Forbes Travel Names Chile One of the World's Leading Travel Destinations...
Forbes Travel Name
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| Picture : Sernatur Chile |
s Chile One of the World's Leading Travel Destinations... and Honestly, I'm Not Surprised
A few days ago, Chile was recognized as the Best International Destination at the inaugural Forbes Travel Awards 2026, surpassing renowned destinations such as Japan and Portugal's Alentejo region. This recognition from the Forbes Travel editorial committee places Chile among the world's leading travel destinations.
And while this may come as a surprise to many people, honestly, it doesn't surprise me at all.
Perhaps because I was born in Chile.
Perhaps because I grew up exploring parts of this long and narrow country.
Or perhaps because, over the years, I have learned to appreciate something that many people who live there often take for granted: the incredible diversity found within its borders.
Let's be honest.
How many countries can offer, within the same territory, the driest desert on Earth, ancient glaciers, active volcanoes, native forests, fjords, world-class wine regions, and an island full of mysteries in the middle of the Pacific Ocean?
Chile can.
And that's no small achievement.
From the Atacama Desert in the north to the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia in the south, passing through the lakes district, the Carretera Austral, Valparaíso, Santiago, and Easter Island, Chile offers completely different experiences within a single journey.
But I believe there is something more.
What makes Chile special is not only its landscapes.
It is also its stories.
Its towns.
Its traditions.
Its local markets.
Its fairs.
Its empanadas.
Its fishermen.
Its artisans.
And that uniquely Chilean ability to find beauty in the simplest things.
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| Picture: Sernatur Chile |
When we think about world-class travel destinations, we often imagine faraway cities, luxury resorts, or exotic locations featured in glossy travel magazines.
And then Forbes Travel comes along and reminds us that Chile is right there among them.
Competing side by side with some of the most admired destinations on the planet.
As a Chilean, that makes me proud.
As a traveler, I understand why.
And as someone who loves stories, I believe Chile still has many more to tell.
Because in the end, beyond awards and rankings, the most memorable destinations are those that make us feel something.
And Chile has always been an expert at that.
Without a doubt, Chile has a lot to offer travelers.
There is a well-known Chilean folk song that says:
Because beyond the landscapes, the mountains, the glaciers, and the desert, there are the people.
Chileans welcome visitors — in our own way.
We are perhaps more reserved than other Latin Americans. To many people we may sound blunt. Some even say we speak a language of our own. We are sarcastic, we give nicknames to almost everything, and sometimes our sense of humor can sound a little rough to those who don't know us.
But that's who we are.
And we are deeply proud of our country.
Of our culture.
Of our food.
Of our crafts.
Of our traditions.
And we genuinely enjoy sharing them with people who show an interest in learning about them.
I have met very few Chileans who would not be willing to recommend their favorite beach, their favorite local restaurant, the best place to watch a sunset, or the hidden corner of their city they love most.
Because when someone takes an interest in Chile, Chileans usually respond in the same way:
By showing them the very best we have to offer.
Perhaps that is why the Forbes Travel recognition did not surprise me.
Chile has extraordinary landscapes, but it also has stories, people, and experiences that remain with visitors long after they return home.
And in the end, it is those experiences that transform a trip into a lifelong memory.
So, if you have not yet visited Chile, I invite you to discover this remarkable country at the southern end of the world.
Who knows?
You may end up falling in love with it just as we have.
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