Chile Hidden Gems: 7 Beautiful Places in Chile Off the Beaten Path

Northern Patagonia

Many tourists planning a road trip through Patagonia only think of the region around Torres del Paine National Park. Yet this is just a tiny sliver of Patagonia.

The mountain landscape actually extends quite a bit further north. The scenery here is no less impressive than in the touristy south — but far less crowded.

Standout highlights in Northern Patagonia include the Capillas de Mármol, the Cochamó Valley, and the Futaleufú National Reserve. The only highway running through Northern Patagonia is the Carretera Austral — one of the most scenic long-distance roads in the world.

Lakes Calafquén and Ranco

In the interior of Chile’s Lake District — the region north of Patagonia — you’ll find many beautiful lakes and seriously impressive volcanoes.

The main tourist destination in the region is Pucón and Lago Villarrica. Personally, we think the neighboring lakes Calafquén and Ranco are far more beautiful — and they’re genuinely off the beaten path in Chile.

Both lakes have crystal-clear water that’s perfect for swimming. From Lago Calafquén you also get a great view of Villarrica Volcano. At Lago Ranco, don’t miss the hike to Cerro Pico Toribio — the panorama up there is absolutely breathtaking.

Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego, home to the southernmost tip of South America — Cape Horn — is something virtually everyone has heard of. And yet very few tourists actually make the trip.

To reach Cape Horn, you can only get there by boat as part of a cruise with Stella Australis.

Otherwise, Tierra del Fuego — which is partly in Argentina and partly in Chile — isn’t actually that hard to reach. It’s not far from the city of Punta Arenas.

The top highlight on the Chilean side of Tierra del Fuego is Isla Magdalena — one of the few places in the world where you can see penguins up close in the wild. Hikers will find plenty to love in Parque Natural Karukinka.

Valdivia

Valdivia is a city in Chile’s Lake District, only about 15 kilometers from the ocean. Along the coast you’ll find many stunning beaches that are still secret places in Chile — barely touched by tourism.

The city itself is defined by its many rivers, where you can try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

The nearest coastal town to Valdivia is Niebla. In addition to a lovely lighthouse, there’s a beautiful black sand beach. We actually think the beaches north and south of Niebla are even better — places like Chaihuín and Curiñanco are really special.

On the way from Valdivia to Niebla, you’ll pass the Kunstmann Brewery — where one of Chile’s most popular beers is brewed. Worth a stop!

Cuevas de Anzota

The impressive Cuevas de Anzota caves are located south of the city of Arica, which sits in the far north of Chile near the border with Peru.

They’re a genuine natural highlight along the Pacific coast and a great spot for photos.

Admission to the Cuevas de Anzota is free. We do recommend booking a local guide, though — you’ll pick up some fascinating facts about the caves and the history of the area that you’d totally miss on your own.

Our tip: Arica makes a great stopover if you’re combining your Chile road trip with a trip to Peru. For example, you can travel from Arequipa in Peru to Arica and from there continue on to the Atacama Desert.

Embalse del Yeso

While most tourists head straight to Patagonia, a trip into the highlands near the capital Santiago de Chile is really worth your time too.

The most popular destination up here is Embalse del Yeso, a stunning reservoir near the village of San José de Maipu. It’s especially photogenic in winter when the surrounding peaks are dusted with snow.

Honestly, Embalse del Yeso is no longer a secret among Chileans — the lake gets quite busy on weekends. But it’s rarely mentioned in travel guides aimed at international visitors, which makes it one of the best hidden gems in Chile for travelers who do their homework. For us, it’s absolutely one of the most beautiful sights near Santiago de Chile.

No buses run to the reservoir, so you’ll need a rental car to visit (compare rental car deals on Discovercars) or book a guided tour.

Guided tour from Santiago to the Embalse del Yeso reservoir

Bahía Inglesa

Chile isn’t really known for beautiful beaches, which is why most travelers don’t think to plan a beach vacation here.

But the north of the country has one truly stunning stretch of coastline. At Bahía Inglesa, the water is unusually calm and glows a gorgeous turquoise blue.

It’s no wonder the beach is nicknamed the Chilean Caribbean. The sand is white, the water is perfect for swimming, and there are plenty of great restaurants right nearby.

Bahía Inglesa is located near the town of Copiapó. By car, it’s just under ten hours from Santiago — so plan it as part of a longer road trip north.

General Tips for Chile

Since Chile feels like it’s on the other side of the world, the country itself is already something of a hidden gem for a trip to South America.

If you’re not yet sure what the main attractions in the country are, check out our article on the most beautiful places to visit in Chile.

If the travel bug has already bitten you and you’re ready to start planning, be sure to read our other articles with helpful tips for Chile. You’ll find everything you need to prepare for your vacation in Chile.