Chile

Chile captivates with its dramatic landscapes, where towering Andes meet the endless Pacific. From the otherworldly beauty of the Atacama Desert to the glaciers and fjords of Patagonia, this long, narrow country is a paradise for explorers. Its vibrant culture blends Indigenous traditions with European influences, while charming cities, renowned wines, and world-class cuisine make every visit unforgettable. In Chile, adventure and culture go hand in hand.

Chile

Chile captivates with its dramatic landscapes, where towering Andes meet the endless Pacific. From the otherworldly beauty of the Atacama Desert to the glaciers and fjords of Patagonia, this long, narrow country is a paradise for explorers. Its vibrant culture blends Indigenous traditions with European influences, while charming cities, renowned wines, and world-class cuisine make every visit unforgettable. In Chile, adventure and culture go hand in hand.

Why Chile?

Chile offers an unmatched variety of experiences, from trekking through pristine national parks to tasting award-winning wines in sun-drenched valleys. Visitors can stargaze under some of the clearest skies on Earth, wander through colorful coastal towns, and explore vibrant cities. Whether seeking adventure, culture, or breathtaking scenery, Chile’s diversity ensures every traveler finds something extraordinary.

Snow-capped Osorno volcano overlooking a river with the Petrohué Waterfalls, surrounded by lush green trees in Chile.

Land of the Fire and Ice.

Chile’s dramatic landscapes earn it the title “Land of Fire and Ice,” where towering volcanoes rise above glacial fields and snow-capped peaks. In the north, the Atacama Desert dazzles with its otherworldly terrain and fiery sunsets, while the south reveals the icy majesty of Patagonia’s glaciers and fjords. From the Andes Mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, this striking contrast of elements creates a country where nature’s extremes coexist in stunning harmony.

Why Chile?

Chile offers an unmatched variety of experiences, from trekking through pristine national parks to tasting award-winning wines in sun-drenched valleys. Visitors can stargaze under some of the clearest skies on Earth, wander through colorful coastal towns, and explore vibrant cities. Whether seeking adventure, culture, or breathtaking scenery, Chile’s diversity ensures every traveler finds something extraordinary.

Snow-capped Osorno volcano overlooking a river with the Petrohué Waterfalls, surrounded by lush green trees in Chile.

Land of the Fire and Ice.

Chile’s dramatic landscapes earn it the title “Land of Fire and Ice,” where towering volcanoes rise above glacial fields and snow-capped peaks. In the north, the Atacama Desert dazzles with its otherworldly terrain and fiery sunsets, while the south reveals the icy majesty of Patagonia’s glaciers and fjords. From the Andes Mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, this striking contrast of elements creates a country where nature’s extremes coexist in stunning harmony.

Featured Itineraries

Mountains with snowy peaks and sunset sky reflect in the blue lake in Patagonia.

Patagonia & Argentina

Celebrity Cruise

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Snow-covered mountains reflected in calm, blue Antarctic waters under a clear sky with ice floes.

Antarctica & The Falklands

Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise

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The Chilean Culture

Chile’s culture is a rich blend of Indigenous traditions, Spanish heritage, and modern influences, shaped by its diverse geography and history. From the poetic legacy of Pablo Neruda to the passionate rhythms of cueca, the national dance, Chileans celebrate creativity and community. Coastal towns embrace a deep connection to the sea through fresh seafood and maritime festivals, while the wine regions showcase the country’s world-class vintages. Family gatherings, folk music, and a strong sense of hospitality reflect the warmth and pride that define Chilean life.

A person riding a bicycle past people sitting near a pink house decorated with colorful paper flowers in Chile.

Festivals & Dance

Festivals and dance are a lively reflection of Chile’s cultural spirit, bringing communities together through music, tradition, and celebration. The cueca, Chile’s national dance, takes center stage during Fiestas Patrias, while colorful events like La Tirana showcase a fusion of Indigenous, Spanish, and religious influences, filling the streets with vibrant costumes, rhythmic beats, and joyful energy.

Language

Spanish is Chile’s official language, spoken with a distinctive dialect and unique local expressions that set it apart from other Spanish-speaking countries. Many Chileans also incorporate Indigenous words, particularly from the Mapuche language, into everyday speech, reflecting the nation’s rich cultural heritage. In some rural or Indigenous communities, traditional languages like Mapudungun are still preserved, adding depth to Chile’s linguistic identity.

Hospitality

Chilean hospitality is warm and welcoming, reflecting the country’s strong sense of community and family values. Visitors are often greeted with friendliness, generosity, and a willingness to share local customs, food, and traditions. From bustling cities to remote villages, Chileans take pride in making guests feel at home, offering a genuine glimpse into the nation’s culture and way of life.

The Chilean Culture

Chile’s culture is a rich blend of Indigenous traditions, Spanish heritage, and modern influences, shaped by its diverse geography and history. From the poetic legacy of Pablo Neruda to the passionate rhythms of cueca, the national dance, Chileans celebrate creativity and community. Coastal towns embrace a deep connection to the sea through fresh seafood and maritime festivals, while the wine regions showcase the country’s world-class vintages. Family gatherings, folk music, and a strong sense of hospitality reflect the warmth and pride that define Chilean life.

Crowd celebrates, giant heads of Maradona & soccer fans smiling, blue & white, sunny day in Argentina.

Festivals & Dance

Festivals and dance are a lively reflection of Chile’s cultural spirit, bringing communities together through music, tradition, and celebration. The cueca, Chile’s national dance, takes center stage during Fiestas Patrias, while colorful events like La Tirana showcase a fusion of Indigenous, Spanish, and religious influences, filling the streets with vibrant costumes, rhythmic beats, and joyful energy.

Language

Spanish is Chile’s official language, spoken with a distinctive dialect and unique local expressions that set it apart from other Spanish-speaking countries. Many Chileans also incorporate Indigenous words, particularly from the Mapuche language, into everyday speech, reflecting the nation’s rich cultural heritage. In some rural or Indigenous communities, traditional languages like Mapudungun are still preserved, adding depth to Chile’s linguistic identity.

Hospitality

Chilean hospitality is warm and welcoming, reflecting the country’s strong sense of community and family values. Visitors are often greeted with friendliness, generosity, and a willingness to share local customs, food, and traditions. From bustling cities to remote villages, Chileans take pride in making guests feel at home, offering a genuine glimpse into the nation’s culture and way of life.

The Chilean Culture

Chile’s culture is a rich blend of Indigenous traditions, Spanish heritage, and modern influences, shaped by its diverse geography and history. From the poetic legacy of Pablo Neruda to the passionate rhythms of cueca, the national dance, Chileans celebrate creativity and community. Coastal towns embrace a deep connection to the sea through fresh seafood and maritime festivals, while the wine regions showcase the country’s world-class vintages. Family gatherings, folk music, and a strong sense of hospitality reflect the warmth and pride that define Chilean life.

Crowd celebrates, giant heads of Maradona & soccer fans smiling, blue & white, sunny day in Argentina.

Festivals & Dance

Festivals and dance are a lively reflection of Chile’s cultural spirit, bringing communities together through music, tradition, and celebration. The cueca, Chile’s national dance, takes center stage during Fiestas Patrias, while colorful events like La Tirana showcase a fusion of Indigenous, Spanish, and religious influences, filling the streets with vibrant costumes, rhythmic beats, and joyful energy.

Language

Spanish is Chile’s official language, spoken with a distinctive dialect and unique local expressions that set it apart from other Spanish-speaking countries. Many Chileans also incorporate Indigenous words, particularly from the Mapuche language, into everyday speech, reflecting the nation’s rich cultural heritage. In some rural or Indigenous communities, traditional languages like Mapudungun are still preserved, adding depth to Chile’s linguistic identity.

Hospitality

Chilean hospitality is warm and welcoming, reflecting the country’s strong sense of community and family values. Visitors are often greeted with friendliness, generosity, and a willingness to share local customs, food, and traditions. From bustling cities to remote villages, Chileans take pride in making guests feel at home, offering a genuine glimpse into the nation’s culture and way of life.

Featured Destinations

Featured Destinations

Patagonia

Chilean Patagonia is a region of breathtaking contrasts, stretching from windswept plains to towering Andes peaks, glacial fjords, and pristine lakes. Known for its rugged beauty, it includes iconic destinations like Torres del Paine National Park and the Southern Ice Fields. Patagonia has been inhabited for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples such as the Tehuelche and Kawésqar, who adapted to its harsh climate and left a lasting cultural legacy. European explorers and settlers arrived in the 19th century, drawn by sheep ranching, resource exploration, and adventure. Today, Patagonia remains a symbol of Chile’s wild frontier, offering visitors unparalleled natural landscapes and a glimpse into its rich historical and cultural roots.

Snowy mountains tower over a turquoise lake and rushing river under a cloudy sky in Patagonia, Chile.
Snow-capped mountain peak against a backdrop of a pink and purple sunset in Patagonia, Chile.
Snow-capped mountains reflected in still blue water in Patagonia, Chile.

Patagonia

Chilean Patagonia is a region of breathtaking contrasts, stretching from windswept plains to towering Andes peaks, glacial fjords, and pristine lakes. Known for its rugged beauty, it includes iconic destinations like Torres del Paine National Park and the Southern Ice Fields. Patagonia has been inhabited for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples such as the Tehuelche and Kawésqar, who adapted to its harsh climate and left a lasting cultural legacy. European explorers and settlers arrived in the 19th century, drawn by sheep ranching, resource exploration, and adventure. Today, Patagonia remains a symbol of Chile’s wild frontier, offering visitors unparalleled natural landscapes and a glimpse into its rich historical and cultural roots.

Snowy mountains tower over a turquoise lake and rushing river under a cloudy sky in Patagonia, Chile.
Snow-capped mountain peak against a backdrop of a pink and purple sunset in Patagonia, Chile.
Snow-capped mountains reflected in still blue water in Patagonia, Chile.
Woman in colorful traditional clothing, stirs a pot in a rustic kitchen, smoke rising, other women nearby in Chile.
Woman in colorful traditional clothing, stirs a pot in a rustic kitchen, smoke rising, other women nearby in Chile.

Traditional Dishes

  • Mapuche Curanto

    Curanto is a traditional Chilean dish with roots in the Mapuche culture of the Chiloé Archipelago. This centuries-old preparation involves layering seafood, meats, potatoes, and vegetables in a pit and cooking them over heated stones, infusing the ingredients with a rich, smoky flavor. Passed down through generations, curanto remains a celebrated communal meal, reflecting Chile’s culinary heritage and the enduring traditions of the Mapuche people.

  • Cazuela

    Cazuela is a classic Chilean stew made with tender pieces of meat, potatoes, corn, pumpkin, and a variety of fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. This comforting dish reflects Chile’s home-cooked traditions and regional ingredients, offering a taste of the country’s culinary heritage. Often enjoyed as a family meal, cazuela warms both body and spirit with its rich, wholesome flavors.

  • Locos

    Locos are a prized seafood delicacy in Chile, a type of abalone found along the southern coasts. Known for their tender, slightly sweet flavor, they can be enjoyed in a variety of preparations— served over native potatoes with mayonnaise, chopped with salsa verde and quinoa, or baked with rich sauces. Trying at least one of these traditional preparations offers a true taste of Chile’s coastal culinary heritage.

  • Pastel de Choclo

    Pastel de Choclo is a beloved Chilean dish featuring a savory-sweet corn topping baked over a hearty filling of beef, onions, olives, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs. Made with fresh, ground corn mixed with basil for added flavor, this comfort food reflects Chile’s agricultural heritage and home-cooked traditions. Each bite offers a unique blend of textures and flavors, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Chilean cuisine.

  • Sopaipillas

    Sopaipillas are a popular Chilean snacks that are circular, flat, deep-fried breads made from flour and cooked pumpkin. They can be served savory with pebre (a fresh Chilean salsa) or sweet, drizzled with chancaca syrup made from raw sugar and spices. This versatile treat is a staple of Chilean street food and home cooking, offering a simple yet delicious taste of the country’s culinary traditions.

  • Chorillana

    Chorrillana is a hearty Chilean dish made with a base of French fries topped with sautéed onions, thinly sliced beef, and sometimes fried eggs. This indulgent meal is perfect for sharing and reflects Chile’s love of bold, comforting flavors. Often enjoyed in casual eateries or during gatherings with friends, chorrillana is a must-try for anyone exploring Chilean cuisine.

  • Tomaticán

    Tomaticán is a classic Chilean dish made with fresh corn, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes diced meat, all sautéed together to create a flavorful, hearty stew. This simple yet satisfying meal highlights the use of seasonal, local ingredients and reflects Chile’s home-cooked culinary traditions. Enjoyed across the country, tomaticán is a taste of authentic Chilean comfort food.

Woman in colorful traditional clothing, stirs a pot in a rustic kitchen, smoke rising, other women nearby in Chile.
Golden-brown empanadas on a black plate with spice bowls, a wooden spoon, and a dark background in Argentina.

Traditional Dishes

  • Mapuche Curanto

    Curanto is a traditional Chilean dish with roots in the Mapuche culture of the Chiloé Archipelago. This centuries-old preparation involves layering seafood, meats, potatoes, and vegetables in a pit and cooking them over heated stones, infusing the ingredients with a rich, smoky flavor. Passed down through generations, curanto remains a celebrated communal meal, reflecting Chile’s culinary heritage and the enduring traditions of the Mapuche people.

  • Cazuela

    Cazuela is a classic Chilean stew made with tender pieces of meat, potatoes, corn, pumpkin, and a variety of fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. This comforting dish reflects Chile’s home-cooked traditions and regional ingredients, offering a taste of the country’s culinary heritage. Often enjoyed as a family meal, cazuela warms both body and spirit with its rich, wholesome flavors.

  • Locos

    Locos are a prized seafood delicacy in Chile, a type of abalone found along the southern coasts. Known for their tender, slightly sweet flavor, they can be enjoyed in a variety of preparations— served over native potatoes with mayonnaise, chopped with salsa verde and quinoa, or baked with rich sauces. Trying at least one of these traditional preparations offers a true taste of Chile’s coastal culinary heritage.

  • Pastel de Choclo

    Pastel de Choclo is a beloved Chilean dish featuring a savory-sweet corn topping baked over a hearty filling of beef, onions, olives, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs. Made with fresh, ground corn mixed with basil for added flavor, this comfort food reflects Chile’s agricultural heritage and home-cooked traditions. Each bite offers a unique blend of textures and flavors, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Chilean cuisine.

  • Sopaipillas

    Sopaipillas are a popular Chilean snacks that are circular, flat, deep-fried breads made from flour and cooked pumpkin. They can be served savory with pebre (a fresh Chilean salsa) or sweet, drizzled with chancaca syrup made from raw sugar and spices. This versatile treat is a staple of Chilean street food and home cooking, offering a simple yet delicious taste of the country’s culinary traditions.

  • Chorillana

    Chorrillana is a hearty Chilean dish made with a base of French fries topped with sautéed onions, thinly sliced beef, and sometimes fried eggs. This indulgent meal is perfect for sharing and reflects Chile’s love of bold, comforting flavors. Often enjoyed in casual eateries or during gatherings with friends, chorrillana is a must-try for anyone exploring Chilean cuisine.

  • Tomaticán

    Tomaticán is a classic Chilean dish made with fresh corn, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes diced meat, all sautéed together to create a flavorful, hearty stew. This simple yet satisfying meal highlights the use of seasonal, local ingredients and reflects Chile’s home-cooked culinary traditions. Enjoyed across the country, tomaticán is a taste of authentic Chilean comfort food.

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