Pre-Columbian remains have mostly been recovered in the north, where they have been preserved in the dry, arid climate. The best-known of these cultures are the Chinchorro, who were nomadic and known for mummifying their dead. The Aymara practised agriculture, including maise and potatoes, in the canyons in the north. Other cultures include the Atacameño, El Molle, Tiwanaku and Chango, and various geoglyphs, rock etchings, tablets, and ceramics remain from these peoples. The Incas from the Cuzco valley in Peru conquered northern Chile for a time but did not reach the central and southern regions.

In 1495 Chile was divided between Spain and Portugal.

A Spanish expedition reached the Mapocho Valley in 1541, subduing the local people and establishing the city of Santiago.  Throughout the colonial period, Indigenous people were exploited, although those in the south of the country continued to resist colonial rule. During this time, many Spaniards were rewarded with large tracts of land. This small minority of wealthy landowners would have a lasting effect on Chile’s society and politics in later years.

American-born Spanish increasingly yearned for self-government, and independence movements began to take shape between 1808 and 1810.