There are six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Chile. All the sites are cultural sites.
Chile UNESCO Sites
Table of Contents
Churches of Chloe (2000)
This is an important architectural phenomenon in the Americas, not just in Chile. Hence, the churches of Chloe were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Chile in 2000. These churches were built sometime in the 18th and 19th centuries in the Chiloe Archipelago in Chile. Several institutions have gone to great lengths to preserve this historic site and the UNESCO recognition will further that effort in preserving the unique qualities of these architectural structures.
Rapa Nui National Park (1995)
This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chile and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rapa Nui National Park is located on Easter Island in Chile. It is best known for its 887 extant stone statues called as “moai”. These stones were believed to be creations of the early Rapa Nui people who lived on the island during 300 AD.
Qhapaq Nan, Incasic Road System (2014)
This cultural site encompasses an extensive and advanced transportation system during pre-Columbian South America. This ancient Inca Road System exhibits time and effort due to the complexity and quality of its construction, which is impressive for its time. In fact, this road system has been in use for over 400 years and still remains mostly intact.
Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaiso (2003)
The city of Valparaiso’s historic quarter was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Chile in 2003 for its important geopolitical role during the latter half of the 19th century. In addition, it served as a major stopover for ships traveling through the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It has been nicknamed “The Jewel of the Pacific” by those who have traveled here.
Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (2005)
This site is a collection of two saltpeter refineries in northern Chile. There are over 200 former saltpeter works located in the area as company towns were built and where workers from neighboring countries like Bolivia and Peru lived as one distinctive community. The site is also a showcase of the social struggles and cry for social justice among these workers.
Sewell Mining Town (2006)
This former mining town in Chile, which is now uninhabited, is located along the slopes of the Andes Mountains. The Braden Copper Company founded this town in 1906 in order to mine copper in the land. In fact, the town was named after the company’s first President. The town has its own hospital, fire department and social club. It also features a narrow gauge railroad, which is used to carry supplies to the town since it was inaccessible by vehicles.
View the list of all of the UNESCO World Heritage sites I have visited on my travels.