15 Best and Popular Places to Visit in Northern Chile

Unusually shaped like a long and narrow ribbon at the southwestern coast of South America, visit Chile and see diverse and extreme landscapes and climates, which is best exemplified by its northernmost region: awe-inspiring Northern Chile.

Aside from the various exciting outdoor activities in this natural setting, Northern Chile’s fascinating history and rich cultural heritage also add to the compelling reasons that make this destination a must-visit. 

But there’s more! And for that reason, we have come up with 15 unmissable places to visit on your tour of Northern Chile. 

15 Best Places to Visit in Northern Chile

1. Atacama Desert 

The Atacama Desert stretches 994 miles (1,600 km) along the Pacific coast and is the driest non-polar desert in the world. The best part? The route to the desert.

The drive takes you through colorful mountains and ends in a vast, grayish-brown desert. Perfect for road trip enthusiasts.

You can also visit nearby spots like Parque Nacional Volcan Isluga, the thermal springs of Chusmiza, and the Gigante de Atacama, a 282-foot (86-meter) ancient geoglyph.

Where To Stay in the Atacama Desert?

• Hostal Alto Yalí (Budget-friendly)

Looking for a place to stay in San Pedro de Atacama? Check out Hostal Alto Yalí! It’s just 7.7 km from Piedra del Coyote. You’ll get awesome mountain views, free WiFi, and free private parking.

Plus, there’s a cool inner courtyard with a patio and a swimming pool. The private entrance makes it easy to keep your privacy.

2. San Pedro de Atacama 

San Pedro de Atacama is a small town located within the Atacama Desert. The main highlight of this place is the dry salt lake called Salar De Atacama. People who want more traditional adventure can visit the 16th-century church, one of Chile’s oldest, or head to San Pedro’s Museo Arqueologico Gustavo Le Paige. 

Where To Stay in San Pedro de Atacama?

San Pedro de Atacama has a variety of accommodation options. We have listed three of the best hostels and hotels in the area.

• Hostal Illari (Budget-friendly)

Hostal Illari in San Pedro de Atacama is conveniently located just 5.16 mi (8.3 km) from Piedra del Coyote and 18 mi (29 km) from Termas de Puritama. The property features a sun terrace and concierge service for guests’ convenience, a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared lounge, and free WiFi.

• Hostal Perita (Best to visit with family)

Hostal Perita in San Pedro de Atacama is conveniently located near major attractions, including San Pedro Church, Pukará de Quitor, and the town’s main square. Free WiFi is available throughout the property, and all rooms have a flat-screen TV with cable channels, private bathrooms, and direct garden access.

• Lodge Quelana (Best for couples)

Lodge Quelana, located 8 mi (13 km) from Piedra del Coyote, provides guests with convenient amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, garden, and room service. The units have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. Each unit also includes a seating, dining area, and terrace.

3. Iquique 

Iquique is quite a popular Chilean city due to its nearby beaches. Playa Cavancha is one of the best ones in town. Here, you can enjoy surfing and the sunset. However, there is plenty to enjoy in this area than beaches. You can head towards the city center to enjoy Casino Espanol, one of the most beautiful buildings in Iquique. 

Some other attractions include Iquique regional museum, Cavancha theme park, and Mineralogical Museum. After a tiring day enjoying all the city’s popular attractions, you can relax at a nearby restaurant and ask for the menu del dia (menu of the day) and a bottle of wine for only 12,900 Chilean pesos (16 US dollars).

Where To Stay in Iquique?

Iquique is full of great hotels and hostels, but El Camino Hotel comes highly recommended for its luxurious experience and location. The hotel is quite close to the top tourist attractions of Iquique.

4. Arica

A city near the Peruvian border, Arica has a historic vibe and vibrant architecture that makes it look more attractive. The top spot you should visit on your travel to this city is Museo Sitio Colon 10. The museum has the oldest mummies, around 7,000 years old. 

Once you are done learning about the history of the place, head to the nearby beach or explore the El Agro market. 

Where To Stay in Africa?

There are many accommodation options in Arica, but not all give the best value for money, except Novotel Arica. The hotel is quite popular as it is close to Chinchorro Beach. The views of the ocean make the whole experience luxurious.

5. La Serena 

La Serena was founded in 1544, and its colonial architecture fairly represents its history. After a long desert trek, the city is a treat for people who want to relax. However, for a short visit, La Serena is a great place to experience some old churches, museums, and vineyards. 

We highly recommend you visit the President Gabriel Gonzales Videla Regional History Museum and La Serena Archeological Museum. 

Where To Stay in La Serena?

Hotel Club La Serena is one of the best hotels for people who want a luxurious beach experience.

However, luxury comes at a higher price. Hotel Boutique Suri is our top pick for people traveling on a budget.

6. Antofagasta 

Antofagasta is another great place to explore in Northern Chile. The landmarks have a British influence. You will find plenty of red telephone boxes and British clocks in the city. 

There are some museums and beaches that art or beach lovers can visit. Some of the best beaches are Playa Paraiso and Playa Las Almejas, while, for museums, the Ruinas de Huanchaca and the Museo de Antofagasta are must-visits. 

Where To Stay in Antofagasta?

This area has plenty of accommodation options, with the Holiday Inn Express Antofagasta as the best. It has its own swimming pool and fitness center. Moreover, the location is quite close to beaches and famous buildings. 

7. Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas 

Reserva Nacional Las Vicunas is located south of Putre. The volcanoes of the Andes cover the whole area. The beauty of the mountains is enhanced by the running vicunas (rare South American camel-like animals) and viscachas (rabbit-like animals) on the fields. 

Where To Stay Around Reserve Nacional Las Vicuñas?

Las Vicunas National Reserve doesn’t have any hostels or hotels. You can check out the nearest guest house in Putre, the Hotel Las Vicuñas. It is a great choice for people looking for a place to stay at night before leaving for a day trip to the National Reserve. 

8. Parque Nacional Lauca 

Located in Putre, the Parque Nacional Lauca is a national park that offers plenty of wonderful things and places to explore. You can start with some bird watching at Lake Chungará. It is located under the shadow of Volcán Parinacota. The second must-do activity is exploring nearby villages and churches. 

Where To Stay Around Parque Nacional Lauca?

Although accommodation options are limited and most are below par, the Terrace Lodge is perfect for a night stay. The views from the hotel are stunning.

9. Humedal del Rio Lluta 

The Humedal del Río Lluta (Lluta River wetlands) is a must-visit for nature lovers. The Lluta River flows from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean. 

The main highlight of this river is the birds, which are plentiful in this area. Some have the wetlands as their natural habitat, while some are just migratory birds. The river has a laid-back vibe, perfect for people who want to relax after a long day of activities. 

Where To Stay Around Humedal del Rio Lluta?

Two great hotels are nearby: Diego de Almagro Arica and Panamericana Hotel. Both hotels have a swimming pool located only 1.2 to 1.9 mi (2 to 3 km) from Humedal del Rio Lluta. 

10. Anzota Caves

In the past, the Chinchorro people used the caves, which were naturally formed by water and wind. Mummies were found inside the caves when they were first explored. The area has become popular for its ocean walk built near the caves. 

Where To Stay Around the Anzota Caves?

The Anzota Caves are located near the city of Arica. For a day trip, you will have to stay at one of the below-mentioned hotels located quite close to the caves in Arica.

• Hostal Jardin Del Sol (Budget)

Hostal Jardin Del Sol offers tastefully decorated rooms with parquet floors, dark brown bedding, and cable TV. Private rooms include en suite bathrooms, while mixed dormitories have shared bathroom facilities. The property offers a daily breakfast and free parking and is just a 30-minute drive from Arica Airport and 10 blocks from the beach.

• Hostel Posada de Gallo (Mid-range)

Hostel Posada de Gallo in Arica is 1.43 mi (2.3 km) from El Laucho Beach and offers guests a garden, free private parking, and a shared lounge. The rooms have a shared bathroom with a shower, and some also have a patio.

• Hotel Apacheta (Luxury) 

All rooms at Hotel Apacheta feature a private bathroom, a safety-deposit box, and a terrace providing panoramic sea views. El Buey, the biggest wave in South America, can be spotted from the room’s terraces at the right moment.

11. Valle de la Luna 

Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) is around 5 mi (8 km) from San Pedro de Atacama. The view of the valley with the moon in the background is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The impressive range of colors and textures makes the whole scene pop. 

Where To Stay in Valle de la Luna?

The best place to stay near Valle de la Luna is Casas Valle de la Luna. The hotel gives off an old vibe despite a mix of modern-styled decorations.

12. El Tatio Geysers

A one-hour, 40-minute drive from San Pedro De Atacama, El Tatio Geysers is a geothermal field with geysers. Located in the Andes mountains, these geysers erupt every morning, ejecting steam high into the air with underground sounds. It is an amazing sight to experience. 

Some also create wide boiling pools after erupting, so make sure that you keep your distance. There have been fatal accidents in the past due to being too close to the pool. 

Where To Stay Around El Tatio Geysers?

There is only one great place to stay near El Tatio Geysers: Ittai Hotel (formerly Hotel Geyser del Tatio).

13. The Azapa Valley 

Only 7.5 mi (12 km) outside of Arica is a valley called Azapa. The valley is stunning. Its main highlight is a museum full of mummies. The museum is called San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum. With more than 20,000 historical pieces and over 10,000-year-old mummies, the museum’s offerings could be challenging for the faint of heart.

Where To Stay Around the Azapa Valley?

Azapa Valley is close to Arica, so staying at a hotel like Hotel Casa Beltran in Arica might be convenient. It is a mid-budget hotel with amazing facilities. 

14. Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works 

Categorized as National Historic Monuments, the two Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter sites used to be refineries with associated company towns where they mined and produced saltpeter for fertilizer manufacturing. They represent the vestiges of an industry that brought great wealth to Chile and changed the lives of many of its people.

These over 200 structures now serve as a monument and historical showcase of the Pampa culture of those who once worked and lived there. It is a great site for people who love learning about significant historical places.

Where To Stay Around Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works?

When visiting the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, the Hostal Solnaciente En Pleno Centro de Pozo Almonte is the best place to stay.

15. Pisagua 

Pisagua is a small town located north of Iquique. The town was a port in the 1800s and 1900s, but now it has become an abandoned place with a population of only 200 people. Not many visitors come here, making the place peaceful and tourist-friendly. 

There are old mansions from the previous rulers that you can visit. Our top recommendation here is the Teatro Municipal, a building overlooking the sea rich in Chilean history. 

Where To Stay in Pisagua?

Pisagua sits 102 mi (164 km) away from Iquique. There are only a few accommodation options in the area. There is only one hostel, the Hostal La Roca, but it is no longer available online. So, you may have to stay at Iquique and take a day trip to this town.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Tips To Stay Safe When Traveling to Northern Chile 

Northern Chile, known for its vast deserts, salt flats, and high-altitude landscapes, offers unique experiences but also presents specific safety considerations. Here are essential tips to ensure your safety while exploring the stunning but rugged terrains of Northern Chile:

• For Atacama travel, make sure to bring a sun protection hat, hiking shoes, and sunscreen. 
• Northern Chile is very safe, but we would still advise you to stick to the tourist-friendly areas mentioned in this article.
• Make sure to learn some Spanish phrases before traveling to Chile.
• Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms like headache, nausea, and dizziness. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
• Keep your vehicle stocked with water, food, a spare tire, and basic repair tools.
• Make sure your travel insurance covers activities specific to your Northern Chile adventure, including high-altitude sickness, emergency evacuation, and any extreme sports if you plan to partake.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Best Places to Visit in Northern Chile 

What Is Northern Chile Known For?

Northern Chile is quite popular for the Atacama Desert and its lakes, salt flats, geysers, mountains, volcanoes, marshes, and hot springs. It is also home to South America’s most attractive landscapes and architecture. 

What Can You Do in Northern Chile for Free?

Northern Chile offers several free attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some things you can do for free in Northern Chile:

• Stargazing in the Atacama Desert
• Enjoy the beaches of Arica
• Visit the historic towns of San Pedro de Atacama and Iquique
• Explore the abandoned saltpeter mining towns of Humberstone and Santa Laura.

What Should I Not Miss in Northern Chile?

Here are the things that you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Northern Chile: 

• El Tatio Geysers 
• Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter works 
• Atacama Desert

Conclusion – Best Places To Visit in Northern Chile

Northern Chile offers a wealth of experiences that will leave a lasting impression. With its diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes, combined with the warmth and hospitality of its people, Northern Chile is undoubtedly a destination that should not be missed by any traveler eager to explore the wonders of this remarkable region.

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