Magazine TIME The World Tourism Organization (WTO) has revealed its list of the 100 best places in the world to visit in 2024, and among the selected ones, two impressive Chilean destinations stand out. These places not only represent the cultural and gastronomic richness of Chile, but are also perfect examples of how the country combines its history and nature with unique experiences for visitors.
The first place One standout is Yum Chá, a restaurant located in Santiago. This establishment has captured international attention for its unique approach. Described as a minimalist tea house combined with an adventurous 20-seat restaurant, Yum Chá offers a culinary experience that may seem unusual in Santiago, until you consider Chile’s deep tradition of tea drinking. This trend, which began with yerba mate and was popularized in the 19th century following British influence, has found new expression at Yum Chá, which began as a pop-up shop before settling in Providencia in 2023.
The Ruta de los Abastos, in the O’Higgins region, is the second Chilean destination on the list of TIMEThis route has been highlighted for its focus on adventure and gastronomy, becoming a hub for rural gastronomic tourism thanks to a public initiative promoted by the Foundation for Agricultural Innovation of Chile. On this route, agricultural communities with rich biodiversity have been transformed into epicentres of sustainable tourism, working with small producers such as winegrowers, beekeepers and fishermen to offer unique gastronomic experiences between the Andean valleys and the Pacific Ocean.
In addition, the Ruta de los Abastos not only focuses on gastronomy, but also promotes sustainability and the preservation of local traditions, as highlighted in the ranking of TIMEThis combination of elements has allowed the O’Higgins region to stand out as an unmissable destination for lovers of good food and nature. The collaboration between small producers and public initiative has created a tourist offer that celebrates and preserves Chile’s rich agricultural and gastronomic heritage.
It is important to mention that in 2023, Torres del Paine was also selected by the magazine TIME as one of the best places in the world to visit. This recognition is largely due to the growing population and habituation of animals to humans, allowing visitors to have a good opportunity to observe the elusive fauna within the Torres del Paine National Park. This park is known for its stunning landscapes and biodiversity, being one of the most iconic destinations in Chile.