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Some countries are so impossibly beautiful that you have to see them to believe them.
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, just as many vibrant bars and a vibrant arts scene. It’s no wonder Chile is attracting tourists in record numbers!
According to Chile’s Secretary of State for Tourism, Chile has experienced a 38.8% increase in visitor numbers year-on-year, with more than four million travelers visiting the country in October alone.
A vibrant capital
Some of the destinations in Chile that are particularly benefiting from the increase in tourists are Santiago, Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, according to the report.
Santiago is the capital of the country and is often called the gateway to Chile.
That’s because the 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 arrival point and do not take the time to really explore the city. But that would be a big mistake!
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Santiago is worth a visit for the breathtaking panoramas alone.
Besides the scenery, this vibrant and bustling metropolis has so much to see and do.
Visit the Presidential Palace, La Moneda Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This stunning neoclassical structure has a rich history and was the site of the country’s violent coup in 1973.
If you are a history buff and want to learn more, 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. Admission to the museum is free.
If you want a fun night out, visit the bohemian Bellavista district, known for its large number of bars, clubs and restaurants.
Beautiful beach resorts
If you’re looking for a classic beach holiday, Chile has plenty to offer.
The country’s coastline is a whopping 6,000 kilometers long, so it’s not surprising that its beaches are so beautiful.
If you enjoy water sports or are a dedicated surfer, you must visit the beaches of Pichilemu.
This is considered the surfing capital of the world and in addition to surfers, sailors, windsurfers and kitesurfers, this hotspot also flocks to this hotspot.
Pichilemu is a 3-hour drive from Santiago, making it easily accessible for travelers who want to get off the beaten track without too much inconvenience.
One of Chile’s most popular beach destinations is Viña del Mar. Its popularity is partly due to its proximity. You will find Viña del Mar just under a 2-hour drive from Santiago.
Known as the Garden City, Vina del Mar is 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 promenade full of restaurants and shops, so you don’t have to look far to find something to eat after a day on the sand.
Paradise for intrepid adventurers
Do you want to try something different?
Chile is a paradise for intrepid adventurers, nature lovers and anyone looking for an extraordinary experience.
The Torres del Paine National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
This is a great place to hike, hike, kayak, cycle or horse ride, or even try 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 unique experience, this particular park borders the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
This is considered one of the largest remaining ice fields on earth and is a true spectacle.
You can purchase your ticket in advance to enter the park, and these are price of $55 per person for non-residents for a 3-day pass.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and 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 in the post.
