15 Things to Do in Chile

Three massive granite towers rising 2,800m from the Patagonian steppe — the W Trek (4 days) and full Circuit (9 days) are among the world's great long-distance hikes with extraordinary wildlife and geology.

5,000m geysers erupting at dawn, pink flamingos in high-altitude salt lagoons, Valle de la Luna's Martian landscape and the clearest stargazing skies on earth.

900 enormous moai carved between 1250–1500 CE on one of the most remote islands on earth. How they were transported without wheels is still debated; the site is profoundly mysterious.

Near-zero humidity and zero light pollution — the Mamalluca Observatory offers guided stargazing with professional telescopes in a clarity impossible anywhere in Asia or Europe.

1,200km of unpaved road through Patagonian fjords, hanging glaciers and turquoise rivers — the world's most remote and spectacular road trip, best driven southbound over 10–14 days.

A UNESCO island of wooden palafito houses on stilts and 16 Jesuit churches — with a potato-and-seafood culture and ghost ship mythology that makes it South America's most atmospherically distinct island.

4 days through glacier, lake and mountain — ending at the Base of the Towers at dawn when granite turns pink. Book the EcoCamp months ahead; the trail fills in summer.

World's highest geyser field at 4,320m — arrive before dawn when steam columns are tallest. Then Laguna Cejar (so salty you float without effort) for the afternoon.

Ahu Tongariki's fifteen moai silhouetted against the rising Pacific sun — one of the most extraordinary archaeological sunrise moments on earth.

Turquoise marble caves eroded by glacial waters of General Carrera Lake — accessible only by boat, glowing electric blue at dawn in summer.

An active volcano with a permanent lava lake visible from the crater rim — the guided sunrise ascent takes 4–5 hours with crampons.

The southernmost point of the Americas — reached by expedition cruise through the Beagle Channel where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet.

Dolphins, sea lions and Humboldt penguins on the rocky Pacific islands off the Atacama coast — accessible by boat from La Serena.

Chile's coolest wine valley 90 minutes from Santiago — maritime fog creates ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Chile's surf capital — consistent breaks year-round and one of the longest waves in South America at Punta de Lobos.