Travel Tips
Chile
From the Atacama Desert to Patagonia, long, narrow Chile packs in astonishing landscapes.
What I love about Chile
People often ask me what I love most about a country. Every country has its good and bad sides, but here I share the positives I found on my travels.
Even with one of the longest coastlines on earth, Chile has one of the driest places on the planet: the Atacama Desert, which looks just like Mars.
It is also one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Near San Pedro de Atacama is ALMA, one of the world's largest astronomical observatories, run by Chile with partners from Europe, the United States and Japan.
- Capital
- Santiago
- Currency
- Chilean peso (CLP)
- Language
- Spanish
- Best overall
- October to April for Patagonia, or year-round in the north
- Emergency
- Police 133, ambulance 131, fire 132
- Electricity
- 220V, plug types C and L
Top Destinations
Many nationalities can visit visa-free for a limited stay. Check the rule for your passport. Passport validity rules vary, so check the requirements before you book.
Read about visa on arrival, e-visas and online registration →
Still have specific visa questions?
October to April is best for Patagonia. The Atacama is good most of the year. Ski season in the Andes is June to September.
Not sure which month suits your trip?
Torres del Paine
Granite towers and superb trekking in Patagonia.
Atacama Desert
Salt flats, geysers and amazing stargazing.
Valparaiso
A hilly, colorful port city with street art.
Santiago
The capital, with vineyards and the Andes nearby.
Easter Island
The famous moai statues, far out in the Pacific.
Need help choosing where to go?
- Days 1 to 2 Santiago
- Day 3 Valparaiso
- Days 4 to 7 Atacama Desert, by air
- Days 8 to 12 Torres del Paine, by air
Want a route planned around your dates?
- Fly long stretches, as the country is more than 4,000 km long.
- Book Patagonia accommodation and treks well in advance.
Not sure how to get between places?
- Cards are common. Carry cash for smaller places and tips.
- Buy an eSIM before you fly or a local SIM on arrival, so maps work from day one.
Questions about costs, cash or SIM cards?
- Pastel de choclo: corn and meat pie.
- Empanadas.
- Chilean wine and pisco sour.
Want tips on what and where to eat?
- Patagonia's wind and weather change fast, so pack good layers.
- Be ready for altitude in the Atacama, and rest on arrival.
Planning a trip to Chile?
Book a one-on-one call and bring your questions about your route, costs and visa.
Information on this page may change, so please confirm the latest visa and entry requirements and your government travel advice on official websites before you travel.