If you’re heading to Chile and want an experience away from the big cities, here’s a list of magical towns…
From the tourist hub of the driest desert in the world to a place where wooden walkways replace traditional streets, you’ll find a refuge in these destinations if what you’re looking for is history, a chance to unplug, and landscapes that look like they belong in a painting. Add them to your list!
San Pedro de Atacama: Heart of the desert
In the middle of the Atacama Desert lies San Pedro, an oasis of adobe houses, dirt roads, and the heritage of the Lickan Antay culture. With plenty of accommodation and tourism services, plus a lively nightlife, it’s one of the best-known places in the north of our country.
Besides visiting its 18th-century church, from here you can take trips to stunning places like the Valley of the Moon, the Tatio Geysers, and the Altiplanic lagoons. You’ll also find stargazing tours under incredibly clear skies.
If you’d like to know more, check out our article: San Pedro de Atacama: The best time to travel that few people know about.
- How to get there: Your best option is to fly from Santiago to Calama’s El Loa Airport and then travel 100 km by road (1 hour 30 minutes) to San Pedro de Atacama. You can also fly into Antofagasta and make the trip from there, or take a bus from the capital.
Pisco Elqui: vineyards and stars among mountains
Located in the area known as the “Norte Chico,” Pisco Elqui is known as the birthplace of Chilean pisco and a destination linked to mysticism and tranquility. White houses, arid mountains, and vineyards surround this charming corner of the Elqui Valley.
Here you can visit the oldest distillery in Chile, tour vineyards, meditate at the Stupa of Enlightenment, or enjoy stargazing at the well-known nearby observatories. It’s also set in an area with other towns such as Vicuña, where there’s a strong legacy of poet Gabriela Mistral; or Alcohuaz, a small mountain hideaway known for its spiritual retreats.
- How to get there: From Santiago, you can take a flight to La Serena (flights are among the cheapest in Chile) or travel overland for about 5 to 6 hours. Then you’ll need to drive about 100 km toward the Andes to reach Pisco Elqui.
Frutillar: German tradition by the lake
We’re heading south to tell you about this beautiful place on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. Frutillar wins you over with flower-filled gardens, German-heritage architecture, and views of Osorno Volcano, blending nature and culture in a way that makes it one of the most charming magical towns in Chile.
Top attractions include the famous Teatro del Lago, the German Colonial Museum, and its waterfront promenade. Local pastries also stand out, with kuchen as the true star. Here you’ll find a more detailed guide for your visit.
- How to get there: From Santiago, you can fly to Puerto Montt Airport (1 hour 45 minutes) and from there travel about 50 km to reach Frutillar. You can also take a direct bus from the capital, but the trip takes around 12 to 14 hours.
Chonchi: the city of three levels
One of Chile’s most famous islands is Chiloé, as it was the last Spanish stronghold in the south in the early 19th century and has a very rich culture, full of legends, with church architecture declared a World Heritage Site for representing the syncretism of colonization.
While its main cities are Ancud and Castro, here we wanted to highlight Chonchi, known as the “City of Three Levels” for its stepped layout. Top attractions include historic Calle Centenario, with old wooden houses, and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. From here you can also travel to the iconic Muelle de las Almas.
A must-do: try the licor de oro and the roscas chonchinas, traditional local specialties.
- Itinerario por Chiloé: Naturaleza y cultura ancestral
- How to get there: Fly from Santiago to Castro Airfield (about 2 hours) and then drive about 25 km to Chonchi. Another option is to fly to Puerto Montt and continue overland and by ferry to Chiloé.
Caleta Tortel: the streetless town on the Carretera Austral
On Chile’s Carretera Austral you’ll find small towns that are a testament to resilience amid Patagonia’s harsh weather conditions. One of them is Caleta Tortel, which stands out for having no streets or vehicles. Everything is connected by wooden walkways!
From here you can sail through southern channels, visit the mysterious Island of the Dead, and take different trekking routes in Chilean Patagonia. Fun fact: Prince William came here to do volunteer work in 2000.
- How to get there: Your best option is to fly from Santiago to the Balmaceda Airfield and then travel overland to Caleta Tortel along the Carretera Austral. The journey takes about 10 hours. However, most travelers land in Puerto Montt and start the route from north to south from there.
