Chile is full of fascinating destinations where ancestral history remains alive. Through indigenous tourism, the country offers a unique opportunity to connect with the legacy of its first inhabitants, who left an indelible mark from north to south.
These places to learn about the original cultures are not just museums or archaeological sites; they are windows into a worldview and traditions that endure. Here, the heritage of communities such as the Mapuche, Aymara, and Rapanui is safeguarded.
Places to connect with the ancestral culture of Chile
We present a list of must-see destinations where you can learn about, admire, and connect with Chile's ancestral heritage.
Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is one of the best places you will find in Santiago to admire the heritage of the original peoples. It holds pieces from the Mapuche, Atacameño, Aymara, Diaguita, Kawésqar, Rapa Nui, Selk’nam, and Yaganes cultures, some over 10,000 years old, offering a unique window into the pre-Hispanic world of Chile and Latin America.
- Estimated price: $2,000 CLP (nationals) and $10,000 CLP (foreigners).
- Website: Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
Mapuche Museum of Cañete
Created in 1969 in the Biobío Region, the Mapuche Museum of Cañete pays tribute to the culture of the Mapuche people. Through its exhibitions, visitors can learn about the history, lifestyle, and worldview of this group. Dedicated to the conservation and dissemination of objects, the site also features a replica of a ruka (the traditional house), a Guillatuwe (ceremonial space), and a Palín court, inviting visitors to understand the social and spiritual life of this culture in its own environment.
- Estimated price: Free admission.
- Website: Mapuche Museum of Cañete
Tulor Village
Located just 9 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama, the Tulor Village offers a unique vision of Atacameño life. With at least 2,300 years of age, it is considered one of the oldest archaeological sites in northern Chile, with ruins of circular walls that were buried under the sand for centuries. This settlement shows how the ancient San Pedro River allowed the development of agriculture, grazing, and pottery in the middle of the desert.
- Estimated price: $3,000 to $5,000 CLP per person.
- Website: Tulor Village
Rapa Nui National Park
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Rapa Nui National Park on Easter Island is an open-air museum. Here rest the iconic moai, colossal stone statues that represent the deified ancestors of the Rapanui people.
The park invites you to explore essential archaeological sites, such as the Rano Raraku quarry (where the moai were carved), the ceremonial village of Orongo (center of the "bird-man" cult), and the impressive ceremonial platforms (Ahu). The Ahu Tongariki stands out with its 15 giants and the Tahai Ceremonial Center. In addition, you can explore volcanic caves such as Ana Te Pahu. It is a must-see if you go to Rapa Nui!
- Estimated price: Adults $20,000 CLP (nationals) and $72,000 CLP (foreigners).
- Website: Conaf - Rapa Nui National Park
