Chile Travel Guide

Occupying a long sliver of diverse terrains which grasp the western side of South America, there is nowhere in the world quite like Chile. 

One of the country’s most fascinating attributes is the way it unifies juxtapositioned terrains and climates. The arid reds of the Atacama desert to the snowcapped peaks and seemingly endless fjords of Patagonia bookend a country where vineyards thrive, and stunning coastal scenes draw you in. Spanning over 4200 kilometres from tip to top, Chile travel presents a torrent of unrivalled experiences. 

During your time in Chile, you will feel its omnipresent ‘buena onda’ culture - the warming, welcoming good-vibe hospitality that emanates from every local interaction. It goes without saying that this unique vibe is usually accompanied by its fabulous vino, one of Chile’s top exported goods. You’ll notice that locals never rush; the key to experiencing much of Chile’s charm and devastatingly beautiful landscapes is to move slow. That may mean fewer destinations on your Chile travel itinerary but much richer experiences.

As aforementioned, Chile is a land of contrasts. Glacial fields, the driest desert on earth, fertile valleys, volcanos, incredible glaciers, ancient forests and more sit within its borders. With much of Chile’s population centred around the urban areas, its wilderness has been largely left untouched which makes for some bewildering experiences in nature. 

One of the most surprising elements of Chile travel may just be how many expectations it defies. With well-developed urban areas, a relatively affluent economy and buses that run on time, it isn’t what you may expect from a South American country. This tranquil motion only adds to Chile’s charm and makes it all the more exciting to explore. 

This Chile travel guide is here to introduce you to everything you need to know when you visit Chile (and to give you a serious case of wanderlust). Read on!

As you may imagine, given the variation in Chile’s topography and terrain, the climates vary drastically. However, this is an advantage as it means you can take a Chile trip at any time of the year. You just have to decide which region of the country interests you the most (scroll down if you want to get straight to that part). 

As Chile sits in the southern hemisphere, its summer months are December to February. These months as well as the shoulder seasons that bookend them are the perfect time to visit Chile, with daily average temperatures of 28-30 degrees celsius in most of the country and highs of 13 degrees celsius in Torres del Paine. The winter months can provide a little bit of a shock with lows of -15 degrees celsius; they are best avoided. 

With the hottest temperatures hitting between January and March, Santiago, Northern Chile and the Atacama Desert are otherwise year-round destinations. If you have your heart set on exploring Northern Patagonia and the incredible Chilean Lake District, then November to March are your ideal months. The same applies to South Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. The months of June to September are best avoided for much of Patagonia as heavy snowfall often means places close.

The next part of this guide to Chile travel covers the best experiences to have and places to visit! Within each one, you’ll find a fully customisable itinerary designed by our Local Designers in Chile.

Torres del Paine

Chile is spoilt for stunning natural wonders; lying between the Andes and the Patagonian steppe, Torres del Paine national park is one of them. 

Within one of the most desolate yet beautiful places on earth in UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve, you’ll find snow-capped granite pillars which dominate the landscape, azure glacial lakes and some of the best hiking opportunities in the world. 

Taking on the world-famous ‘W’ or ‘O’ multi-day trek means sleeping in comfortable beds, hot meals and showers and even bars to enjoy a Pisco sour, all thanks to the recent infrastructure renovation of this wild-popular region. 

If you have four days or more to dedicate to Chile travel, then exploring the Torres del Paine national park on the ‘W’ trek on a trip crafted by our Local Designers in Chile will be an unforgettable experience.

Visit Easter Island 

When asked where Easter Island was, it is suspected that few people would be able to give the answer of Chile. Located 2,200 miles from the coast of Chile, Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is the most isolated inhabited island in the world, which is why many people forget that it is part of Chile and not a standalone destination. 

Home to more than 800 volcanic rock moai statues, few places in the world possess the magnetic, mystical draw of Easter Island travel. Whilst getting to Easter Island isn’t hard, it is a long journey. However, the outdoor activities on offer, both above and below the water’s surface, are fabulous! 

Locally-designed Easter Island tours will whisk you all over the island to some of the thousands of archaeological sites, volcanic craters and pristine beaches. You’ll learn about these curious statues, how they came to be on this island and their mysterious pull.

Santiago de Chile

Chile’s thriving capital, Santiago, is home to a third of the country’s whole population. However, despite a number of interesting pockets to explore, most travellers only spend a day or two here. If you are tight on time, 24 hours is plenty to gain an insight into Chile’s recent history through its Museum of Human Rights, stroll its neighbourhoods which each offers a unique flavour, take in its grand architecture and dine in world-class restaurants which overlook the city. 

If you do decide to base yourself in the city for a few days, there are a number of brilliant day trips from Santiago. The charming seaside colourful town of Valparaiso is worth a visit, as well as the classic beach town of Vina del Mar. For a little luxury, you can head to the Casablanca Valley for the perfect Santiago wine tour!

Fill your trip with unique experiences and see a different side to the city by designing your visit to Santiago with one of our trusted Local Designers in Chile. 

Atacama Desert

Quite literally the driest place on earth, the Atacama Desert in Chile’s Norte Chico region is rumoured to have not seen a drop of rain since 1870!

This copper corner of the planet is not only one of the best places in the world to stargaze due to the lack of light pollution, but it is also home to stunning rock formations, guzzling geysers, saltwater lakes and flamingos aplenty! Your Chile road trip into the desert will most likely begin in the gateway town of San Pedro de Atacama, from which seemingly endless tarmac stretches into the desert, willing you to explore. 

In between breathtaking salt flats and volcanic rock formations, you can immerse yourself in local cultures dotting between small villages that have perfectly maintained their customs and traditions through festivals, handicrafts and folklore. 

On this customisable three-day Atacama desert trip designed by a local, you’ll be able to enjoy all there is to offer and more, then end your day enjoying local flavours and the impressive starry nights.

Valparaiso

An easy day trip from Santiago, Valparaiso is the colourful, bohemian coastal city that hugs one of the most important harbours in South America. The vibrant town could be described as a beautiful mess with its multi-coloured, ramshackle buildings, crumbling mansions and intriguing bars all sprawled up the hillside from shore connected by a network of funicular railways. Its wonderful colonial architecture got the town recognised by UNESCO.

Valparaiso will steal your heart with its laid-back atmosphere, the beauty that has inspired many a famous poet and its array of fantastic outdoor adventures. If you only have a few days on Chile’s Central Coast, make sure you include a day in Valparaiso. 

Tierra del Fuego

Straddling the Argentine-Chilean border, Tierra del Fuego envelops the southern tip of South America, separated from Patagonia by the Magellan Strait. Here, you can travel through one of Chile’s most extreme landscapes where you’ll learn about the history of ancient inhabitants and the struggles they faced, take in the spectacular sights on a cruise from Puerto Williams to Cape Horne and challenge yourself on the southernmost hiking trails in the world. 

If you fancy discovering a land of extremes, your Chile trip can be tailored to suit exactly what you’re looking for by designing it with one of our Local Designers on the ground!

Cruise the Patagonian Fjords

Those looking to travel the deep south of the continent will be faced with crossing the Patagonian fjords which sit in the middle of the country. One of the most scenic ways to cover one of the world’s most magnificent regions is to take a three-day cruise through the Straits of Magellan and the Beagle Channel. 

Magnificent glaciers, incredible Patagonian scenery and fascinating wildlife, including blue whales, will characterise your journey from Punta Arenas in Chile to Ushuaia in Argentina through the Tierra del Fuego National Park. 

This journey is the very definition of slow travel in South America and is highly recommended to add to your Chile travel itinerary. 

Surfing in Arica

Despite being blessed with so much coastline, Chile isn’t a beach destination. Instead, those that head to Chile’s coastline are looking for something a little more active to sunbathing - surfing! The northerly port city of Arica and its neighbours, Iquique and Pichilemu, have become havens for surfers with four-metre-high waves, gnarly swells and international competitions. 

With year-round sun, a delightful atmosphere and brilliant surf breaks, Arica has edged itself onto the must-visit list for holidays to Chile and rightly so. You can combine your Arica tour with a visit to Lauca National Park to visit one of the highest lakes in the world.

Getting around Chile is much easier than you may think. Here’s how;

Buses

Bus transport is the main form of transport in Chile. With generous amounts of legroom, frequent and flexible departures and great value for money, Chile’s long-distance buses offer a great service. You can book bus tickets online, or our Local Designer in Chile will take care of all those details when you design your trip. You’ll get the choice of a half-bed or full-bed ticket; if you’re travelling for longer than a few hours, then you may want to opt for the full-bed. 

Taxis

Within cities, besides buses, taxis will be your main form of transport. There are two types of taxis in Chile - Colectivos and normal taxis. Operating along a set route with fixed fares, Colectivos are slightly more expensive than local buses but a great option when travelling as a couple or in a small group. Taxis are black with a yellow roof, and it’s wise to make sure the meter has been turned on before you begin your journey to avoid being overcharged. The only difference in appearance between Colectivos and taxis is that Colectivos have their route or final destination marked on their roof board. 

Flights

If you are short on time or plan to see multiple places during your Chile travel itinerary, some domestic flights will be necessary. However, bear in mind that it is likely to push the price of your trip up as internal flights can be expensive. 

Private Cars and Self-Drive

Another option for how to travel Chile is to either drive yourself or hire a driver and a private car. Chile has a good road network, so car travel is relatively stress-free. If you are interested in either of these options, you can take the hassle out of organising it yourself by designing your Chile trip with one of our Local Designers on the ground.

Accommodation in Chile is relatively reasonable and is good value for money. You’ll be able to choose from a range of different styles of accommodation to suit your budget and trip;

Top Tip: Accommodation in the high season (January and February) can double or triple in price. Outside of the high season, you can haggle for a discount on most accommodation. 

Hotels

Hotels in Chile are given a one-to-five-star rating based on their facilities; however, this rating rarely reflects the standard of the hotel, which can often vary widely. Generally, in mid-range hotels, you’ll always get a private bathroom with a hot shower and cable TV. With a slight increase in price towards the upper end, you may get additional facilities such as a minibar, hotel swimming pool and a restaurant. 

Residenciales

Residenciales are the most common type of accommodation in Chile; be aware, the standard can also vary widely, just like hotels. Most of the time, residenciales consist of modern, furnished rooms off a corridor from the main house or in the backyard. The rooms are often modestly furnished with little more than a bed, a place to hang clothes and a bedside table and lamp. For an upmarket feel and the best representation of residenciales, look for the 19th-century houses. 

Residenciales can also be similar to hospedajes or casa de familia; the former is most similar to residenciales in that it is modest accommodation, and casa de familia are rooms inside a family home. 

Cabañas

Cabañas are a very popular type of accommodation in Chile, particularly so around tourist hotspots. Effectively holiday chalets, cabañas cater to families or groups with kitchens, seating areas, a double room and a second room with bunk beds. The price is usually per cabin and the standard ranges from rustic to grand; however, locations are usually wonderful, so if you are up for self-catering, it is a good option. 

Camping

Camping opportunities are aplenty in Chile; it is relatively easy to wild camp here if you plan on bringing your own tent. Official campsites range from a plot of land with very minimal facilities to campsites part of holiday complexes which can be rather expensive for a plot. 

Remember, if you do end up camping, take all of your rubbish with you and leave nothing behind.

Chilean food is hearty, tangy and totally satisfying. Here’s an introduction to some of the foods you can try on your Chile travel itinerary;

Empanadas

Fried or baked pockets of delight! Empanadas are semi-circle-shaped, doughy pastries filled with either cheese, seafood or a mixture of minced beef, olive, onion and egg. Empanadas can be enjoyed year-round and are a great go-to snack when on the road in Chile. During the festival, Fiestas Patrias, a special type of empanada, empanadas de pino, are one of the traditional foods served. 

Ceviche

You may already know of ceviche as a Peruvian dish. In fact, it can be enjoyed all over South America, particularly so in Chile and Peru. The dish is prepared with strips of raw fish which is then marinated in lemon juice which ‘cooks’ the fish through its acidity. It is then served with chopped onion, garlic, coriander, cumin, salt and olive oil. 

Cazuela

Perfect on a cold day, cazuela is a tasty broth that is made by slowly cooking tender beef or chicken with potatoes, pumpkin, noodles, corn and coriander. The dish has both Spanish and indigenous Mapuche origins which are evident in the flavours that burst out of it. Enjoy it like a local and slurp up all the broth first and eat the meat, potatoes and vegetables second!

Humitas

Said to originate from pre-Hispanic Andean cultures, humitas is a popular Andean street food that you can find all over Latin America, particularly in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Argentina. To make humitas, corn is smashed together with butter, basil and onion, then wrapped in corn husks and baked whilst being held together by twine. You’ll find humitas sold at corner stores or by street vendors at markets - they make for a great snack!

Curanto

If you head to the island of Chiloe in southern Chile, you’ll find this traditional food. This delicious dish consists of meat, potatoes, shellfish, vegetables, dumplings and a potato bread called milcao. What makes curanto special is that it is cooked using hot stones buried in a hole in the ground. 

Bonus! Pisco Sour

Now, this shortlist would simply be incomplete without mentioning the famous Pisco sour!

Pisco is a type of grape brandy that is extremely popular in both Chile and Peru. The tangy liqueur is combined with pica lime or lemon juice, syrup and ice to make the delicious Pisco sour cocktail. The difference between the Peruvian and Chilean versions is that the latter is without the Angostura bitters and egg whites. 

South America is a continent known for its vibrant celebrations and colourful festivals. Chile’s key celebrations are largely linked to religious occasions or to honour saints. However, due to the strong pre-Hispanic and pre-Christian influences as well as the indigenous communities in the north of the country, there is a colourful mix of folk traditions added to these annual celebrations. 

Being in the country at the same time as one of their biggest festivals can be an extraordinary experience that will only enhance your trip! Check out the top festivals in Chile;

Fiestas Patrias

Celebrated on and the week leading up to 18th September every year, Fiestas Patrias -or ‘Patriotic Festivities’ as it translates to- is a festival to celebrate Chile’s independence from Spain. Kite-flying competitions, parades, dances, air shows, cooking competitions, food and drink aplenty and a lot of festivities characters this week. 

Families come together to host traditional barbecues (asados) to eat, drink and be merry late into the night. If you are in Chile during this celebration, you can join the festivities at local bars and restaurants which will often host events for Independence Day. 

Grape Harvest Festival

As you may have guessed, this festival pays homage to Chilean wine. More specifically, it celebrates the last week in March which is around the time that the first batch of grapes is pulped!

Beginning with a religious ceremony to bless the batch of grapes, festivities follow with a colourful parade, the crowning of a harvest queen, plenty of Creole cuisine, handicraft exhibits and also the famous ‘stomping’ of the grapes competition. 

Tapati Festival

Easter Island’s very own celebration has occurred annually in February since 1975. The festival is dedicated to celebrating local culture with traditional body painting, swimming and canoeing competitions, crowning a festival queen and so much more. 

One of the highlights of this ten-day festival is the Haka Pei completion which involves young men tobogganing down mountain sides on banana tree trunks! It’s not to be missed. 

Dia de las Glorias Navales

21st May marks Dia de las Glorias Navales or ‘Navy Day’ every year. The holiday was officially created to commemorate the Battle of Iquique which occurred on this very day in 1879 during the War of the Pacific. 

The festival specifically honours the national hero, Captain Arturo Prats, who is said to be the reason behind Chile’s victory in the war. On the coast, residents head out on small boats adorned with Chilean flags to cast flowers into the sea. 

Festival of the Virgen del Carmen

In July each year over the course of several days, the Festival of the Virgen del Carmen takes place all over the country in a series of parades to honour the patron saint of the armed forces. The festivities are largely characterised by locals singing and performing a traditional dance known as ‘Chino’. Whilst performers dance in beautifully-designed demonic marks to ‘exorcise the demons’, musicians play drums, flutes and whistles.

Don’t get caught out, read up on our top tips for everything you need to know about Chile travel;

Visas: Luckily, if you are a US or EU citizen, you can enter Chile without applying for a visa and stay for up to 90 days on a tourist visa. If you are from the UK or Australia, you won’t need to apply for a visa before travelling, however, it is worth checking before you travel in case the entry requirements have changed. Our Local Designers in Chile can help you with this process. 

Currency: The currency used in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). At the time of writing, October 2021, US$1 is equivalent to 805 CLP.

Language: The main language in Chile is Spanish. The Spanish spoken is no different from that in Europe however, it is often spoken fast, with an accent and occasional slang thrown in so it may take some time getting used to. In cities and tourist hotspots, you’ll get by with English, however, it is worth carrying a phrasebook everywhere you go. 

Safety: Chile is one of the safest countries of all the South American countries. However, petty theft and bag snatching are amongst the most common crimes to keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially on public transport. 

Earthquakes: Chile sits at the triple junction of tectonic plates. The trade-off for such natural beauty, incredible mountain ranges and more means that the country experiences frequent tremors and minor earthquakes. However, this shouldn’t deter you from visiting as they are very prepared.

With Designer Journeys, it couldn’t be simpler to plan your dream trip to Chile!

Simply explore our range of fully customisable Chile tours designed by locals and select one that fits you best ready to be tailored to fit your travel style and requirements. Alternatively, if you know what you’re looking for, you can design your own Chile tour from scratch by answering a few simple questions. Next, you’ll be connected to one of our trusted Local Designers in Chile who will be able to work with you to design and build your perfect Chile travel itinerary.

Begin your journey today!