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Some countries are so impossibly beautiful that they have to be seen to be believed.
And one of those destinations is Chile. On the one hand, the country is home to the Atacama desert, which is officially the driest place on earth.
On the other hand, you can explore the glaciers and lakes of Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park.
900 beaches, as many bustling bars, and a vibrant arts scene. It’s no wonder Chile is attracting tourists in record numbers!
According to the Chilean Undersecretary of Tourism, Chile has experienced a 38.8% increase in visitor numbers year-on-year and more than four million travelers visited the country in October alone.
A Bustling Capital City
Some of the destinations in Chile that are particularly benefiting from the increase in tourists include Santiago, Valparaiso, and Vina del Mar according to the report.
Santiago is the country’s capital city and is often referred to as the gateway to Chile.
That’s because its airport, Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (AMB), is the busiest in the country with the highest number of international flights.
For this reason, many people use Santiago as an arrivals hub and don’t take the time to really explore the city. But that would be a big mistake!
Surrounded by snowcapped mountains, Santiago is worth visiting for its breathtaking panoramas alone.
Beyond the scenery, this vibrant and bustling metropolis has so much to see and do.
Visit the presidential palace, La Moneda Palace, a UNESCO-listed building.
This stunning neoclassical structure has a rich history and was the site of the country’s violent coup in 1973.
If you’re a history buff who wants to learn more, then your next stop should be the Museum of Memory & Human Rights.
This museum commemorates the victims of the human rights violations committed by the Chilean state during this period. Entry to the museum is free.
If you want a fun night out, visit the bohemian Bellavista District, which is known for its large number of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Beautiful Beach Resorts
If you’re looking for a classic beach break, Chile has plenty to offer.
The country’s coastline is an incredible 4,000 miles long, so it’s not surprising that its beaches are so beautiful.
If you love watersports or you’re a devoted surfer then you should visit the beaches of Pichilemu.
This is considered the world’s surfing capital and as well as surfers, sailors, windsurfers and kitesurfers also flock to this hot spot.
Pichilemu is a 3-hour drive from Santiago, so it is perfectly accessible to travelers who want to go off the beaten path without too much inconvenience.
One of Chile’s most popular beach destinations is Viña del Mar. Its popularity is in part because of its proximity. You’ll find Viña del Mar just under 2 hours away from Santiago.
Vina del Mar is known as the garden city and it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.
You can explore the rich history of Vergara Pier or relax on the golden sands of Los Canones Beach.
This is a long beach with a modern boardwalk that’s punctuated with restaurants and shops, meaning after you’ve spent the day on the sand you won’t have to go far to find something to eat.
Paradise For Intrepid Adventurers
Want to try something a little different?
Chile is a paradise for intrepid adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for an experience that’s out of the ordinary.
The Torres del Paine National Park, in is a mecca for fans of the great outdoors.
This is a great place to hike, trek, kayak, go cycling or horseback riding, or even try your hand at ice fishing.
This area is home to an abundance of unique native wildlife.
The selection includes guanacos, Andean condors, pumas, huemuls, and Chilean flamingos.
As a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this particular park borders the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
This is considered one of the largest remaining ice fields on Earth and a true spectacle.
You can buy your ticket to enter the park in advance, and these are priced at $55 per person for non-residents for a 3 day pass.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
