3 secret places in Chile not to miss

If people meet who went to Chile, the main places they talk about are usually the following: Easter Island, Patagonia, Valparaiso, or Atacama. 

And those places are absolutely gorgeous without doubt. And we totally recommend visiting them. 

However, it makes one think:

Are there really no other great places that this unique country has to offer?

Of course there are more. And we will present a short list of the best secrets in Chile:

1. Iquique

Where is it?

Iquique is a middle-size city of around 200,000 inhabitants on the coast located in the Northern territory of Chile. It is located around 1,700 km to the North of the capital city Santiago and 300 km south of the boarder with Peru. Some call it "Miami of South America".

Best way to get there?

Take a plane from Santiago (with LAN or Sky). It takes a bit over two (2) hours, and booked in advance it can be quite cheap. For the more adventurous among you, a bus from Santiago drives around 24 (!) hours. This is still a great experience, as the landscape changes dramatically and after the sun rises, one finds himself in the middle of the Atacama desert.

Why go there?

It is not only known for its great temperatures (average never below 14°, never more than 26°), nice beaches and duty free zone but also for its incredible surroundings. You can visit all year long, and especially it can be a good escape in Winter (between May and August, when Santiago and the South has cold feet).

- Ghost towns Santa Laura & Humberstone

Have you ever visited a ghost town? Then its time to go. Only about 50 km from Iquique, one can visit the world heritage sides of Santa Laura & Humberstone. Being declared by the UNESCO in 2005, those two abandoned former salpeter refineries are totally worth a visit and will remind many of the sceneries of a "Western movie". You can even find a theater, football pitch, swimming pool and former houses, where people lived and worked (even Chinese !) until 1960.

- Pica

Further inland one can visit the small but beautiful city of Pica, being famous for several fruits especially lemons, which are used for the National drink "Pisco Sour". Ice-cream should be tried there, too - Mango is a good option. Stay there for one night to enjoy the clear skies and tranquility.

2. Valle del Elqui

Where is it?

Valle del Elqui is a valley located about 500 km north of Santiago de Chile. It is known for production of the National liquor “Pisco” and also wines. Nevertheless, there are other great things to do there.

Best way to get there?

You can take a plane, if you want to get there quickly. The closest airport is in the city of La Serena, and the flight takes about 1 hour. Booked in advance it is a cheap option (with LAN or SKY). A bus usually takes 6-7 hours to La Serena from Santiago. From La Serena into the valley, it takes around another 60 minutes by car or local bus. Most people arrive to/stay in either Vicuna (biggest city) or Pisco Elqui, which is further inside the valley.

Why go there?

-    -  Pisco

It is produced in the valley and sold all over the country. The Pisco factory “Fundo Los Nichos” offers great tours through their side and finishes with a tasting. You can buy several types after the tour. Along the valley you can do another tasting but of organic wine, visit “Cavas del Valle” which has spectacular quality.

-    - Astronomy

Even the least romantic will fall in love with the skies in the “Valle del Elqui”. They are considered as one of the clearest on earth, and doing an astronomy tour is an absolute must being there. The observatory “Mamalluca” offers great tours where visitors can not only watch but also learn about the universe.

-    - Tranquillity

Valle del Elqui is simply a perfect place to get out of the city and relax. There are plenty of great places to stay in order to clear the mind and simply enjoy the tranquillity in the valley.

3. Isla de Chiloe

Where is it?

The island of Chiloe is located in the Southern territory of Chile and about 1,200 km from Santiago. It is the biggest national island mainly known for its unique churches but has much more to offer. Take note it is one of the last lands in the country that became independent.

Best way to get there?

In 2016 only, a new flight route opened and Santiago is now directly linked to the island of Chiloe, where one arrives to Castro within less than 2 hours (flights go with LAN and only on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

Why go there?

-   - Churches

You don’t have to be religious to like the churches of Chiloe. 16 on the island are considered as a world heritage side and are well worth a visit. Others are being maintained to also be considered by the Unesco. Bring your camera and shoot amazing pictures.

-  - Food & people

Everyone who visited Chiloe will remember the tasty food and the friendly people. The most typical food is called “curanto” which is prepared in a hole in the ground (!). At first hot stones are put inside and then it will be filled with a mix of potatoes (about 400 species only in Chiloe), meat, fish, shellfish and vegetables. Leaves are put on top and the food cooked around one (1) hour. It can also be done in a stew pot on top of a bonfire, but the first method is the most traditional way. Don’t leave Chiloe without trying “curanto”.

-   - Landscapes

The island has only around 150,000 inhabitants on over 9,000 square kilometres, which means it is still relatively unspoiled. Due to the rainy climate, the island is very green and scenic, where you can find great hiking trails and viewpoints. Bring your boots and don’t forget a good rain jacket.

Conclusion:

If the time allows, you should definitely try and visit the above three places to get a more complete understanding about the country, its food, people, arquitecture and past.

The best 5 roof tops in Santiago de Chile ?

On one hand, Santiago de Chile is considered a flat city. Even though there could be more cycle tracks, there is a lot of potential for riding the bike. But mostly, the city is known for, and surrounded by, one of the worlds largest mountain ranges, the Andes, and has a lot of skyscrapers. Those offer very unique places where the city can be watched from above. The following post will discuss the 5 very best spots in order to be able to enjoy the very best views of this amazing city:

1) Torre Costanera (Costanera Tower):

It is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and with that title, Torre Costanera invites to enjoy one of the best views of Santiago. Sky Costanera, the real name of the lookout, rises 300 meters high, giving the tourist the possibility to understand the dimensions of this dense city. Look to the north, and you will see more of the iconic San Cristóbal Hill and, behind it, the suburbs of Recoleta, Huechuraba and Independencia. Turn yourself to the right and you will be amazed by the magnificent heights of the mountain range of the Andes that appears to guarding the city. Turn to the right again and you will be seeing one of the most populated areas of Santiago: Las Condes, Ñuñoa, Macul, La Reina and La Florida. Look to the right again and, if you came just before night, you will be enjoying a beautiful sunset, touching with its lights the west suburbs: Santiago Centro, Providencia and Estación Central. You can also understand the city’s organization, with the Mapocho River flowing from the Andes towards the Pacific Ocean. A must.

Payed: Yes.

How much? Monday to Sunday and Holidays: $10.000 Adult (13 – 64), $7.000 Kids (4 – 12) and Senior (65+), Students. Wednesdays: $7.500 Adult (13 – 64), $5.000 Kids (4 – 12) and Senior (65+), Students.

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday (holidays included): 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Las elevator ride going up is at 9:00 PM.

Address: Avda. Andres Bello 2457, Providencia

2) Baha’i Temple:

When you get to the Baha’i Temple in Peñalolén suburb, you realize why this cult choose this place to put one of its 9 Worships Houses of the world: its scenic view, in the foots of the Andes, with the huge Santiago at his foots makes you feel blessed. On winter, you can come here at the end of the day and admire the usually colorful sunsets (in winter, because of the change in the time schedule, the temple closes before night). But the star of this lookout is the the Bahá’í House of Worship of South America, that opened its doors on October 19th 2016, as a place of meditation and admiration to God. It is difficult not to be amazed by the architecture of the temple that resembles a flower in blossom. Even if you’re not a believer, this place invites you to maintain silence and enjoy the sight, an amazing way to end a perfect day.

Payed: No.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Sundays: 9:00 AM to 7 PM.

Address: Diagonal Las Torres 2000, Peñalolén

3) Top of Cerro San Cristóbal Hill

One of the first things you would notice when you are arriving to Santiago vía airplane (and sometimes by bus), is that hills are all around the city. The one that stands out, without doubt, is Cerro San Cristóbal. This big hill is home to the Parque Metropolitano, the biggest urban park in Latin America and fourth in the world. There is lots to do in this park: walk or cycle its tracks, visit the Metropolitan Zoo, get a dive in one of its two public pools, take a trip in the renewed “Teleféricos” or take the “Funicular” to the top, in which a centenary statue of Virgin Marie stands. Here, you can also get an incredible view of the city, while drinking some “mote con huesillo” to refresh yourself.

Payed: Just the “Funicular” fee if you take it, because you can get to the top walking or by bicycle.

How much? Week days: $1.500 adults, $1.000 childs. Weekends and holidays: $1.950 adults, $1.300 childs.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

Address: Pio Nono 450, Providencia

4) Top of Santa Lucía Hill

The small sister of San Cristóbal hill is Santa Lucía (we Chileans, so saints…), kind of an island in a sea of concrete. It is significantly smaller than San Cristóbal but its beautiful french architecture, constructed by Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna in 1872, and its unique atmosphere is enough to fall in love. Called “Huelen” by the indigenous locals (a pre-colonial word that means “sadness” or “sorrow”) it was first used by Spaniards to keep an eye on indigenous attacks that in the colonial epoch. Nowadays, it is a must see of the historic center of Santiago, with its big balconies, long staircases, chapel and a castle on the top. Perfect for a calm spot just in the middle of the city.

Payed: No.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Address: Santa Lucía Metro Station.

5) Top of Manquehue Hill

This is a little more “sporty” option and the only one in which you need to make a serious effort to get to the top. Praised as one of the best trekking routes in Santiago surroundings, from the very top of the Manquehue you can glimpse all the valley. If you are lucky enough to be in the city just after rain, that is the perfect moment to go up so you can get a clear image (most of the time, Santiago is cover in a cloud of pollution). In this hill you can see native flora and fauna and imagine how the conquerors arrived to this area about 500 years ago. Vía Roja, the principal route, is closed since September 2017, but there is still other options: Los Trapenses, acceso La Pirámide/cerro Carbón and acceso Agua de Palo. The first one is the easiest, while the other two could take more time and effort. Any option you take, you wouldn’t regret it.

Payed: No

Opening hours: Always, but it is recommended to go up during the morning.

Address: Depends on which path you choose.

1. Why is it worth it to visit Chile?

You may ask yourself - why should I fly so many hours down to Chile?

We dont have to think about it twice - there are plenties of reasons.

But the most important for your trip or stay are the following:

People!

Chilenos are amazing people.

Where do you find the friendliest?

Generally the South is known for the most welcoming people (eg. from Island of Chiloe).

But of course you are also able to meet very nice citizens in Santiago or the Northern territory.

Another rule of thumb - the smaller the city, the friendlier the people (happens in many countries).

What are they like?

Chilenos are very social people, and like to have a good time.

Dont be suprised to be invited to a BBQ every weekend.

They are also very patriotic and love their country. For their Independance Days (18+19 September)

everyone rises up a flag. And during a soccer match, be sure nobody walks outside on the streets.

Take advantage and learn as much as you can about Chile by asking locals.

You wont be bored. Chilenos are funny people and love to make jokes. 

Nature!

Of course. Many people visit Chile due its unique landscapes. 

Which other country has glaciars, deserts, 6,000 (!) km of coastline with beaches, mountains up to 5,000 m and native people like the Rapa Nui?

The Atacama desert is the driest in the world and offers spectacular scenes of salt flats, volcanoes, dunes and much more.

Easter Island is one of the most remoted places on earth being over 3,500 km (!) away from the South American continent where you can meet an incredibly unique culture.

Patagonia is a paradise for those who like Trekking. The mountains and landscapes are incredible and difficult to describe.

Stability!

Especially compared to its neighboring countries, but also to some European ones, Chile offers a very stable situation. Crime rates and corruption are relatively low, and apart of some areas in the outskirts of the capital city Santiago, Antofagasta or Valparaiso, it can be said that in general Chile is a safe country to visit (of course basic precaution rules as anywhere else in the world need to be considered).

Conclusion

It is very well worth it to fly half around the globe and discover this amazing country.

Visit Chile!