Chile: Travel Guide, Top Destinations & Itineraries

Essential Things to Know Before You Go

Chile is one of South America’s safest and most traveler-friendly destinations. Most visitors from Canada, the U.S., and Europe don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days, and entry procedures are smooth. The official currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP), and while credit cards are widely accepted, having cash on hand helps in small towns or rural areas. Costs vary by region, but Chile is generally more affordable than Europe, though pricier than many neighboring countries.

Connectivity is excellent. SIM cards from Entel, WOM, or Movistar are inexpensive and offer strong coverage. Transportation is well-developed: domestic flights connect major regions, long-distance buses are comfortable, and rental cars are ideal for the Lakes District or Patagonia. Chileans speak Spanish, and while English is common in tourism areas, learning a few simple phrases goes a long way. Safety-wise, Chile is stable and easy to navigate—just practice normal big-city awareness in Santiago and Valparaíso.

Best Time to Visit Chile

Chile’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer (December–February) brings warm weather and clear skies—perfect for Patagonia and the Atacama—but also attracts the most visitors. Fall (March–May) is cooler and quieter, ideal for wine regions and city exploration. Winter (June–August) brings snow to the Andes, great for skiing near Santiago. Spring (September–November) offers mild temperatures and lush landscapes across the country.

For Patagonia, the best months are October through April, when hiking trails are fully accessible. The Atacama Desert is a year-round destination with warm days and cold nights. For wine tasting and coastal escapes, September to May offers the most pleasant climate. Each season has something unique to offer, so choosing the right time depends on your itinerary.

Where to Stay in Chile

Chile offers a wide range of accommodation styles, from boutique hotels and modern apartments in Santiago to eco-lodges and adventure lodges in Patagonia. In the capital, popular neighborhoods include Lastarria, Bellavista, and Providencia, each offering a mix of dining, nightlife, and easy access to major attractions.

In San Pedro de Atacama, desert lodges and adobe-style hotels provide comfort between day trips to lagoons and geysers. In Patagonia, most travelers stay in Puerto Natales or inside Torres del Paine National Park, where eco-friendly luxury lodges offer guided hikes and meals. The Lakes District has charming lakeside hotels in Puerto Varas and adventure-lodge-style stays in Pucón. Wine lovers will find boutique vineyard stays in Casablanca, Colchagua, and Maipo Valley.

Top Places to Visit in Chile

Santiago & Valparaíso Region

Santiago blends modern architecture with Andean views and vibrant cultural neighborhoods. Walk up Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic city views, explore museums in Lastarria, and wander through local markets like La Vega. From the capital, you can easily reach Valparaíso, a UNESCO-listed coastal city known for its colorful houses, street art, and steep hillside funiculars. The nearby wine valleys of Casablanca and Maipo make perfect day trips for tastings and vineyard tours.

Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert is one of the world’s most surreal landscapes, offering shimmering salt flats, geysers, high-altitude lagoons, and otherworldly rock formations. Highlights include Valle de la Luna, El Tatio Geysers, Laguna Cejar, and the flamingo-filled Salar de Atacama. Clear skies and high elevation make Atacama one of the best stargazing destinations globally—observatories and desert-night tours are a must.

Patagonia

Patagonia is Chile at its wildest. The granite towers of Torres del Paine National Park are the centerpiece of most itineraries, offering world-famous trekking routes like the W Trek and O Circuit. Travelers can hike to viewpoints, spot guanacos and pumas, kayak turquoise lakes, and witness dramatic weather changes in a single day. Puerto Natales is the main gateway town, offering cozy restaurants and gear shops.

The Chilean Lakes District

Green, volcanic, and filled with shimmering lakes, the Lakes District is perfect for travelers seeking outdoor adventures with a bit more comfort. Pucón is known for its thermal spas, rafting rivers, and the iconic Villarica Volcano, which experienced hikers can climb in summer. Puerto Varas, with its German-inspired architecture, offers access to Lake Llanquihue and Osorno Volcano.

Chiloé Island

A short ferry ride from the Lakes District, Chiloé feels like a world of its own. Wooden stilt houses known as palafitos, UNESCO-listed wooden churches, and unique local myths give the island its charm. It’s a fantastic place to try local seafood and explore quiet coastal villages.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Far off the mainland, Easter Island offers volcanic landscapes, sweeping coastlines, and the iconic Moai statues. Sites like Rano Raraku, Orongo, and Ahu Tongariki reveal the island’s mysterious ancient culture. While flights take almost six hours from Santiago, the experience is unlike anywhere else in the world.

Northern Chile Beyond Atacama

Further north lies Arica, Lauca National Park, and hidden high-altitude regions filled with wildlife, Andean villages, and stunning vistas. Fewer tourists venture this far, making it ideal for those who want authentic, remote landscapes.

Top Things to Do in Chile

Chile’s experiences are as diverse as its geography. Trek iconic trails in Patagonia, explore ancient cultures on Rapa Nui, or wander the street-art-filled hills of Valparaíso. Stargazing under some of the clearest skies on Earth is a bucket-list experience. Wine lovers can tour world-class vineyards in Casablanca and Colchagua, while adventure travelers can kayak fjords, hike volcanoes, or surf along Chile’s long Pacific coastline. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot penguins, flamingos, guanacos, and even elusive pumas.

Suggested Chile Itineraries

7-Day Chile Highlights Itinerary

Start in Santiago to explore the capital and nearby wine country, then fly to the Atacama Desert for visits to salt flats, geysers, and lagoons. Finish with a day trip to Valparaíso’s colorful streets before heading home.

10-Day Chile Adventure Itinerary

Split your time between Santiago, the Lakes District, and Patagonia. Explore Pucón’s hot springs and volcano hikes before flying south to Puerto Natales to tackle some of Torres del Paine’s most iconic trails.

14-Day Ultimate Chile Itinerary

Begin with Santiago and Valparaíso, then spend four days in the Atacama Desert exploring lagoons, geysers, and stargazing sites. Continue to the Lakes District for waterfalls, rafting, and volcano views before ending in Patagonia with a multi-day trek in Torres del Paine.

Easter Island Add-On (3–4 Days)

Fly from Santiago to Rapa Nui to explore the Moai sites, volcanic craters, and pristine beaches. Ideal as either the start or end of a longer Chile itinerary.

Food & Drink in Chile

Chilean cuisine is shaped by the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. Must-try dishes include pastel de choclo (corn pie), empanadas de pino, cazuela, and fresh ceviche along the coast. Seafood lovers will find unforgettable dishes on Chiloé Island. Chilean wine is world-famous, especially Carménère and Sauvignon Blanc, and pairing a glass with sunset views in the Casablanca Valley is a must. Don’t leave without trying a pisco sour, although its origin is a friendly debate with Peru.

Getting Around Chile

Chile’s long and skinny shape means most travelers rely on a mix of flights and buses to cover large distances. Domestic flights by LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART are affordable and frequent. Long-distance buses are comfortable and well-organized, making them a great option for budget travelers. Renting a car is ideal for the Lakes District or rural regions where flexibility is key. In cities, public transportation is efficient, and rideshare apps like Uber and Cabify are widely used.

Chile Travel Costs & Budget Breakdown

Chile can be visited on nearly any budget. Backpackers can expect to spend less than in Western Europe but more than in Southeast Asia. Mid-range travelers will find excellent value in hotels, restaurants, and tours. Patagonia is generally the most expensive region due to its remoteness and popularity. Expect to budget for domestic flights if you’re covering multiple regions. Meals, tours, and park entrance fees vary widely, so your total costs depend on your level of adventure and comfort.

Practical Travel Tips for Chile

Chileans are warm, friendly, and proud of their country. Basic Spanish phrases are appreciated and make travel smoother. Tipping around 10% is standard in restaurants. Weather can change quickly—especially in Patagonia—so pack layers and waterproof gear. In high-altitude regions like Atacama, take it slow on your first day to adjust. Be mindful of sun protection; UV levels can be intense across the country. For photography, golden hours in the desert and Patagonia offer breathtaking shooting conditions.

Packing Guide

Your packing list will vary depending on where you're going. For Patagonia, bring thermal layers, a down jacket, rain gear, trekking boots, and a windproof shell. For Atacama, pack sun protection, lightweight layers, and warm night clothing. The Lakes District requires waterproof shoes and gear for outdoor activities. Across all regions, bring a reusable water bottle, a power adapter (Type C & L), and comfortable walking shoes.

Chile is a country of extremes—glaciers and deserts, volcanoes and vineyards, ancient culture and modern cities. Whether you're chasing adventure in Patagonia, wandering colorful coastal towns, or stargazing in one of the world’s clearest night skies, Chile offers endless possibilities for an unforgettable journey. Use Roameta to compare flights, book hotels, find car rentals, and plan every detail of your trip with confidence.