Quick Navigation show

Chile Travel Guide: From Desert Peaks to Patagonian Dreams

Intro to Chile Travel Guide

Stretching over 4,200 kilometers from the driest desert on Earth to icy fjords and glacier-carved peaks, Chile is a long, slender land of staggering diversity. Here, you can sandboard in Atacama dunes, hike through Patagonian valleys, sip wine under Andean skies, and stargaze in some of the clearest night skies on Earth — all in one unforgettable country.

Start planning your journey with our complete Chile Travel Guide — explore the best regions, cities, natural wonders, and cultural experiences from north to south across this breathtaking South American marvel.

Looking to dive in deeper? Explore top-rated Chile tours and discover the most exciting things to do in Chile.

Continent: South America
Country: Chile
Area: 756,102 km²
Population: ~19.5 million (2024 est.)
Density: ~25 people/km²
Capital: Santiago
Regions: 16 regions from Arica y Parinacota (north) to Magallanes (south), plus Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
Language(s): Spanish (official); Mapudungun and Rapa Nui spoken in indigenous areas
Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
Time Zone(s): UTC–4 (mainland), UTC–6 (Easter Island), daylight saving applies in summer
Main Entry Airports:
Santiago International Airport (SCL)
Antofagasta (ANF)
Punta Arenas (PUQ)
Climate: Ranges from arid desert in the north to Mediterranean in central regions and subpolar in the south
Known For: Andes mountains, Patagonia, Atacama Desert, world-class wine, Easter Island moai, national parks

Citizens from over 90 countries, including the U.S., EU, Canada, and Australia, may enter visa-free for up to 90 days. A valid passport and proof of onward travel are required.
Visa info and updates: https://serviciomigraciones.cl

Routine vaccines recommended. Hepatitis A and Typhoid suggested for rural or long-term travelers. No yellow fever risk unless entering from a high-risk country.
High-quality hospitals in Santiago; limited care in remote Patagonia or Atacama.
Travel health updates — get coverage here
Stay Informed with Official Updates: World Health Organization – International Travel and Health | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Global Travel Health

Chile is one of South America’s safest destinations. Exercise standard precautions. Avoid protests in urban areas, which can turn disruptive. Border areas with Bolivia/Peru may have heightened alerts.
Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

Fiestas Patrias – Sept 18–19 (Independence Day)
New Year’s Day – Jan 1
Holy Week (Semana Santa) – March/April
National Day of Indigenous Peoples – June
Expect closures in businesses, banks, and transport during major holidays.

Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
Credit cards widely accepted; cash is useful for rural areas. ATMs are abundant in cities.
Duty-free limit:
400 cigarettes, 2.5L alcohol, personal use items only
Customs info: https://www.aduana.cl

Arturo Merino Benítez International (SCL) – Santiago – main hub
Cañal Bajo Carlos Hott Siebert (ZOS) – Osorno (south)
Mataveri Airport (IPC) – Easter Island

Domestic flights are essential for long distances (LATAM, Sky Airline, JetSmart)
Long-distance buses cover most cities
Metro in Santiago; colectivos, buses, and taxis in towns
Driving possible with IDP, but be cautious in Patagonia’s remote zones

Chile has strong mobile and internet coverage. Providers include Entel, Movistar, WOM. SIM cards and eSIMs are affordable. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés.

Drinking age: 18
Tap water is generally safe to drink
LGBTQ+ rights are protected; Chile is progressive compared to neighbors
Greetings are polite and often include a kiss on the cheek
Respect indigenous customs on Rapa Nui and in Mapuche territory

Emergency: 131 (ambulance), 132 (fire), 133 (police)
Major hospitals: Clínica Alemana, Hospital del Salvador
Embassies available in Santiago
Travel insurance is highly recommended – insert your affiliate travel insurance link here

Best time to visit:
Patagonia: Nov–Mar
Santiago & Wine Valleys: Sept–Apr
Atacama Desert: Year-round (dry and sunny)
Easter Island: May–Nov for fewer crowds
Weather Forecast

Chile by Region – Where to Go

Northern Chile – Atacama & Beyond

San Pedro de Atacama: A surreal desert hub with salt flats, geysers, lunar valleys, and starry skies. Day trips lead to high-altitude lagoons and the Tatio Geysers.
Arica & Iquique: Surf towns with colonial charm and desert backdrops. Iquique offers sandboarding on giant dunes, while Arica is a gateway to the high Andean plateau.
Altiplano & Lauca National Park: Llamas, volcanoes, and mirror-like lakes await near the Bolivian border — perfect for 4×4 adventures.

Central Chile – Cities, Wine, & Coastline

Santiago: The capital blends modernity with heritage, framed by the Andes. Visit markets, museums, and sky-high viewpoints, or take day trips to vineyards and mountains.
Valparaíso: A colorful, bohemian coastal city with steep hills, street art, and funiculars. A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its poetic soul.
Viña del Mar: The “Garden City” is a beachside resort known for gardens, casinos, and music festivals.
Casablanca & Maipo Valleys: Wine lovers’ havens offering tastings of world-class Carménère, Cabernet, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Southern Chile – Lakes & Forests

Chillán & Concepción: Lush valleys, thermal springs, and ski resorts define this transition zone between central Chile and Patagonia.
Lake District (Llanquihue, Pucón, Villarrica): Volcanoes, alpine lakes, German-influenced towns, and endless outdoor adventures.
Chiloé Island: A mystical land of wooden churches, palafito houses, foggy coastlines, and unique mythology.

Patagonia – Chile’s Wild South

Carretera Austral: One of the world’s most remote and scenic drives, dotted with turquoise rivers, hanging glaciers, and tiny towns.
Torres del Paine National Park: Chile’s crown jewel for trekking and wildlife. Iconic granite peaks, glaciers, guanacos, and epic landscapes.
Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas: Starting points for Patagonia adventures, penguin colonies, and even Antarctic cruises.

Isolated Chile – Off the Mainland

Easter Island (Rapa Nui): Mysterious moai statues, Polynesian culture, and wild coastal cliffs. A remote and spiritual destination.
Juan Fernández Archipelago: A Robinson Crusoe-like escape with rugged coastlines and endemic wildlife, accessible by plane from Santiago.

Top Places to Visit in Chile

Natural Wonders

Atacama Desert: Mars-like valleys, salt flats, and stargazing.
Torres del Paine: Chile’s most iconic national park for hiking and scenery.
Lauca National Park: Flamingos, volcanoes, and high-altitude lakes.

Urban & Cultural Hubs

Santiago: Trendy neighborhoods, Andean backdrops, and cultural centers.
Valparaíso: Art, poetry, and historical architecture by the sea.
Puerto Varas: German architecture and lakeside vibes in the south.

Adventure Destinations

Pucón: Adventure capital for volcano climbs, rafting, and hot springs.
Coyhaique & Futaleufú: Remote rivers and forests perfect for fly fishing and rafting.
Easter Island: A mysterious open-air museum of ancient stone giants.

How to Choose Where to Go in Chile

For desert and space-like landscapes, head north to Atacama. Want beaches and cities? Santiago, Valparaíso, and Viña del Mar make a great trio.

If you love forests, lakes, and volcanoes, go south to the Lake District. For hiking and raw nature, Patagonia offers some of the best trekking in the world.

Short on time? Choose either a northbound route (Atacama + Santiago) or southbound journey (Santiago + Lake District or Patagonia).

How to Get Around Chile

Domestic flights are essential for long-distance travel (e.g., Santiago to Calama or Punta Arenas).
Long-distance buses are comfortable and widespread — ideal for budget travel.
Renting a car is excellent for the Lake District or Carretera Austral.
In cities, use the metro (Santiago), ride-hailing apps, or colectivos (shared taxis).

Chile’s infrastructure is modern, and travel is safe and straightforward despite its massive north-south scale.

Travel Budget & Costs in Chile

Chile is a mid-range to high-range destination by South American standards.

Daily Budget Estimates:

Budget: $50–$75/day (hostels, buses, local meals)
Mid-range: $90–$160/day (hotels, domestic flights, day tours)
Luxury: $200–$400/day (boutique stays, Patagonia lodges, private guides)

Sample Prices:

Intercity bus: $20–$60
Domestic flight: $60–$200
Hostel dorm: $15–$30
Hotel room: $70–$150
Torres del Paine park fee: ~$35

Plan ahead for Patagonia and Easter Island, where prices rise quickly.

Best Time to Visit Chile

North (Atacama): Year-round travel is possible. Nights are chilly, days dry and sunny.
Central Chile: Visit September–April for wine harvests, beaches, and festivals.
Lake District: December–March (summer) is best for hiking and water activities.
Patagonia: Prime season is November to March, though late October and April can be quieter and still accessible.
Easter Island: Year-round access, but avoid rainy May–August for best hiking and photography.

Must-See Experiences in Chile

Stargaze in Atacama: Peer into the galaxy from high desert observatories.
Hike the W or O Circuit in Torres del Paine: Glacier fields, blue lakes, and jagged peaks.
Ride a funicular in Valparaíso: Then wander past colorful murals and cafés.
Explore Chiloé Island by ferry: Visit wooden churches, sample curanto, and spot pudús (miniature deer).
Soak in natural hot springs: Near Pucón, Termas Geométricas offers forested pools beneath waterfalls.
Drive the Carretera Austral: Camp beside rivers, cross hanging bridges, and meet gauchos in the far south.
Uncover the mystery of moai: Roam the windswept volcanic plains of Easter Island.

Book immersive Chile tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Chile — from desert stargazing and glacial treks to island mysteries and volcanic adventures.

Best Travel Itineraries in Chile

7-Day Desert + City Combo

Days 1–3: Atacama (Valle de la Luna, geysers, stargazing)
Days 4–7: Santiago + Valparaíso day trip

10-Day Lakes & Volcanoes Loop

Santiago → Temuco → Pucón → Puerto Varas → Chiloé → Return

14-Day Patagonia Explorer

Fly to Punta Arenas → Torres del Paine trek (5 days) → Puerto Natales → Optional fly-cruise to Navarino or Antarctic gateway

Easter Island Add-On (4–5 days)

Combine with Santiago before or after mainland adventures.

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

Empanadas de pino: Savory pastries filled with meat, onions, and olives.
Curanto (Chiloé): A traditional pit-steamed seafood and meat feast.
Cazuela: Hearty stew with meat, corn, and squash — comforting and common.
Pastel de choclo: A layered corn and beef pie with sweet and savory notes.
King crab (centolla): Especially good in Patagonia and Punta Arenas.
Mote con huesillo: A sweet drink/snack with dried peaches and barley — Chilean summer staple.
Chilean wine tours: Visit Casablanca, Colchagua, or Maipo valleys for tastings.

Food markets, seaside ceviche stalls, and fine dining in Santiago make Chile a rising culinary destination.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in Chile

Safety Tips:

Chile is one of Latin America’s safest countries, but watch for pickpockets in cities.
In nature areas, follow park regulations — Patagonia is remote and wild.
Carry cash in small towns, though cards are widely accepted in cities.

Etiquette:

Greet with a handshake or cheek kiss.
Respect indigenous communities and sites, especially on Easter Island and in the north.
Tipping: 10% in restaurants is customary.
Public smoking laws are strict; obey signs.

Where to Go Next – Pair Chile with These Destinations

Argentina: Easily combine Patagonia, wine country (Mendoza), or Buenos Aires via overland routes or short flights.
Bolivia: Cross into the Uyuni Salt Flats from San Pedro de Atacama.
Peru: Link with Cusco and Machu Picchu for a rich cultural circuit.
Antarctica: Punta Arenas serves as a launch point for expedition cruises.

Explore more:
Argentina Travel Guide
Bolivia Travel Guide
Peru Travel Guide
South America Travel Guide