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South America

ChileTravel guide

Explore Chile visa rulesCommon scams in Chile

Chile is a long, narrow country in South America, between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Its landscapes include the Atacama Desert, snowy mountains, glaciers, lakes and national parks.

Why go

  1. Explore the Atacama Desert, known for its dry conditions and clear skies.

  2. Visit historic Valparaíso and its World Heritage area.

  3. See the churches of Chiloé Island or travel to Easter Island.

  4. Walk among mountains, lakes and glaciers in southern Chile.

  5. Ski in the Andes between June and October.

Getting there

By air

  • Most overseas visitors arrive at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, airport code SCL. It is 15 km northwest of central Santiago.
  • Santiago has direct international flights from Europe, the Americas and Oceania.
  • Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta, Calama, Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas also have flights to neighbouring countries.

By land

  • Buses connect Chile with Argentina, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. Some longer journeys from other South American countries require changes at borders.
  • Daily buses leave Argentina from Mendoza, Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes.
  • From Peru, buses leave Arequipa, and some taxis cross between Tacna and Arica.

By sea

  • Boat journeys connect Bariloche in Argentina with Chile. Cruceandino offers trips of different lengths, including a 12-hour journey.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights

    LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline and JetSmart serve Chile's main cities. Santiago is the main flight hub. Many journeys between other cities require a connection in Santiago. Some JetSmart routes avoid Santiago. The airlines' Chilean websites charge in pesos and can be cheaper than their English websites. Low-cost airlines include only a small bag for free. Check baggage rules before buying. LATAM is the only airline flying from Santiago to Easter Island.

  • Long-distance buses

    Buses are a cheap and comfortable way to travel between towns. Ask for a directo service if you want fewer stops. You can usually buy tickets at the station without a reservation. Book ahead during January–February, Easter and Fiestas Patrias. Compare prices at several ticket booths and ask about discounts, especially for a group. Weekends and holidays usually cost more. Cama means bed-style seating, semi-cama means seats that lean back a long way, and ejecutivo means seats that lean back slightly. Check whether the bus has a working toilet, especially for a long journey. Give your passport number when asked for a Chilean identity number, called a RUT. Online forms usually have a foreigner option. Confirm your departure station in advance. Some companies use more than one station.

  • Trains

    Regular passenger trains connect Santiago and Chillán. A seasonal overnight train runs between Santiago and Temuco once a week in summer. A branch line connects Talca and Constitución, and a tourist train offers wine tasting in the central valley.

  • Driving

    Drive on the right and keep the car lights on during the day. The left lane on expressways is for overtaking. Do not turn right at a red light unless a sign allows it. Major highways are generally well maintained, but expect many tolls. Watch for potholes and damaged surfaces on older city streets and country roads. Avoid busy city driving between 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–20:00 where possible.

What to see and do

  • Old Valparaíso

    The historic area of Chile's main port is a World Heritage Site.

  • Sewell

    This mining town in Rancagua is a World Heritage Site.

  • Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works

    These historic industrial sites outside Iquique have World Heritage status.

  • Qhapaq Ñan

    This World Heritage route network crosses Chile's three northern regions.

  • Chinchorro mummies

    The mummies in Arica y Parinacota are part of a World Heritage Site.

  • Chiloé Island

    The island has World Heritage churches and a coastal national park.

Food and drink

  • Pastel de choclo

    A corn casserole filled with beef, onions, chicken, raisins, boiled egg and olives, topped with sugar and butter.

  • Empanada de pino

    A baked pastry filled with beef, onion, raisins, boiled egg and a black olive. Watch for the olive stone, which is usually left inside.

  • Empanada de queso

    A deep-fried pastry filled with cheese.

  • Cazuela

    A soup with potato, rice, corn and squash. Versions use beef, chicken or turkey.

  • Porotos granados

    A stew made with fresh beans, squash, corn, onion and basil.

  • Curanto

    A Chiloé dish combining seafood, meat and potatoes. It is cooked in a hole in the ground or in a pot.

Money

Chilean peso (CLP), written with the $ symbol.

  • Other currencies are not widely accepted. Most cities have currency exchange offices with rates displayed on boards.
  • Use an exchange office rather than a street money changer. Hotels and airports offer poor exchange rates.
  • Cash machines charge withdrawal fees. Carrying some US dollars or euros can be useful.
  • Keep US dollar notes clean and in good condition. Notes with writing, stains or heavy wear may be refused.

Tipping: A 10% restaurant tip is generally expected for satisfactory service, though it is optional and may already be on the bill. Grocery baggers are usually tipped 300–500 pesos.

Typical costs

  • A one-day, 12-hour boat journey from Bariloche to Chile costs around US$300.
  • Airport cash machines add a withdrawal surcharge of 8,000 pesos.

Language

  • Spanish is the official language and is spoken throughout Chile. Local speech is fast and uses distinctive slang.
  • English is widely understood in Santiago and less widely in Valparaíso, Concepción and La Serena. Younger people are more likely to speak it.
  • Indigenous languages include Mapudungun, Quechua and Rapa Nui.
  • Some people speak French, Italian or Portuguese, and German is spoken by some people, especially in the south.
Cachar
To understand.
Cachai'
An informal expression similar to 'you know', often used at the end of a sentence.
Huevón / weón
Can mean 'dude', 'friend' or 'jerk', depending on the situation. It began as a swear word.

Staying safe

  • Pickpocketing and muggings occur, especially in crowded areas of Santiago, Viña del Mar, Valparaíso and Antofagasta. Keep valuables hidden and wear your backpack in front in crowds.
  • Go out with others when possible and use a taxi at night. Avoid neighbourhoods identified as risky in the source, including Bellavista.
  • If robbed, follow the robber's instructions and hand over your valuables.
  • Stay away from political protests and sporting celebrations that may become violent. Foreigners are prohibited from joining political protests or activities.
3 common scams in Chile, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Dress and behave respectfully at religious sites.
  • Listen carefully and stay neutral when people discuss politics.
  • Discuss the Pinochet military regime with great care, as it remains a painful subject for many people.
  • Be thoughtful when discussing football teams and Chile's relations with neighbouring countries.
  • Ask people to repeat themselves or speak more slowly if you cannot understand their Spanish; this is not considered offensive.

Don't

  • Do not try to convert people to your religion.
  • Do not assume everyone shares the same opinion of Pinochet or his regime.
  • Do not insult Chile's neighbouring countries.
  • Do not try to bribe a police officer.

Staying healthy

  • For a medical emergency, call 131. The operator may not speak English.
  • Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Other vaccines mentioned, depending on the trip, include hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies and influenza.
  • Tap water is safe to drink, but its mineral content or treatment may bother some visitors. Bottled water is an alternative.
  • Sun exposure is strong, especially around midday and in the afternoon during spring and summer. Wear sunscreen, long sleeves, a hat and sunglasses.

Where to stay

  • Cities have hotels ranging from international chains to smaller places.
  • Hostels vary in quality and can be difficult to find away from popular backpacker routes.
  • A hospedaje usually means a guesthouse, and a hostal usually means a small hotel. These names do not mean dormitory accommodation.
  • Ski resorts such as Portillo, Valle Nevado and Nevados de Chillán offer accommodation.

Outdoor adventures in Chile

Chile has desert valleys, snowy mountains, coastal trails and Patagonian glaciers. You can hike, surf, ski, cycle and watch wildlife, with routes ranging from mostly flat walks to demanding mountain treks.

  • Torres del Paine National Park

    TrekPatagonia

    Explore the park on its hiking trails. For a camping trek, bring a tent, sleeping bag and cooking equipment.

    • Come prepared for demanding hiking.

  • Valle Nevado, Portillo, El Colorado and La Parva

    SkiingAndean highlands

    June–October

    Visit one of these mountain resorts for skiing or snowboarding. El Colorado is also suggested as an outing from Santiago.

    • The mountain terrain can be challenging.
    • The Andes have cold weather.

  • Pichilemu surfing

    Surfingnear Pichilemu

    Head to Pichilemu for surfing.

  • San Pedro de Atacama desert cycling routes

    CyclingAtacama Desertnear San Pedro de Atacama

    A full-day ride is one option.

    Rent a bicycle in San Pedro. Routes reach Valle de la Luna, Valle de Marte, Pukará de Quitor, Aldea de Tulor and Laguna Cejar. Piedra de la Coca, Catarpe, Garganta del Diablo and Quebrada de Tambores can be reached by bicycle or rented car.

    • Carry a proper map and plenty of water.
    • Leave early before it gets hot and get out of the sun before late afternoon.

  • Isla Magdalena penguin watching

    WildlifeMonumento Natural Los Pingüinosnear Punta Arenas

    5 hours: 2 hours by boat each way and 1 hour on the island October–April for the colony; the ferry runs November–April.

    Take the ferry from Terminal de Tres Puentes at the northern end of Punta Arenas.

    • Cost: 61,000 Chilean pesos
    • Strong winds can make seasickness a problem.
    • Stay on the marked path.

  • Chiloé Island coastal national park hikes

    HikeChiloé Island

    Explore the walking trails in Chiloé Island's coastal national park.

  • Cochamó Valley trekking

    TrekSouthern Chile

    Hard

    Go trekking in Cochamó Valley or the large area south of it, which extends into Argentina.

    • These routes suit hikers with intermediate or advanced experience.

  • Reserva Costera Valdiviana and Valdivia-area hikes

    HikeSouthern Chilenear Valdivia

    Explore Reserva Costera Valdiviana and other hiking destinations around Valdivia.

  • Mountain hikes east of Talca

    TrekCentral Chilenear Talca

    Hard

    Use Talca as a starting point for hiking destinations to its east.

    • These hikes are recommended for advanced hikers.

  • Cobquecura–Pelluhue coast surfing

    SurfingCoast between Cobquecura and Pelluhue

    Choose a surfing destination along this coast, including Curanipe, Cardonal, Tregualemu or Buchupureo.

  • Iquique surfing and beaches

    SurfingNorthern Chilenear Iquique

    Surf in Iquique itself or visit its beaches. Playa Cavancha is the largest.

    • Dangerous underwater currents make Playa Brava and Playa Huayquique unsuitable for swimming.

  • La Serena beaches and Totoralillo Beach

    Beachenear La Serena

    A full day is possible for a walk along La Serena's beaches.

    Walk along La Serena's long beaches. For Totoralillo Beach, travel 25 km from La Serena and enter via route D-350.

  • La Serena whale and marine wildlife watching

    Wildlifenear La Serena

    Take a wildlife-watching tour from La Serena.

  • Cañón de Guatín trekking and camping

    TrekSan Pedro de Atacama areanear San Pedro de Atacama

    Camping spots are about a 45-minute walk south of Guatín.

    Reach Guatín using local transport or hitchhiking. Follow the canyon north for deeper sections, or south for camping spots. A return trek along the river to San Pedro is possible if the trail is in good condition.

    • Only attempt the river route back to San Pedro if the trail is in good condition.

  • Hikes north of San Pedro and into Valle de Marte

    HikeSan Pedro de Atacama areanear San Pedro de Atacama

    Walk north from San Pedro, into Valle de Marte or towards Pukará de Quitor. Use the trails marked on OpenStreetMap.

    • Protect yourself from strong sunlight with sunscreen, long sleeves, a hat and sunglasses.

  • Moon Valley horse riding

    More to doSan Pedro de Atacama areanear San Pedro de Atacama

    Morning for sunrise views

    Book through a horse-riding agency in the area. La Herradura is one named option.

  • San Rafael Glacier visit

    More to doLaguna San Rafael National Park

    Reach the San Rafael Glacier by boat or plane.

  • Lauca National Park wildlife and lake visit

    WildlifeNorthern Chile

    Visit Lauca National Park to see its lake, volcano scenery and wildlife.

  • Robinson Crusoe Island nature visit

    WildlifeJuan Fernández Islands

    Visit Robinson Crusoe Island for its jungles and plant life.

  • Hualpén Peninsula, Ramuntcho Bay and river-mouth landscapes

    BeacheHualpén Peninsulanear Concepción

    Visit Ramuntcho's white-sand bay or the peninsula's Nature Sanctuary. Reach Parque Pedro del Río Zañartu by car or taxi, about 10 minutes from downtown Concepción. The meeting point of the Biobío River and Pacific Ocean is five minutes farther on.

    • Cost: For the taxi to Parque Pedro del Río Zañartu, pay no more than 10,000 pesos one way.

  • Mirador Alemán on Cerro Caracol

    Hikenear Concepción

    Hike uphill from Parque Ecuador through eucalyptus forest. Return the same way or walk northeast towards the University of Concepción.

  • Parque María Behety lake paddling

    KayakingPatagonianear Punta Arenas

    Summer

    Visit the lake in Parque María Behety, where canoes and kayaks are available in summer.

  • Seno Otway penguin colony check

    WildlifePatagonianear Punta Arenas

    Check with local people before planning a visit to Seno Otway, 70 km north of Punta Arenas. If a visit is worthwhile, travelling in your own car allows more time than the short agency visits described.

  • San Alfonso del Mar pool sailing

    Sailingnear Algarrobo

    Visit the San Alfonso del Mar resort in Algarrobo. A sailboat is suggested for covering the pool's full length.

  • Mountain treks outside Santiago

    TrekCentral Chilenear Santiago

    Contact a local mountaineering club to arrange a trek into the high mountains outside Santiago.

    • Come prepared for demanding mountain hiking.
    • The Andes have cold weather.

Airports, metros and trains in Chile

Airports with scheduled flights

  • ANFAndrés Sabella Gálvez International AirportAntofagastaMain international airport
  • CCPCarriel Sur International AirportConcepcionMain international airport
  • SCLComodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International AirportSantiagoMain international airport
  • IQQDiego Aracena International AirportIquiqueMain international airport
  • PMCEl Tepual International AirportPuerto MonttMain international airport
  • ZCOLa Araucanía International AirportTemucoMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • SantiagoSantiago Metro126 stations149 kmsince 1975

Trains

Rail network
6,634 km
Electrified
700 km

People and safety in Chile

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian89%
  • No religion9%
  • Folk religions2%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #63 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

34% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 93 of 198 countries can visit Chile easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required90
  • Freedom of movement3
  • eVisa3
  • Visa required102

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe44 of 46 countries
  • Americas28 of 34 countries
  • Asia15 of 50 countries
  • Oceania4 of 14 countries
  • Africa2 of 54 countries

Questions

What kind of weather should I expect?

The north is extremely dry, central Chile has a Mediterranean climate, and the south is rainy and temperate. The Andes are cold.

Can I travel without speaking Spanish?

English is widely understood in Santiago but less widely elsewhere. Chilean Spanish is fast, and it is fine to ask someone to speak more slowly.

Can I buy bus tickets at the station?

Usually, yes. Book ahead during January–February, Easter and Fiestas Patrias, and use your passport number when asked for an identity number.

What money should I carry?

Use Chilean pesos for everyday spending, as other currencies are not widely accepted. Some US dollars or euros can be useful for exchange or accommodation payments.

How much should I tip?

A 10% tip is generally expected for satisfactory restaurant service, and it may already be included. Grocery baggers are usually tipped 300–500 pesos.

Can I drink the tap water?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink. Some visitors prefer bottled water because the minerals or treatment may bother them.

Does a hostal have shared dormitories?

The name does not mean that it has dormitories. A hostal is usually a small hotel, while a hospedaje is generally a guesthouse.

What electricity supply does Chile use?

Chile uses 220 volts at 50 hertz, with Europlug and Type L sockets.

How do I reach Easter Island?

LATAM Airlines flies there from Santiago. The flight takes about five and a half hours.

Is Chile welcoming to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers?

The source describes Chile as generally safe for these travellers and one of Latin America's more welcoming destinations.

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