coastline near it boasts a string of tranquil bays with white sandy beaches.
Reach Central Chile by flying to Santiago and then use the good network of buses to explore the region.