Choose from 124 Fun Things to Do in Chile
Quitor
The Pukara de Quitor National Monument overlooks the fertile Río San Pedro valley from atop a strategic bluff. Its serpentine rows of thick, stone walls have defended the verdant oasis's bounty since around 1100 AD. Today, the fortress's impressive architecture and historic significance bring in another sort of wealth, visitors eager to see what are among Chile's most important ruins.
Little is known about the Ayllu de Quitor people who originally constructed the fortress, which was used to defend the agricultural town from the Incas and later, Spaniards. Their handiwork is impressive, however, and makes a fine place to contemplate life in the fierce Atacama Altiplano.
Practical Info
The Pukara de Quitor National Monument lies about 3 km (1.8 mi) northwest of San Pedro de Atacama. It is usually visited as part of a multi-destination day trip, but you can walk or bicycle from town.
The popular tourist destination also caters to travelers with treks to several other top destinations, including Moon Valley, Atacama Salt Lake, Licancabur Volcano, El Tatio geysers, and many others.
San Pedro's small airport has regular flights to Santiago and elsewhere in the region, while buses connect the town to Calama, Antofagasta, San Salvador de Jujuy (Argentina), and Uyuni (Bolivia). Many multiple-day tours offer transport between Uyuni as well. You can rent cars in town.
Magallanes Regional Museum (Braun-Menendez Palace)
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R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum
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Plaza de Armas
- Plaza de Armas is a must for all first-time visitors to Santiago.
- There are a number of cafés and restaurants around the square, but for budget options, try the surrounding streets.
- As in all large cities, keep an eye on your belongings—pickpockets are common around the square.
- The Plaza de Armas hosts various festivals, events, and markets throughout the year, including Santiago’s Independence Day celebrations.
- Santiago’s main tourist office is located at the north end of the square.
Quinta Vergara
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Rano Raraku
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Plaza de la Constitucion
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Pomaire
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Ojos del Salar
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Mercado Central (Central Market)
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Rainbow Valley (Valle Arcoiris)
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Plaza Sotomayor
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Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
It was most recently rebuilt in the 1750s, with the help of Italian architect Joaquín Toesca, who designed the baroque-fringed neoclassical facade that set the standard for subsequent structures around the Plaza de Armas.
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The Catedral Metropolitana has dominated the west side of the Plaza de Armas for centuries, and is the official heart of the city, from which all other points around Santiago are measured. Driving in this busy neighborhood isn't recommended, but the metro's L5 green line drops you at Plaza de Armas, in front of the main facade of Santiago's Cathedral.
While the interior is worth a look any time, consider visiting for one of the cathedral's organ concerts, played on an ornate instrument the size of some homes. These are held several times a month; check the paper, or ask at the church, to find out about upcoming events.
Nordenskjold Lake
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Red House (Casa Colorada)
Though Santiago's historical district boast many architecturally outstanding buildings, most were built or refurbished in the early 1900s, well after the Spanish Colonial period. The Red House - or Casa Colorada - is a fine exception.
It's no mystery why this squat stone structure has survived Santiago's tectonic history of earthquakes (and the gas-lamp fires that inevitably followed) intact. Originally completed in 1779 as the home of "Count of the Conquest" Don Mateo de Toro y Zambrano, it has served as a salon for Chile's politicians and VIPs for centuries.
Today, the Casa's thick-walled corridors and sturdy rooms are home to the Museo de Santiago, a solid museum featuring dioramas about key moments in the Chilean history.
Practical Info
The Red House is located in the heart of of the Santiago historic district, half a block east of the Plaza de Armas. The area is not the easiest to navigate in a car, but is well served by the metro. The closest stop is the Plaza de Armas station, on the L5 Green Line.
If you don't mind crowds of happy families, visit on Sunday, when admission is free.
Milodon Cave (Cueva del Milodon)
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Magdalena Island
- Magdalena Island is a must-visit for animal lovers, photographers, and families traveling with kids.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Dress in warm layers, as it can get chilly on the island even in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.
- Camera tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are not permitted on the island.
- Boat trips to the island usually depart from the Punta Arenas pier, though some tours include hotel pickup and drop-off.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Constructed in 1910, at the height of Latin America's frilly neoclassical-meets-art nouveau architectural wave, the graceful Palacio de Bellas Artes still strikes an imposing figure amidst modern Santiago's cold skyscrapers. Its ornate stone facade, which would do any cathedral proud, and permanent artistic merit make it the perfect home for the National Museum of Fine Arts.
The permanent collection, displayed in the Palacio's soaring chambers, begins with the Spanish Colonial era and traces Chile's cultural development through the styles of its artistic masters. Temporary exhibitions come from around Chile and the world.
The MAC (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo), Santiago's contemporary art museum, is also here. While it University of Chile-operated institution may lack the gravitas of the neighboring Fine Arts Museum, exhibits can be a lot more fun.
Practical Info
The Palacio de Bellas Artes is located on the northern edge of the historic district, five blocks from the Plaza de Armas, close to the river. This busy neighborhood isn't the easiest to navigate with a car, but there are several metro stops nearby. The L5 green line serves the Bellas Artes stop, right in front of the building.
The Palacio's entry fee is included as part of a Turistik, which gives you a day's access to double-decker buses that circuit past most of Santiago's attractions. Guided Spanish-language tours of the museum can be arranged for groups with one week advanced notice.