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South America / South America

Chile

Atacama Desert, Patagonia Torres del Paine, and Santiago wine. As part of South America in South America, Chile suits travelers drawn to nature and historic. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Chile

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Oct – Apr

Santiago

Santiago pairs well with nearby highlights on a South America route through Chile.

Atacama

Plan at least a full day in Atacama to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Patagonia

Patagonia is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Chile, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Valparaíso

Plan at least a full day in Valparaíso to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

What it is known for
facts
  • Atacama Desert stargazing and geysers at El Tatio
  • Torres del Paine granite towers in Patagonia
  • Easter Island moai statues in the Pacific
  • Valparaíso's hillside street-art funiculars
  • Empanadas de pino and Carmenère wine from Maipo
key City
name
Santiago
label
Capital
why
The capital sits between Andes ski slopes and coastal Valparaíso, with wine valleys on its doorstep and flights south to Patagonia.
Places to visit
  • area
    Santiago
    attractions
    • name
      Plaza de Armas
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      San Cristóbal Hill
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      La Moneda Palace
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Bellavista Neighborhood
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Atacama
    attractions
    • name
      Valle de la Luna
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      El Tatio Geysers
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Salar de Atacama
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Piedras Rojas
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Patagonia
    attractions
    • name
      Torres del Paine
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Grey Glacier
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Punta Arenas
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Magdalena Island Penguin Colony
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
  • area
    Valparaíso
    attractions
    • name
      Cerro Alegre
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      La Sebastiana (Pablo Neruda House)
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Port of Valparaíso
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Paseo 21 de Mayo
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Chile Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Santiago
    • Atacama
    • Patagonia
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Santiago
    • Full day discovering Atacama
    • Full day discovering Patagonia
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Santiago
      description
      Land in Santiago, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Chile trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Atacama
      description
      Dedicate the day to Atacama: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Patagonia and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Patagonia visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Chile
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Santiago
    • Atacama
    • Patagonia
    • Valparaíso
    highlights
    • Cover Santiago and Atacama
    • Explore Patagonia
    • Explore Valparaíso
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Santiago
      description
      Land in Santiago, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Chile trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Atacama
      description
      Dedicate the day to Atacama: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Patagonia
      description
      Dedicate the day to Patagonia: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Valparaíso and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Valparaíso visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Chile Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Santiago
    • Atacama
    • Patagonia
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Santiago
    • Coastal day in Atacama
    • Coastal day in Patagonia
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Santiago
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Santiago.
    • day
      2
      title
      Atacama coast
      description
      Spend the day on Atacama's shoreline: Valle de la Luna, El Tatio Geysers, Salar de Atacama, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Patagonia and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Patagonia, visiting Torres del Paine, Grey Glacier, Punta Arenas before you depart Chile.
  • title
    Chile Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Santiago
    • Atacama
    • Patagonia
    • Valparaíso
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Santiago
    • Rural stop: Atacama
    • Rural stop: Patagonia
    • Rural stop: Valparaíso
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Santiago
      description
      Reach Santiago, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Atacama countryside
      description
      Explore Atacama at an easy pace: Valle de la Luna, El Tatio Geysers, Salar de Atacama with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Patagonia countryside
      description
      Explore Patagonia at an easy pace: Torres del Paine, Grey Glacier, Punta Arenas with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Valparaíso and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Valparaíso, stopping at Cerro Alegre, La Sebastiana (Pablo Neruda House), Port of Valparaíso before heading home.
  • title
    Chile Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Santiago
    • Atacama
    • Patagonia
    • Valparaíso
    highlights
    • Must-see: Plaza de Armas
    • Must-see: San Cristóbal Hill
    • Must-see: Valle de la Luna
    • Must-see: El Tatio Geysers
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Santiago
      description
      Start in Santiago with Plaza de Armas, San Cristóbal Hill, La Moneda Palace, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Atacama monuments
      description
      Focus on Atacama's tourist favorites: Valle de la Luna, El Tatio Geysers, Salar de Atacama with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Patagonia monuments
      description
      Focus on Patagonia's tourist favorites: Torres del Paine, Grey Glacier, Punta Arenas with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      Valparaíso landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Valparaíso, including Cerro Alegre, La Sebastiana (Pablo Neruda House), Port of Valparaíso, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
October through April covers Chile's diverse geography: Atacama Desert stargazing, Santiago wine valleys, and Torres del Paine trekking in austral summer. Easter Island is subtropical year-round, but Patagonia lodges operate mainly Nov-Mar.
typical Weather
Santiago Oct-Apr: highs 22-28°C (72-82°F), lows 10-15°C (50-59°F), 10-20 mm rain. Atacama San Pedro: highs 22-28°C (72-82°F), cold nights near 0°C (32°F), bone dry. Patagonia: highs 12-18°C (54-64°F), wind and rain.
details
  • Dec-Feb peak for Torres del Paine; W Trek camps sell out instantly.
  • Jun-Aug ski season near Santiago; Atacama cold at night but clear skies.
  • Apr-May wine harvest in Colchagua and Casablanca valleys.
  • Easter Island warm year-round; flights fill Dec-Jan.
most Affordable
period
May – Sep
summary
Austral winter outside ski peak offers Chile's best value when Santiago hotels discount and Patagonia lodges run low-season rates before spring trekking. Atacama tours also soften in winter shoulder.
details
  • Santiago hotels cut rates 25-35% in winter months.
  • Patagonia lodges discount May-Sep outside peak trekking.
  • Easter Island flights and lodges cheaper in austral winter.
  • Valparaiso and wine country promotions in winter weekdays.
most Expensive
period
Dec – Feb
summary
Austral summer peak fills Patagonia, Easter Island, and Santiago during January holidays when domestic and international travelers compete for Torres del Paine and Atacama tour capacity.
details
  • Torres del Paine W Trek camps sell out at peak Jan-Feb rates.
  • Easter Island lodges premium in austral summer.
  • Atacama San Pedro hotels spike over Christmas and January.
  • Domestic flights to Punta Arenas cost most in summer peak.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez Airport is the main hub, with regional airports for Patagonia.
airports
  • name
    Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
    code
    SCL
    location
    Santiago
    distance From Center
    17 km (11 mi) northwest of central Santiago
    transfer Note
    Centropuerto buses and taxis reach Providencia
  • name
    Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport
    code
    PUQ
    location
    Punta Arenas
    distance From Center
    20 km (12 mi) north of Punta Arenas
    transfer Note
    Gateway for Torres del Paine and Antarctic cruises
Getting around
overview
Chileans use Empresa de Ferrocarriles del Estado, Santiago Metro, and intercity buses; Cabify and Uber operate.
trains
  • name
    EFE Trenes de Chile
    description
    National rail including Terra Sur and commuter lines.
    ticketing
    Buy at efe.cl or station counters.
ferries
    subways
    • name
      Metro de Santiago
      description
      Santiago underground serving the capital.
      ticketing
      Use Bip card at station gates.
    public Transit
    • name
      Turbus
      kind
      public
      description
      Major intercity coach operator.
      ticketing
      Buy at terminals or turbus.cl.
    ride Share
    • name
      Cabify
      kind
      rideshare
      description
      Ride-hailing in Santiago.
      ticketing
      Book via Cabify app.
    • name
      Uber
      kind
      rideshare
      description
      Ride-hailing in Santiago and Valparaíso.
      ticketing
      Book via Uber app.
    Currency
    code
    CLP
    name
    Chilean peso
    symbol
    $
    note
    Carry some chilean peso in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

    Convert your travel budget ↗

    Visas & official entry links
    Local customs
    summary
    Chileans are formal in greetings and reserved until friendship builds. The country stretches from desert to Patagonia, so regional norms vary. Wine culture, football, and family Sunday lunches anchor social life.
    customs
    • Cheek kiss greeting is common among women and mixed friends.
    • Once, Chilean time, means events may start late socially.
    • Tea time, once in the afternoon, is tradition in south-central regions.
    dos
    • Use hola and gracias in taxis, shops, and restaurants.
    • Dress in layers for Patagonia and Atacama extremes.
    • Tip 10 percent at restaurants if service charge is not included.
    • Use registered taxis or ride apps in Santiago at night.
    • Respect no-photo rules in some copper mines and military zones.
    donts
    • Do not compare Chile casually to Argentina in heated terms.
    • Do not drink tap water in rural north without confirming safety.
    • Do not photograph indigenous Mapuche ceremonies without permission.
    • Do not ignore tsunami evacuation signs on the coast.
    • Do not fly drones in national parks without CONAF permits.
    Useful travel phrases
    language
    Spanish
    phrases
    • english
      Please
      local
      Por favor
      pronunciation
      por fah-BOR
    • english
      Thank you
      local
      Gracias
      pronunciation
      GRAH-syahs
    • english
      Yes
      local
      Sí
      pronunciation
      see
    • english
      No
      local
      No
      pronunciation
      noh
    • english
      How much?
      local
      ¿Cuánto cuesta?
      pronunciation
      KWAHN-toh KWES-ta
    • english
      Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
      local
      ¿Dónde está el restaurante o bar más cercano?
      pronunciation
      DOHN-deh es-TAH el res-tow-RAHN-teh oh bar mahs ther-KAH-no
    • english
      Where is the airport?
      local
      ¿Dónde está el aeropuerto?
      pronunciation
      DOHN-deh es-TAH eh-ay-ro-PWER-toh
    • english
      I need help
      local
      Necesito ayuda
      pronunciation
      neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah
    • english
      I need a hospital
      local
      Necesito un hospital
      pronunciation
      neh-seh-SEE-toh oon o-spee-TAHL
    • english
      Call the police
      local
      Llame a la policía
      pronunciation
      yah-MAH a la po-lee-SEE-ah
    Longer stays
    visa Summary
    U.S. citizens may enter Chile visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism and business. Temporary residence visas cover work, retirement with proof of income, investment, and family reunification through the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones. Chile has modernized its migration law in recent years, so verify visa subcategories and income thresholds on official migration sites.

    Practical tips.

    • Carry U.S. dollars or pesos in cash for remote Patagonia towns where ATMs run dry in peak season.
    • Book Torres del Paine campsites and refugios as soon as reservations open because slots sell out within hours.
    • Use registered colectivos or ride apps in Santiago rather than unmarked taxis at the airport curb.
    More travel tips ↗

    Locate Chile.

    Location map of Chile

    Before you go.

    Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Chile ↗