Chile

Plan your trip to Chile

Chile stretches over 2,600 miles along South America's western spine, offering everything from the world's driest desert in the north to fjords and glaciers in the south, plus the remote Pacific mystery of Easter Island. A first-time visitor can experience dramatic contrasts in landscape, culture, and climate within a single trip. The country's excellent infrastructure and compact width make it one of South America's most accessible destinations.

Getting there & around

Most international flights arrive at Santiago's Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, the country's main hub. Domestic flights connect Santiago to major cities like Antofagasta, Calama, Puerto Montt, and Punta Arenas; buses are comfortable and extensive but slow. Renting a car works well for exploring specific regions, though the Pan-American Highway (Ruta 5) dominates north-south driving; flying between distant regions often saves time.

How long to stay

Plan 10-14 days for a meaningful first visit combining 2-3 regions, or 7-10 days for a focused north or south experience. Fewer days means choosing either the Atacama Desert and Norte Chico, the Lake District, or Patagonia rather than attempting all three.

When to go

September to November (spring) and March to May (autumn) offer stable weather across most regions; December to February is summer but crowded and hot in the north. The far south (Patagonia, Magallanes) is best December to February when daylight is longest; avoid May to August in Patagonia due to cold and closures.

Suggested itinerary

1. Santiago orientation — Arrive in Santiago and explore the compact historic centre around La Moneda Palace and Plaza de Armas, or take a cable car up San Cristóbal Hill for city views. Settle into Lastarria or Bellavista for dinner and colonial architecture.
2. Santiago wine country — Day trip to the Maule or Libertador O'Higgins wine valleys south of the city for tastings at established vineyards. Return to Santiago or continue south by bus toward the Lake District.
3. Atacama Desert (Calama/San Pedro) — Fly north to Calama, then drive 1.5 hours to San Pedro de Atacama to explore the world's driest non-polar desert. Spend the afternoon visiting the adobe village and arranging a sunset tour to the Valley of the Moon.
4. Atacama salt flats and geysers — Pre-dawn excursion to the geysers at El Tatio (altitude 4,200m), then descend through salt flats and mineral springs. Afternoon free for acclimatization or exploring local pre-Hispanic ruins.
5. Atacama remote exploration — Full-day tour of the Atacama salt lagoons (Laguna Cejar, Tebinquinche), flamingo reserves, and high-altitude desert landscape. Return to San Pedro for stargazing (the region has exceptional dark skies).
6. Fly south to Lake District — Morning flight from Calama to Puerto Montt or Temuco in the Los Lagos or Los Ríos regions. Afternoon arrival and exploration of lakeside towns or nearby national parks.
7. Lake District scenery — Day tour visiting multiple Andean lakes, volcanic peaks, and temperate rainforest—options include Pucón (adventure sports hub), Villarrica National Park, or quiet Lago Todos los Santos. Many tours include thermal springs.
8. Chiloé Island culture — Travel south to the Chiloé Archipelago and explore Castro's colorful stilt houses and historic wooden churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sample local seafood and observe traditional Chilote fishing and farming practices.
9. Patagonia glacier and fjords — Fly further south to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales (Magallanes region) for access to Perito Moreno Glacier or Torres del Paine. Boat excursions reveal the scale of Patagonian ice fields and fjords.
10. Torres del Paine trek or exploration — Day hike or guided tour in Torres del Paine National Park visiting turquoise glacial lakes, granite peaks, and pampas wildlife (guanacos, rheas). Return to town for rest day or fly back north.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Chile?

7-10 days covers one region thoroughly (desert, lakes, or Patagonia); 2 weeks allows combining 2-3 regions comfortably. Chile's length means flying between distant regions saves significant travel time.

Is Easter Island worth visiting?

Yes, if you have 3-4 days and budget for the expensive flight from Santiago; the moai statues and Rapa Nui culture are unique worldwide. However, it's expensive and weather-dependent; most first-time visitors prioritize mainland regions instead.

What's the best region to visit in Chile?

It depends on your interests: the Atacama Desert for otherworldly landscapes, the Lake District for hiking and nature, or Patagonia for glaciers and dramatic peaks. Most first-timers combine two: Atacama + Lakes, or Lakes + Patagonia.

Can you drive across Chile?

Yes, the Pan-American Highway (Ruta 5) spans the entire country, but north-south driving takes 24+ hours; flying between regions is faster and comparable in cost to bus travel. Roads are generally well-maintained and safe.

Is it safe to travel in Chile?

Chile is South America's safest country for tourists; petty theft in cities exists but violent crime against tourists is rare. Standard precautions (not displaying valuables, avoiding isolated areas at night) apply as in any major destination.