Places to visit in Chile 2025: epic spots and hidden gems for backpackers

Thinking about backpacking through Chile in 2025? You’re in for a ride—literally. This country stretches more than 4,300 km from top to bottom, with landscapes ranging from the driest deserts in the north to icy fjords and windswept peaks in the far south. It’s a land of extremes, and no two regions feel quite the same. Whether you’re planning a rugged Chile backpacking itinerary or just hunting down the best Chile hidden gems, this guide’s for you.

We’ll cover famous must-sees like the Atacama Desert and Torres del Paine, but also take you off the gringo trail to places like Chiloé Island and Pucón. Best part? We’ll keep it budget-friendly and full of insider tips, so you can explore more and spend less, without missing any magic.

San Pedro de Atacama: moon-like landscapes on a backpacker budget

Atacama is the world’s driest desert, and somehow still feels wildly alive. Picture yourself biking through Martian valleys, gazing at geysers shooting into the chilly morning air, or watching pink flamingos cruise over salt flats. And when the sun sets? It’s stargazing heaven—some of the clearest skies on Earth, with more constellations than you can count.

Budget tips: Stay in hostels near the town center (we like Backpacker’s San Pedro on Hostelworld), and book combo tours on GetYourGuide or Viator to save on Valle de la Luna + geysers. A bike rental (~5,000 CLP/day) can also unlock cheaper self-guided adventures that let you move at your own pace.

Don’t miss: Valle de la Luna at sunset, El Tatio geysers at dawn, and stargazing tours that include telescopes and astronomy guides.

Chiloé Island: myths, palafitos, and penguins

This moody island off southern Chile is a total change of pace from the mainland. You’ll find colorful stilt houses (palafitos) perched over misty waters, fog-draped coastlines that look straight out of a fantasy novel, and an eerie folklore scene full of ghost ships, goblins, and forest spirits. It’s a place where myth and nature blend together beautifully.

Why it’s a hidden gem: Most travelers skip it on the way to Patagonia, which means you’ll have more of it to yourself. The island’s wild vibe and laid-back locals make it ideal for slow travel, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot penguins nesting in the wild.

Budget tips: Ferries from Puerto Montt are cheap and frequent. Once on the island, stick to local guesthouses or budget cabins via Agoda or Booking.com. Local buses connect most towns.

Torres del Paine National Park: Patagonia’s crown jewel

Patagonia is not overrated—not even close. Torres del Paine delivers glacier-fed lakes, dramatic mountain spires, and some of the best trekking in the world. It’s where every photo looks like a postcard and every trail feels like an epic saga.

Backpacker advice: If you want to do the W or O trek, book your campsites well in advance. Use Trip.com or Booking.com for stays in Puerto Natales (base town), and buy groceries there to avoid sky-high park prices. The logistics can feel overwhelming, but the experience is 100% worth it.

Tour tip: Consider a guided W Trek if you’re short on planning time or don’t want to lug all your own gear. GetYourGuide offers multi-day packages that take care of the details.

Valparaíso: street art, steep hills, and seafront vibes

Valpo, as locals call it, is a bohemian port city just two hours from Santiago. It’s a color explosion of murals, maze-like streets, and funiculars that creak up steep hills. With its gritty charm, artistic soul, and laid-back cafes, it’s easy to fall in love here—and maybe even lose track of time.

Why backpackers love it: It’s quirky, artsy, and easy to get around. Great for meeting fellow travelers over a pisco sour or street empanada. The hostels are buzzing, and walking tours give you a deeper appreciation of the city’s rebellious history.

Budget tips: Stay in hostels on Cerro Alegre or Concepción for views and vibe. Use Kiwi.com to find cheap buses or flights into Santiago, then hop a local bus to Valpo—it’s a scenic ride.

Pucón: volcano adventures and hot springs

Pucón is like Chile’s outdoor playground. You can climb an active volcano, white-water raft down glacial rivers, horseback ride through forests, or just soak in thermal baths while watching steam rise against snowy peaks.

Hidden highlight: Villarrica Volcano climb. It’s not every day you get to hike up an active volcano and peer into a smoking crater. Pro tip: bring marshmallows.

Budget tips: Hostel dorms are plentiful, and local tour shops often offer cheaper volcano treks than what you’ll find online. Still, compare on Viator for reviews and safety ratings. Night buses connect Pucón to Santiago and Puerto Varas affordably.

Santiago: more than just a stopover

Most travelers just pass through Santiago—but linger a little and you’ll find urban hikes, rooftop bars, fascinating museums, and cheap eats galore. It’s a great intro to Chilean culture and a solid base for day trips to the Andes or wine country.

Budget eats: Head to La Vega Market for empanadas and jugos naturales. Explore the Lastarria neighborhood for affordable eats, street performers, and art markets. For views, take the cable car to San Cristóbal Hill or hike up Cerro Santa Lucía.

Stay tip: Use Booking.com for budget apartments near Bellavista—Santiago’s nightlife hub. It’s safe, lively, and full of fun.

The Lake District: lush, green, and overlooked

This region between Temuco and Puerto Montt is all lakes, forests, and snowcapped volcanoes. It’s a scenic dream that somehow flies under the radar, perfect for travelers who want a quieter kind of magic.

Highlights: Frutillar (German vibes + lake views), Puerto Varas (a chill town with great food and even better sunsets), and the Andes foothills for hiking or kayaking. You’ll feel like you’re in Switzerland, only with better empanadas.

Budget angle: Use local buses to hop town-to-town. Affordable lakeside cabanas are bookable via Expedia or Booking.com, especially if you’re traveling with a buddy or group.

Suggested Chile backpacking itinerary (2–3 weeks)

• Days 1–3: Santiago & Valparaíso
• Days 4–7: Atacama Desert (fly to Calama)
• Days 8–10: Lake District (Puerto Varas & Chiloé)
• Days 11–14: Pucón volcano + hot springs
• Days 15–20: Torres del Paine (via Puerto Natales)

Want to go longer? Loop back to explore the Carretera Austral or head north to Iquique and the Altiplano.

Budget breakdown for Chile backpackers (per day)

• Accommodation: $15–25 USD (dorms/cheap guesthouses)
• Food: $10–20 USD (street food + groceries)
• Transport: $10–30 USD (buses/flights)
• Tours/activities: $20–40 USD (treks, geysers, volcano climbs)
• Total: ~$55–115 USD/day depending on your pace and splurges

FAQs: Chile backpacking in 2025

Is Chile safe for solo travelers and backpackers?
Yes! Chile is one of the safest countries in South America. Exercise basic caution in cities and use lockers in hostels.

When is the best time to visit Chile in 2025?
For Patagonia, aim for November–March (summer). For the north (Atacama, Santiago), shoulder seasons like March–May or September–November offer fewer crowds.

Do I need Spanish to backpack Chile?
Not strictly, but it helps a lot outside major cities. Download the Spanish pack on Google Translate or use Airalo eSIMs for cheap data to translate on the go.

What’s the cheapest way to travel around Chile?
Long-distance buses (like Turbus or Pullman). Flights between north and south can be affordable on Kiwi.com, especially booked early.

Do I need to book tours in advance?
For Torres del Paine treks or volcano climbs in high season, yes. Otherwise, booking on the ground is often cheaper. Still, compare prices on GetYourGuide or Viator.