In 2026, Chile achieved a remarkable milestone on the global tourism stage. The South American nation was officially named “Best International Destination” at the prestigious Forbes Travel Awards – a recognition that highlights not only its breathtaking landscapes but also its growing influence in sustainable and experience-driven travel.
A Historic Recognition
Chile earned this distinction in the first-ever edition of the Forbes Travel Awards, surpassing strong competitors such as Japan and Portugal’s Alentejo region.
What makes this award particularly significant is its editorial independence. Unlike many tourism rankings, destinations cannot apply or pay to be included – winners are selected by experts based on quality, impact, and innovation in tourism.
This gives Chile’s victory a high level of credibility and positions the country among the most respected destinations worldwide.
Why Chile Stood Out?
Chile’s success is rooted in one defining strength: extraordinary diversity. Stretching over 4,300 kilometers along South America’s western edge, the country offers a range of landscapes rarely found in a single destination.
From north to south, travelers can experience the Atacama Desert (the driest non-polar desert on Earth), the dramatic glaciers and mountains of Patagonia, a long Pacific coastline with numerous beaches and cultural cities, lush forests, lakes, and volcanoes in the south, and a vibrant capital, Santiago, blending modern life with Andean scenery.
These features create a unique combination of nature, adventure, culture, and accessibility, which has made Chile increasingly attractive to global travelers.
A Focus on Sustainable Tourism
Another key factor behind Chile’s recognition is its commitment to sustainable tourism. The country has invested heavily in preserving its natural environments while offering safe and meaningful travel experiences.
According to official tourism sources, Chile’s model emphasizes environmental protection, community-based tourism, and long-term development of local destinations.
This approach aligns with global travel trends, where sustainability is becoming a decisive factor for modern travelers.
Growing Global Influence
The Forbes award is not an isolated achievement. Chile has consistently gained international recognition in recent years.
It has won multiple titles as a leading adventure tourism destination globally. Also, Santiago ranked among the top destinations for solo travel in global traveler reviews.
In addition, the country welcomed over 6 million international visitors in 2025, reflecting strong growth in tourism.
These milestones demonstrate that Chile is not just trending – it is establishing itself as a long-term leader in global tourism.
A Destination for the Future
Winning “Best International Destination” at the Forbes Travel Awards 2026 marks a turning point for Chile.
It signals a shift in global travel preferences toward destinations that combine natural beauty, authentic experiences, sustainability, and cultural richness. Chile embodies all of these qualities.
A Deeper Transformation in How People Travel
Chile’s recognition as the world’s best international destination is more than a headline – it reflects a deeper transformation in how people travel and what they value.
With its unmatched landscapes, forward-thinking tourism strategy, and growing global reputation, Chile is not just a place to visit in 2026 – it is a destination shaping the future of travel.
Source:
- Forbes Travel Awards & Chile Travel official announcement (Chile Travel);
- CNN Chile / Emol coverage of the 2026 awards (Emol);
- The Times of India (The Times of India);
- Travel 2 LatAm (en.travel2latam.com);
- El Postrador (El Mostrador)
- Bio Bio Chile (BioBioChile)
