Chile travel guide

Let Your Hair Down in Santiago

Chile’s bustling capital, Santiago is the perfect excuse for your “livin’ La Vida Loca” moment. Experience a bohemian atmosphere at the famous nightlife district of Bellavista, your playground for the night. With art galleries, bars, clubs, and restaurants galore, I recommend Galindo, Borago, and Bocanariz for stellar food. My favourites: a street art tour of Bellavista and Barrio Yungay, the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino and a 14-course dinner at Boragó. Start with my Santiago guides.

Go on a Star-studded Trip in the Atacama Desert

The otherworldly Atacama Desert is the prime spot for stargazing, thanks to its clear skies and high altitude. Its Mars-like landscape dotted with barren desert and bright cacti transforms into a dazzling display of the Milky Way when the sun plunges. I saw the whole Milky Way spread out like a pathway to the universe; read my guide to stargazing in the Atacama.

‘Un-wine’ at Elqui Valley 

Elqui Valley is a haven for wine connoisseurs and nature lovers. Rest and meditate amongst majestic hills, verdant vines, and crystal-clear waters. Start your day by exploring Pisco Elqui, a charming village, venture to the coast to see penguins and sea lions at Isla Damas and end it with a wine-tasting tour. I stayed in Vicuña and tasted my favourite pisco at Fundo Los Nichos; my Elqui Valley travel guide has the details.

Hike the W Trek in Torres Del Paine

Fancy a challenging multi-day hike, climbing to incredible viewpoints while facing unpredictable weather? Then hike the W Trek in Torres Del Paine, which takes four to five days to complete. I walked it solo over four nights in the refugios.

Photograph the Wooden Churches of Chiloe Island

Tour the Chiloe archipelago to capture Latin America’s most significant group of wooden structures. These encompass 70 colourful wooden churches showcasing European and local craftsmanship and serving as symbols for the Jesuit Order.

Visit Easter Island

Easter Island is the most isolated inhabited island on earth and a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Moai sculptures. 

Seeing these iconic megalithic structures and embracing the culture of the Rapa Nui Polynesian indigenous people of the island should be on top of your bucket list. 

Go Kayaking at Chile’s Lakes District

The Chilean Lakes Districts boast 12 main lakes interwoven with volcanoes, mountains, and waterfalls. And kayaking is the ultimate way to experience these lakes. The best part? The waters are so calm you don’t need to be an expert kayaker.  

Catch Gnarly Waves at Arica 

Seeking a thrilling adventure? Why not surf the most famous wave in Chile? El Gringo, the Chilean Pipeline in Arica, is renowned among experienced surfers. However, this famous surfing town offers abundant swells, including La Isla, El Brazo, and Arenillas Negras.  

Float in the Atacama’s salt lagoons

Float in Laguna Cejar, see the frozen lake at Piedras Rojas and watch the El Tatio geysers come to life at sunrise.

Cross the border to the Salar de Uyuni

Four days from San Pedro to Bolivia’s salt flats; here’s how the tour works.

Having a kick-butt itinerary allows you to explore the best of a country. As your trusted Chile travel planner, I’ve made things easier by creating itineraries for the top geographical destinations in the country. 

Wonders of the Atacama 

Four days

San Pedro de Atacama – Valle de la Luna – Laguna Chaxa – Laguna Tebinquinche – Piedras Rojas – Lagunas Miscanti & Miniques – El Tatio Geysers – Guatin Canyon

Explore the best of the Atacama’s sceneries with this adventurous itinerary. 

See the Lakes District

Two Weeks

Pucon – Puerto Varas – Conguillio National Park – Puyehue National Park – Vicente Perez Rosales National Park – Cochamo Valley

Tranquil sceneries and stunning national parks in the Lakes District. 

Patagonia Itinerary

Ten days 

Torres del Paine National Park – Los Glaciares National Park – Tierra del Fuego

Witness the wonders of Chilean Patagonia. 

Santiago Itinerary

One Day

Cerro San Cristobal – Museum of Fine Arts – Santiago Cathedral – Museum of Pre-Columbian Art – Cerro Santa Lucia – Lastarria Market – Drinks & Dinner at Bocanariz

See the best of Santiago in one day.

Marble Caves, Patagonia

The Marble Caves are the most visually stunning, luminous caves worldwide. These intricate caves formed over thousands of years in Lake General Carrera. Although well-known, it’s hard to reach them, ergo an untouched, hidden gem. 

Piedras Rojas, Atacama Desert 

Found in the sought-after Atacama Desert, Piedras Rojas is a little gem off most tourists’ radars. As its name suggests, Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks) are red volcanic rock formations providing a dreamy, lunar-like backdrop for photography.  

Itata Valley

Visit one of Chile’s most unique wine regions, home to the highest concentrations of old vines in the Americas. Most tourists overlook this enchanting wine region, adding to its appeal. Itata Valley is a breath of fresh air, offering jaw-dropping scenery and delectable local wines. 

Ski Portillo, Valparaiso

Tucked between the majestic Andes mountain range, Ski Portillo is a one-of-a-kind ski resort, overlooked by tourists who flock to better-known resorts. The resort sits without a town or village on the edge of Inca Lake, which mirrors the snow-capped mountains behind them. 

Dishes to try

• Pastel de Choclo – a sweetcorn casserole with a ground beef filling (Galindo in Santiago does a brilliant one).
• Empanada de Pino – flaky dough filled with ground beef, raisins, olives, and hard-boiled egg. 
• Alfajores – a traditional dulce de leche sandwich cookie.
• Cazuelas – stew-like soup made with lamb, beef, or pork.

Drinks to try

• Terremoto – Chilean cocktail made with local red wine, grenadine syrup, and pineapple ice cream. 
• Pisco sour – try a few at Chipe Libre in Santiago.
• Carmenère – Chile’s signature red.

You can get away with spending around $40 daily in most South American countries, including Chile (on a backpacking budget). Below is a rough estimation of how much you’ll spend if you travel around Chile on a mid-range or luxury budget. 

Expect to spend between £56 and £92.5 / $72 and $118 daily per person in Chile on a mid-range basis. Add £94 / $120 if you’re travelling on a luxury basis. A four-star in Lastarria cost me about US$130 a night when I stayed; expect closer to US$220 now.

Average Daily Costs 

• Hotel 
  • Mid-Range – £45 / $58
  • Luxury – £68+ / $87+
• Food – £22.7 – £63.5 / $29 – $81
• Public Transport – £13 – £18 / $17 – $23
• Attractions – £13 – £36 / $17 – $46.5
• Tours – £23.5 / $30

Safety

Santiago’s safety concerns are increasing, with petty theft, violent muggings, and pick-pocketing rising. Don’t wander about at night, avoid deserted areas and keep your belongings close. 

Be vigilant when strangers approach you with some issue, like paint on your dress. Exploring Chile is generally safe outside Santiago. 

Take the cable car or funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal rather than walking the paths, as there have been armed robberies.

Health

Vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza are always recommended when visiting Chile. 

Tap water is safe in Chile; use a water purifier if you’re still wary. A vaccination certificate for Covid-19 is no longer required upon entering the country. 

In the Atacama, altitude is the main issue: spend a couple of days in San Pedro before heading higher.

Tipping

You’ll generally tip 5 – 10% in Chile. Restaurants and bars usually include a suggested tip of at least 10%. Waiting staff are generally poorly paid and rely on these tips. 

Tips for travelling

1. The South of Chile sees lots of rain, so bring enough jackets. 
2. Chile’s seasons are the opposite of the U.S. or Europe, with summer between December and February and winter in June, July, and August. 
3. You’ll need an international driver’s licence to rent a car in Chile. 
4. Educate yourself on how to stay safe during earthquakes and volcanic eruptions as Chile sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, making it one of the most earthquake-prone countries. 
5. Chile is one of the safest South American countries. However, exercise caution when visiting populous cities like Santiago, where crime rates increase. 
6. Use Uber rather than taxis in Santiago: every hotel I stayed at recommended it.

How to see the best for free

It’s possible to travel to Chile on a budget, especially with free activities or tours. Wander through Santiago’s vibrant markets, admire street art in Yungay, or watch the sunset at Cerro San Cristobal. 

Hiking lets you see a country’s natural beauty without breaking the bank. Torres del Paine, Paine Grande, and Cuernos Lookout are among Chile’s best hikes.

The Natural History Museum in Santiago is free to enter, showcasing fossils, skeletons, and Chilean wildlife. 

The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos in Santiago are free too, and in the Atacama, the Ojos del Salar cost nothing to visit.

Packing

Packing for your Chile trip? Don’t forget… 

• Hiking Trainers: to explore nature comfortably. 
• Travel Backpack: to keep all your belongings on you while travelling. 
• Wind/rainproof jacket: to stay dry when it’s raining. 
• Sun protection: protect your skin with sun hats, UV glasses, and high SPF sunblock. 
• Insulated clothing: to keep warm with items like thermal leggings, insulated sweaters, and long-sleeved shirts. 

Hiking the W Trek? My Torres del Paine packing list has the full kit list.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is always a good idea in case of theft, flight delays, natural disasters, baggage loss, medical emergencies, etc. 

While it’s not a requirement in Chile, the country is geographically diverse, with possible volcanic eruptions and harsh weather conditions. I use AXA Travel Insurance.   

Suggested guidebooks

• The Rough Guide to Chile 
• Moon Chile: With Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
• Lonely Planet Chile & Easter Island

Interesting facts

• The world’s largest pool is in Chile, at the San Alfonso del Mar resort. 
• The Atacama desert in Chile is the driest place on earth, with an annual rainfall of only 0.03 inches. 
• Chile is home to the world’s oldest artificially mummified human remains. 
• Chile is the astronomical capital of the world. 

Handy phrases

Hello – Hola

Yes – Sí

No – No

Please – Por favor

Thank You – Gracias

How Much Is – Cuánto es

My Name Is…- Me llamo…

You’re Welcome – De Nada

What Time Is It? – ¿Qué hora es?

Can You Help Me Please? – ¿Puedes ayudarme por favor? 

Where Is the Bathroom? – ¿Dónde está el baño?

Time zone

Chile uses three time zones:

• Mainland Chile: UTC-4, moving to UTC-3 in the southern summer
• Magallanes region, including Torres del Paine: UTC-3 all year
• Easter Island: UTC-6, moving to UTC-5 in the southern summer

Electricity and adapters

Chile operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. As for plugs, the country uses types C and L. I recommend taking a universal adapter with you.