Imagine a place where the magnificent Andes Mountains meet the vast Pacific Ocean, where dry deserts bloom into colourful landscapes, and lively cities echo with rich cultural heritage. It sounds like a dream come true for newlyweds, doesn’t it? Well, there are few better places for a honeymoon than Chile, and this marvellous country is home to all these breathtaking landscapes and provides a perfect blend of diverse experiences. Couples can expect to enjoy a seamless mix of romance, gastronomic delights, and thrilling adventures, making for a truly unforgettable honeymoon!
Chile stretches over 4,300 kilometres from the driest desert of the north to the ice fields of Patagonia, boasting diverse climates and breathtaking landscapes to explore. Couples can enjoy relaxed vineyard tours, stargazing in clear night skies, some of the most incredible scenery on Earth, and exciting urban adventures. In this comprehensive honeymoon and travel guide for couples, we’ll show you why Chile is a paradise for lovebirds and all the best things to do and see there.
Let’s dive right in!
Exploring Santiago’s Romance
Santiago beckons honeymooners with its fascinating fusion of history, culture, and contemporary sophistication. Located just an hour from the coast and surrounded by Andes ski resorts, Santiago is not just a starting point for further exploration, but a fascinating city to discover in its own right.
Boasting a population exceeding 5.5 million, Santiago is a sprawling metropolis founded in 1541 that has served as the country’s capital ever since. Its diverse landscape showcases historic barrios (neighbourhoods) adorned with classical buildings, European-style boulevards, and gleaming skyscrapers that reflect the city’s burgeoning tech and start-up scenes.
Accessibility is one of the city’s most remarkable features. The main neighbourhoods surround Avenue Alameda, which is a central avenue that can be easily reached via Line 1 of Santiago’s modern metro system, making exploring the city seamless and convenient.
It is highly recommended to begin your honeymoon adventures in Santiago by visiting Cerro Santa Lucía, a hilltop park on the eastern edge of downtown Santiago that attracts visitors with its panoramic views and leafy walkways. This hill was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1541, and is now a peaceful oasis that provides a perfect respite from the urban hustle and bustle.
Cerro Santa Lucía is a perfect precursor to ascending Cerro San Cristobal, which is found in Barrio Bellavista and known for providing the best views of Santiago. Also known as Parque Metropolitano, this expansive park covers 722 hectares and is Santiago’s largest green space. Urban and natural elements seamlessly coexist in this delightful public garden, with a funicular and teleférico (cable car) offering unique ways to navigate through the different landscaped sections.
Nestled between the San Cristóbal Hill and Mapocho River lies Barrio Bellavista. Since the 1970s, Bellavista has been known as the bohemian quarter of Santiago and is famous for its vibrant nightlife, colourful street art, and lively ambience. Spending some time here visiting local art galleries, attending live performances at theatres, or simply walking the vibrant streets to soak up the energetic atmosphere is a great way to get to know the true soul of Santiago.
If you and your partner are foodies, you’ll want to book a table at Boragó, which is ranked among the world’s 50 best restaurants! Situated in the heart of Santiago, Boragó offers a unique gastronomic experience that reflects Chile’s diverse culinary heritage. Chef Rodolfo Guzmán transforms locally foraged ingredients into innovative dishes, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity.
Three Must-Do Experiences in Santiago:
Enjoy Regional Produce at La Vega Central:
For an authentic market experience, venture to the lively La Vega in Santiago. Navigate through the vibrant stalls brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and an array of Chilean culinary delights while engaging with enthusiastic vendors as they persuade you that their offerings are the freshest in the market.
Wine Tasting in the Maipo Valley:
Santiago is surrounded by some of Chile’s most renowned wine regions, and visiting the Maipo Valley can be both a romantic and educational experience. Couples can enjoy wine tours, visit vineyards, and savour the exquisite flavours of Chilean wines together.
Evening Stroll in the Lastarria Neighborhood:
Lastarria is a bohemian and artsy neighbourhood in Santiago, perfect for a leisurely evening stroll. The area is filled with charming cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries. Couples can enjoy live music performances and art exhibitions, and also indulge in intimate dinners at the wonderful local restaurants.
Santiago promises honeymooners a blend of urban allure and historical charm, creating enduring memories in this vibrant city.
Valparaíso: A Colourful Escape
Valparaíso is the second-largest city in Chile, and is located along the Pacific coast around 90 minutes north of Santiago. The city is nestled on hills that slope towards the Pacific Ocean and has a network of hillside ascensores (elevators) that effortlessly transport you to breathtaking viewpoints where you can enjoy the stunning scenery.
Surrounded by rolling hills, Valparaíso is renowned for its bohemian culture and rich history. Wander through the charmingly ramshackle streets adorned with Victorian buildings, absorbing the atmosphere created by the impressive street art, architecture, and vibrant nightlife. The city also boasts a fantastic food scene and two of the country’s premier beaches—Renaca and Viña del Mar.
In 2003, the city’s historic quarter was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique architecture and setting!
Three Must-Do Experiences for Honeymooners in Valparaíso:
Ascensor Adventure:
As the sun sets, take a ride on one of the charming ascensores with your loved one. One of the most famous attractions in the city is the Ascensor Concepción, which takes you up to Cerro Concepción and offers stunning views of the cityscape. Once you reach the top, you can witness the magic of the city lights turning on, which creates an unforgettable romantic atmosphere over the clustered homes and undulating coastline.
Explore the Art and Colours:
Stroll through the picturesque streets adorned with colourful houses and street art – a vibrant open-air gallery of artistic expression. There are loads of Instagram-worthy moments among the city’s vivid hues to find and capture!
Beachside Bliss:
Visit two of Chile’s top beaches, the upscale Viña del Mar and trendy Reñaca, which are located nearby the city.
Valparaíso promises a beautiful blend of romance, culture, and scenic wonders, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable honeymoon experience.
Wining and Dining in Casablanca
Less than an hour’s drive from Santiago, and just under 30 minutes from Valparaíso, lies Casablanca – a valley of rolling hills covered in fine mist, and neat rows of grapevines that stretch off into the horizon. Known for its cool climate and nutrient-rich soils, Casablanca is renowned for producing some of the finest white wines in Chile, including crisp Sauvignon Blancs and aromatic Chardonnays.
Take in the awe-inspiring views of vine-covered hills fringed by distant mountains, and join guided vineyard tours to gain insight into the compelling journey wine takes from the grape to your glass!
Casablanca Valley is not only a haven for wine enthusiasts, but also for food lovers. Many wineries have on-site restaurants offering gourmet cuisine expertly paired with their wines. Couples can enjoy intimate meals with scenic views of the vineyards, getting the best of both worlds!
Three Must-Do Experiences for Honeymooners in Casablanca:
Wine Tasting in Casablanca’s Vineyards:
Discover the world-renowned vineyards of Casablanca, famous for producing exceptional cool-climate wines and combining stunning views with informative tours and delicious dinners. You can enjoy wine tastings at prestigious wineries such as Bodegas RE, Kingston Family Vineyards, and Viña Casas del Bosque. You can also enjoy the breathtaking surroundings while indulging in the unique flavours of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
Gastronomic Delights at Local Restaurants:
Discover the fantastic culinary scene of Casablanca by dining at local restaurants that offer farm-to-table cuisine. You can enjoy the exceptional wines of Casablanca paired with delectable dishes made from fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. We highly recommend dining at La Casona, a popular establishment at Matetic Vineyards.
This vineyard features two restaurants – Equilibrio and El Emporio. Equilibrio is the main restaurant – it’s situated by the lake and serves formal meals. El Emporio offers tapas-style dishes in a more relaxed setting. You can enjoy both restaurants on a day tour of the vineyard.
Scenic Exploration of Casablanca’s Landscape:
You and your partner will love immersing yourselves in the natural beauty of Casablanca’s surroundings, which are characterised by rolling hills and vine-covered landscapes. You can enjoy a hot air balloon ride for a romantic and panoramic view of the vineyards and valleys and, if you prefer a more active experience, exploring the Casablanca Valley on a bike tour and fully immersing yourself in the serene ambience and vineyard scenery is an unmissable experience.
Elqui Valley’s Starry Nights
The Elqui Valley is located north of Santiago, near the southern border of the vast Atacama Desert. Sun-baked hillsides are adorned with vine-covered slopes and interspersed with serene villages, all framed by the distant Andean peaks to form breathtaking views you’ll never forget.
The Elqui Valley is famous for its tranquil vineyards, where the renowned pisco grape is used to produce Chile’s distinctive spirit, Pisco. In addition to Sauvignon and Syrah, this valley is also home to Chardonnay, Carmenere, and Pedro Ximenez. Thanks to its exceptional wines, this up-and-coming region is gaining attention from international critics and consumers, making it a must-visit destination for happy couples and foodies alike!
The Elqui Valley benefits from its unique geographic position, as it’s shielded by the Andes to the east and the Atacama Desert to the north, creating clear conditions and an ideal environment for stargazing. With no light pollution to obscure the view at night, the sky becomes a sea of stars, making it one of the world’s best stargazing destinations.
In 2015, the Elqui Valley was designated as the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary on Earth. You can visit renowned observatories that offer immersive stargazing sessions, where ancient tales are woven into the tapestry of galaxies and constellations. It doesn’t get much more romantic than that!
Three Must-Do Experiences in Elqui Valley:
Stargazing at the International Dark Sky Sanctuary:
Experience the unforgettable magic of stargazing at the world’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary! Choose from a range of prime stargazing spots like Vicuña and Pisco Elqui, famous for their clear skies and remote locations, or check them all out so you don’t miss anything.
Visit Renowned Wineries:
Discover enchanting vineyards known for their aromatic wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. We suggest visiting Viña Falernia and Cavas del Valle.
Pisco Tour in Pisco Elqui:
Experience a relaxing tour of the charming village of Pisco Elqui, where you can learn about the traditional grape-based brandy known as Pisco. Take a guided visit to a Pisco distillery or production facility and discover the art of Pisco production. Destileria Pisco Mistral is an excellent choice for exploring the world of Pisco making. Pisco is an iconic spirit in South American countries, particularly in Peru and Chile, and is used to make delicious cocktails or drunk neat and sipped slowly as either an aperitif or digestif.
Atacama Desert’s Enchanting Terrain
The Atacama Desert is a mystical delight for newlyweds seeking romance. The arid expanse of shining sand intermingles with awe-inspiring salt flats that glisten under the sun, offering stunning vistas for couples to admire hand in hand. Geysers burst forth from the Earth in a spectacular display of nature’s power, while tranquil blue lagoons provide serene spots for quiet reflection and connection.
For a romantic escape, consider visiting the Puritama Hot Springs – geothermally heated natural pools located at an altitude of approximately 3,475 metres. Nestled in a peaceful canyon, this natural spa provides a tranquil setting where couples can spend quality time together amidst picturesque desert landscapes. Enjoy this unique, revitalising and cosy experience, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 33°C.
At night, the desert sky transforms into an astronomical wonderland, offering some of the clearest views of the stars in the world. There are several observatories in the area where couples can gaze through telescopes and explore the universe. It’s not just a leisurely activity, but a magical adventure you’ll never forget!
Related: Explore Chile’s Atacama Desert
Three Must-Do Experiences for Honeymooners in The Atacama Desert:
Stargazing at the Altiplano:
Indulge in an unparalleled stargazing experience under the clear skies of the Atacama Desert, one of the best places on Earth for observing celestial wonders. You can join a guided stargazing tour to witness the beauty of the Milky Way, constellations, and planets against the backdrop of the stunning desert landscape. Alternatively, you can visit an observatory or have a private stargazing session for a more romantic and intimate stellar experience.
Explore the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon):
Discover the surreal desert terrain of Valle de la Luna, which looks like the surface of the moon. You can take a guided tour to see the awe-inspiring salt formations, towering sand dunes, and unique geological features that come alive with vibrant colours during sunset. You can also capture romantic moments amid the lunar-like landscape while the sun sets over the vast expanse of the desert.
Relax at the Hot Springs:
Relax and unwind in the tranquil hot springs of Puritama, nestled amidst the magnificent desert landscape and surrounded by rocky formations. Immerse yourself in the soothing thermal waters renowned for their therapeutic properties, which create a serene and romantic atmosphere. Opt for a private hot spring experience to enjoy an intimate and rejuvenating escape with your partner.
Visiting the Atacama Desert for your honeymoon promises a unique blend of natural wonders, celestial beauty, and moments of tranquillity, making it an unforgettable destination for lovers.
Discover More Extraordinary Honeymoon Destinations Across Chile’s Unique Landscapes:
If you have more time, you should definitely check out some of these fascinating destinations on your Chile honeymoon!
Lake District Pucón:
Located in the heart of Chile’s Lake District, Pucón is an ideal destination for adventurous honeymooners seeking an exciting adventure on their holiday. The region offers a variety of thrilling activities, including the opportunity to climb the snow-capped Villarrica Volcano, providing couples with a rare chance to peer into the lava-filled crater of an active volcano! After the ascent, newlyweds can relax in natural hot springs to soothe their muscles while enjoying the picturesque scenery.
Watersports enthusiasts can enjoy white-water rafting or kayaking across pristine lakes. For those who prefer horseback riding, there are tours that traverse lush trails, providing an intimate experience that showcases the region’s rural beauty. Couples can also indulge in a private hot tub for a secluded and romantic experience amidst the enchanting landscapes of Pucón.
The region offers a range of outdoor activities, such as zip-lining across canopies, mountain biking, and hiking through the verdant Araucaria forests. Each activity serves as an opportunity to create lasting memories and strengthen relationships, making Pucón a perfect destination for adventurous couples seeking a romantic and thrilling retreat.
Patagonian Majesty at Torres del Paine
Set against a backdrop of untamed wilderness, Torres del Paine National Park captivates couples with its dramatic peaks, pristine glaciers, and glistening emerald lakes. Nature reigns supreme here, offering an awe-inspiring retreat far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Adventure blends seamlessly with romance amidst this natural tapestry, setting a striking stage for an unforgettable honeymoon.
Nestled on the shores of the turquoise Lake Pehoé, the Explora Patagonia Lodge is the epitome of luxury within the incredible expanse of Patagonia. This refined sanctuary pampers guests with plush comforts, including sumptuous meals paired with select Chilean wines, and a spa complete with a heated pool, jacuzzis, and relaxing massages.
The lodge’s prime location enables newlyweds to step directly into the heart of adventure. With horseback riding, trekking, and kayaking on their doorstep, couples can immerse themselves in exhilarating explorations by day, before returning to the cool embrace of refined elegance each night under the vast Patagonian sky, their connection deepened by shared discoveries and the majesty of nature.
Related: Into the Wild – Discover Patagonia
The Mysteries of Easter Island
A trip to Easter Island offers a unique honeymoon experience that allows newlyweds to immerse themselves in the island’s aura of mystery and ancient history. This island is famous for its iconic moai statues, which provide a profound glimpse into a lost civilisation. Couples can explore the island together and enjoy intimate moments away from bustling tourist spots thanks to the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the island.
Walking hand in hand along the craggy coastlines, you can witness dramatic clifftop sunsets which create a perfect backdrop for romance. However, Easter Island is about more than just the majestic monoliths; pristine beaches like Anakena offer couples a chance to bask in the sun and indulge in tranquillity. Exploring the volcanic craters and archaeological sites sparks a sense of adventure, bringing you closer together as you make awe-inspiring discoveries.
Related: Your guide to Chile’s Easter Island
Tips for Planning Your Chilean Honeymoon
Optimal Seasons:
- Research the ideal season for your Chilean honeymoon, considering the varied climates across the country.
- September to November offers mild temperatures, while December to February provides warm and dry conditions perfect for a diverse range of activities.
- For exploring Patagonia’s raw landscapes, aim for the summer months between October and April.
Accommodation Booking:
- Secure accommodations early, especially for luxurious lodges or boutique hotels, to ensure availability and peace of mind.
- For remote destinations like the Atacama Desert or Easter Island, arrange transportation in advance to secure flights and prevent last-minute issues.
Balanced Itinerary:
- When planning your honeymoon to Chile, you can easily become overwhelmed by just how much there is to do there, so make sure to balance relaxation and excitement and allow for spontaneous moments to create cherished memories.
Cultural Immersion:
- It’s important to respect local customs and embrace Chile’s rich cultural tapestry. Be sure to seek out experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the rhythms of local life, such as visiting lively markets or serene vineyards.
Travel Insurance:
- Safeguard your honeymoon in Chile with travel insurance to navigate unexpected events smoothly and ensure a harmonious retreat into marital bliss by being prepared for any challenges that may arise.
From Santiago to Easter Island, Chile offers an exquisite honeymoon destination with breathtaking natural beauty. Couples can embark on an adventure, indulge in luxury, and immerse themselves in the vitality of nature. This beautiful country is the perfect place to start a new chapter in your life, where each experience will enrich your bond and lay a strong foundation for a lifetime of love and happiness.
