Mauricio Farias, Unsplash License, Source

Chile

Land of dramatic climate contrasts

Chile stretches along South America’s western edge, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and framed by towering Andes mountains to the east. Its long, narrow shape creates varied climates from arid deserts in the north to lush forests further south. The capital, Santiago, serves as a modern hub while coastal towns like Valparaíso offer colorful scenery and historic charm. Travelers find active volcanoes, glaciers, vineyards and wildlife reserves within easy reach of cities or remote landscapes. This unique geography makes Chile both accessible and diverse for exploration year-round.

Add to list Map view

Country

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

Note: There can be large regional differences in price levels within a country. Be sure to check the price data of individual cities or regions to get a more detailed view.

See price details

Safety: 7.2

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	6
Tap water:	7

Read details

2/5

English proficiency varies across Chile. In tourist areas, hotels, and major attractions, basic English is common. However, in rural areas and with older generations, communication may require patience and simple Spanish phrases.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Chile Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Outstanding for diverse landscapes and outdoor adventure. Trek Patagonia glaciers, explore desert valleys, taste world-class wines and enjoy coastal wildlife watching.

Place score

8.3

Best at:

Natural sites

Mountains

Wine

Hiking

Guided tours

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

🛡️ 8

Travel Beginners

❤️ 8

Couples

Chile – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type L Type C: Type L: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Chilean Peso (CLP) £1 ≈ CLP 1,306
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in Chile, particularly in cities and tourist areas. Credit and debit cards are commonly used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is appreciated in Chile but not mandatory. A 10% tip is typical in restaurants. Taxi drivers and hotel staff also appreciate small tips for good service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally allowed in designated areas, but it is illegal to drink alcohol on the streets in some cities. It is best to consume alcohol in licensed venues.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transport.

Fiestas Patrias (18–19 September)	National holiday celebrating Chile's independence with parades and festivities
Christmas (25 December)	Celebrated with family gatherings and festive meals

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 133 (Police), 131 (Ambulance), 132 (Fire)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Cabify
Other:	Chile is famous for its natural beauty, including the Andes mountains, Atacama Desert, and Patagonia. It is a top destination for adventure tourism and outdoor activities.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Chile, Chile

☀️

Jan

☀️

Feb

☀️

Mar

☀️

Apr

☀️

May

☀️

Jun

☀️

Jul

☀️

Aug

☀️

Sep

☀️

Oct

☀️

Nov

☀️

Dec

High season:	Jan. - Feb., Dec.
Shoulder season:	March - April, July - Nov.
Crowdedness:	5 (Moderate tourist numbers)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Climate and season vary a lot by region: Patagonia best November to March, Atacama good year-round, Santiago and wine country best in spring and autumn, skiing July to September

Torres del Paine: most huts, campsites and services open only from October to April

Don't miss

🏜️ Explore the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert
🌋 Hike to the summit of the active Villarrica Volcano
🗿 Visit the iconic Easter Island moai statues
🥟 Taste authentic Chilean empanadas in Santiago
🚢 Cruise through the breathtaking fjords of Patagonia
🐧 Spot penguins and sea lions at Cape Horn

You've been here?

Why travel to Chile?

Chile's appeal lies in its remarkable geographic diversity packed into a relatively narrow country. It boasts stunning natural landscapes including the otherworldly Atacama Desert, the lush Lake District and the dramatic peaks and glaciers of Patagonia. Beyond the natural beauty, you'll find vibrant cities, world-class wineries and a rich cultural heritage influenced by indigenous traditions and European colonization. The country's excellent infrastructure makes it relatively easy to experience these diverse regions in a single trip. However, travelers should be prepared for certain challenges. Chile can be more expensive than other South American destinations, with costs varying significantly between regions. The weather can be unpredictable, especially in the south and the country's extreme length means climate conditions differ dramatically from north to south. While major tourist areas have good infrastructure, some remote regions may have limited accessibility during certain seasons.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Santiago
Capital city perched between Andes and Pacific, Santiago offers modern architecture, historic plazas and vibrant markets. The surrounding foothills host vineyards and hiking trails, while nearby beaches provide a quick escape for travelers from urban bustle.
2 San Pedro de Atacama
This high desert oasis in northern Chile features ancient geoglyphs, volcanic landscapes and stargazing opportunities that attract adventurers worldwide. The town offers rustic hotels, thermal baths and easy access to salt flats where silence reigns supreme under vast skies.
3 Torres del Paine National Park
This Chilean national park features dramatic fjords, turquoise lakes and towering granite peaks. Hiking trails wind through ancient forests and alpine meadows, offering world-class trekking opportunities. Visitors can spot guanacos and enjoy spectacular sunsets over Patagonia's rugged wilderness.
4 Punta Arenas
This southern Chilean gateway sits at the world's southernmost city, offering direct access to Patagonia's dramatic fjords and glaciers. While cruise crowds gather in town, venturing inland reveals a rugged, windswept wilderness far quieter than its touristy reputation suggests.
5 Valparaíso
This Chilean port city sits beneath the Andes, defined by its colorful hillside houses and historic funicular railway. While often overshadowed by Santiago's modernity, Valparaíso offers a gritty, artistic charm best explored on foot away from cruise ship crowds.
6 Viña del Mar
A coastal city in central Chile, nestled between vineyards and the Pacific Ocean. It features warm Mediterranean weather, sandy beaches and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for wine tasting and seaside relaxation year-round.
7 Pucon
A gateway to Patagonia’s high Andes and volcanic landscapes, this town offers hiking, horseback riding and scenic views of volcanoes like Villarrica. Nearby lakes and rivers provide kayaking, fishing and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Palacio de La Moneda
This historic presidential palace in Santiago features grand architecture and sweeping views of the city. While often closed to tourists, its imposing presence on Plaza de la Moneda makes it a significant landmark for visitors exploring Chile's capital.
2 Museum of Precolombian Art
This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts from across Chile, featuring intricate pottery, textiles and ceremonial objects that illuminate ancient Andean cultures and artistic traditions.
3 Puerto Natales
4 Chiloé Island

🎡Places for activities

1 Easter Island
2 Patagonia
3 Pucón
4 Valle del Elqui

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Cerro San Cristóbal
A dry, sunny island off the coast of Chile with consistent trade winds and beaches that stay warm year-round. The landscape is more desert than tropical, with cactus-covered terrain and dramatic rock formations along the northern coast.
2 Atacama Desert
3 Torres del Paine
4 Grey Glacier
5 Ischigualasto Provincial Park
6 Lauca National Park
7 Osorno Volcano
8 Volcán Villarrica
9 El Tatio
10 Marble Caves
11 San Rafael Lake

🛍️Shopping

1 Pueblito Los Dominicos
2 Parque Arauco
3 Patio Bellavista
4 Mercado Cardonal
5 Alonso de Córdova
6 central market
7 Costanera Center
8 Feria de Antigüedades
9 Alto Las Condes

🎈Events

Tapati Rapa Nui Festival (Easter Island)
Santiago International Film Festival
Vendimia Wine Harvest Festival
Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day)
Festival of the Virgin of La Tirana
Santiago a Mil Theater Festival
Viña del Mar International Song Festival
Cuasimodo Festival
Festival of San Pedro
Santiago Jazz Festival

Explore on map

Open map view

Popular travel destinations in Chile

Santiago

San Pedro de Atacama

Easter Island

Torres del Paine National Park

Punta Arenas

Knowledge before you go

Book Torres del Paine permits months ahead.
Use long-distance buses TurBus or Pullman for comfortable overnight travel between cities.
Layer clothing for dramatic weather shifts; Atacama extremely dry, Patagonia windy and wet.
Sip Carmenère wines in Maipo Valley; Chile's signature grape mistaken for Merlot for decades.

How to travel to Chile

Most international visitors arrive in Chile through Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, which has connections to major global hubs. Round-trip flights from North America typically range from US$800 – 1,500 (£601.22 – 1,127.29), while flights from Europe can cost US$900 – 1,800 (£676.38 – 1,352.75) depending on the season. Some travelers also enter by land from neighboring countries like Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. For EU citizens, only a passport is required for stays up to 90 days, while most other nationalities receive a tourist card upon arrival valid for the same period.

Access summary

Santiago/central Chile: Fly to Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) from global hubs.
Atacama Desert (San Pedro): Fly to Calama (CJC) via Santiago; buses to town.
Patagonia (Puerto Natales/Punta Arenas): Fly via Santiago to PUQ or TNY; bus transfers.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Chile

Chile offers accommodations for every budget, from luxury hotels in major cities to rustic lodges in Patagonia and the Lake District. In Santiago and Valparaíso, you'll find international hotel chains alongside boutique hotels in historic buildings. Budget travelers can find hostels starting from CLP 15 – 25 (£0.01 – 0.02) per night, while mid-range hotels typically cost CLP 60 – 120 (£0.05 – 0.09). For unique experiences, consider staying in traditional estancias (ranches) in Patagonia, wine lodges in the Central Valley or eco-lodges in the Atacama Desert. During high season (December-February), accommodations in popular destinations should be booked well in advance.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Wyndham Santiago Aeropuerto

9.0

Hotel Solace

9.3

Hotel Plaza San Francisco

9.1

Plaza El Bosque Ebro

8.8

Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal By IHG

8.5

Boulevard Suites Hotel

9.1

Hotel Patagonico

8.7

Hotel Rio Serrano and Spa

9.0

Mandarin Oriental, Santiago

9.3

Terrado Suites Antofagasta

9.0

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Chile

Getting around Chile is relatively straightforward but can be time-consuming due to the country's length. Buses are the primary mode of intercity transportation, offering comfortable and affordable service between major destinations. For longer distances, domestic flights save considerable time, connecting cities like Santiago, Calama (for Atacama), Puerto Montt (for the Lake District) and Punta Arenas (for Patagonia). Within cities, public transportation is efficient, especially in Santiago with its modern metro system. For exploring remote areas, renting a car provides flexibility, though some regions have limited road access.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-41 %

Daily expenses in Chile are around 41% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-17 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to CLP) is 17% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£42	£93	£267
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£19	£45	£128
🍝 Food per day	£19	£43	£124
🚕 Transportation per day	£3	£5	£15

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£16
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£8
🍟 Fast food combo	£6.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£6.50
☕ Cappuccino	£2.70
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£2.90

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.65
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£9
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£1.10

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£5
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£34
🤧 Cold medication	£3.50
💇 Basic haircut	£10.50

Safety information overview

General safety

Chile is generally one of the safest countries in South America, though exercise normal precautions in urban areas where pickpocketing can occur. Avoid isolated areas after dark in major cities. Natural hazards include earthquakes and occasional volcanic activity.

Health & Medical

Chile has good quality healthcare facilities in major cities, though services may be limited in remote areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Altitude sickness can affect travelers in northern regions like San Pedro de Atacama.

Accessibility

Accessibility varies across Chile. Major cities and newer tourist facilities offer some accessibility features, but historical sites and natural areas often present challenges for mobility-impaired travelers. Santiago's metro has improved accessibility in recent years.

Tap water

Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities, though many travelers prefer bottled water for taste. In remote areas, stick to bottled or purified water. Bottled water is widely available and reasonably priced.

Packing recommendations for Chile

Comfortable walking shoes

🌞

Sun cream

hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream

🚰

Reusable water bottle

hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream

hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream

📃

Travel insurance

🪪

Copies of passport and important documents

📱

Translation app or phrasebook

🧥

Fleece mid-layer

for variable temperatures

📱

Travel eSIM

🔌

Universal travel adaptor

🩺

Prescription medicines

💳

Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

🛂

Passport

Destinations in Chile

Santiago

San Pedro de Atacama

Easter Island

Torres del Paine National Park

Punta Arenas

Valparaíso

Viña del Mar

Pucon

Portillo

Valle Nevado

Casablanca Valley

Elqui Valley

Nearby recommended places

Easter Island

Bolivia

Falkland Islands

Colombia

Argentina

Uruguay

Ecuador

Brazil

Peru

Antarctica

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Summary:	Hot and sunny, long Patagonian days
Temperature:	14 – 25 °C
Rain:	1 mm (No rain at all)
Crowdedness:	Many tourists

Summary:	Hot and dry, long Patagonian days
Temperature:	14 – 25 °C
Rain:	1 mm (Just a trace of rain)
Crowdedness:	Many tourists

Summary:	Warm and dry, grape harvest begins
Temperature:	13 – 24 °C
Rain:	1 mm (Just a trace of rain)
Crowdedness:	Few tourists

Summary:	Mild and sunny, autumn colors in the south
Temperature:	11 – 22 °C
Rain:	1 mm (Just a trace of rain)
Crowdedness:	Few tourists

Summary:	Cool and rainy in the south
Temperature:	9 – 19 °C
Rain:	19 mm (Scattered light rain)
Crowdedness:	Not touristy