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Chile boasts dazzling scenery and vibrant cities that you should definitely add to your bucket list if you haven’t yet. But while the country’s must-sees are more or less well-known to travel aficionados, I figured lots of you could use a list of the finest souvenirs from Chile.
The narrowest country in the world is split across a dry and mountainous north, a quintessentially Mediterranean central region, and a cold and remote south.
Thanks to that, the range of Chile gifts you’ll get to bring home is vast and spans both colorful and elaborate handicrafts and delectable culinary specialties like wine and olive oil.
Now let’s see what else Chile has to offer!
Table of Contents
Best drinks to buy in Chile
1. Wine
The Central Valley of Chile — i.e. the area around Santiago — has a typical Mediterranean climate, so it’s perfect for winemaking.
In fact, Spanish colonizers started bottling wine in the country as far back as the 16th century, which makes Chile one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the Americas.
Today, the country is the fifth-largest wine exporter, which is mainly from Merlot, Carmenère, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. It shouldn’t come as a shock that eight of the 50 highest-rated wineries on Earth are located in Chile, led by Viña Montes, Clos Apalta, and VIK.
But you should definitely hunt for smaller producers if you’re after delightful surprises — you’ll find wineries even in the middle of the Atacama Desert. You can also explore the vineyards and the wine cellars of a renowned winery with this Cousiño Macul tour and wine tasting.
2. Pisco
While pisco was invented in neighboring Peru, the spirit — which is made from distilling fermented grapes — was given a designation of origin in Chile sixty years before Peru’s.
Each country claims to produce the authentic version of this liquor which, technically, is an unaged brandy. That said, Chilean and Peruvian piscos are made through slightly different processes, which means the two kinds are worth trying.
Leading labels from Chile that you shouldn’t miss include El Gobernador by Miguel Torres and Heron by Waqar, both from the prized Limarí Valley.
3. Tea
Chileans drink more tea than any other nation in the Americas. Consequently, you’ll find top-notch tea to bring home in specialized shops.
Also, don’t miss the chance to lounge at cozy tea rooms like Santiago’s Tetería Cleopatra, where you’ll be surrounded by adorable cats.
Herbal infusions like the all-South American mate are quite big in the country too. So is boldo, which is native to Chile and is popularly used as folk medicine across the region.
4. Cola de mono
Cola de mono, or colemono, is a brownish cocktail that Chileans normally drink at Christmas. It’s quite similar to eggnog, except it’s made with coffee instead of egg yolks.
The concoction’s name literally translates as “monkey tail” and has a controversial origin — though it may refer to the drink’s color.
Regardless, what really matters is that cola de mono is delicious. While most families will make their own to enjoy at home, brands like Campanario sell a bottled version that you can find in supermarkets and liquor stores across Chile.
Wearable souvenirs from Chile
5. Lapis lazuli jewelry
Lapis has been mined in Chile since prehistoric times, and the country is one of its leading exporters. It’s no wonder the semiprecious gem has been designated Chile’s official rock.
Long associated with luxury and wealth, the deep-blue rock is used to make stunning jewels and accessories.
The Ovalle region, some 250 miles north of Santiago near the seaside town of La Serena, is where the largest lapis deposits are — so head there to hunt for the best deals on the finest pieces.
6. Mapuche textiles
The Mapuche nations have been living in what is now central and southern Chile since at least the 5th century. Their textile art instead dates back to the early 14th century.
Motives are mostly geometric, and colors are generally more subdued than the ones you’ll see on Andean textiles. That means you can easily get a poncho, shawl, or quilt that won’t clash with your personal style.
7. Leather goods
Influenced by neighboring Argentina, some parts of Chile have a strong cowboy culture — even though the country is not flat enough to be a prominent cattle farmer.
Still, with its usual attention to detail and to good sourcing, Chile is also home to a substantial production of fine leather goods.
8. Copper jewelry
Chile accounts for about a third of the world’s output of copper. Like lapis lazuli, the metal has long been one of the major mineral symbols of Chile.
The variety of accessories in copper you’ll see in the country is impressive and covers both enameled pieces and gleaming items.
9. Alpaca wool clothing
Alongside llamas, alpacas have been domesticated as versatile animals that can carry loads like donkeys and have their wool harvested like sheep.
Despite not being as high-end as the fleece from wild vicuñas, alpaca wool it’s extremely soft and well-fitting.
You’ll get the best alpaca wool clothing in northern Chile, which is where the Andes meet the coastal desert.
Best food from Chile
10. Olive oil
Chilean olive oil isn’t exactly ancient but has gained an international reputation in the last 20 years.
The same Mediterranean climate that has made the central parts of the country a prime terroir for winemaking is unsurprisingly a fantastic ground for growing olives as well.
One of the best areas to try Chile’s award-winning oil is the Colchagua Valley to the south of Santiago. That’s where prized oil mills like Deleyda are located.
11. Dulce de leche
Dulce de leche, locally called manjar, is a sort of caramelized milk jelly that Latin Americans are simply crazy about.
While Asians and Europeans often write it off as “too sweet”, it’s worth trying if only to get familiar with Chile’s food culture.
Argentina may be more famous for its dulce de leche, yet Chile also boasts great commercial and craft brands.
And if you want to taste a quintessentially Chilean treat, go for cuchuflí (pictured above), a tube-shaped cookie that is stuffed with gooey dulce de leche.
You can retrieve it from street vendors or in pastry shops. Even better, more decadent versions of cuchuflí are coated with a crunchy layer of dark chocolate.
12. Merkén
Merkén is made from smoked Cacho de Cabra chili, which is ground and often enhanced with cilantro seeds and salt.
Like in much of southern South America, Chile’s cuisine isn’t particularly spicy. But this is one hot seasoning that modern Chile absorbed from the Mapuche culinary tradition.
Since merkén use is catching on by the day in the country, you can find it in any supermarket. That said, you can look for additive-free versions in deli shops and town markets.
13. Chocolate
Apart from Nestlé bars that you’ll only find in Chile, like the almond-stuffed Sahn Nuss and the velvety Trencito, the country boasts a centuries-old chocolate-making craft that you should definitely sink your teeth into.
Both Santiago and the Valparaíso-Viña del Mar area are peppered with small factories that exude chocolatey goodness. Highlights include La Varsovienne, founded in 1954, and La Fête, which has stores in all of Chile’s big cities.
14. Quince paste
Quince paste, or cheese, is a firm and sticky dessert that is extracted from quince fruit, which is a kind of tart pear.
Though popular across Hispanic America, quince paste is a national passion in Chile. It can be paired with bread or cheese, used to fill empanadas and pies, or eaten plain.
This is another item worth browsing delis for. You’ll find amazing scoopable versions like the one by Tanti as well.
Souvenirs from Chile to brighten up your home
15. Horsehair handicrafts
Horsehair, or crin, basketry, has been the calling card of the tiny village of Rari for about 200 hundred years. The town’s remoteness has allowed for the preservation of this bright and colorful craft.
While butterflies are the most famous crin items, locals work on other knickknacks drawing from nature and local folklore too, including dolls, 3D flower bouquets, and birds.
Rari is located less than 200 miles to the south of Santiago and makes a nice detour should you choose to visit lush southern Chile.
16. Ceramics
About 40 miles from Santiago, you’ll find the tiny Pomaire, a colonial town that is renowned nationwide for its pottery.
Take a half-day trip to Pomaire to load up on beautiful ceramics and discover its authentic cuisine, where juicy empanadas and yummy corncakes abound.
17. Moai statues
Moai are the iconic human figures that the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island built around a millennium ago.
Although the island should certainly be on your bucket list, it lies almost 2,200 miles from mainland Chile, right in the middle of the Pacific — so the cheapest roundtrip flights cost 700+ bucks.
Regardless, moai have become a symbol of the entire country, which means miniatures in all shades and stones are easy to find in craft markets throughout Chile.
Where to buy Chile souvenirs
Almost 40% of Chileans live within greater Santiago. It’s only natural then that it’s in the capital you’ll find a wider offer of and better deals on the items on our list — especially when it comes to gourmet foods and drinks.
You can shop for gorgeous copper items at the Copper Studio, which crafts traditional Chilean jewelry and decor and has two locations in eastern Santiago.
A wonderful place to hunt for handicrafts and lapis lazuli jewelry is the historic Los Dominicos Village, a cultural center that features art exhibits and theater performances as well.
In case you don’t feel like venturing that far out to the east of town, stop by the Craft Fair Santa Lucía, which is within walking distance from La Moneda Palace.
In Valparaíso, you should check out the Feria Artesanal Teatro Imperio, which is held inside a repurposed theater and showcases scores of authentic creations by local artisans.
The Valparaíso-Viña del Mar area is another superb spot for discovering Chile’s craft chocolate scene. Try the tiny Vivali Chocolatería and the huge La Fête, which has 50+ locations across the country, half of which are in Santiago.
Speaking of the capital, don’t miss seven-decade-old La Varsovienne and award-winning Óbolo Chocolate for some of the most decadent bars you’ll find nationwide.
As for dulce de leche, you’ll find major brands like Colun at any supermarket. For gourmet options like the luscious Requingua, you’ll need to hit specialized shops instead.
A few highlights here are Creado en Chile, The Market Chile, and Mercado Patache Gourmet — where you can shop for wine and other Chilean specialties.
You can buy grade-A olive oil Alonso, which has a boutique in eastern Santiago, and both oil and wine at Viña TerraMater, one of the finest vineyards in the metropolitan area.
Finally, don’t skip a visit to the Central Market of Santiago to taste some fresh seafood and grab items like merkén.
Conclusion
Chile is famous for its vast and picturesque landscapes, yet its mouthwatering cuisine and rich craft tradition are often underrated abroad.
By now, though, you know a bunch of marvelous souvenirs from Chile that you can pack your suitcase with when you visit the country.
What are you waiting for? Book your air tickets asap to discover all the attractions in Chile and get as many of these keepsakes as you can!
Best souvenirs from Chile – Pin it!
