Traveling through Chile by car allows you to discover its cultural, natural, and architectural diversity beyond traditional tourist destinations. Throughout the country, there are little-known heritage routes that pass through historic towns, colonial roads, mining areas, and unique rural landscapes. These journeys are ideal for those looking to experience Chilean history on wheels , combining heritage, adventure, and contact with local communities.
Heritage routes in the Norte Chico with mining charm
The Norte Chico region hides circuits steeped in history linked to mining, astronomy, and old railroads.
Copper Route and the Mining Towns of Atacama
From Copiapó to Inca de Oro, a route runs through old mining sites and towns frozen in time. In the town of Nantoco, you can visit the 19th-century Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen , while in Tierra Amarilla and Puquios, ruins and machinery from the copper boom are preserved.
Must-sees of the tour:
Atacama Regional Museum (Copiapó)
Town of Inca de Oro
Abandoned mines of Tres Puntas
Tip: Bring plenty of fuel and water, and check the road conditions before setting out, as there are stretches without services.
👉 You can complement this tour with ideas from the article “Where to camp to see the clearest sky in Chile” .
The Elqui Valley Heritage Route beyond Vicuña
Although the Elqui Valley is a popular destination, there are secondary roads that reveal its lesser-known agricultural and spiritual history. From Vicuña, you can continue to Paihuano, Rivadavia, and Cochiguaz , visiting old sugar mills and adobe manor houses dating back to the 19th century.
Stop recommendations:
Gabriela Mistral Museum in Vicuña
Chapel of San Antonio de Padua in Paihuano
Walk through the old canals in Cochiguaz
The road is paved until Paihuano, then continues with sections of gravel in good condition. Ideal for a weekend getaway with family or friends.
Heritage routes in central Chile with historical value
The center of the country is home to a network of old colonial and agricultural roads that connect haciendas, train stations, and towns with their own unique identity.
Wine and Heritage Route in the Maule Valley
This tour combines wine tourism and traditional architecture . From Talca, you can visit San Clemente, Villa Alegre, and Yerbas Buenas, where colonial mansions and museums that tell the story of Independence are preserved.
Suggested stops:
O'Higginiano Museum of Fine Arts (Talca)
Yerbas Buenas Mansion, National Monument
Heritage vineyards in San Javier
💡 If you're interested in complementing this tour with cultural events, check out the article on "Traditional Festivals in Chile Summer 2026."
Wheat Route in the Ñuble Region
Between San Carlos, Ninhue, and Coelemu, an agricultural landscape that was key to the 19th-century economy is preserved. Here you can visit old mills, rural churches, and small artisanal wineries.
Highlights:
Ninhue Historical Museum (Arturo Prat House)
Lantaño Mill (San Carlos)
Road between Coelemu and Quirihue, surrounded by vineyards and golden fields
This route is perfect for those who enjoy rural tourism and want to connect with the rural life of south-central Chile.
Southern heritage routes with identity and nature
In the south, heritage trails intertwine with nature and the cultural heritage of European settlers, Indigenous peoples, and religious missions.
Route of the Franciscan Missions in Chiloé
Few travelers know that there is a network of heritage churches connected by rural roads . Starting from Castro, you can visit Rilán, Detif, and Chelín, where churches built entirely of wood, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, still stand.
Must-see points:
Church of Rilán (Castro)
Chelín Church, with panoramic views of the inland sea
Museum of the Missions in Nercón
It's recommended to take your time and enjoy the local cuisine: curantos, milcaos, and fresh fish cooked in family-run restaurants.
Route of the German Settlers in Valdivia and Osorno
Between Valdivia and Frutillar, you can visit old German settler houses , cemeteries, and rural museums that portray 19th-century European immigration.
Featured Sites:
German Colonial Museum of Frutillar
Church of San José de la Mariquina
Family-run craft breweries
This tour combines history and gastronomy, ideal for those seeking cultural experiences while still enjoying nature.