Tourism in Chile

Travelers from all over the world are drawn to this destination with its varied landscapes and rich culture. Chile, a South American country, represents a land of opportunity for tourists thanks to its many attractions, as well as a pillar of the national economy.

The Many Faces of Chile

Located along the west coast of South America and bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Chile is a democratic republic whose capital is Santiago, the heart of its economy and culture. Chile's diverse natural landscape attracts tourists, including the Atacama Desert, considered by experts to be the driest desert in the world, and the Patagonian glaciers, as well as its cultural richness and political stability. The country has been named the best adventure destination several times by the World Travel Awards. The latter develops eco-responsible initiatives such as eco-lodges in national parks, zero-carbon trekking tours, and awareness-raising activities in the most fragile regions. Also renowned for its world-class vineyards, it attracts many wine tourism enthusiasts. The Colchagua region produces full-bodied red wines, while the Casablanca Valley produces excellent white wines. Wineries offer visitors tastings of unique varieties while learning about the country's winemaking history.

Main Tourists in Chile

The majority of tourists come from the sub-region, with a few others from other countries around the world. Among the nationalities most represented in Chilean tourism are Argentines, who arrive almost every year and constitute the vast majority of tourists in Chile, with over 2 million visitors, particularly enjoying the seaside and the summer months. Brazilians, who are attracted by cultural cities like Santiago or Valparaiso, represent approximately 787,000 visitors, or about 15% of arrivals. North Americans from the United States and Canada in particular account for over 251,000 visitors exploring the country's nature trails, representing 4.8% of the total arrivals; Europeans, although poorly represented (around 50,000 visitors), are often attracted by Chile's natural diversity and culture; and Asians, with a growing number of visitors.

Furthermore, Chileans themselves travel extensively within the country, as Chile has a wide variety of tourist destinations, each offering unique experiences. The number of domestic tourists has also been increasing in recent years.

Figures in Chile's tourism sector

Tourism growth in Chile has been significant since 2024, with significant growth.

Chile welcomed approximately 5,239,233 foreign tourists, generating revenues of approximately €2.9 million. As for its contribution to GDP, Chilean tourism accounted for 4.2% of Chilean GDP in 2023.

The average length of stay for foreign tourists varies depending on the nationality. Travelers spend an average of €49 per day in Chile to cover accommodation, food, local transportation, and a few other activities. An average stay of approximately 24 days can cost up to €1,176 per tourist.

Thanks to the productivity, innovation, and growth driven by the government's efforts to inject resources into the tourism sector, Chile is establishing itself as one of the world's leading tourist destinations. However, will it be able to maintain this tourism growth while preserving its ecosystems?