The ultimate guide to experiencing Chile — brought to you by a couple of friends who have made it their mission to help you live life to the fullest.
If you see something on here you want to do, add it to your bucket list and we’ll help you make it happen.
1. Explore the Atacama Desert
You will literally feel like you’ve landed on another planet while exploring the driest desert on Earth and one of the most unique and beautiful places we’ve ever been. Make sure you don’t miss the Wolo favorites: Piedras Rojas, Salar de Atacama, Valle de la Luna, and stargazing the cosmic dust of the Milky Way.
2. Explore Patagonia…and we mean all of it
Pristine glaciers, wild fjords and dramatic peaks make Chilean Patagonia an adventure travelers playground. Torres del Paine (pictured) is the star of the region and makes for the ultimate bucket list trip. You could spend months trekking and exploring this wonderland near the Antarctic yet only just scratch the surface.
3. Learn how to make a Pisco Sour from the Chilean mixology champion
Your time has finally arrived! Get behind the bar at the most famous watering hole in Santiago for a mixology workshop with one of Chile’s best. Skip amateur hour and learn from a pro with Wolo! You’ll be whipping up delicious Pisco Sours in no time.
4. Bungee Jump into a Volcano
Yes, you heard right — in the bucket list mecca that is Chile you can actually bungee jump from a helicopter into the crater of an active volcano…I’ll just leave that right there for you.
5. Take a break from your adventure with a soak in amazing thermal baths
After a long day of hiking, rafting or skiing in Pucón, why not take a dip in one of the world’s biggest natural jacuzzis? Set in a lush forest setting, these Asian-inspired thermal baths are sure to rejuvenate those tired bones.
6. Experience a traditional Chilean Asado
If you do nothing else on this list, you absolutely cannot leave this great country without first sampling — arguably their greatest gift to the world — the traditional Chilean BBQ in all of it’s juicy, tender, salty goodness.
7. Hike to the crater of a volcano and witness a live lava lake
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing lava, but jumping out of helicopters isn’t your thing — don’t worry because you still have a chance to see it first hand in a stunningly gorgeous setting on the Villarrica Volcano in Pucón. This one isn’t as scary as it sounds as eruptions are infrequent — we promise.
8. Survive a Terremoto at the world (in)famous La Piojera
There are two kinds of earthquakes in Chile and La Piojera is the best place in Santiago to try the “safer” version. A great place to mingle with the locals while sipping on the deliciously sweet-yet-strong Chilean cocktail made with Pipeño and pineapple ice cream. You’ll understand why the drink is called a Terremoto (Spanish for earthquake) once you down one and then try to get up from your seat.
9. Learn to Surf in Pichilemu
There is no better place to learn than the surf capital of Chile, where you can share the experience with travelers from around the world in an amazing surf camp. For the more advanced — it was also recently ranked in the top 50 most thrilling surf destinations in the world.
10. Learn to speak like a local
“ Cachai po weón!” Whether you buckle down in one of the many Spanish schools in Santiago, or mix your learning with a little adventure in Patagonia, Chile has it’s own unique brand of Spanish. No trip here would be complete without learning to converse with the locals. *I’m Interested!*
11. Soar over Santiago on a private helicopter tour
If you find yourself in Santiago on a clear day, we can’t think of a more beautiful city to see from above. Surrounded on all sides by snow-capped mountains as high as 6.500 meters, you are guaranteed to be in awe of the landscape.
12. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon Over Wine Country
What’s more enjoyable than touring beautiful wineries by car? You guessed it, doing it in serious style, hundreds of feet in the air — all while sipping a delicious glass of Cabernet with the Andes Mountains as your backdrop.
13. Go whale watching in Chiloé
Chiloé has been recognized as the place with the most Blue Whale sightings in the Southern hemisphere. With an estimated 10% of the global population living off the coast, you’re guaranteed to see this majestic ocean mammal.
14. Cook Chilean Cuisine with a local
What better way to learn about the delicious local dishes than in a typical Santiago home of a passionate local chef. Get your hands dirty with some Pastel de Choclo, whet your whistle with some amazing Chilean wine and enjoy this unique intimate experience with great new friends.
15. Go rock climbing, ice climbing & bouldering
Chile has one of the most diverse geographies in the world, making it the perfect place to do just about any kind of climbing. We recommend a short trip from Santiago to Cajón del Maipo or a visit to Cochamó while in Patagonia.
16. Eat at BORAGó
Taste an incredibly unique dialogue between history, health, nature, and mood by eating at the best restaurant in Chile (and 2nd best in all of Latin America.) Everything you gladly place in your mouth will take you on a journey from Patagonia to Atacama, and throughout time from Mapuche to Pehuenches to Chilean. Each amazing morsel is 100% Chilean, finally putting Chile on the map for gastronomy. *I’m Interested!*
17. Skydive over the most bad ass mountain range in the world
Whether it’s your first time skydiving or your 100th, soaring over the Andes is sure to be a truly unique skydiving experience. Imagine floating in the sky over the longest continental mountain range in the world with snow capped mountains to the East and beautiful Pacific beaches to the West, all while plummeting towards Earth at 120 mph. WOOOHOOO!!!
18. Learn about the rediscovery of Chilean Carménère
Do you know why Carménère is almost exclusively found in Chile? Well, I could bore you with stories of the Phylloxera plague and blah, blah, blah, but in order to properly check this item off your Chilean bucket list, you need to have a glass of Carménère in hand (or better yet mouth) at one of Chile’s thousands of beautiful vineyards while a sommelier tells you their version of the story.
19. Immerse yourself in Chilean wine culture at a Vendimia
Carménère isn’t the only delicious wine in Chile. Stomp and drink some of the 20 different varietals grown throughout the long coastal country at the harvest celebrations from March through May. In addition to trying some of the best Cabs in the world, you can also find craft beer, traditional food, and live music at these family friendly fairs.
20. Channel your inner Chilean and dance the Cueca
The Cueca has been the national dance of Chile since 1979, popularized as a form of pride (and possibly control) during the rule of dictator Augusto Pinochet. Cueca stems from Spain and is danced in many parts of South America, but now it is considered Chilean and can be enjoyed all over the country, especially during the celebration known as “Dieciocho”.
21. Party like it’s the 18th of September at ‘Dieciocho’
The pinnacle of Chilean national pride and partying takes place during an entire week in the middle of September, and this is a party that you do not want to miss. Whether you head to the beach or one of the many pop-up Fondas scattered around the country, this independence celebration is one you won’t likely remember for years to come.
22. Sandboard the dunes of Concón
Finally a board sport for those among us who don’t like to be cold or wet! Make your way to the dunes of Concón, just north of Viña del Mar on Chile’s central coast and get ready for an awesome time. We recommend heading up in the late afternoon for sunset sandboarding with a beautiful view of the Pacific below.
23. Catch a beautiful sunset after some urban hiking in Santiago
Contrary to what you might think, metropolitan Santiago is actually pretty flat — making the urban hills incredible vantage points for the electric pink sunsets that are a common occurrence here.
24. Tour the houses of eccentric Chilean poet and politician, Pablo Neruda
Pablo Neruda was a Nobel Prize winning poet and well known politician throughout the 20th century. He had three famous homes in Chile, which have since been converted into museums due to his eccentric style. La Chascona is in Santiago, making it very easy to get to and a great introduction to Pablo Neruda. La Sebastiana is the best place to get a panoramic view of the colorful, hilly city of Valparaiso. Casa de Isla Negra, located in the coastal area of El Quisco, is the largest of the houses and final resting place of Neruda and his wife Matilde.
25. Explore the secret caves of Easter Island
The caves from “Isla de Pascua” were used in the ancient world for housing, shelter, planting, and rituals. If you have even a tiny interest in exploring historical sites, you must visit Easter Island. In addition to crawling through numerous caves, you can finally see those giant stone head things you’ve seen in numerous travel pictures (they’re actually called Moai, check them out in photo below)
26. Cheers with Chicha (or Piscola)
No Dieciocho celebration (See #21) would be complete without toasting your friends with a glass of the oldest and most traditional Chilean libation. If the new school is more your thing — look no further than Piscola (Pisco + Cola), just be careful…they go down way too easy. *I’m Interested!*
27. Ski or Snowboard in the Andes Mountain Range
The Andes are the longest and one of the tallest mountain ranges on Earth, so as you can imagine there are tons of fun slopes to shred. Fresh powder is only an hour away from the center of Santiago!
28. Indulge in indigenous cuisine
Assuming you love meat like we do, there are some amazing options when it comes to traditional indigenous cuisine. In the south of Chile you can find ancient earth-oven cooked Curanto or spit roasted Cordero (lamb), and in the northern Atacama region…Chorrillama (roasted llama piled high on hot fries with grilled onions, cheese, and a fried egg on top!) Buen provecho!
29. Get wet on the rapids of Futaleufu
Consistently named in the top 10 rafting destinations in the world due to it’s turquoise rivers, big rapids, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world — white water rafting on the Patagonian Futaleufu is a must do for anyone with an adventurous spirit. Don’t worry, there are plenty of easy routes for the beginners out there too.
30. Get your morning caffeine fix with a side of legs
No that is not a typo…Cafe con Piernas, literally Spanish for “coffee with legs” (think Hooters for coffee) has been a Santiago institution since the ’80s. These establishments range from classy cappuccinos to sleazy instant coffee, so don’t be shy, but choose wisely! When in Rome, right?
31. Get schooled on street art in Valparaiso
Considered by many to be the bohemian capital of Chile, you’ll find amazing murals everywhere you turn in this awesome, hilly seaside city. If you appreciate a good story with your art, we recommend the street-art walking tour. Once you’ve worked up some thirst, do like the locals and grab a glass of the green fairy in one of Valpo’s secret Absinthe bars.
32. Satisfy your need for speed with some world class Chilean mountain biking
If you like your epic downhill rides with beautiful scenery, sunsets, a side of delicious food and local fine wine, then look no further than the Chilean Andes. The best part? Mountain biking here is still relatively unknown so you’ll have the trails all to yourself.
33. Lose your voice cheering for the Copa America champions
Two years in a row Chile faced Messi and the impressive Argentinian squad in the finals, and two years in a row Chile defeated them in overtime. It is impossible to overstate the passion Chileans have for their national past time, and regardless, if you make it to watch the national team or one of the many amazing local teams — you’ll be screaming and chanting right along with the thousands of fans. “Chi Chi Chi! Le Le Le! Viva Chile!”
34. Fight the good fight fly fishing for King Salmon at the Petrohue river
We’re not going to lie, this one takes a good deal of patience, finesse and endurance — but catching that monster King Salmon at the end of the exhausting battle will make it all the more satisfying when you and your friends are feasting on your delicious catch at your BBQ on the river.
35. Check out one of the best international music festivals in Latin America at Lollapalooza Chile
If you’re in Chile during the end of March, dance a weekend away at the world famous Lollapalooza festival in Santiago! This is a great way to hear both familiar international music as well as the best of modern Chilean music. Two of our favorite Chilean bands we discovered at Lolla are Jiminelson and Ana Tijoux.
36. Taste the amazing beer created from a deal with the devil
Legend has it that in the late 19th century, Carlos Anwandter gave his soul to the devil in exchange for help in creating the “best beer that ever existed.” It seems to have worked as the Kuntsman Edel Lager is a 12 time gold medal award winner. While you’re down in Valdivia, sample delicious beer from all 10 breweries in the craft beer capital of Chile.
37. Dive with penguins on Robinson Crusoe Island
Boasting some of the best visibility in the world, the island that inspired the novel of the same name has been called the top dive spot in Chile, and for good reason. With a huge array of bright corals, moray eels, lobster, dogfish, penguins and seals — you won’t run out of things to see and places to explore.
38. Lunch like a local at La Vega Market
With the best selection of produce, fish and meat in Santiago, you’ll be amazed at the organized chaos as you wander the maze that is La Vega. Once you’ve worked up a nice appetite, eat like a local at one of the dozens of little counters serving up everything from Caldo de Congrio to Pastel de Choclo and experience a true Chilean dining experience.
39. Take a trip to the mystical Valle de Elqui
Once a top destination for Chilean hippies interested in Tibetan meditation, this place has maintained its spiritual vibe over the years and is now home to great artisanal Pisco distilleries and some of the best views of the Milky Way on Earth — thanks to it’s 320 days of clear skies a year.
40. Enjoy a whiskey on the rocks made with ancient glacier ice
Take an unforgettable journey off the coast of Patagonia to explore glaciers, ice fields and fjords. Finish the trip with a delicious whiskey served on the rocks with locally sourced, organic ice that’s thousands of years old — a perfect end to the excursion for all you one-uppers out there. Salud!
41. Take a Kayak adventure in the turquoise blue waters of Rio Baker
Surrounded by lush green forest and stunning rock formations at every turn, a kayak trip on the Rio Baker is the perfect way to connect with nature as you explore the beautiful wilderness of Southern Chile.
Thank you for exploring the official Chile bucket list! If you saw anything you want to check off your list, let us know here. We’ll help you find other awesome people to share the experience with and get you some nice discounts.
Wolo is an online community that connects people via their bucket lists and helps them find trusted advice, leverage group buying power & plan awesome experiences together.
