Repost This ArticleChile, that thin, long country with mountains to the east and the ocean to the west, has 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
1. The sand dunes of the Atacama Desert
Photo: clearlycool
2. The massive glaciers of Tierra del Fuego
Photo: angela7dreams
3. The 6000ft granite walls of Torres del Paine
Photo: winkyintheuk
4. The penguins of Punta de Arenas
Photo: Steve Deger
5. The active Volcán Villarica, just outside of Pucón
Photo: philliecasablanca
6. The surreal world of the Atacama Desert
Photo: magical-world
7. The pristine beaches of Easter Island
Photo: magical-world
8. The quiet bays of Chiloe
Photo: velazsolano
Photo: SFmatador
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.
Julie Schwietert
Julie Schwietert Collazo is a writer, editor, researcher, and translator currently in New York, formerly of Mexico City and San Juan.
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You might want to include the Pintados near Poso Almonte as a site to visit! The Pintados are accessible from Iquique! How Humberstone? If you’re driving from Iquique to Pozo Almonte, you’ll pass right by Humberstone just before you intersect with Route 5! San Pedro de Atacama is another spot to visit. The Valley of the Moon (Picture 1 above), El Tatio Geysers and hot springs and the Salar de Atacama are special sites to visit. Perhaps, while in Calama, a tour of Chuquicamata copper mine facilities “might be” a good visit, too!
I’ve been to Chile 10 times! I’ve worked as a volunteer for a non-profit building school buildings for Aymaran youth smack dab in a valley in the Atacama Desert on the road from Huara to Bolivia.