From the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the icy fjords of Patagonia in the south, Chile offers an incredible diversity of experiences. But did you know it’s also a country with a surprising cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and some of Earth’s most breathtaking natural landscapes? Yet, many travelers still overlook this long and narrow gem. This is a destination you won’t want to miss.
In this guide, we’ll help you plan an unforgettable trip to Chile by sharing essential travel tips to let you explore stress-free and make the most of this stunning country. And believe us, there’s so much to discover.
To simplify things, we’ve compiled a list of the 50 things you need to know before traveling to Chile. This list includes must-visit destinations, tips for connecting with locals, the best ways to get around, budgeting advice, saving money, and much more.
Page Contents
About Chile and its People
#1 With an area of 756,096 km², Chile is a narrow and long country located on the western coast of South America.
This unique geography brings with it an enormous diversity of climates, landscapes, animals, and plants. Chile stretches for about 4,300 km from north to south but is only approximately 177 km wide on average. The narrowest point is just 90 km, between the border with Argentina and the sea.
#2 Chile borders Argentina to the east, Bolivia to the northeast, and Peru to the north. To the west, we have the Pacific Ocean, with a coastline stretching 6,435 km, while the infamous Drake Passage lies to the south.
#3 Chile also includes island territories in the Pacific Ocean, such as Easter Island (Rapa Nui), famous for its mysterious Moai statues, and the Juan Fernández Archipelago. However, we can’t offer much advice on these regions since we haven’t visited them.
#4 Chile has a unique geography, with a narrow and extensive territory. With a stretch of 4,300 km, it is marked by a long coastline and the Andes, which run the country’s length from north to south.
To the north, we find the famous Atacama Desert, a high plateau known for being the driest desert in the world. To the south, there are temperate forests, lakes, fjords, and glaciers. In the far south, the climate is subpolar, with extreme temperatures in the winter. Almost the entire country is marked by massive volcanoes in the north, center, and south.
All this diversity of altitudes, climates, and environments makes Chile a fantastic country to travel to, full of extremes and places that feel like another world.
#5 One of the most important things to remember when planning a trip to Chile is that it is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world.
Therefore, be prepared for the possibility of earthquakes and even tsunamis. Stay alert to evacuation signs and notices, as well as to the news.
As a joke, Chileans say that anyone who goes to Chile and doesn’t feel at least a small earthquake hasn’t really visited Chile. In reality, it’s not that bad, as we spent a month in Chile and didn’t feel any. Still, stay alert, as they are indeed very frequent.
#6 Chile’s capital and largest city is Santiago, located in the center of the country, near the Andes Mountains. Other notable towns include Valparaíso, known for its port and colorful architecture, and Viña del Mar, a popular beach resort next to Valparaíso.
Although much smaller, Punta Arenas is an essential gateway to Chilean Patagonia. San Pedro de Atacama is super famous for being the entrance to the desert, but it’s a pretty small village.
#7 In 2024, Chile has around 19 million people, with almost 6 million living in the capital, Santiago. It’s a highly urbanized country with large regions with low population density.
#8 Most of the Chilean population is mestizo, mainly with indigenous and European influences. However, indigenous peoples comprise about 10% of the population, especially the Mapuche, Aymara, and Rapa Nui from Easter Island.
#9 Most European immigration to Chile happened in the 19th century, mainly with the arrival of Germans but also many English and French. Chile also has a large Basque-descendant community.
Immigrants contributed to Chile’s cultural and economic development, leaving significant marks on local architecture, gastronomy, and customs, particularly in the south, in regions like Valdivia, Llanquihue, and Puerto Montt.
#10 Chile is predominantly Catholic, with around 50% of the population identifying as Christian and 17% as Protestant. However, a growing portion of the population identifies as atheist or agnostic, showing that the country is undergoing a process of secularization.
Chile is a secular country with a separation between the State and churches. Domestic laws also prohibit religious intolerance.
How to Communicate in Chile?
#11 Spanish, or Castilian, is the official language of Chile and is widely spoken by the population. Some indigenous languages, such as Mapudungun (by the Mapuche) and Rapa Nui (on Easter Island), are still spoken.
Because we are Portuguese, we had no trouble communicating in Chile and never had to rely on English. From what we observed, not everyone speaks English, and the level of proficiency varies greatly, but in tourist activities, you’re unlikely to face significant issues.
If you find it difficult to communicate, you can always use an automatic translator like this one. Besides that, as in any place in the world, kindness and a smile go a long way in helping you connect with the locals.
What Are the People Like?
#12 There are many reasons to love Chile, from its natural beauty and diversity to the friendliness of much of its population.
We felt that people were almost always attentive, seemed happy that we were visiting their country, were curious about our journey, and were eager to share some tips. They appreciated our efforts to speak Spanish and found it fascinating that our Portuguese differed from what they were familiar with (Brazilian Portuguese).
All of this made traveling in Chile an enjoyable experience.
About the History of Chile
#13 The rise of Salvador Allende to power through democratic means marked Chile’s history in the 20th century. Allende tried to implement a socialist project in Chile, but his government lasted only three years.
During this period, the Chilean economy collapsed due to various factors, such as resource nationalization, governmental inefficiency, and international pressures, particularly from the USA.
The socialization process deeply divided Chile between supporters of socialism and opponents who feared a break with liberal democracy. This polarization led to daily street confrontations and the radicalization of both sides.
#14 All this instability culminated in the military coup of September 11, 1973, led by General Augusto Pinochet, which ousted Allende. The Armed Forces bombed the La Moneda Palace in Santiago, and Allende died inside.
After the coup, a military dictatorship under Pinochet was established, marked by severe repression, with over 3,000 killed or disappeared, around 40,000 tortured, and thousands exiled. This was the longest military dictatorship in South America, lasting from 1973 to 1990.
#15 The period of military dictatorship was also marked by the implementation of neoliberal policies and the reversal of all of Allende’s reforms. Over time, Chile has economically recovered and is today one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America, with remarkable economic growth in recent decades.
One thing we noticed is that Chileans take great pride in their economic recovery and deeply believe in the importance of capitalism and liberalism for the continued growth and development of the country.
Chile Climate
#16 Due to its long and narrow geography, stretching over 4,300 km, Chile has an impressive climate diversity. The country can be divided into four main climatic regions:
- North (Atacama Desert): It is one of the driest areas in the world, with a desert climate and significant temperature variation between day and night. Temperatures can be high during the day but drop drastically at night.
- Central Region (Santiago and surrounding areas): It has a Mediterranean climate with well-defined seasons. Summers (December to March) are hot and dry, while winters (June to September) are cold and rainy. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures.
- South (Patagonia): The climate is cold and humid, with frequent rain throughout the year. In summer, temperatures are milder (10°C to 18°C), but the winds are strong. In winter, temperatures drop below 0°C, with snow in many areas.
- Easter Island: It has a pleasant subtropical climate year-round, with average temperatures between 20°C and 25°C.
#17 Due to its climatic diversity, it’s challenging to define the best time to visit the entire country, so the best time to visit Chile will largely depend on what you’re looking for.
However, remember that Chile’s high season is during the summer, from December to February. During this time, prices are higher, and there are many more tourists at the major attractions, especially in Patagonia.
Summer is the ideal time to visit Patagonia, when temperatures are most pleasant, as well as the coastal areas of Viña del Mar/Valparaíso and La Serena. These are the best times for beach activities.
On the other hand, winter is very popular for those looking for snow sports in the Andes. The best time to visit the Atacama Desert is in spring (between September and November), as temperatures are milder and the sky is usually clean.
We visited Chile between October and November, and the weather was ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, stargazing, and exploring the country in general. Patagonia in November is still a bit chilly, but nothing too bad. Plus, there are fewer people than in summer.
#18 Yes, in our experience, it is pretty safe to travel around Chile, which is even considered one of the safest countries in South America, with low crime rates compared to other destinations in the region.
However, as in any place, there are risks that tourists should be aware of, as in all countries, especially in very crowded and touristy areas, such as train and bus terminals and tourist attractions in major cities.
Most popular tourist areas, such as the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, and the wine regions, are very safe. On the other hand, some areas in Santiago (on the north side of the river) and Valparaíso (near the port) are relatively dangerous, and we didn’t feel very comfortable there.
Traveling to Chile
Tourism in Chile
#19 Although tourism is an essential sector for Chile, the country received only 3.73 million visitors in 2023, still below pre-pandemic levels. 2019 was a record year when Chile received 4.5 million tourists, but it is expected that 2024 will surpass this number.
Most visitors to Chile come from Brazil and Argentina, which is unsurprising, as they are the largest countries in Latin America. Although quite a few visitors also come from the USA and Europe, distance remains an important barrier.
However, the country’s natural beauty, safety, and unique attractions have increased demand and perception of it. Therefore, it is expected that Chile will become increasingly popular among Westerners.
#20 Chile is one of the best destinations in the world for those who enjoy outdoor activities and hiking. The diversity of attractions, the extreme environments, and the unique beauty of Patagonia and Atacama attract adventurers worldwide.
However, many main attractions are also relatively easy to visit and already have a good support structure. Organized tours are available, allowing almost everyone to enjoy the best that Chile has to offer.
The main downside of Chile’s growing popularity is that the prices of some attractions have increased considerably, especially those of national parks and organized tours. But we’ll talk more about this in the section below on costs.
What to Visit in Chile?
#21 The Atacama Desert is one of Chile’s most popular and extraordinary regions. Known for being one of the driest places on the planet, it has otherworldly landscapes and unique beauty that attract thousands of people every year.
The desert is vast and very sparsely populated, so most visitors stay in the small village of San Pedro de Atacama and take independent or guided tours to various attractions such as:
- Valle de la Luna
- Valle de la Muerte
- Lagunas Altiplánicas
- Geysers el Tatio
- Piedras Rojas
- Termas de Puritama, etc.
Visiting each of these attractions independently is possible, but all require an entrance fee.
#22 The altitude and the clear sky, present almost all year round, make the Atacama Desert an ideal place for astronomical observation. There are several organized tours for stargazing, an unmissable activity for astronomy enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, the famous ALMA Observatory, located near San Pedro, is no longer open for visits. However, we recommend checking in advance if visits are still suspended, as it would be an experience not to miss.
If you wish to visit telescopes in the desert, the best option is probably the Very Large Telescope, less than 100 km south of Antofagasta.
#23 Situated between the Pacific and the Andes, Santiago is Chile’s capital and largest city. It’s a large, developed city, but be prepared to see some (quite a bit of) visible poverty.
An important note about Santiago (and other large cities in the country): Chile has one of the strongest economies in Latin America, but a relatively large part of the population seems to be being left behind.
Santiago was not, by any means, one of our favorite parts of the trip, but we think it is important to spend 1 or 2 days to get to know this side of Chile. Still, there are a few points of interest, such as:
- Plaza de Armas
- Metropolitan Cathedral
- La Moneda Palace
- National Museum of Fine Arts
- Bellavista neighborhood, where you can explore street art and taste the local cuisine
- Cerro San Cristóbal, for panoramic views of the city and surroundings.
#24 Relatively close to Santiago, we have the port city of Valparaíso – a historic and unique city. In the past, it was one of the most important ports in the Americas, as it was a mandatory stop for all ships coming from or heading to the Drake Passage to the north.
With the construction of the Panama Canal, Valparaíso lost much of its importance, which is visible in its current reality. Still, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique architecture and historical significance.
Today, Valparaíso is known for its hills covered with colorful houses, street art, and bohemian atmosphere. The Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción neighborhoods are incredibly bright and beautiful. The iconic elevators, such as the Ascensor Reina Victoria, offer stunning views of the port and the surrounding hills.
Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to visit ‘La Sebastiana,’ the house museum of Pablo Neruda. It’s a place worth visiting, even if you’re not a fan of the poet.
#25 Viña del Mar is right next to Valparaíso, but it couldn’t be more different. Viña del Mar is modern, with new condominiums overlooking the beach.
Reñaca Beach is one of the most iconic, perfect for sunbathing and water sports, while Caleta Abarca Beach offers fantastic views and is close to attractions like the Flower Clock, one of the city’s landmarks.
Unless you plan to spend several days at the beach, one day in Viña del Mar and another in Valparaíso are enough to explore these two beautiful cities.
#26 The Lakes Region in southern Chile is also very popular due to its natural beauty and several unique attractions, such as:
- Puerto Varas: located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, offering stunning views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.
- Saltos del Petrohué: impressive waterfalls with turquoise waters surrounded by volcanic rocks.
- Osorno Volcano: a spectacular volcano shaped like an almost perfect cone.
- Todos los Santos Lake: known for its emerald waters and peaceful environment.
- Frutillar: famous for its Teatro del Lago, cultural atmosphere, and German heritage.
The Lakes Region also marks the beginning of the Carretera Austral, which was probably our favorite destination in Chile.
#27 The Carretera Austral is one of the most iconic roads in Chile and the world. Stretching about 1,240 km, it connects Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins, crossing the wild and remote landscapes of Chilean Patagonia.
One of the standout features of this road is that a large part of it is still unpaved, with gravel sections (especially south of Lake General Carrera). Although it’s possible to drive it with any type of vehicle, this makes the journey a true adventure and a challenge you’ll hardly forget.
This is an immersive trip into Patagonian nature, where you’ll encounter lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, rushing rivers, and majestic mountains. While the scenery as a whole is the main attraction, there are several spots you shouldn’t miss:
- The hanging glacier of Queulat;
- The Marble Caves;
- Lake General Carrera;
- Villa O’Higgins;
- Caleta Tortel;
- Pumalín National Park.
#28 The entire Chilean Patagonia region is worth visiting, whether by car, bus, or even ferry through the islands and fjords. It’s a unique destination and perfect for those looking to marvel at the grandeur of nature.
The meeting point between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean created an incredible region, filled with lakes, mountains, and volcanoes of unparalleled beauty. Unlike Argentina, where much of the region is arid, Chilean Patagonia is characterized by high humidity and diversity.
The most iconic destination in the region is probably Torres del Paine National Park, famous for its rock formations, turquoise lakes, and challenging trekking trails, such as the W and O circuits. Other must-see spots include the Grey Glacier and Nordenskjöld Lake.
Access to the National Park is quite expensive, with the cheapest ticket costing more than $50 USD. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the chance to visit Torres del Paine, so we can’t offer much advice about it.
#29 Punta Arenas is a strategic hub for exploring Chilean Patagonia and an important commercial and transportation center. The city is larger than one might expect and serves as one of the main entry points to Chilean Patagonia as well as a gateway to Antarctica.
Located on the coast of the Strait of Magellan, it’s not a particularly beautiful city and doesn’t have many attractions, but it is interesting. From this city, you can take tours to visit some highlights, such as:
- Magdalena Island, with its penguin colony;
- Alberto de Agostini National Park;
- Cruises through the Strait of Magellan.
#30 No article about Chile would be complete without mentioning Easter Island. Although it is located about 3,700 km from the Chilean coast, it is part of the territory and extremely popular, both for its natural beauty and for being one of the most isolated destinations in the world.
Known for its mysterious stone statues, called moai, the island has a rich and unique history, filled with enigmas that attract travelers from all over the world. There are around 900 statues spread across the island, and many of them are located in strategic spots, such as the Ahu Tongariki archaeological site, famous for its row of moai statues aligned with a view of the ocean, making it the largest and most impressive of all.
A visit to the island is expensive, as, in addition to the flight, accommodations, food, and the National Park are all costly. Although we did not visit, we thoroughly researched the possibility and would recommend spending 3 full days on the island, budgeting between 1200 and 1500 USD.
#31 Above, we mostly discussed the most famous places in Chile and those we visited during our month-long trip. However, there are many other destinations you might want to consider including in your itinerary, depending on your budget and time, such as:
- La Serena – an old city with beautiful beaches.
- Pucón and the Villarrica Volcano in the Araucanía region;
- Chiloé Island – a calm and relaxing place with unique cuisine and atmosphere;
- Elqui Valley – another destination for astronomical tourism;
- Cajón del Maipo – a nature and mountain destination close to Santiago;
- The wine regions in central Chile, including the Colchagua Valley and Maipo Valley;
What to eat in Chile
#32 One of the main reasons we love to travel is to try the typical dishes of each country and region. Before we traveled, we read that food in Chile was quite uninspiring and that it was one of the worst countries to eat in South America, so we didn’t have high expectations.
However, after three months traveling through Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, we have to admit that it was in Chile where we ate the best and where we found the most creative and interesting dishes. Not always delicious, but sometimes the fun is in the discovery.
The food in Chile reflects the country’s geographical and cultural diversity, combining indigenous traditions and European influences, especially Spanish.
#33 One of the fundamental characteristics of Chilean geography that deeply reflects in its cuisine is its long coastline and, consequently, the many delicious seafood dishes. Some of our favorites, which we recommend trying, are:
- Machas a la Parmesana: A dish made with machas (typical Chilean shellfish), covered with Parmesan cheese and baked. It’s a delicious starter.
- Pastel de Jaiba: A pie made with shredded crab meat, bread, milk, cheese, and seasonings. It’s a typical dish from the coastal regions and one of our favorites in Chile.
- Caldillo de Congrio: Popularized by poet Pablo Neruda in his “Oda al Caldillo de Congrio”, it’s a soup made with conger eel (a typical Chilean fish), vegetables, and seasonings.
- Salmon and Merluza (Hake): Salmon and hake are the two most popular fish in Chile, and they rarely disappoint, whether fried or grilled. If you like fish, don’t miss the chance to indulge. They are also commonly used in ceviche.
- Ceviche: Although originally from Peru, it’s very popular in Chile. If you like (or have never tried) ceviche, take the opportunity. The Chilean version is usually simpler and less spicy than the Peruvian one.
#34 Besides fish and seafood, Chile also offers other traditional main dishes that you shouldn’t miss. Here are some of our favorites:
- Chorrillana: A shared dish that combines French fries topped with pieces of meat, sausage, fried onions, and eggs. It’s a popular bar snack and is quite filling.
- Curanto: A traditional dish from Chiloé Island, typically prepared in a hole in the ground with hot stones. It combines seafood, meats (such as chicken and pork), potatoes, and vegetables, all slowly cooked under aromatic leaves.
- Empanadas: One of the most common foods in Chile (as well as in Argentina, Paraguay, and other neighboring countries). The most traditional version is the “empanada de pino,” stuffed with ground beef, onions, boiled egg, olives, and raisins. However, there are countless recipes, and they can be baked or fried.
- Pastel de Choclo: A very popular dish made with ground corn (choclo), basil, and filled with ground beef, chicken, boiled eggs, olives, and raisins. It’s a blend of sweet and savory flavors that reflects the strong indigenous influence on Chilean cuisine.
- Lomo a lo Pobre: A hearty dish consisting of a beef steak served with French fries, caramelized onions, and fried eggs. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal.
- Cazuela: A comforting stew made with meat (beef or chicken), potatoes, squash, corn, and other vegetables. It’s perfect for cold days and is widely enjoyed during the winter.
#35 Desserts might not be the strongest aspect of Chilean cuisine, but there are a few options worth trying that reflect the importance of European culinary influence in the country. Most of these are dishes brought over (and adapted) by European immigrants. Here are some of the ones we enjoyed in Chile:
- Manjar – The Chilean version of dulce de leche, widely used in desserts as a filling for cakes, pies, pancakes, and even as a spread for bread. It’s an essential ingredient in other traditional Chilean sweets like alfajores and chilenitos.
- Alfajores – This is the most iconic sweet in Chile and other countries in the region. They are often made with hojarascas (a thin, delicate dough) and filled with manjar (dulce de leche). Many are topped with sugar or chocolate.
- Kuchen – A variety of cakes of German origin that are very popular in southern Chile, thanks to the influence of German immigrants. They are usually made with a buttery crust and filled with fresh fruits (such as raspberries or apples) and cream.
- Leche Asada – Similar to flan, leche asada is made with milk, eggs, and caramelized sugar. It’s a simple homemade dessert that is highly appreciated in Chile.
- Mote con Huesillos – While technically a non-alcoholic drink, it can also be considered a liquid dessert due to its composition and how it’s consumed. It’s widely enjoyed on the streets throughout the country, especially during the summer and the Fiestas Patrias. It’s made with rehydrated dried peaches (huesillos), peeled wheat grains (mote), and a caramelized syrup.
Currency and Payments
#36 One of the important things to know before traveling to Chile is that the official currency is the Chilean peso. At the end of 2024, the USD/Chilean peso exchange rate was approximately 1000. In other words, 1 USD equals around 1000 pesos, which makes quick calculations much easier. Just take the price in pesos, remove three zeros, and you’ll have the value in USD.
We recommend not bringing pesos with you. The ATM network is reliable, and you can withdraw money at any time. Some banks do not charge withdrawal fees, but those that do can have very high costs.
So, why is it unnecessary to carry pesos? Simple: most stores and restaurants accept payments by credit or debit card. There may be exceptions in smaller establishments or markets, where payment in pesos might be required. However, we withdrew pesos during the first days of our trip, and they lasted for the entire journey (about 30 days).
Take advantage of making as many payments as possible by card, as it is safer and avoids the need to withdraw cash frequently or carry large amounts of money.
Travel Costs in Chile
#37 Chile is one of the most expensive countries in Latin America, especially for those arriving from the north, like Peru and Bolivia. However, travelers coming from Argentina might be pleasantly surprised, as Argentina’s price hikes have made Chile comparatively more affordable.
That said, it’s not surprising that the most developed and prosperous country in the region also has some of the highest travel costs in Latin America. Let’s break this down further.
As mentioned, Chile isn’t cheap overall, but it’s important to note that costs vary significantly depending on the region and the number of tourists. Santiago and Valparaíso are considerably more affordable than the Atacama Desert and, especially, the Lake District and Patagonia. Even so, the most expensive regions in Chile still don’t compare to the high costs of Argentine Patagonia.
#38 Excluding flights, which vary greatly depending on the departure point, we spent an average of $120 per day as a couple, or about $60 per person. However, it’s important to mention that this amount was significantly increased by renting a campervan for 15 days, which cost us an average of $100 per day.
Tip
The 15 days we spent traveling by campervan in Patagonia were, without a doubt, our favorite part of the entire South American trip!
That said, it’s worth noting that we travel as backpackers and always try to keep our expenses under control. Additionally, travel costs vary greatly depending on the time of year. We traveled through Chile during the mid-season, which helped reduce costs; during the high season, prices would have been significantly higher.
#39 Food in Chile is generally not cheap, mainly because there are very few street food and market options.
The best way to save money on food in Chile is to cook at hostels and take advantage of daily specials.
It’s important to note that costs vary significantly depending on the region and the number of tourists. Santiago and Valparaíso, for example, are considerably cheaper than Atacama or the Lake District. Additionally, many Chilean dishes are based on seafood and beef, which contributes to higher prices.
#40 There are accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets, with prices starting at around 20 euros per night for a double room in budget options. In our opinion, these prices are quite low, especially compared to Europe. In Portugal, it’s already hard to find rooms for less than 40 euros, let alone in the 20-30 euro range.
On the other hand, tourist attractions are a significant expense, as almost all of them require payment, and they’re often not cheap—especially the most popular ones, like Torres del Paine and Easter Island. These can heavily impact your travel budget, particularly for long-term travelers who need to carefully consider what is worth visiting.
Finally, public transportation is relatively affordable and not something to worry about too much. Despite the large distances, there are plenty of domestic flights available at very reasonable prices. If booked in advance, tickets can often be found for 20-50 USD. For Easter Island, the cheapest fares we found ranged between 300 and 400 USD per person.
#41 Tipping in Chile is referred to as “propinas,” a term that might confuse Portuguese speakers as it means something different in Portugal. While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s a common practice and culturally appreciated as a way to thank for good service.
In fact, tipping is so common that many restaurants include the tip directly on the bill. Although it appears on the receipt, paying this fee is optional and can be declined if the customer is dissatisfied with the service. In most cases, staff will confirm if you want to leave a tip, but sometimes they assume you do without asking.
The usual tip amount is 10% of the bill. We recommend following the local custom and leaving the suggested tip. That’s what we did throughout our trip, as the service was, for the most part, excellent.
How to Travel in Chile
#42 During our travels, we used a mix of metro, bus, plane, and car rentals. It always worked quite well, and we managed to control costs by balancing price, flexibility, and travel time.
For longer trips, it’s definitely worth flying (for example, from Atacama to Santiago), while for visiting attractions, sometimes renting a car is much cheaper than taking tours. In San Pedro de Atacama and Puerto Varas, the tours are so expensive that renting a car and visiting the sights on our own, at our own pace, was much cheaper. Even for just the two of us.
Additionally, one of the things we loved most about Chile was the road trips, especially driving the Carretera Austral in a campervan. It allowed us to go at our own pace, visit what we wanted, for as long as we wanted, without worrying too much about where to sleep.
#43 Public transportation in Chile works reasonably well, but the geography and size of the country make it difficult to rely solely on these transport options.
There are several long-distance bus options to nearly all destinations, but travel times can be quite long. The costs aren’t very high, especially considering the level of comfort, distances, and travel times.
There is also a train network, but it is relatively small and doesn’t reach the destinations we wanted to visit, so we didn’t have the opportunity to use it.
Renting a car in Chile
#44 Car rental in Chile is not very expensive, in general, but it mostly depends on the time of year. During the off-peak season, we were able to rent a car for less than 30-40 Euros per day, using websites like Discover Cars.
Of course, in high season, it is normal for prices to be higher, but even so, it will probably be worth it, since tours in Chile rarely cost less than 50 Euros per person.
Car rental is quite common and follows the same process as in any other country. We always recommend taking photos and making a video of the car’s condition to avoid future issues. We didn’t have any problems, and the cars were actually quite new.
Driving in Chile
#45 Driving in Chile isn’t as problematic as in other Latin American countries, but it’s important to always practice defensive driving. Chileans are very impatient, especially in large cities.
However, it’s unlikely you’ll need a car in the bigger cities because public transport or Uber is much easier. In rural areas, traffic is so sparse that you won’t encounter major difficulties. To summarize, if you’re used to driving outside your country, you won’t face any issues in Chile.
Lastly, we must point out that the Carretera Austral (and other more remote areas) has long stretches of dirt and gravel roads. Although it’s not necessary to use a 4×4, it’s important to be cautious so you don’t damage the vehicle.
It’s extremely fun, but pay attention and avoid putting yourself at unnecessary risk.
Souvenirs to Bring from Chile
#46 Chile is an unforgettable destination, and it will surely stay in your memory for a long time. And who doesn’t like bringing home a few souvenirs to relive the memories of their vacation? Or maybe to enjoy some of the unique flavors of the trip…
Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can bring back with you. Some of our favorites are:
- Lapis Lazuli: Chile is one of the few places in the world where this blue semi-precious stone is found. It can be bought in the form of jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings) or decorative objects.
- Alpaca Wool Products: Scarves, coats, blankets, and handmade figurines are typical, especially in the regions of Patagonia, Araucanía, and Atacama.
- Manjar (Chilean dulce de leche): Different from the Brazilian and Argentine versions, it is thicker and used in various desserts. You can find it in supermarkets.
- Merkén: A typical seasoning made from smoked and ground peppers, widely used in Chilean cuisine. It’s delicious and very traditional.
- Chilean Wines: Chile is one of the main wine producers, especially red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère.
- Copper Products: Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper. Copper cookware, decorative vases, and jewelry made from this metal are great souvenirs.
- Alfajores: The traditional sweet mentioned earlier.
Internet in Chile
#47 Chile is a developed and modern destination, so every accommodation has free Wi-Fi, which is not a major concern. Just make sure to check the reviews about the signal quality.
If you want to use mobile data, you should buy a local data card or an eSim. We chose to buy a local data card, and it’s extremely simple and cheap. Just go to any kiosk, buy the card, insert it into your phone, and activate it.
If you have any doubts, you can always ask at the kiosk, as they usually help, but it’s very easy and quick. As for the brand, we were advised to buy Entel because it’s the company with the best and largest network, which is very relevant in a country like Chile.
Cleanliness, Pollution, and Recycling
#48 In our opinion, Chile is still in an intermediate stage when it comes to waste management and pollution. Rural areas, parks, and tourist spots are quite clean, but some urban areas, especially markets, street food areas, and restaurants, have some litter. Santiago and Valparaíso have some very dirty areas!
However, it’s important to highlight that it’s much cleaner than most Latin American countries we’ve visited. There’s still a lot of work to be done, and some areas are quite dirty, but it’s noticeable that things are improving.
Natural areas, and Patagonia in particular, are incredibly clean, and there’s a huge effort from national parks to preserve the environment. As we often joke, “It’s for looking, not for touching.”
Electrical Outlets
#49 The electrical outlets in Chile are of type C and L, with a voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Although type C is the same as in Portugal, we noticed that the sockets are often narrower. The mobile phone charger worked perfectly, but the laptop charger did not.
In other words, if you’re coming from Continental Europe (including Portugal) or other countries with the same type of outlets, you may need an adapter. We recommend this adapter, and if you need a frequency converter, we suggest this one.
Also, check if the voltage and frequency differ from those in your country. Normally, laptops, mobile phones, and other devices work with any voltage, as they have converters, but household appliances and hairdryers will require a transformer.
Documentation for entering Chile
#50 Portuguese citizens (and many other nationalities) do not need a visa to enter Chile for stays of up to 90 days. Although we haven’t researched it thoroughly, we know that Brazilian citizens also do not need to apply for a visa.
Obviously, we are talking about tourism stays. If you’re going for work, the situation is completely different. It’s advisable to always have a return ticket and proof of financial means, as these may be requested upon entry.
Travel Guide to Chile
Finally, if you want to buy a travel guide, we recommend this Lonely Planet guide, which has a lot of useful information. This version is in Spanish, but it’s good, so you can practice!
Save on Pinterest
