Travel to Chile

Chile is a country of dramatic contrasts, a long, slender nation stretching along the southwestern coast of South America, squeezed between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This unique geography creates incredibly diverse landscapes, from the world's driest desert in the north to glaciers and fjords in the south. Travel here can range from a focused city break in Santiago to an epic road trip covering vast distances. While the major tourist trails are well-established, you can still find pockets of authentic experience. Chile offers a good quality-price ratio, especially outside the absolute peak season and in smaller towns, making it accessible for various budgets.

Cities to explore in Chile

Pively covers multiple cities in Chile. Click a card for the full guide — flights, hotels, budget and multi-destination itineraries.

Which city to pick

For first-time visitors, **Santiago** is the essential starting point, offering a blend of modern city life, historical sites like Plaza de Armas, and easy access to nearby vineyards and the Andes. If culture and history are your focus, Valparaíso (a day trip from Santiago) is a vibrant, bohemian port city with colourful hillside houses and street art. For nature enthusiasts, consider basing yourself in San Pedro de Atacama for desert adventures or Puerto Natales as a gateway to Patagonia's dramatic landscapes. Santiago, being a Pively city, provides excellent infrastructure and serves as a convenient hub for exploring the Central Valley's wine routes.

Regions to know

Atacama Desert

The driest desert on Earth, offering otherworldly landscapes of salt flats, geysers, and stargazing opportunities. San Pedro de Atacama is the main hub. Ideal for nature lovers and photographers. Recommended duration: 3-5 days.

Central Valley

Home to Chile's renowned wine regions and its capital, Santiago. Rolling hills covered in vineyards contrast with the imposing Andes backdrop. Perfect for wine enthusiasts and city explorers. Pively covers Santiago here. Recommended duration: 3-7 days.

Patagonia

A wild frontier of towering granite peaks, vast glaciers, and turquoise lakes. Torres del Paine National Park is the crown jewel. Essential for hikers and adventure seekers. Requires significant travel time. Recommended duration: 5-10 days.

Lake District

A picturesque region with snow-capped volcanoes, emerald lakes, and dense forests. Offers hiking, water sports, and charming towns like Puerto Varas. A more relaxed natural escape. Recommended duration: 4-7 days.

Suggested itineraries

7j — Central Chile: City & Wine

Start with 4 days in Santiago exploring its museums and neighbourhoods. Take a day trip to the colourful port city of Valparaíso. Dedicate 2 days to a wine region like the Maipo Valley, staying in a vineyard hotel and enjoying tastings. Travel between cities is best by bus or pre-booked shuttle. This itinerary offers a taste of urban life and Chile's famous wine culture.

10j — Desert Wonders & Andean Peaks

Fly into Calama and spend 4 days exploring San Pedro de Atacama: visit the Moon Valley, El Tatio geysers at dawn, and salt flats. Fly south to Santiago for 2 days of city exploration. Then, fly to Punta Arenas and transfer to Puerto Natales (4 days) for day trips or short hikes in Torres del Paine National Park. This covers two of Chile's most iconic, yet vastly different, landscapes.

14j — North to South Explorer

Begin with 4 days in the Atacama Desert (San Pedro de Atacama). Fly to Santiago for 3 days, perhaps including a day trip to Valparaíso. Fly south to the Lake District (e.g., Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas) for 4 days of volcanic scenery and lakes. Finish with 3 days in Patagonia (e.g., Puerto Natales for a glimpse of Torres del Paine). This requires internal flights and covers significant ground.

Best time to go

Chile's elongated shape means the best time to visit varies greatly by region. For the Atacama Desert, year-round is generally good, though December-February can be hotter and busier. Central Chile (including Santiago) is best in spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) for pleasant temperatures and wine harvest activities. Summer (December-February) is hot and dry. Patagonia and the Lake District are best visited during their summer (December-March) for milder weather and open trails, though expect crowds and higher prices. Shoulder seasons (spring/autumn in the south) can offer fewer crowds but more unpredictable weather. Winter (June-August) is ideal for skiing near Santiago but closes many southern attractions.

Practical tips

Visa: Most EU, US, Canadian, and UK passport holders can enter Chile visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. It's always advisable for other nationalities to check specific visa requirements with the Chilean embassy or consulate in their country.
Currency: The currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). As of late 2023, 1 EUR is roughly 900-1000 CLP. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but carrying some cash is essential for smaller vendors and rural areas. ATMs are common; watch for foreign transaction fees.
Language: Spanish is the official language. While English is spoken in tourist hubs and hotels in Santiago, it's less common in rural areas. Learning basic Spanish phrases or using a translation app like Google Translate will be very helpful.
Transport: Internal flights are common and often necessary due to Chile's length (e.g., Santiago to Calama or Punta Arenas). Long-distance buses are comfortable and efficient between major cities. Renting a car offers flexibility, especially in the Lake District or for wine tours, but driving in Santiago can be challenging. Ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in Santiago.
SIM / eSIM: Purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival or opting for an eSIM (like Airalo) before your trip is recommended. Major providers include Entel, Movistar, and Claro. Expect to pay around 10,000-20,000 CLP for 10-20GB of data.

Culture & etiquette

Tipping is customary in Chile. In restaurants, a 10% service charge (propina) is often included on the bill; if not, a tip of 10% is appreciated for good service. For tour guides and drivers, tipping around 5,000-10,000 CLP per person per day is reasonable. When visiting churches, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Chileans are generally reserved but friendly; punctuality is appreciated. Avoid loud behaviour in public spaces. Asking permission before taking photos of people is polite.

Daily budget

Chile can be moderately priced. A **frugal** traveler might spend $50-70 USD per day (hostels, local eateries, self-guided walks). A **standard** traveler can expect $100-150 USD per day (mid-range hotels, mix of restaurants, guided tours). A **comfort** traveler might spend $200+ USD per day (boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours). Budget examples: A mid-range hotel in Santiago might cost $80-120/night. A meal at a decent restaurant $20-30. Public transport within cities is cheap ($1-3 per ride). Entrance to a national park like Torres del Paine can be around $35 USD for foreigners.