Years of Culture
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2025/02/17
From arid deserts to icy fjords, Chile's stunning landscapes showcase the extreme beauty of nature on an impressive scale. Here we get to know some of Chile’s most impressive destinations that guarantee inspiration for professional and amateur photographers alike.
Known as the driest non-polar desert on Earth, the Atacama Desert is a surreal expanse of otherworldly landscapes. Perhaps the best known scene is Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), where jagged rock formations and salt flats create a stark, lunar beauty. The desert is also a paradise for stargazers and astronomers, with some of the clearest night skies in the world.
How to Visit: Based in San Pedro de Atacama, visitors can join guided tours to discover geysers, lagoons, and the vast salt flats. The town offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets.
The high-altitude lagoons of the Altiplano, such as Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques, are breathtakingly serene. Their vivid colours contrast with the barren desert surroundings, creating dramatic photo opportunities.
How to Visit: These lagoons are best accessed from San Pedro de Atacama as part of guided visits. Bring layers to prepare for the colder temperatures at high altitudes.
In Chilean Patagonia lies Torres del Paine, a park famed for its granite towers, sharp ridges, bright turquoise lakes, and sprawling glaciers. Recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve in 1978, the park covers more than 770,000 hectares and its surreal rocky skyline is a dream for nature photographers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
How to Visit: The park is located in Chilean Patagonia, north of Puerto Natales, bordering Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. Most day trips depart from Puerto Natales (around 1 hour away), and popular activities include hiking the W Trek, horse riding, and glacier boat tours.
There is also some accommodation available just outside the park near the main trails. While the park is open year-round, like many of Chile's more remote destinations, the Torres del Paine National Park can experience extreme weather during the winter months from June to August, with some trails closed.
Famous for its rolling vineyards and crystal-clear skies, Valle de Elqui is a picturesque valley that also serves as a hub for astronomy tourism. The town is also culturally renowned as the birthplace of Chilean Nobel Prize winner for Literature Gabriela Mistral.
How to Visit: Stay in the towns of Vicuña or Pisco Elqui and explore the region’s hiking trails. Don’t miss the opportunity of a stargazing experience in one of the valley observatories.
Chiloé is known for its colourful stilted houses (palafitos), mystical folklore, and UNESCO-listed wooden churches. The island’s lush greenery and serene coastline provide endless opportunities for scenic photography.
How to Visit: Take a ferry from Puerto Montt to Chiloé and explore its quaint towns like Castro and Ancud. Guided tours are available to visit the churches and learn about the island’s unique way of life.
The Capillas de Mármol are unique marble caves, located on Chile’s largest lake, Lago General Carrera. The caves are natural wonders formed by centuries of wave erosion. Their swirling blue and white patterns reflect beautifully in the turquoise glacial waters.
How to Visit: Access the caves via boat tours from Puerto Río Tranquilo, a small town in the Aysén region. Morning visits are best for photography due to the angle of the light.
This active volcano in the Araucanía region is a striking sight, often capped with snow. Adventure seekers can hike to its summit for panoramic views or simply enjoy its scenic beauty from surrounding areas.
How to Visit: The town of Pucón serves as the adventure hub for activities like volcano hikes, skiing, and hot spring visits. Professional, licensed guides are essential for safe volcano treks.
One of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth, Easter Island is famous for its mysterious moai statues. One of Chile’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, Rapa Nui’s volcanic landscapes, beaches, and archaeological sites make it a top destination for cultural and scenic photography.
How to Visit: Regular flights operate from Santiago to Hanga Roa, the island’s main town. Travellers should ideally explore Rapa Nui National Park with a knowledgeable local guide to fully appreciate its history and beauty.
Chile’s Lake District features emerald lakes, fjords and rivers surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes. This naturally stunning part of Chile is home to the country’s second largest lake, Llanquihue and charming towns like Puerto Varas and Frutillar.
How to Visit: The lake district covers an expansive area, encompassing three different regions, from the south of the La Araucanía region, down through Los Ríos to the Los Lagos region. Puerto Montt is an ideal base in the south of the Lake District. From there, you can explore the region via car or as part of a guided tour.
Home to one of the country's largest Magellanic penguin nesting sites, Magdalena Island offers a unique wildlife photography experience in Chile. The island is part of the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument and lies in the Strait of Magellan.
How to Visit: Boats to the island depart from Punta Arenas, with tours operating seasonally between October and March. Visitors are asked to stay on designated paths to protect the penguins.
Chile’s dramatic landscapes, from the arid Atacama Desert to the icy fjords of Patagonia, offer endless inspiration for photographers and adventurers alike.
As we celebrate the Qatar-Chile 2025 Year of Culture, these iconic locations remind us of the shared wonder and appreciation for the natural world that connects us across continents.
Whether you’re seeking unparalleled vistas or tranquil escapes, Chile’s photogenic destinations invite you to capture the magic of nature’s diversity.
Find out more about the Qatar-Chile 2025 Year of Culture and read about upcoming events as part of this year's programme.
