Chile

1. What are the best places to visit in Chile?
Santiago offers the historic Plaza de Armas, Cerro San Cristóbal for city views, and vibrant Bellavista for nightlife. The Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth, features the Moon Valley and stargazing in San Pedro de Atacama. Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park is a hiking paradise with granite peaks and glaciers. Valparaíso is known for its colorful street art and bohemian vibe. Easter Island (Rapa Nui) has the iconic Moai statues and Polynesian culture. The Lake District, around Puerto Varas, offers volcanic landscapes and Osorno Volcano. Visit the wine regions of Colchagua Valley for vineyard tours and tastings.

2. Is it safe to travel to Chile?
As of March 2025, Chile is one of the safest countries in South America for tourists. Petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in Santiago and Valparaíso—keep valuables secure in crowded areas like markets or public transport. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, are a risk; familiarize yourself with safety protocols. Tap water is safe in most cities, but bottled water is recommended in remote areas like the Atacama. Medical facilities are excellent in Santiago but limited in rural regions, so travel insurance is advised. Protests in Santiago can disrupt travel—monitor local news. Overall, violent crime is low, and rural areas like Patagonia are very safe.

3. Do I need a visa to visit Chile?
Citizens of the U.S., EU, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days with a passport valid for 6 months. U.S. citizens no longer pay a reciprocity fee as of 2025. A tourist card (Tarjeta de Turismo) is issued on arrival—keep it safe, as you’ll need it when leaving. Extensions up to 90 days are possible at the Extranjería office in Santiago ($100). A yellow fever certificate may be required if coming from an affected area, especially for Easter Island. Other nationalities may need a visa, obtainable through a Chilean embassy ($50–$150). Confirm requirements before travel, as policies can change.

4. What is the best time to visit Chile?
Chile’s long geography means the best time varies by region. Summer (December–February) is ideal for Patagonia and the Lake District, with temperatures of 15°C–25°C (59°F–77°F) and long daylight hours for hiking. Spring (September–November) and fall (March–May) are great for Santiago and wine regions, with mild weather at 10°C–20°C (50°F–68°F). The Atacama Desert is best visited year-round, though nights can drop to 0°C (32°F) in winter (June–August). Easter Island is pleasant in spring and fall to avoid summer crowds. Winter is good for skiing in the Andes, like at Valle Nevado, with temperatures around 0°C–10°C (32°F–50°F).

5. How do I get to Chile?
Fly into Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago. Direct flights from the U.S. (Miami, Dallas) take 8–10 hours ($700–$1,500 round trip) with LATAM or American Airlines. From Europe (Madrid, Paris), flights take 14–16 hours ($800–$1,800) with Iberia or Air France. Domestic flights with LATAM or Sky Airline connect Santiago to Punta Arenas or Calama ($50–$150 one-way, 2–3 hours). Long-distance buses like Turbus travel between Santiago and Valparaíso (2 hours, $5–$10). Taxis in Santiago cost $5–$10 per ride, or use the metro for $1. For Easter Island, LATAM flies from Santiago (5 hours, $300–$600 round trip). Roads are well-maintained, but Patagonia routes can be rugged.

6. What are traditional Chilean foods to try?
Try cazuela, a hearty stew with beef or chicken, potatoes, and corn. Empanadas de pino, filled with ground beef, onions, raisins, and olives, are a classic. Pastel de choclo, a corn pie with beef and chicken, is a comfort food. In coastal areas, enjoy ceviche or machas a la parmesana (razor clams with cheese). For dessert, sample mote con huesillo, a sweet drink with dried peaches and wheat. Sip a pisco sour, Chile’s national cocktail made with pisco, lemon, and sugar. In Patagonia, try cordero al palo, spit-roasted lamb. Pair meals with a glass of Carménère wine from the Colchagua Valley. Street food like sopaipillas (fried dough) is popular in winter.

7. What are the best cultural experiences in Chile?
Attend the Fiestas Patrias (September 18–19) for traditional cueca dancing, rodeos, and asados (barbecues). Visit Valparaíso’s street art scene and ride its historic funiculars ($1/ride). Explore Easter Island’s Rapa Nui culture with a guided Moai tour ($50–$80). In Santiago, see a performance at the Teatro Municipal ($20–$100/ticket). Join a wine harvest festival in the Maipo Valley (March–April) for tastings and grape stomping. In the Atacama, experience an indigenous Likanantaí festival with music and rituals. Visit Chiloé Island for its UNESCO-listed wooden churches and mythology tours ($30). In Patagonia, learn about gaucho culture at a working estancia ($80/day).

8. What are the best outdoor activities in Chile?
Hike the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park, a 5-day route with glacier views ($100 entry, $200 for guides). Stargaze in the Atacama Desert, one of the best spots in the world ($30–$50/tour). Ski at Valle Nevado near Santiago (June–September, $60/day lift pass). Surf in Pichilemu, a world-class spot ($20 board rental). Kayak in the Marble Caves of Lago General Carrera in Patagonia ($80/tour). Trek to the base of San José Volcano in the Cajón del Maipo ($50/day trip). Sandboard in the Atacama’s Death Valley ($30/tour). Explore Lauca National Park in the north for high-altitude lakes and vicuñas ($40/tour).

9. What should I know about Chilean culture before visiting?
Chileans are polite and reserved—greet with a handshake and “Hola.” Spanish is the main language; English is common in tourist areas like Santiago. Dress is casual but neat, especially in cities; layers are key for varying climates. Meals are social—lunch is the main meal, often at 2 PM. Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants. Soccer is a passion—expect discussions about Colo-Colo or Universidad de Chile. Public displays of affection are modest. Be prepared for earthquake drills in hotels. Respect indigenous cultures, like the Mapuche in the south or Rapa Nui on Easter Island. Avoid discussing the Pinochet era, as it’s a sensitive topic.

10. What are the accommodation options in Chile?
In Santiago, stay at the Singular Santiago ($200–$400/night) for luxury or Hostal Providencia ($20–$40/night) for budget travelers. In San Pedro de Atacama, the Tierra Atacama ($500–$800/night) offers all-inclusive desert experiences, or try Hostal Rural ($40–$80/night). Patagonia’s Explora Patagonia ($600–$1,000/night) is ideal for Torres del Paine, while Hotel Cabaña del Lago in Puerto Varas ($80–$150/night) suits the Lake District. Valparaíso has the Zero Hotel ($100–$200/night) or Hostal Casa Verde Limón ($30–$60/night). On Easter Island, the Hare Noi ($300–$500/night) offers cultural immersion, or book Hostal Petero Atamu ($50–$100/night). Book early for Patagonia in summer, as availability is limited.