As one of the longest countries in the world, Chile has an incredibly diverse geography. From the glaciers in the south to the desert in the north, there’s the sea on one side and the Andes on the other.
Unfortunately, this vast array of landscapes is not really reflected in the World Heritage Sites of Chile.
In fact, the country does not have a single ‘natural’ World Heritage Site.
Why? I’m not sure… but remember, for a World Heritage Site to be designated, its country has to first nominate it, and for some reason Chile has not tried to get places like Torres del Paine or the Atacama listed.
When we look at the Chilean World Heritage Sites, what we find are seven cultural ones, which are all very interesting.
Not only do they cover much of the country’s large geographical span, but they also cover a remarkable spectrum of eras in the Chile’s history, including the age of the Incas and right up to the modern industrial period.
To showcase the variety, I thought we would look at each of Chile’s World Heritage Sites from oldest to newest.
Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
This archaeological site in northern Chile offers you a glimpse into one of the world’s oldest known artificial mummification traditions – predating even the ancient Egyptians by several millennia!
The Chinchorro people inhabited the coastal area in the Arica and Parinacota Region between 7000 and 1500 BC. During this time, they developed sophisticated techniques to preserve their dead, regardless of age or social status (this egalitarian approach setting them apart from many other ancient cultures).
The World Heritage Site’s significance lies not only in the mummies themselves but also in the insights they provide into the Chinchorro’s complex spiritual world and their adaptation to the harsh Atacama Desert environment.
When you visit, you’ll find several museums and interpretive centres in Arica where remarkably well-preserved mummies are on display. The Azapa Museum of Archaeology, in particular, houses an impressive collection and is a good place to learn about Chinchorro culture.
While the site’s remote location can make access challenging, it rewards intrepid travellers with a profound connection to an ancient culture and its quest to transcend mortality. The stark beauty of the surrounding landscape, with its towering sand dunes and rugged coastline, is a bonus!
Qhapac Ñan, Andean Road System
You or I might call it the ‘Andean Road System’, but the official name is Qhapac Ñan. It’s a remarkable network of pre-Columbian pathways that spans six South American countries, including Chile.
In Chile, Qhapac Ñan stretches across the northern regions, traversing harsh desert landscapes and rugged Andean terrain. Its significance lies in its testament to Inca engineering prowess and its role in facilitating communication, trade, and cultural exchange across the empire.
The road system showcases innovative construction techniques adapted to challenging topography, including stone paving, retaining walls, and drainage systems. Visiting the Chilean segments of Qhapac Ñan offers a unique glimpse into ancient Andean civilisation.
Whilst some sections are easily accessible, others require guided expeditions, ensuring an adventure for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
If you want to see some for yourself, there are some particularly well-preserved sections near Putre in the Arica and Parinacota Region. Here, you can marvel at the precise stonework and imagine the bustling activity that once characterised these routes.
Rapa Nui National Park
Officially called Rapa Nui National Park but better known as Easter Island, this is one of the most famous World Heritage Sites in Chile… even if it’s almost 4000 kilometres from the mainland.
The park is renowned for its enigmatic moai statues, the massive stone figures carved by the Rapa Nui people between the 13th and 16th centuries. At Ahu Tongariki, the largest ahu (ceremonial platform), there are 15 of them overlooking a breathtaking sunrise view.
These monolithic human figures, with their distinctive elongated faces and heavy brows, are scattered across the island and stand as a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the ancient Polynesian civilisation.
Although the statues are the most famous attraction, there are other things that make visiting Rapa Nui a unique and awe-inspiring experience. The landscape, for examples, is striking with its rolling hills, volcanic craters, and rugged coastlines.
There are also other significant archaeological sites such as the Orongo ceremonial village, associated with the intriguing Birdman cult, where you can explore ancient petroglyphs and stone houses.
Churches of Chiloé
On the Chiloé Archipelago along the coast of southern Chile, the Churches of Chiloé have a unique architectural style which speaks to their cultural significance.
These wooden churches, built in the 18th and 19th centuries, represent a remarkable fusion of European Jesuit design and indigenous Chilote craftsmanship.
The churches use local materials like native timbers including alerce, cypress, and coigue. Their colorful exteriors, often adorned with wooden shingles, contrast beautifully with the lush green landscape of Chiloé.
Go inside and you’ll be greeted by intricate woodwork, including barrel-vaulted ceilings and ornate altars. The decorations may not be elaborate but they are beautifully refined.
You’ll find that visiting the churches of Chiloé offers a glimpse into the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the region, while the picturesque countryside and charming villages is a bonus.
I would suggest going to more than one, if possible, as each church has its own unique character, reflecting the local community’s history and traditions – and many still serve as active places of worship.
Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso
The second-largest city in the country, Valparaíso’s historic centre has been listed as one of the World Heritage Sites in Chile because of the way it developed in the late 19th century.
You can see it as soon as you arrive, with colourful buildings spreading up from the water, adapting ingeniously to the challenging topography of steep hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Valparaíso’s distinctive character also stems from its funicular elevators, a network of 16 surviving lifts that connect the flat coastal area to the hillside neighbourhoods. These funiculars, along with the city’s winding staircases and narrow alleys, create a captivating labyrinth for visitors to explore.
As a major seaport, there’s an interesting cosmopolitan history, and you can also explore the eclectic mix of colonial churches, European-inspired mansions, and bohemian cafes.
Street art is another defining feature of the city, with vibrant murals adorning many buildings and adding to the artistic atmosphere. When you visit, I think one of the best things to do in Valparaíso is take a guided tour to learn about the stories behind these colourful creations.
The bustling waterfront area, with its historic port infrastructure and lively fish market, provides insight into the city’s maritime heritage. Also, don’t miss poet Pablo Neruda’s quirky La Sebastiana house museum, offering a glimpse into the city’s literary connections.
Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works
Turning now to the more modern industrial sites, let’s first take a look at the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works. Located up north in the Atacama Desert, it’s made up of former saltpetre refineries and their associated company towns.
Operational from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries, these sites exemplify the harsh living and working conditions endured by labourers in this remote desert region. The well-preserved remains include industrial machinery, residential quarters, public buildings, and railway infrastructure.
Seeing it for yourself offers a unique glimpse into the industrial heritage of South America and the profound impact of the nitrate industry on Chile’s economy and society.
When you visit Humberstone and Santa Laura, can explore the eerie abandoned townscapes, wander through empty streets lined with weathered wooden houses, and see the industrial zones with massive leaching vats, crushing mills, and iodine plants.
The site’s museum, housed in the former general office, provides context through exhibits on daily life, labour struggles, and the saltpetre boom’s economic significance. While the harsh desert climate has taken its toll, conservation efforts aim to preserve this remarkable industrial landscape for future generations.
Sewell Mining Town
Perched high in the Chilean Andes, about 100 kilometres south of Santiago, the Sewell Mining Town is an abandoned company village surrounded by the rugged landscapes of the mountains.
Built on a steep slope about 2000 metres above sea level, Sewell’s distinctive architecture features colourful wooden buildings connected by a network of stairs instead of streets. This design responded ingeniously to the challenging terrain and harsh climate.
At its peak in the 1960s, about 16,000 people lived in the Sewell Mining Town, and there were facilities for the families of the copper mine’s workers. But by the end of the 1970s, transport had improved from nearby cities and many employed moved there instead
This is one of my favourite of Chile’s World Heritage Sites and I think visiting the Sewell Mining Town is such an interesting experience. Although it’s no longer inhabited, you can go on a tour and explore the former workers’ housing, community facilities, and industrial structures.
The journey to Sewell is an adventure in itself, involving a winding ascent through the Andes. Once there, the crisp mountain air and panoramic views are breathtaking – a nice little bonus!
