Long, slender Chile is one of the world's greatest natural playgrounds. At one end is desert, at the other are glaciers - the whole ensemble framed with volcanoes and edged by beautiful beaches - almost tropical in some places - and fjords. It’s hard to think of a country that boasts such diverse landscapes. As for its cities, they are considered South America’s safest, offering a warm welcome wherever you go. Below we have listed some fantastic places to stay, from rural estancias through stunning eco-resorts, to designer urban chic. Chile has it all.

Where to start? The capital Santiago is both historic and trendy, with an exciting foodie scene, and it’s a good base for exploring the local vineyards and the coastline. Valparaíso is the second largest city, but it’s very different, more colourful and arty, with fewer chain hotels and international restaurants. But of course you’re probably not here for the cities. You're here for Chile's astounding natural wonders: Patagonia, the Atacama, the Andes, the fjords, Easter Island. Check out our selections of the best places to stay and travel in Chile below.

Chile by area

Santiago is the capital, and one of the major travel hubs. It’s cosmopolitan and sophisticated, a fascinatingly varied collection of neighbourhoods, with a generous scattering of grand architecture, excellent museums and world-class restaurants. Many neighbourhoods have great cafes, bars and beer halls, and come the evening they’re hubs of activity. There are some great urban chic places to stay here, as well as traditional grand dames.

Santa Cruz is in the Colchagua Valley, and is known best for its wines, wineries and tastings. But it's traditional farms too, especially farms producing tomato and wheat. And it has some elegant architecture, as well as those fields and fields of rolling green. Check into a winery or a rural farmstead.

As far as other great centres for travellers go: Valparaíso is a faded port-town beauty known for its edgy air, maze of streets, alleys and stairways, and for having some of the best street art in South America. Colonial era townhouse hotels abound here. 500 miles south, Pucón is on the eastern shore of beautiful Lake Villaricca, close to the Villaricca volcano, and is a spot well known by adventure tourists and adventurers alike. In summer the lake is perfect for all sorts of watersports and in winter you can ski and snowboard on the slopes of the volcano. Come here for some beautiful lakeside lodges.

On the southernmost tip of the Andes - the extreme south of Patagonian Chile - are three looming great stone towers, standing like solemn granite guardsmen over a ruggedly beautiful landscape brimming with teal-coloured lagoons, blue glaciers, snowcapped mountains and lakes that mirror the sky: this is the Torres del Paine. If you want to get-away-from-it-all then this is the place to escape. Everything. The National Park covers 181,414 hectares of dark green forest, raging rivers, bright blue glaciers and mirrored lakes; the landscape teems with guanaco - a species related to the llama - and pumas, while the sky soars with Andean condors. Most days, you can see the baqueanos - Chilean cowboys - ride their beloved horses through the rugged terrain. There are some truly outstanding eco-resorts and hotels in this region, in stunning locations.

If you’re here for the Torres del Paine you’re already in the Puerto Natales region, an area of outstanding natural beauty at the opening of the Ultima Esperanza Sound. And it’s a great place to stay to explore Patagonia’s fjords and sounds. If you’re lucky you’ll see icebergs, and possibly kayak right up beside them.

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is one of the world’s most remote islands, with its striking moai statues and the conundrum of how they were constructed and positioned. As well as being a fascinating open-air museum to the ancient inhabitants and their 887 monuments, Easter Island is also an amazing place to dive, snorkel, surf, ride horses, hike or bike - or just relax in a once in a lifetime holiday adventure setting. There is accommodation to match.

By now you will have seen the grasslands of the volcanic mountains and the towering glaciers of Patagonia, but what about the deserts? San Pedro de Atacama is in the heart of the world’s driest non-polar desert, a place of huge dunes, rugged sandstone valleys, salt flats, broiling geysers and the odd long low lagoon populated by flamingos. It’s a spectacular landscape, and totally unlike any other. With clear starry skies, jaw-dropping scenery and activities ranging from sandboarding to hot air balloon rides, this dreamlike world will leave you breathless. As will its cool desert retreats...

The Best Places to Stay in Chile

For a Santiago City Break

• The Hotel Luciano K is a glamorous, lively hotel in an iconic Luciano Kulczewski building. Downstairs is a 1920s Art Deco wonderland of geometric patterns and bright colours, while upstairs there are contemporary rooms and an elegant rooftop bar.
• The Lastarria Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully converted 1920s era mansion. There are 14 large rooms with enormous sash windows, dark, polished wood floors and luxurious bathrooms. There’s also a glamorous courtyard pool and an impressive rooftop terrace.
• The Hotel Altiplanico is a smart, contemporary, boutique hotel in the heart of town. The 18 rooms have parquet floors, whitewashed walls, plenty of natural light and enormous beds. You’re within a walking distance from many of the city’s main attractions and you’re surrounded by a good range of restaurants and bars.

For the Torres del Paine

• EcoCamp: ideal for a hiking holiday, it offers charming little eco-domes for guests to stay in. Remote, secluded and boasting gorgeous views, this is getting-back-to-nature at its best.
• Estancia Cerro Guido: a remote and typical Patagonian ranch on the edge of the Torres del Paine National Park. The rooms are simple and rustic, the restaurant is fantastic and the location is simply divine. A hiker's paradise.
• Explora Patagonia: perched on a mountainside by a roaring waterfall, this hotel has an unbeatable location. The rooms are lush and contemporary, the spa is spoiling and the views are spellbinding.

In Puerto Natales

• Remota is a contemporary hotel beautifully merged into the epic surroundings. It has a minimalist design, giving a light and airy feel which emphasises the wonderful views. There are excellent spa facilities with indoor and outdoor pools. A chic rural escape.
• Altiplanico is a chic and contemporary hotel with outstanding views of Ultima Esperanza Bay. The twenty two rooms are smart minimalist with large picture windows, and there's an outdoor hot tub for easing weary limbs after a day adventuring.
• The Singular Patagonia Hotel is a five star renovated factory at Puerto Bories on the stunning Andean waterfront. The rooms are spacious with floor to ceiling windows. The hotel offers a unique experience in a great location. Excellent for walking and fishing.

On Easter Island

• Situated just outside Hanga Roa, Hare Noi enjoys a sublime location with gorgeous views. The rooms are inspired by the style of the first inhabitants and the restaurant serves international cuisine. There is great walking around the Rano Kau volcano and lots of fishing nearby.
• La Perouse Rapa Nui is a beachfront guest house less than one mile from the Tahai. The rooms are smart and unfussy and all ensuite. This is a simple and friendly refuge.
• Hangaroa Eco Village and Spa is Easter island’s newest hotel, set dramatically on top of cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It lies five minutes from Hanga Roa. Rooms are chic and spacious, plus there are two restaurants and a luxury spa. This is an ideal place to escape and relax.

In Santa Cruz

• Noi Blend Colchagua is a charming hotel located a few miles out of town in the heart of vineyard country. The rooms are light and airy - rustic decor with a contemporary twist! It is a great place to either relax by the pool or stroll through the surrounding countryside.
• Barrica Lodge is a two bedroomed boutique hotel in a lovely tranquil spot. The rooms are simply designed with floor to ceiling windows, wood panelled walls and parquet floors. There is a large terrace and pool. This is total relaxation and escape in a blissful rural setting.
• Vina Vik Millahue is surrounded by its own vineyard and offers private tours, so the perfect place for wine tasting enthusiasts. Contemporary rooms and suites, some with floor to ceiling windows and an infinity pool with jaw-dropping views. Plus there's a spa and fine dining.

For A Once In a Lifetime Trip

• Explora Rapa Nui on Easter Island is a super luxury property. The rooms are of a simple design with large windows framing the scenery and view. The hotel organises curated tours and hikes which are all inclusive. The restaurant offers the very best of Chilean food and wine.
• Tierra Patagonia is a stunning property at the edge of the Torres del Paine National Park, offering minimalist rooms made of wood and glass. Designed by three of Chile's most renowned architects, it offers a pampering spa, indoor pool and a gourmet restaurant. Enchanting.
• Valparaíso’s Zero Hotel is a beautifully converted townhouse with fantastic views of the bay and a quiet, bougainvillea-filled terrace. There are just nine rooms and the location, as far as Valparaíso’s highlights are concerned, is excellent too.

For an Adventure

• Lake Lodge is few miles out of Pucón, Lake Lodge is smart and contemporary with wooden interiors. It is surrounded by gorgeous scenery, and the Villaricca national park is on the doorstep and the Ojosdel Caburgua waterfall nearby.
• The Hotel Altiplanico is a charming hotel with great views of the volcanoes from its San Pedro de Atacama desert location. It is traditional in style - built from mud brick. The rooms are simple yet atmospheric and dotted with artefacts. There is a lagoon style pool.
• The Hacienda Hotel Vira Vira is a luxury stay a few miles outside Pucón. As well as elegant accommodation you'll find a gourmet restaurant.
• The Cumbres Hotel and Spa is situated some 2km out of San Pedro de Atacama, on the edge of the Atacama desert. Interiors feature a mixture of the traditional and the modern being all glass walls and wooden furniture. There is a lovely relaxing spa and the desert views are stunning.

For Great Value

• Mathilda’s Hotel is a refurbished Patrimonial Palace in central Santiago. There are just 13 rooms, all elegant and quite spacious, with colourful paintings. They do a great breakfast and you’re close to the Palacio de La Moneda, Constitution Square and O'Higgins Memorial. 
• The Fauna Hotel in Valparaíso is a contemporary eco hotel on Cerro Alegre Hill with slick design throughout. Its 16 rooms have a trendy, industrial feel and there’s an international restaurant with epic views. The location is excellent. And rooms start from around £85 per night.
• Aldea Naukana is a charming boutique hotel in Pucón. The rooms have great atmosphere with wood panelled walls, warm fabrics and sheepskin rugs. Plus there's a cosy lounge with fire and lovely views.

For an Apartment or Villa

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Most people arrive in Chile at Santiago’s modern international airport, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport. It’s 15kms outside the city, and is well and truly Chile’s main hub airport.
• If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
• The busiest time to visit Chile is between December and February, and June through August - corresponding with the summer holidays of the southern and northern hemisphere. Though Chile is in the southern hemisphere. In between these peak times air fares are cheaper.

Still not sure which is the best place to stay in Chile for you?

• Refine your search to just the best places to stay in Santiago,
• the best places to stay for the Torres del Paine,
• or the best places to stay on Easter Island
• or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.