The only country that starts with the driest desert and ends at the icy tip in South America, Chile is the world’s longest country that stretches over 4,300 kilometers! Giant dunes, ancient rainforests, enormous glaciers, and snow-capped volcanoes, this incredible country has them all.

Chile is one of the few safe havens, where swatches of nature such as rainbow-colored peaks and moonlike landscapes remain undamaged. It’s where rare endemic wildlife thrives in their natural habitat. 

Alex Wolowiecki/Unsplash | Chile is one of the few safe havens where wildlife thrives in their natural habitat

For many, heading off to Chile is a trip of a lifetime, because along with the breathtaking views there’s excellent food available, like slow-cooked meat stews in red wine and fresh off the boat ceviche kinda thing. Who doesn’t want to have such a magnificent experience?! 

If you’re considering exotic destinations for your next trip now that borders are reopening, we suggest opening your eyes to Chile. Plus, here’s a list of locations you must visit when you’re there. 

Geyser del Tatio

This is the world’s third-largest geyser field, situated 4,200 meters above sea level in northern Chile. It’s fed by more than 80 natural geysers! It’s a landscape of snow-capped volcanoes, hot pools, giant frost-covered cacti puffs, and hundreds of fumaroles i.e, holes in the ground that emit steam and gases. 

The ideal time to visit this heart-stopping destination is between 6 and 7 AM, a time when the geysers are most active and the sunrise surrounds the volcanoes causing a sherbet pink hue.

Around this time you’re most likely to spot Chile’s viscachas, vicunas and nandues, because they take in the sunrise for breakfast as the sun melts the morning dew. After this you should head to the Putima hot springs to complete your visit at Geyser del Tatio with a hot bath and a scenic view.

Diego Delso/Wikipedia Creative Commons | Geyser del Tatio is the world’s third-largest geyser field, situated 4,200 meters above sea level in northern Chile

Salar de Atacama

Spread across the scorched desert plains of Atacama for over 3,000 square kilometres, Salar de Atacama is Chile's largest salt flat.

Surrounded by the snow-capped Andean peaks like a mirror, the pools of water stay still and reflect the clear blue sky making this horizonless desert landscape homeless. And when the pools are dry, salt formations rise from the ground like mini cathedrals! As the sun sets behind the Andes, the sky turns to fire; words can’t do justice to this hair rising view. 

The best time to visit Salar de Atacama is during December till February, when the salt flats are at their most colourful and hundreds of pink flamingos, including some of the rare species, gather to feed and breed in the rich waters at the flats. 

Guatin Canyon

Guatin Canyon, located 3,000 meters above sea level, is where the river Puritama and the other glacial rivers merge and form the Vilama River. The distinct landscape of stunning geological formations and thriving ecosystem of hundreds of giant cacti, some even as tall as seven feet, is caused by Vilama’s combination of cold and hot water.

Guatin Canyon is the perfect hiking location, for it comes with a mix of easy half-day treks and some challenging adventures, alongside the crystal clear rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs that are seen throughout the Canyon.

Although it may take quite a bit of effort to navigate amongst the rushing rivers and large boulders, the view from the top of the canyon is so worth it. It’s a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the multicoloured valley floor backed by the Andes and Domeyko mountain ranges. 

Thomas Griggs/Unsplash | The Guatin Canyon is laced with stunning geological formations and thriving ecosystem of hundreds of giant cacti

Are you hyped?

This was just a glimpse of what’s in store for you in Chile, there are so many more gorgeous breathtaking destinations that are yet to be discovered. Now that we’ve got you a little interested in these destinations, we hope you’re excited enough to go try them out. Let us know which one you’re going to visit first.