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VIAJES BARATOS

Y experiencias únicas de viajes.

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ALOJAMIENTOS

Trabajamos con las principales cadenas hoteleras

Te ayudamos a encontrar los mejores precios

Encuentra y reserva una experiencia fantástica

¿AUN NO DECIDES EL DESTINO?

¡te ayudamos, recomendados.

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Isla de Pascua

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Santo Domingo

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Puerto Príncipe

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FORMAS DE PAGO

Si tienes un mejor precio,, travel vip te mejora la oferta.

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TE ACERCAMOS A UN MUNDO DE VIAJES

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Estimado cliente : Informamos que el viernes 29 de diciembre, nuestra atención a público tendrá horario extraordinario, por lo que nuestras sucursales cerrarán a las 15:30 horas.

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*Los despachos a regiones podrían presentar retrasos por la actual situación del país.

Buscar Vuelos

Las mejores opciones en hoteles en Chile y el mundo.

Tu mejor alternativa para viajar la encuentras aquí.

Relájate con el plan de Asistencia a la medida de tu viaje.

Recorre el mundo a bordo de un crucero soñado.

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Recorre el mundo canjeando tus Dólares-Premio y paga en cuotas sin interés. Disfruta los convenios con las principales aerolíneas para viajar por Chile, Sudamérica y Europa.

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Viaja a todo Chile y Sudamérica con Travel Sky

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Viaja a Estados Unidos con Travel Delta

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Más cerca de Europa con Travel Iberia

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Viaja al viejo continente con Travel British Airways

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Refrigeración

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Hornos y Microondas

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Lanzamiento S24

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Electrodomésticos

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Lentes de Sol

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Vinos y espumantes

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Restaurantes

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dolares premio

Entretención.

Uber Eats

Música y Espectaculos

Cine

Vestuario y Calzado

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Cuotas sin interés

Disfruta los beneficios pagando con tus Tarjetas

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Recibe todas las novedades y promociones en tu email

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Estimado cliente : Informamos que el viernes 29 de diciembre, nuestra atención a público tendrá horario extraordinario, por lo que nuestras sucursales cerrarán a las 15:30 horas.

Traslado gratis al aeropuerto con tus Tarjetas de Crédito del Chile.

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Acumula el doble de Dólares-Premio pagando con tus Tarjetas de Crédito del Chile  

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Canjea hasta el 80% usando tus Dólares-Premio, pagando con tus Tarjetas de Crédito del Chile.

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Paga en 6 ó 12 cuotas sin interés con tus Tarjetas de Crédito del Chile

¡Viajamos Contigo de Principio a Fin!

Travel te entrega asistencia, orientación y apoyo en todas las etapas de tu Viaje.

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Florianópolis, Brasil

Incluye bolso o mochila pequeña

Río de Janeiro, Brasil

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Miami, Estados Unidos

Incluye equipaje en bodega

ó $1,191,236

Punta Cana, Rep. Dominicana

Cancún, México

Madrid, España

Incluye equipaje de mano

Directo vía LEVEL

Barcelona, España

Londres, Inglaterra

ó $1,055,369

Paris, Francia

ó $1,422,554

Roma, Italia

ó $1,362,631

Florencia, Italia

ó $1,788,540

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Atención personalizada.

Recibe asesoría online de nuestros ejecutivos para tu próximo viaje.

¿Necesitas agregar maletas a tu viaje?

En pocos pasos, ahorra tiempo y dinero.

Ofertas Imperdibles en Hoteles

Unique Club at Lopesan Costa Bávaro - All Inclusive

Punta Cana, , República Dominicana

Unique club at lopesan costa bávaro - all inclusive, o $ 2,541,012.

CONDICIONES

Valores por 2 personas en dólares americano.

Descuentos mencionados ya están aplicados a las tarifas publicadas.

Válido para compras hasta 29 febrero 2024.

Menores9 de 0 a 1.99 años van gratis en solo en hotel, otros servicios deben ser pagados. Hasta 2 menores con 2 adultos pagando.

Niños entre 2 y 12.99 años pagan valor CHD, compartiendo la habitación con 2 adultos.

Hotel tiene política monoparental: Un adulto viajando con 1,2 ó 3 niños: adulto paga tarifa SGL y niños pagan tarifa infantil .

Plan familiar considera 2 adultos + 2 niños en la misma habitación, compartiendo mobiliario existente

El hotel garantiza 1 cama King más un sofá. 2 camas Queen están sujetas a disponibilidad. No se proveen camas adicionales.

Programa No incluye: Ticket aéreo, Asistencia médica en viaje, Propinas, gastos personales, Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, Fee de agencia, todo ítem no mencionado como incluido.

Permite cambio de fecha, dando aviso con una anticipación de 14 días, antes de la fecha de inicio del viaje. Según las nuevas fechas de viaje, puede que aplique diferencia de tarifa.

Cancelaciones serán aceptadas sin cargo con 7 días anticipación, cancelación con menos anticipación aplica multa de 2 noches de tarifa normal . Para no show y salidas anticipadas aplica multas.

Capacidad de habitaciones:

Junior Suite - Tropical: Mín 1 adulto / Max 2 adultos + 2 niños menores o 3 adultos + 1 niño

Junior Suite - Pool: Mín 1 adulto / Max 2 adultos + 2 niños menores o 3 adultos + 1 niño

Junior Suite - Ocean: Mín 1 adulto / Max 2 adultos + 2 niños menores o 3 adultos + 1 niño

Coronavirus: Tenga en cuenta que las medidas y directrices de los gobiernos locales establecidas por los proveedores de servicios incluidos los hoteles, traslados, circuitos, parques temáticos, excursiones, eventos y otros están dando lugar a medidas de distanciamiento social para proteger a los viajeros. Por lo tanto, es probable que los pasajeros de los hoteles se encuentren que algunas instalaciones - por ejemplo, discotecas, gimnasio o los salones de buffet, entre otros – que no estén disponibles en un 100% o encontrar que algunos elementos han sido adaptados o eliminados; las distintas autoridades locales podrían imponer diferentes restricciones que pueden ir variando día a día dependiendo de la evolución de la pandemia producto del COVID 19.

Ocean Maya Royale

Playa del Carmen, México

Ocean maya royale, o $ 1,901,232.

Valores por habitación en dólares americano.

Programa No incluye: Asistencia médica en viaje, Propinas, gastos personales, Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, Fee de agencia, todo ítem no mencionado como incluido.

Plan Familiar corresponde a 2 adultos + 2 niños compartiendo habitación Doble con el mobiliario existente.

Niños entre 3 y 11 años pagan valor CHD, compartiendo la habitación con 2 adultos.

Habitaciones Triple se componen de 2 camas dobles para compartir.

Servicios No utilizados no son reembolsables

Para programas en México: Tarifa no incluye impuestos medio ambiental a pagar directamente en destino, el cual no está incluido en el valor del programa. Valor referencial por noche por habitación $28.86 MXN (USD 1,4 aprox), se paga al momento de hacer el check in en el Hotel. Tarifa no incluye Impuesto por 'Derecho de aprovechamiento turístico”, por $224 pesos mexicanos aproximadamente USD 11. El pago deberá ser realizado a través del siguiente link: https://www.visitax.gob.mx/sitio/

Coronavirus: Tenga en cuenta que las medidas y directrices de los gobiernos locales establecidas por los proveedores de servicios incluidos los hoteles, traslados, circuitos, parques temáticos, excursiones, eventos y otros están dando lugar a medidas de distanciamiento social para proteger a los viajeros. Por lo tanto, es probable que los pasajeros de los hoteles se encuentren que algunas instalaciones - por ejemplo, discotecas, gimnasio o los salones de buffet, entre otros – que no estén disponibles en un 100% o encontrar que algunos elementos han sido adaptados o eliminados; las distintas autoridades locales podrían imponer diferentes restricciones que pueden ir variando día a día dependiendo de la evolución de la pandemia producto del COVID 19.

Ocean Blue & Sand

Punta Cana , República Dominicana

Ocean blue & sand, o $ 1,258,740.

No incluye: Traslados, Asistencia médica en viaje, Propinas, gastos personales, Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, Fee de agencia, todo ítem no mencionado como incluido.

Plan Familiar corresponde a 2 adultos + 2 niños compartiendo habitación doble con el mobiliario existente.

Servicios No utilizados no son reembolsables.

Tarifas no aplican para feriados largos nacionales e internacionales, congresos y eventos especiales.

Permite cambio de fecha sin multa, dando aviso con una anticipación de 7 días, antes de la fecha de inicio del viaje.

Según las nuevas fechas de viaje, puede que aplique diferencia de tarifa.

Se aceptarán cancelaciones hasta 7 días antes de la fecha de llegada, sin penalidad.

Cualquier cancelación posterior aplicará 100% de cargo.

Viaje tranquilo y protegido, consulte con su ejecutivo de ventas planes y tarifas para su  “Asistencia Médica en Viaje”.

Bahia Principe Grand Aquamarine

Punta Cana, República Dominicana

Bahia principe grand aquamarine.

No incluye: Asistencia médica en viaje, Propinas, gastos personales, Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, Fee de agencia, todo ítem no mencionado como incluido.

Se aceptarán cancelaciones hasta 7 días antes de la fecha de llegada, sin penalidad. Cualquier cancelación posterior aplicará 100% de cargo.

Viaje tranquilo y protegido, consulte con su ejecutivo de ventas planes y tarifas para su  “Asistencia Médica en Viaje “.

Bahia Principe Grand Tulum

Riviera Maya, México

Bahia principe grand tulum, o $ 1,872,072.

Menores de 0 a 1.99 años van gratis en solo en hotel, otros servicios deben ser pagados. Hasta 2 menores con 2 adultos pagando.

Niños entre 2 y 12.99 años pagan valor CHD, compartiendo la habitación con 2 adultos. 

Cancelaciones serán aceptadas sin cargo con 7 días anticipación, cancelación con menos anticipación aplica multa de 2 noches. Para no show y salidas anticipadas aplica multas.

Para programas en México: Tarifa no incluye impuestos medio ambiental a pagar directamente en destino, el cual no está incluido en el valor del programa. Valor referencial por noche por habitación $67.35 MXN (USD 3.9 aprox), se paga al momento de hacer el check in en el Hotel.  Tarifa no incluye Impuesto por 'Derecho de aprovechamiento turístico”, por $224 pesos mexicanos aproximadamente USD 11. El pago deberá ser realizado a través del siguiente link: https://www.visitax.gob.mx/sitio/ [visitax.gob.mx]

 Coronavirus: Tenga en cuenta que las medidas y directrices de los gobiernos locales establecidas por los proveedores de servicios incluidos los hoteles, traslados, circuitos, parques temáticos, excursiones, eventos y otros están dando lugar a medidas de distanciamiento social para proteger a los viajeros. Por lo tanto, es probable que los pasajeros de los hoteles se encuentren que algunas instalaciones - por ejemplo, discotecas, gimnasio o los salones de buffet, entre otros – que no estén disponibles en un 100% o encontrar que algunos elementos han sido adaptados o eliminados; las distintas autoridades locales podrían imponer diferentes restricciones que pueden ir variando día a día dependiendo de la evolución de la pandemia producto del COVID 19.

Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres

Costa Mujeres, México

Majestic elegance costa mujeres, o $ 2,855,979.

Eden Roc Miami Beach

Eden Roc Miami Beach

O $ 1,157,185.

The Belvedere Hotel

Nueva York, USA

The belvedere hotel, o $ 1,370,734, ofertas imperdibles. hoteles en chile y sudamérica..

Hotel Bellavista Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas, Chile

Hotel bellavista puerto varas.

Descansa Frente al Mar en Sheraton Miramar

Viña Del Mar, Chile

Descansa frente al mar en sheraton miramar, valor antes $198.846.

Tarifas validas para viajar hasta el 31 de mayo 2024. Tarifa por persona, sujeta a cambio o disponibilidad sin previo aviso. - Valores variables según temporada y vigencia tarifaria de cada Hotel. - Los valores pueden variar y solo quedan garantizados con la confirmación y pago de la reserva. - Documentación: Es de responsabilidad de cada pasajero contar con la documentación de viaje al día (cédula de identidad, pasaportes y/o visados, etc.) y de cualquier otro requisito necesario para ingresar al lugar de destino. - Los horarios de check in y check out los fija cada hotel. En general las habitaciones están disponibles para su ingreso a partir de las 15:00 PM y la salida debe ser antes de las 12:00 PM. Ingresos o salidas posteriores pueden significar cobros adicionales. - Cualquier requerimiento especial asociado a su reserva (Cunas, mascotas, servicios adicionales entre otros), deben ser informados y gestionados con su ejecutivo de ventas antes de su fecha de viaje. - Servicios o consumos adicionales no están incluidos en la programación, estos deben ser pagados directamente por el pasajero en destino. - Tarifas no son válidas para feriados, fines de semana largos o festivos, eventos, congresos y fechas especiales de alta ocupación donde el Hotel determine alzas de sus valores

Hotel Boutique BCW

Casablanca, Chile

Hotel boutique bcw.

Escapada Relax Hyatt Centric Las Condes

Santiago, Chile

Escapada relax hyatt centric las condes, promociones recomendadas.

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Cruceros fluviales por Europa.

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¡Hasta 75% dto. para el 2do pasajero!

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Cruceros en el Caribe. ¡Hasta 60% dto. en el 2do pasajero!

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Eventos deportivos y musicales. Hoteles, traslados y entradas.

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Hoteles y escapadas de Norte a Sur.

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Programas con alojamiento, vuelos, excursiones, salidas fijas y más.

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Medios de pago para tus viajes

Paga en 6 ó 12 cuotas sin interés con tus tarjetas de Crédito del Chile y/o con tus Dólares-Premio.

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Usa otros medios de pago a través de WebPay.

Contamos con ofertas para una gran variedad de destinos. Si no encontraste aquí lo que buscabas, te invitamos a contactar a un asesor de viajes, llamando al 600 300 9000 (lunes a viernes de 09:00 a 18.30 horas) o agenda una videollamada .

Obtén información de tu viaje o contrata más servicios.

Atención, lunes a viernes. 09:00 a 18:30 horas.

Agenda una videollamada

Un asesor te ayudará a armar tu viaje.

Conoce la Guía de Viajes

Encuentra información y sugerencias para que tu viaje sea más seguro aquí

¿Qué es el programa Travel?

Es el programa de fidelización del Banco de Chile que premia la lealtad de sus clientes, quienes podrán acumular Dólares-Premio por el uso de sus Tarjetas de Crédito. Saber más

Recibe todas las novedades y promociones en tu email

Condiciones.

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Agencia de viajes

Somos una Agencia Boutique que ofrece servicios de viajes 100% personalizado y a la medida.

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Transporte privado

Realizamos traslados al aeropuerto, viajes para empleados, viajes especiales para instituciones, entre otros.

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Chile Tours

With a serene backdrop of the Andes Mountains, Chile is a long, narrow coastal country that is overwhelmingly blessed with natural riches. Lying on the west coast of South America bordering the Pacific Ocean, the country has a widely varied climate that makes it appealing to even the most demanding travelers. Our Chile tours will take your breath away!

From the world’s driest desert in the Atacama and a quite rainy region in the south, to a more Mediterranean climate in the middle and even a tropical climate out on Easter Island (Rapa Nui), travel to Chile can provide any type of journey. Plus, extremely rich, volcanic soil makes it a wine lover’s paradise. In the abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses and seafood, you have the perfect accompaniment for even the most discerning foodie.

Home to many natural wonders, including San Pedro de Atacama, the mysteriously lovely Easter Island and the natural splendor of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, our tours ensure you’ll never fall short of expected luxuries, while truly finding something for everyone. Other highlights include the cities of Santiago (the capital and largest city), Valparaiso (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Punta Arenas (one of the southernmost cities in the world). Let us help you plan your trip to Latin America now.

trip to chile

Chile is especially renowned for its wine country, whose regions stretch across the whole of the country. From the easily accessible Maipo region just outside Santiago (noted by experts as one of the world’s next culinary hotspots), to the more removed Maule Valley in the south, it’s possible to hop from region to region sipping some of the world’s best reds– and value wines too– on your trip to Chile.

Easily accessible by any South America destination, Chile tours are excellent as add-on trips or as a complete South America experience. Start your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Chile today.

Call our trip designers at 800.772.9188 to explore our suggested Chile tours today, and begin personalizing your extraordinary journey to Chile with our private guides in private cars.

What makes the Luxury Tours to Chile so sensational?

  • Chile has various climates, that allows diverse travelers to do numerous types, of expeditions.
  • For your wine lovers, Chile is best known for its wine country.
  • If you’re a foodie, Chile provides a plethora of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and seafood.
  • There is an abundance of natural sites that can be visited. For example, the alluring San Pedro de Atacama, the mystifying Easter Island, and the gorgeous Torres del Paine National Park.
  • You will be able to experience two of Chile’s cities, Santiago and Punta Arenas, which they are both filled with vibrant culture.

Good Things to Know If You Are Touring Chile

Visa requirements, visa is not required for u.s. citizens staying 90 days or less (tourist passports only), passport validity, for the duration of stay, languages spoken, currency used, vaccinations required, none, but check with your doctor for recommendations, regions for travel to chile.

  • Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
  • Puerto Montt
  • Puerto Varas
  • Punta Arenas
  • San Pedro de Atacama
  • Torres del Paine

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REDEFINING THE END-TO-END PASSENGER EXPERIENCE AND BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

LATAM opens new VIP lounge for international travel at Santiago International Airport

Lounges & Gates // Apr 2022

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LATAM has opened a new lounge for international travel at Santiago International Airport, replacing its old VIP lounge. The 4,000 sqm “LATAM Lounge” is located in Santiago Airport’s new Terminal 2, and is available to all passengers who are part of the LATAM benefits programme in the Black Signature, Black and Platinum categories, for flights in Premium cabin, alliance customers and Business partners, travelling on international flights, or making stopovers in Chile.

The new lounge will offer enhanced services, including lockers for hand luggage, sleeping areas, special areas for children and families, showers, open bar, buffet service with Latin American cuisine, ironing service, shoe shine, and co-work areas.

In line with the group’s sustainability commitment, the new space will operate on 80% renewable energy, and will feature interactive games with educational themes surrounding recycling and conservation. The new lounge will also compensate its carbon footprint through unique ecosystem conservation projects in South America.

“Our decision making is always guided by our customers, and we continue to advance an experience where everyone can choose what is important for their trip. We have promoted changes and innovations in our new Lounge to create a space that highlights the best of our region and where there are options for everyone to enjoy their time as they see fit,” said Paulo Miranda, Vice President of Customers, LATAM Airlines Group.

“This represents another step in the group’s sustainability strategy, which we are convinced should be an integral aspect in all our areas. It must guide us and be at the centre of what we do,” added Miranda.

The upcoming FTE EMEA & FTE Ancillary shows, co-located with the FTE World Airport Retailing Summit, taking place on 7-9 June in Dublin, will feature a dedicated  Lounge Innovation Forum , designed to provide inspiration on what we can expect from the airport lounge in the future. Stay tuned for more information coming up in the next few weeks. Find out more about the FTE Dublin mega-show  here . 

Future Travel Experience Ancillary

11-13 June 2024, Dublin

Empowering the airline sector to profit from collaborative digital retailing opportunities at every step of the journey

Future Travel Experience EMEA

A gathering of air transport’s digital and innovation leaders, creative designers and progressive minds who will inspire one another and reimagine travel together.

Future Travel Experience Global

28-30 oCT 2024, California

Where the world's most progressive travel facilitators define tomorrow’s end-to-end passenger experience

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Future Travel Experience APEX Asia EXPO

19-20 November 2024, Singapore

Connecting vendors with airline and airport executives to transform tomorrow’s end-to-end passenger journey across Asia-Pacific

Get Future Travel Experience news & updates sent to your inbox

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Chile Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

a mountain landscape in Chile

Chile is one of the most slender and longest countries in the world — it’s just 150 miles across at its widest point! From the snow-capped volcanoes of Patagonia and blistering heights of the Andes to world-class wineries and Maoi sculptures of Easter Island , there are a lot of wonderful things to see in Chile.

Traveling to Chile was one of the best experiences I’ve had in South America. It just constantly blew me away. It’s one of the most developed South American countries (the capital, Santiago, is a tech hub for the region), the people were awesome, the food was incredible, and the scenery made me feel in awe of nature.

Not only is there lots to do but the country is budget-friendly, which really rounds it out as a must-see destination.

Use this travel guide to Chile to plan your visit, save money, and make the most out of your trip!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Chile

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Chile

Giant stone heads lined up next to each other on Easter Island off the coast of Chile

1. See Easter Island

Easter Island, located 3,540 kilometers (2,200 miles) off the coast of Chile, is the most isolated inhabited island on earth and home to the Rapa Nui Polynesian indigenous people that have lived there since 300 CE. Named after explorer Jacob Roggeveen’s ‘discovery’ of the island on Easter Sunday in 1722, this protected UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its Moai sculptures (the iconic big faces dotted all over the island). However, there is so much more to the island, including thousands of archaeological sites, volcanic craters and tunnels, pristine beaches, and excellent diving. To explore this magical place, hike around the dramatic cliffs and extinct volcanoes around the Moai archeological sites or around the spectacular Rano Kau crater and the Ana O Keke Cave. Or go sun yourself on Anakena’s beautiful white coral sand beach or Ovahe, a secluded pink sand beach hidden in a little cove with sparkling turquoise waters.

2. Discover Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine lies between the Andes and Patagonian steppe and is made up of snow-clad mountains, glacier lakes, and some of the best hiking in Chile. It also happens to be one of the most beautiful and desolate regions on the planet. There is no end to the scenic views here, including the three rugged, towering peaks of Central, Monzino, and Dagostini as well as the Southern Ice Fields. Be sure to wander around the enchanting Sarmiento Lake and see the Amarga Lagoon and the giant Salto Grande Waterfall. Admission is 29,250 CLP for up to three days for foreigners.

3. Explore Santiago

Chile’s capital is a thriving city and home to a third of the country’s entire population. Founded in 1541, this vibrant capital offers gorgeous panoramas, great restaurants, tasty locally-produced wine, and of course, Barrio Bellavista’s nightlife. There are quite a few must-see attractions in the city: Parque Metropolitano (a large urban park) as well as Cerro San Cristóbal, where you can hike around taking in beautiful views of the city, shouldn’t be missed. The Museum of Human Rights is also a must-visit site, as it chronicles the dark years of Pinochet when thousands of people ‘disappeared’ at the hands of his violent regime.

4. Marvel at San Pedro de Atacama

Located in Chile’s Norte Chico northern region, San Pedro de Atacama is one of Chile’s hottest tourist towns. Literally. Sitting at 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), the ancient town is in the driest desert in the world (it reportedly hasn’t seen rain since 1870). But the rock formations here are stunning, and it’s the perfect place to stargaze. This little town with adobe houses and dirt streets only has 5,000 inhabitants but plenty of tourists visit up to explore the stunning valley landscapes, the Atacama Salt Flats, and the Chaxa and Miniques Lagoons. Don’t miss the famous beautiful jagged geological formations of Valle de la Luna and Valle de la Muerte valleys that can be reached by bicycle from town.

5. Visit colorful Valparaiso

Nicknamed the “Jewel of South America,” this colorful city near Santiago is a mesh of bohemian bars and Victorian architecture along a coastline of sheer cliffs. The laid-back atmosphere and beauty of the area have inspired generations of writers and poets, including poet Pablo Neruda. Be sure to bring your camera because the whole city is painted in vibrant Insta-worthy colors. Take the Ascensor Reina Victoria funicular up to the Concepcion neighborhood and have a cocktail on the hilltop overlooking the city as you try some of the delicious local seafood dishes. Also, be sure to check out two of Chile’s top beaches nearby, the upscale Viña del Mar and the super cool Reñaca.

Other Things to See and Do in Chile

1. see the san marcos cathedral.

The same architect who was responsible for the Eiffel Tower, Alexandre Gustav Eiffel, designed San Marcos Cathedral. The cathedral is in Arica, Chile’s northernmost city, and was built to replace the original cathedral destroyed by an earthquake in 1868. The new cathedral was commissioned in 1876 and is a rare example of Gothic architecture in South America.

2. Get tipsy on a wine tour

Chile’s vineyards have been producing world-class wine for over 400 years. There are plenty of tours available around the country as vineyards stretch the entire length of Chile. I think the best wineries are located near Santiago. Expect to pay around 15,000-20,000 CLP for a basic tour, though fancier tours at more prestigious vineyards can easily be over 55,000-100,000 CLP per person. Most tours last 4-8 hours.

3. Hike a volcano

Chile is home to the world’s tallest active volcano, Ojos del Salado, which lies in the Andes near the Argentine border. Villarica and Osorno are also popular volcanoes (and both lie close to lakes). Most volcanoes in the country have thermal spas at their base too. Experienced hikers can do the trip on their own, though there are plenty of guided tours available for travelers looking for a group tour. Most multi-day tours span 10-14 days and cost millions of pesos. For day trips like the Cajon de Maipo, Osorno Volcano, Termas Colina, and Petrohue Falls, expect to pay 32,000-56,000 CLP per person.

4. Valle de la Muerte

Also known as “Death Valley,” this is an astounding place to hike, go horseback riding, or even go sandboarding. Located in the northeast of the country near San Pedro de Atacama, there are also guided moonlight walks that take you out over the rocky martian landscape. You can rent a sandboard for around 8,300 CLP or go on a sandboard tour for 23,000 CLP per person which includes transportation. There are even tours that sandboard at midnight, using spotlights to light the way (they have a DJ too!). If you’re looking to hike, check out the Corniza Trail. It’s a 7-hour loop that’s relatively easy (many families do it).

5. Santuario de la Naturaleza Valle de la Luna

Also located near San Pedro de Atacama, the “Valley of the Moon” is an otherworldly landscape that is home to stones and sand formations that have developed an extraordinary texture due to thousands of years of winds and flooding. The rock formations look like the surface of the moon, hence the park’s name. It’s a great place to go hiking — just don’t forget to bring water as it can get quite warm. Tours are available for around 26,000 CLP per person.

6. See the El Tatio geysers

A popular tourist attraction, these geysers are incredibly beautiful and well worth a visit as they make up the largest geyser field in the Southern Hemisphere (and they are the third largest in the world). You have to get up around 4am as all the tour companies aim to get you there by sunrise and it’s a 90-minute drive from San Pedro de Atacama. But it’s worth the effort! Bring a swimsuit as there are thermal pools nearby. Tours cost around 33,000-38,000 CLP. You can visit without a tour (admission is 15,000 CLP) but you’ll need to rent your own vehicle to get there.

7. Museo de Bellas Artes

This museum is one of the best in the country. Located in Santiago, it’s home to a wide display of fine art, sculptures, photography, paintings, and digital media. Built in 1910, the building is somewhat small but the architecture is equally as impressive as the collection within (it was built in the Beaux-arts style and has a very Parisian feel to it). Admission is free.

8. Mingle among the wealthy in Viña del Mar

Considered a Chilean Miami, this city next to Valparaiso serves as a hotspot for casinos, upscale cafes, and seaside restaurants. Even if you don’t have money to burn, it’s an interesting place to spend an afternoon people-watching as you wander the beach promenade. You’ll find lots of world-class restaurants here. If you’ve got some money to burn, stay a night!

9. Tour Pablo Neruda’s homes

One of the world’s most famous poets used to call Chile home. With homes in Valparaiso, Santiago, and Isla Negra, this Chilean icon stuffed a lifetime of knick-knacks, literature, and interesting maritime architectural pieces into his three abodes. All of them are open to the public. Even if you’re not a huge fan of his work, his homes alone are an interesting glimpse into Chilean culture as Neruda is a cultural icon and one of the most famous poets of the 20th century. Admission to each home costs around 7,000 CLP and includes an audio-guide system in multiple languages.

10. Get off the beaten path

Some lesser-known treasures worth visiting in Chile are Frutillar (a beautiful lakeside community in southern Chile’s Los Lagos Region), Lonquimay (another gorgeous lakeside town in the Malleco Province of southern Chile’s Araucanía Region), Caleta Tortel (a rugged seaside town with wooden walkways instead of streets in the heart of Patagonia) and Coyhaique (a less pricey Northern Patagonia city that’s a hub for great nature adventures). If you’re looking to beat the crowds, be sure to visit some of these lesser-known destinations.

11. Swim in the world’s largest pool

If you’re looking for some luxury, head to the Crystal Lagoon, home to the world’s largest swimming pool. It’s located at the San Alfonso del Mar resort in Algarrobo, just west of Santiago. The pool is the size of twenty Olympic swimming pools and is the biggest recreational swimming pool in the world, requiring 66 million gallons of water just to fill it! A 1-2 bedroom apartment rental here costs 70,000-120,000 CLP per night.

Chile Travel Costs

Colorful buildings in the city of Valparaiso, Chile

Accommodation – Hostel dorms start around 9,800 CLP per night and private rooms come in at around 22,000-30,000 CLP. Free breakfast and free Wi-Fi are common, and many hostels have self-catering facilities if you want to cook your own food.

Budget hotels are inexpensive in Chile with prices starting at 25,000-35,000 CLP per night for a basic double or twin bed (though expect to pay closer to 55,000 CLP for a nicer budget hotel). Many budget hotels include free breakfast and free Wi-Fi (though not all, so be sure to double-check).

Airbnb is available in the larger cities, with prices as low as 16,000 CLP per night for shared accommodation. If you want a private home or apartment, expect to pay at least 45- 60,000 CLP.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is possible. There are a handful of campgrounds scattered around the country where you can pitch a tent for as little as 5,300-6,000 CLP per night but some with lots of amenities and proximity to the beach are as much as 35,000 CLP.

Food – With an extensive coastline, Chilean cuisine relies heavily on seafood. Cod, salmon, shrimp, lobster, prawn — there are tons of options available. BBQ meat (including alpaca) is particularly popular in the north. Other popular Chilean dishes include churrasco (steak sandwich), machas a la parmesana (clams baked with white wine, parmesan cheese, and butter), and chupe (a hearty seafood stew), and empanadas.

Overall, food in the country isn’t too expensive, though prices get a lot higher the further south you go due to higher transportation costs. Most places in the country offer a set menu for lunch with a starter, main, and drink for about 7,000 CLP. A steak dinner with wine and an appetizer costs around 35,000 CLP while a fast food combo meal (think McDonald’s) costs around 6,000 CLP.

A latte or cappuccino costs 2,300 CLP while a domestic beer can be as cheap as 3,000 CLP. Bottled water is 850 CLP.

Grocery shopping can save you a lot of money if you have access to a kitchen. Expect a week’s worth of groceries to cost around 25,000 CLP depending on your diet. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, quinoa, vegetables, and some meat.

As everything must be shipped south, food prices in Patagonia are about 30% higher than elsewhere in the country.

Backpacking Chile Suggested Budgets

How much does it cost to visit Chile? That depends on a few different factors, specifically, what you plan on doing while you’re here as well as your travel style.

On a backpacking budget of 36,000 CLP per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook your own meals, use public transportation to get around, and visit a few museums. If you plan on drinking, you’ll need to add 5,000-8,000 CLP per day.

On a mid-range budget of 105,000 CLP per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, take buses between destinations, eat out at street stalls and cheap restaurants serving local cuisine, take the occasional taxi, drink at the bar, and do some paid excursions like guided hikes and wine tours.

On a “luxury” budget of 205,000 CLP per day, you can stay in a hotel, hire a rental car to get around, do some guided tours, drink as much as you want, and eat out at nice restaurants for every meal. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CLP.

Chile Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Chile can be an expensive place to visit, especially if you’re doing a lot of tours and activities. The size of the country also means you can end up spending a lot on transportation. Here are some tips to help you save during your visit:

  • Buy wine at the supermarkets – Surprisingly, buying wine from vineyards can be more expensive than in the supermarkets. Buy from the supermarkets if you’re on a tight budget.
  • Take the bus – Bus service is inexpensive and efficient here. Night buses are comfortable and a good way to save on a night’s accommodation (they often have lie flat beds).
  • Buy food from La Vega Market – La Vega Market in Santiago sells everything you could possibly need and all sorts of local ingredients from Chile and Peru. Shop here for your veggies, fruits, and to get an authentic experience.
  • Eat at the local fish markets – In the coastal cities, the local fish markets are usually the best place for a seafood meal. Though the restaurants look cheap and thrown together, they’re delicious!
  • Shop around – Haggling is not common and vendors stick to their guns even when called out for price discrimination. So, if you’re quoted an inflated price for being a tourist it’s best to just move around and find alternatives where the prices are already set and visible. Otherwise, you’ll just be wasting your time and energy.
  • Ride in a micro or colectivo – Regular buses are for intercity transportation. “Micros” are intracity, and “colectivos” are taxis that drive a specific route once they get four people in the car, and charge a very low rate. If you want to go somewhere, chances are there’s a micro or colectivo that can get you close — just ask a local and they’ll know where to point you.
  • Stay with a local – Chile doesn’t have a huge Couchsurfing community, but you can still give it a shot and try to find a host (and get a local friend and a free place to stay). Just be sure to send your requests early!
  • Take a free walking tour – There are some great options available when it comes to free walking tours in Santiago, such as Tours 4 Tips or Free Tour Santiago . If you want to explore the city while learning about its history, architecture, and people then be sure to take a free tour. Just remember to tip at the end!
  • Stay at a Hola Hostel – Hola Hostels is a network of hostels predominantly in South and Central America. They offer 10% off to their members, as well as other local discounts for food and activities. Joining is free, and their hostels are also committed to environmentally sustainable practices.
  • Travel in the shoulder season – Prices in the country are cheaper outside of the high season (which is November-March). This includes admission to parks like Torres del Paine, which charge double during the busy summer months. Beat the crowds and save some money by skipping the high season.
  • Bring a water bottle – LifeStraw is a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter that you can use instead of buying single-use plastic bottles. It removes bacteria, parasites, micro plastics, and other contaminants so it’s perfect for cities as well as if you’re out hiking in nature.

Where to Stay in Chile

Hostels can be found in all the major destinations across Chile. Here are my recommended places to stay if you’re on a budget:

  • Hostal Forestal (Santiago)
  • Poker Hostel (Santiago)
  • Hostal Po (Valparaiso)
  • Hostal Rural (San Pedro de Atacama)
  • Kona Tau (Easter Island)
  • Chili Kiwi Lakefront (Pucon)

How to Get Around Chile

The city of Santiago nestled in a valley with mountains rising up behind the tall buildings in Chile

Public transportation – Public transportation, especially in Santiago, is reliable and affordable. In Santiago, you need to purchase a refillable bus pass (BIP Card) for your journeys as individual tickets are no longer available. The card costs around 1,550 CLP with the average ride costing around 700 CLP (prices vary depending on the time of day). BIP cards need a minimum initial credit of 1,000 CLP. You have to pay for your card and top-ups in cash; non-Chilean credit cards are not accepted.

Bus – For intercity travel, buses are the cheapest way to get around — and they are nice too! Reclining seats are common and many even recline almost all the way down. Additionally, some night buses even have a curtain between the seats so you can have a little privacy from your neighbor. The best companies to use are Turbus and Pullman.

Expect to pay at least 38,000 CLP per person from Santiago to Antofagasta. From Santiago to Valparaiso, bus tickets cost around 6,000–10,000 CLP each way. For something like the cross-country journey from Santiago to Punta Arenas, expect to pay at least 60,000 CLP for the 40-hour bus ride (this is an incredibly long distance so you have to change at Osorno or choose flying).

Train – Traveling by train in Chile is virtually non-existent. Much of the tracks have been left to decay beyond repair outside the central region of the country. Trains link Santiago with Curico, Talca, Linares, and Chillan with air-conditioned cars but that’s the extent of Chile’s train infrastructure. You can visit trencentral.cl for the available routes and prices.

Flying – Flying around the country is surprisingly affordable. Expect to pay around 28,000-35,000 CLP for the two-hour flight from Santiago to Antofagasta. Prices are similar for trips from Santiago to:

  • La Serena (one hour)
  • Calama (two hours)
  • Arica (two hours forty-five minutes)
  • Concepcion (one hour)
  • Puerto Montt (one hour forty minutes)

For a flight between Santiago and Puerto Natales, expect to pay around 40,000-55,000 CLP. Round-trip flights from Santiago to the remote Easter Island cost around 240,000-300,000 CLP.

Car rental – Driving in Chile is much easier (and safer) than driving in other South American countries. Many of the highways are well-maintained thanks to their liberal use of toll roads. While driving in Santiago can be a little chaotic, once you get out of the city things generally become much easier. Expect to pay around 178,000 CLP for a one-week rental. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Chile

Since Chile is in the southern hemisphere, the summer months are December, January, and February. With landscapes ranging from desert to tundra, the weather and temperatures can vary tremendously here. Expect daily highs around 28-30°C (82-86°F) in Santiago, while the highs in Torres del Paine are closer to 13°C (55°F).

Winter is not a particularly great time to visit as the temperatures can drop below freezing, with snowfall common in certain regions. Daily lows reach -15 °C (5 F), making it rather unpleasant to be out and about during the day. Unsurprisingly, you can see why most travelers visit during the summer.

Fortunately, the shoulder season is also a fantastic time to visit Chile as you’ll be able to beat the crowds and save yourself some money. It’s an especially good time to visit if you plan on visiting Torres del Paine as there will be fewer hikers here and the park admission will be much cheaper. November and March are usually included in the high season, so aim for late October or early April. The weather won’t be perfect, but it’s a good compromise for travelers looking to dodge the crowds.

How to Stay Safe in Chile

Chile is considered a safe destination and generally ranks as one of the safest on the continent. That said, crimes still do occur so you’ll want to take some precautions during your trip. The most common crimes in Chile are petty theft and bag snatching. Since these are crimes of opportunity, you’ll always want to make sure your possessions are secure. Be extra vigilant when riding the bus and when you’re in areas popular with tourists.

When taking the bus (especially the night bus) make sure you don’t have any valuables in your checked bag. Additionally, keep any valuables secure and out of reach from any would-be pickpockets.

If you’re enjoying the nightlife of Santiago, keep an eye on your drink as drink-spiking can occur.

Be sure to read about the common travel scams to avoid here .

Earthquakes are also common enough in Chile that you’ll want to make sure you are prepared should one occur. Know where your emergency exits are in your accommodation as well as any local evacuation locations for major emergencies. If you have a map downloaded on your phone, save the location of the nearest hospital and airport as well, just in case.

If you need emergency services, dial 113 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Chile Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Chile Gear and Packing Guide

If you’re heading on the road and need some gear suggestions, here are my tips for the best travel backpack and for what to pack!

The Best Backpack for Travelers

REI Flash 45 Pack

If you want something different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for tips on picking a pack and other backpack suggestions.

What to Pack for Your Trip

  • 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • 1 bathing suit
  • 5 T-shirts ( Unbound Merino is my preferred company. If you’re a member of TNN+, you can get 15% off your purchase )
  • 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
  • 1 pair of flip-flops
  • 1 pair of sneakers
  • 6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
  • 5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
  • 1 toothbrush
  • 1 tube of toothpaste
  • 1 package of dental floss
  • 1 small bottle of shampoo
  • 1 small bottle of shower gel

Small Medical Kit (safety is important!!!)

  • Hydrocortisone cream
  • Antibacterial cream
  • Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)

Miscellaneous

  • A key or combination lock (safety first)
  • Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
  • Plastic bags (great for laundry)
  • Universal charger/adaptor (this applies to everyone)
  • LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)

Female Travel Packing List I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:

  • 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
  • 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
  • 2-3 long-sleeve tops
  • 2-3 T-shirts
  • 3-4 spaghetti tops
  • 1 light cardigan
  • 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
  • 1 hairbrush
  • Makeup you use
  • Hair bands & hair clips
  • Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)

For more on packing, check out these posts:

  • What I Pack For My Travels
  • The Ultimate List For Female Travelers
  • How to Choose and Buy the Right Backpack

Chile Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Chile travel and continue planning your trip:

Is Chile Safe to Visit?

Is Chile Safe to Visit?

How to Travel Easter Island on a Tight Budget

How to Travel Easter Island on a Tight Budget

18 of the Best Spots in Patagonia

18 of the Best Spots in Patagonia

Patagonia: Thoughts on Getting Offline and Trying to Camp

Patagonia: Thoughts on Getting Offline and Trying to Camp

12 Ways to Save Money in Argentina

12 Ways to Save Money in Argentina

16 Amazing Photos from My Visit to Torres Del Paine

16 Amazing Photos from My Visit to Torres Del Paine

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

  • Where To Stay
  • Transportation
  • Booking Resources
  • Related Blogs

Chócale

Marzo 2024: Tendencias y novedades para la vuelta a clases

travel vip chile

DIRECTV transmitirá todos los partidos de la Copa Sudamericana

Thomas Kimber, fundador y CEO de Karün, y el futbolista Lionel Messi

La iniciativa que juntó a Karün con Lionel Messi

Cuotas sin interés con tarjetas de crédito del Banco de Chile, Santander, Itaú, BancoEstado, Scotiabank, BICE, CMR y Bci en marzo de 2024

Las campañas de cuotas sin interés de las tarjetas de crédito en marzo

  • Coronavirus
  • Banco Santander
  • Tarjetas de crédito
  • BancoEstado
  • Comercio electrónico
  • Supermercados
  • Servicio Nacional del Consumidor (SERNAC)
  • Gobierno de Chile
  • LATAM Airlines
  • Emprendimiento
  • Banco de Chile
  • Derechos del consumidor

Salones VIP en aeropuertos de Chile: ¿Cómo ingresar gratis con tu tarjeta de crédito?

travel vip chile

Mucha agua ha pasado bajo el río con los salones vip de los aeropuertos en Chile , por lo que decidimos renovar por completo nuestra guía para acceder de forma gratuita aprovechando los beneficios de bancos y tarjetas de crédito.

Un salón VIP es una instalación exclusiva diseñada para ofrecer confort y privacidad a los pasajeros antes de embarcar en un vuelo . Están destinados principalmente a viajeros de clase Business, miembros de programas de viajero frecuente de aerolíneas, clientes de una tarjeta de crédito o pasajeros que pagan un acceso adicional.

TE PUEDE INTERESAR: Banco de Chile inaugurará cuatro salones VIP propios en el Aeropuerto de Santiago

Entre las comodidades habituales se incluyen asientos más cómodos, acceso a Wi-Fi de alta velocidad, alimentos y bebidas gratuitas, espacios para trabajar y relajarse, y algunos ofrecen duchas y gastronomía de primer nivel.

Dependiendo de la tarjeta, podrías contar con la posibilidad de ingresar sin costo a los lounge ubicados en el Aeropuerto de Santiago o en diversos terminales a lo largo del país . Según el plástico que tengas, podrías contar con un número de accesos anuales a uno o varios salones, con la posibilidad de —en algunos casos— entrar acompañado.

El cierre del salón Pacific Club en el terminal internacional de Santiago comenzó a dar paso a la apertura de cinco lounge nuevos de Primeclass. En el caso de Pacific, la cadena sigue operando únicamente en terminales nacionales, desde Iquique a Punta Arenas, incluido el T1 de Santiago.

Los salones VIP que operan en Chile

  • Pacific Club : Es el mayor operador de salones en el país, pertenece a la empresa Servicios Aeroportuarios S.A. Actualmente, gestiona dos salones en Santiago (Terminal Nacional, T1) y en Iquique, Calama, Antofagasta, La Serena, Concepción, Temuco, Puerto Montt y Punta Arenas. Ya no tiene presencia en el Terminal Internacional (T2).
  • PrimeClass : Es una sociedad conjunta entre Servicios Aeroportuarios S.A. y la empresa turca TAV Operation Services. La marca opera dos salones VIP en el terminal nacional (T1) de Santiago y una vez que completen las obras, la alianza entre ambas empresas contará con cinco recintos en el internacional (T2), uno por cada espigón más uno en la zona pública del piso 1 (llegadas).
  • Banco de Chile Lounge : En un espacio anexo a los nuevos PrimeClass del T2, se están habilitando salones para los clientes del Banco de Chile. Solo pueden acceder gratuitamente quienes poseen los planes Cordillera y Océano, mientras el resto de los clientes tendrá una tarifa preferencial. Habrá uno por cada espigón (C, D, E y F).

Salón vip LATAM Lounge WorldMember en el Aeropuerto de Santiago

  • LATAM Lounge : Es el salón de LATAM Airlines y se ubica en el edificio principal (procesador central) del Terminal Internacional del Aeropuerto de Santiago. Está dividido en tres espacios diferenciados, cada uno con su propia propuesta gastronómica e infraestructura. El salón Signature es para quienes viajan en Business o los socios tier top de LATAM Pass , el Premium es para los pasajeros Premium Economy y de categorías Platinum, y el salón WorldMember está dirigido a los clientes de Banco Santander. Está lejos de los espigones, por lo que se debe considerar 10 a 15 minutos de desplazamiento hasta la puerta de embarque.
  • Salón SkyTeam : Es gestionado por la empresa Global Lounge Network. Es el lounge de la alianza de líneas aéreas SkyTeam, en la que forman parte Delta, Aeroméxico, KLM, Air France y Aerolíneas Argentinas, entre otras. Solo pueden ingresar pasajeros con categorías tier top en los programas de estas aerolíneas, que viajen en cabinas premium o con Priority Pass volando en aerolíneas de la alianza o en sus asociadas. Está en el terminal 2E.

Acceso gratuito a salones VIP con la tarjeta de crédito

En el caso de las tarjetas tipo black (habitualmente reconocidas por su color negro), algunos de los bancos ofrece accesos gratis o de cortesía que suelen permitir ingresar a algunos de los salones que funcionan en los aeropuertos en Chile.

Si quieres entrar al Lounge LATAM Airlines Group ubicado en salidas internacionales (T2), el Banco Santander ofrece acceso sin costo a todos los titulares de tarjetas de crédito LATAM Pass Worldmember y Worldmember Limited al viajar al extranjero en esta línea aérea. Personalmente, creo que los salones de LATAM son los mejores del aeropuerto .

En el caso de los nuevos Primeclass , hay beneficio de acceso con CMR Elite de Banco Falabella ; tarjetas Personal Bank de Itaú ; las Visa Signature, Infinite y Wealth de Scotiabank ; y las tarjetas AAdvantage Visa Infinite, OpenSky Visa Infinite, OpenSky Visa Signature y OpenSky Mastercard Black del Banco Bci .

A partir de enero de 2024 comenzó la apertura de los salones vip Banco de Chile Lounge , en un espacio contiguo a cada uno de los nuevos Primeclass Internacional de la zona aérea. Pueden acceder sin costo los clientes de la entidad con planes de cuenta corriente Cordillera y Océano .

En tanto, en los últimos años no hubo grandes variaciones en los requisitos de acceso a los salones Pacific Club. La mayoría de las tarjetas que contaba con el beneficio lo mantiene, aunque estos recintos ahora solo están disponibles para vuelos nacionales.

Salones VIP Travel del Banco de Chile en el Aeropuerto de Santiago

Detalle de accesos gratuitos por bancos y tarjetas

Lista de beneficios de acceso gratuito y a valor preferencial para los salones vip en Chile con convenios de bancos y tarjetas de crédito.

Otras formas de acceder a salones VIP (por cabina o programa de viajero frecuente)

Finalmente, aparte de los beneficios que ofrecen los programas de beneficios de los bancos y emisores de tarjetas en Chile, existen otras formas habituales de acceso a los salones vip de forma gratis o con valor preferencial.

La primera es viajando en una cabina Business o Premium Economy en una aerolínea , siempre que tenga un convenio con un salón lounge en el aeropuerto de origen.

En el caso de Santiago, siempre que tu vuelo sea LATAM con destino en el extranjero y viajes en cabina Premium Business, podrás ingresar al Salón Signature , el mejor de los tres ambientes del LATAM Lounge. También es aplicable a quienes viajan en cabina Delta One de Delta.

También ingresan a los salones vip de LATAM quienes tengan una categoría dentro del programa LATAM Pass. Los Black Signature y Black acceden al Salón Signature , y los Platinum —además de los pasajeros Premium Economy— al salón Premium. Si eres Gold en el programa Delta SkyMiles, o socio Emerald o Sapphire en Qantas , Japan Airlines e Iberia, también podrás acceder al salón Premium del LATAM Lounge si es que viajas en LATAM.

En el caso de las demás aerolíneas, aquellas que forman parte de la alianza SkyTeam te permiten acceder a su propio salón en el espigón E . Hablamos de Aerolíneas Argentinas, KLM, Air France, Delta y Aeroméxico, habitualmente cuando viajas en Business o si es que estás en las más altas categorías de sus respectivos programas de viajero frecuente.

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Worldly Adventurer

The Ultimate Chile Itinerary For Ten Days and Two Weeks

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 12th December 2023

With the piercing peaks of the Andes prominent in the north, glacier-riddled national parks of the south, and fertile, wine-growing valleys of the center, it’s fair to say that Chile has jaw-dropping geographical diversity oozing from every pore.

It’s for this very reason why planning a Chile itinerary for ten days or more of travel might seem a bit of a headache. However, I’ve got plenty of ideas about how to organize a showstopping tour of this truly incredible country – and even wrote a guidebook about it .

What's in this article:

How to use this Chile itinerary

Luckily, Chile has one of the best plane networks and road connectivity in South America, meaning you can – and should – zip between its diverse regions if you’re on a short trip.

Staying here longer? Even better; you’ve got plenty of time to really get under the skin of a country I came to love over the three and a half years I was based here. You can also get inspired by my list of the 31 best places to visit in Chile – which includes not just the “must-sees” but those under-the-radar destinations that few other websites mention.

This Chile itinerary focuses on the things to do in Chile broadly, but you’ll find plenty more details about where to go in Patagonia in the following:

  • Four itineraries for one and two weeks of travel in Patagonia
  • An itinerary for three or more weeks in Patagonia and free e-book download )

chile itinerary 10 days and two weeks

Looking for guidance about what to take with you on a trip to Chile? Check out our detailed Patagonia packing list , as well as our guide to what to pack for South America more generally.

Recommendations for travel in Chile and using this Chile itinerary:

  • As a vast, sprawling country, there are plenty of things to do in Chile; it’s always better to slim down your travel itinerary, take it slow and really dig deep into a place than scratch the surface with a whistle-stop tour of all the top attractions. In the latter, you’ll also spend too much time traveling between places which, let’s face it, is not the main idea of a holiday or even longer-term travel.
  • Travel in Chile is expensive and while this post doesn’t delve too deeply into how you can travel Chile on a budget, consider booking cheaper types of accommodation, such as local alojamientos or hospedajes (cheap B&Bs) or cabañas (cabins) if you’re in a group, many of which aren’t available to book via hotel booking websites.
  • Chile is a safe place to visit. Despite protests breaking out across the country in 2019 and 2020, the situation has since calmed. Parts of Santiago are less safe than others (for example, avoid Downtown at night) and the use of Uber or official taxis firm is highly recommended, but once you get out of the city, you’ll find Chile a safe and welcoming place to travel .
  • There is a wealth of good hotels and guesthouses across the country. Some of the best had a profound impact on my trips around the country, which is why I’ve pulled together my absolute favorites into this guide to the best hotels in Chile (just 31 of them!!).
  • Plenty of hostels and the previously mentioned accommodation types also have kitchens, making it easy to self-cater. Bear in mind that Chile has some excellent restaurants and some surprisingly good local cuisine (even if it might not seem like it at first glance) so make sure to factor in some time and money for eating out!
  • Alternatively, camping is relatively easy throughout the country , so pack camping and cooking equipment (see my recommendations in this post about packing for Patagonia ) and use that as a way of seeing Chile on the cheap.
  • These Chile itineraries for ten days and two weeks rely on the fact that you will take some long-distance transport to travel between the regions. Yes, flights can be expensive, but if you plan ahead, you can get a good deal with Sky Airline (the low-cost airline) and LATAM (the more upmarket airline). I generally compare prices on Skyscanner and then book directly through the companies themselves.
  • Additionally, Jet Smart is Chile’s answer to Easyjet in Europe and has some extraordinarily low fares, although, they don’t yet offer flights to all of the cities and they’re often at slightly more awkward hours. However, they’re definitely worth checking out, particularly as they’re starting to offer direct flights between cities in Chile without having to go through Santiago, which can significantly reduce your flight time (you can see their full list of destinations here ). Be aware that you always have to pay an extra fee for both hold baggage and cabin baggage and they will charge you if you go over the weight limit for either. 
  • Buses are also an inexpensive and reliable way of traveling through Chile, with long-distance, overnight buses making it easy enough to travel from Puerto Montt to Santiago or Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama in reasonable comfort (although prices of flights, if booked a few weeks in advance, are generally as cheap as bus tickets for these routes). Aim to book a couple of days in advance; websites such as Bus Bud , Viaje en Bus , and Recorrido are really helpful, while you can book off the cuff at the bus terminals in all towns and cities.
  • Renting a car is also a great way of traveling. I’ve personally driven through a lot of Chile and it’s much faster than taking buses and gives you the freedom to explore beyond the main tourist destinations. Driving in Santiago is somewhat terrifying and you find drivers don’t pay a lot of attention in most cities and even in rural areas, so you’ll want to keep your wits about you. However, of all the countries in South America, Chile (and Argentina) is definitely the safest place to rent a car. There are lots of tolls on the highways, so make sure you’ve always got cash and download Maps.me for maps available without internet. I always book using Rental Cars , as I find they have the best prices (even better than going directly with companies generally) and have insurance documents in English. Always double-check your insurance documents to ensure your insurance is valid for driving on unpaved roads if you plan on exploring the Carretera Austral , as this is not always guaranteed.
  • Uber and other ridesharing apps such as Easy Taxi, do work in Chile. Uber used to be illegal, but now isn’t. Uber is generally a reliable and safe way of traveling around cities (and better than hailing a cab, which will often try and rip you off or scam you).
  • Oh, and I lived in Santiago for close to three years and wrote a guidebook about Chile (you can learn about the project here and buy the book here ), so rest assured that these itineraries stem from some pretty extensive exploration and travel.

Planning Your Trip to Chile?

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What previous clients have said:

Steph’s itinerary exceeded all expectations. She provided off-the-beaten-path hikes, great restaurants and accommodations, and very helpful local contacts. Due to the weather, we had to deviate from our original plan, however, Steph quickly responded to our email during the trip with further recommendations. Her service took all the guesswork out of planning our vacation and led to the most fun and unforgettable trip we have ever had!

FAQs about visiting Chile

Chile is a vast country, extending 4,270 km (2,653 mi) from tip to toe and packed with superlative natural landscapes, world-renowned wineries, and remarkable cultural destinations. As a result, the minimum amount of time you want to spend in Chile to truly get a feel for the country is ten days.

Seven days isn’t much time to see this huge country. However, with just seven days, you could spend one in Santiago enjoying the city’s fine restaurants and exploring its museums and street art , before heading out to the Casablanca wine valley to sample the country’s tastiest white wines or to the historic coastal city of Valparaíso . 

From there, you can fly three hours south to Punta Arenas, the southernmost settlement in continental South America, where you can see penguins and whales.

Afterward, continue to Puerto Natales (three hours north by vehicle), the gateway town to Torres del Paine National Park . Spend three days in this beautiful protected area kayaking to glaciers, hiking to lofty mountain peaks, and even catching sight of pumas. Then, fly back to Santiago and then home.

January and February mark the hot summer months in Chile, but also the busiest times for tourism. If you want to explore the sights of Patagonia and other popular places around the country without the crowds, the months of November and March are the best times to visit Chile . Expect slightly cooler temperatures but quieter attractions!

Chile Itinerary for ten days of travel 

Day one: santiago.

Arrive at Aeropuerto Internacional Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) in Santiago and take either a transfer ($7,000 with Delfos or TransVIP ; no need to book in advance), Uber or the Turbus airport bus (get off either at Terminal Pajaritos (better if it’s rush hour) or Terminal Alameda and take the metro Line 1 to the centre of town).

Spend your afternoon trotting around Downtown. Visit the Plaza de Armas to see the oldest buildings in the city, some of which date back to the 18th century.

Pop into the Museo Histórico Natural (Natural History Museum) to learn about Chilean history and, more importantly, to take their free tour up to the Reloj de la Torre , the Clock Tower, for incredible panoramas of the entire Plaza de Armas.

Visit the nearby Museo Chileno de Artes Precolombino (Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian Art), with its incredible collection of pottery, textiles, and artwork covering the pre-Colombian civilizations across Latin America.

You could also spend an afternoon learning about another side of Chile at the Museo de Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Museum of Memory and Human Rights), which explores the darkest days of Chile’s history: the Pinochet dictatorship.

Finally, read this article about the best things to do in Santiago , this piece about day trips you can’t miss from Santiago , and then listen to my interview on the We Travel There podcast to learn more about my recommendations for visiting Chile’s capital city.

chile itinerary 10 days and two weeks

For dinner, you’ve got various options:

  • Head to Barrio Bellavista to experience unique, indigenous cuisine at Peumayen or go for gourmet Chilean dishes paired with some of the best Chilean wines at Bocanariz .
  • Barrio Lastarria (a couple of blocks west of Plaza Baquedano) is also a good shout for dinner. Learn about Chilean pisco at Chipe Libre or go for traditional Chilean dishes at Liguria , a restaurant popular among local Santiaguinos and even Kate Moss.
  • Barrio Italia (about six blocks south of Plaza Italia) is up-and-coming, with excellent Chilean dining (with a focus on sustainability and farm-to-fork) at Silvestre Bistró .
  • For meat lovers keen to learn about the Chilean art of the asado (barbecue), make sure you head east along Line 1 of the metro for a steak (cooked a punto (medium rare) at Eladio .

Where to stay in Santiago: Stay overnight in Santiago’s first ‘ecoHotel’,  Carménère Eco Hotel  (Santander 292, double room $155,000 CLP ($196 USD)), which is equally appealing to environmentally conscious travelers and those seeking an authentic Chilean wine experience from their own hotel. It’s in the heart of the hip Barrio Italia, surrounded by a wealth of bars and restaurants and excellent transport links.

Alternatively, read my complete guide to Santiago’s best hotels and hostels for every budget, ordered by neighborhood. 

Days Two to Five: San Pedro de Atacama

Head back to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) , from where domestic flights leave from a separate terminal. Take a two-hour flight to Calama .

Transfer services at the airport are timed to leave after flights arrive, so hop on one (one hour 30 minutes) or hire a car and drive to San Pedro de Atacama , one of Chile’s top tourist attractions.

chile itinerary 10 days and two weeks

Spend the next two days exploring the region’s top sites, including Piedras Rojas, Lagunas Altiplanicas and Geisers del Tatio, and spend an evening stargazing and learning what ancient Andean cultures believed lay in the night sky.

For more detailed information and inspiration for San Pedro de Atacama read this post on adventurous places to visit in and around San Pedro de Atacama .

Where to stay in San Pedro de Atacama: If you’ve got a bigger budget or are traveling in a couple, stay at Ckuri Atacama   (double $63,000 CLP/$80 USD; minimum two-night stay); it’s definitely the nicest accommodation you’ll find in San Pedro. Their three double rooms include private bathrooms, large double beds, a small breakfast area with fridge, cutlery, and plates (breakfast isn’t included – so go and check out Pananderia Franchuteria (Calle Gustavo Le Paige) in town for Chile’s best croissants and other delicious French pastries!).

Where to stay on a budget in San Pedro de Atacama: For smaller budgets,   Hostal Lackuntur (dorm $15,000 CLP/$19 USD, double $47,000 CLP/$60 USD) is ideal. It’s got a decent kitchen, loads of hammocks, and a very welcome swimming pool. Its location a few blocks north of the town also ensures it’s nice and quiet during the evenings.

Days Six and Seven: Valparaíso

Return to Calama and take a flight to Santiago. Buses leave from the Terminal Alameda (Av. Alameda 3750) and the Terminal San Borja (San Borja 235) in the city center for Valparaíso (two hours, $3,000 CLP/$4 USD), a historic harbor city set across 42 hills and home to a wealth of street art.

This includes La Sebastiana, the beautiful ship-inspired house of Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda (well, one of his three), elderly acensores (which are also UNESCO heritage monuments), and a colourful skyline of brightly-painted houses, cobbled streets, and vivid graffiti.

Read all about our favorite things to do in Valparaíso for more information about the city.

If visiting over the summer (be warned: it gets rammed full of Chilean holidaymakers), be sure to hop on a local  micro ( bus) and head around the coast towards Viña del Mar where the best beaches are.

The easiest to access is Playa Caleta Abarca as it’s right on the main road that passes through the city, while nearby Reñaca also has a pretty beach.

Viña del Mar is also home to the brilliant Museo de Arqueología e Historia Natural Francisco Fonk , which houses a collection of artifacts from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) – including a 2.9-meter tall moai statue – and is well worth a visit.

chile itinerary 10 days and two weeks

Valparaíso has a reputation for being unsafe at night, so you’ll want to stay in either Cerro Alegre or Cerro Concepción. Wherever you stay, avoid the bus station at night, and stick to areas with plenty of street lights.

Where to stay in Valparaíso: Winebox (Baquedano 763, $99,000 CLP/$125 USD double) is a truly unique hotel, built entirely from 25 recycled shipping containers. What’s more, they have an urban winery in the basement and a wine bar cum restaurant on the roof (which is open to the public). It’s actually on Cerro Mariposa, so you’ll need to take local colectivos (shared taxis) or taxis to get into the centre at night.

Where to stay on a budget in Valparaíso: For smaller budgets, the pint-sized Puerta Escondida (Templeman 549, $79,000 CLP/$100 USD double room) is a welcoming B&B in the heart of Cerro Concepción. It gets booked up fast, so be sure to reserve in advance.

Days Eight and Nine: Santiago and Colchagua

Return by bus to Santiago and you’ve got two options for exploring another of Chile’s top attractions: vineyards (which, in our opinion, make Chile the best country in South America for wine ).

  • For bigger budgets: rent a car and drive to winery Casa Silva, just north of San Fernando.
  • For smaller budgets: take the bus from the Terminal Santiago ( Av. Alameda 3850) operated by Nilahue to Santa Cruz (3 hours, $7,000),

1. For bigger budgets

One of the most awarded wineries in the country and on the northern tip of the Colchagua Valley, Casa Silva not only has a wonderful setting (think rolling hills covered with neat rows of vines and a colonial-style bodega overlooking their polo field) but also an excellent restaurant.

Where to stay: I stayed in their gorgeous accommodation, Hotel Casa Silva  (double $181,000 CLP/$210 USD) and spend a day eating in their two fine restaurants, wine tasting in their wine shop, and wandering their vineyards.

You can stay one day at Casa Silva, and then on the next, drive to Santa Cruz, the main town for the Colchagua wine valley, and spend an afternoon exploring some of Chile’s top vineyards (see below).

chile itinerary 10 days and two weeks

2. For smaller budgets

Take a bus to Santa Cruz where you can rent mountain bikes, complete with panniers, from Casa Suiza ($40,000 CLP/$51 USD double, $19,000 CLP/$24 USD dorm) to explore the local vineyards of the surrounding Colchagua Valley at your leisure.

For all budgets

All of the wineries in the Colchagua Valley offer tastings, tours and many even have fine-dining restaurants (in beautiful settings, surrounded by vines), so I strongly suggest you aim to have lunch at one of the restaurants.

The valley is also known for its carménère wine , a grape similar, and for a long time, confused with Merlot, so make sure you sample plenty while you’re here.

My favorite is Montes , which lies ten kilometers north of Santa Cruz. It’s a renowned winery (they age their wine to the sound of Gregorian chant in an amphitheater-shaped cellar) with tours (from $10,000 CLP/$14 USD), tasting (from $2,000 CLP/$3 USD per glass) and the truly sensational Fuegos de Apalta restaurant.

I had the best steak of my life in their dining room, which surrounds a circular iron grill where you can watch the chefs at work. It doesn’t come cheap (expect to pay $20,000-$24,000 CLP/$28 USD-$34 USD per main) but their lomo liso (sirloin) and entraña (skirt steak), washed down with a Cabernet Sauvignon is an experience you’ll never forget.

Other wineries to visit from Santa Cruz include:

  • Boutique winery Laura Hartwig , which you can easily walk to for a tasting as it’s on the outskirts of Santa Cruz. They produce very small quantities of wine each year and while it can sometimes be hit-and-miss, they often strike gold. You can sample glasses for just $1,000 CLP/$1.5 USD).
  • Eight kilometers east of Santa Cruz, Viu Manent is a winery set within a beautiful old hacienda. Their star grapes are Carménère and Malbec and they have tours of the vineyard via horse-drawn carriages (from $15,000 CLP/$21 USD) as well as tastings (from $12,000 CLP/$17 USD) and great food in their restaurant Rayuela Wine & Grill ($9,000-$14,000 CLP/$13-$20 USD mains).

Where to stay in Santa Cruz: Hotel TerraViña (Camino a los Boldos, $166,000 CLP/$210 USD double) has a charming location overlooking rows of vines from cast-iron balconies and a swimming pool. The added boon is they’re a short walk through the vines to the Laura Hartwig winery, which can be reached by a short vine-lined path.

Where to stay on a budget in Santa Cruz: Small budgets will enjoy staying overnight in Casa Suiza (Los Libertadores 199, $40,000 CLP/$51 USD double, $19,000 CLP/$24 USD dorm). There are plenty of places for unwinding, including a grassy garden, plus kitchen access, and owners who run cycling tours to tiny boutique wineries.

Day Ten: Santiago

Spend a final day in Santiago. Dedicate at least three hours to exploring the Museo de Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Museum of Memory and Human Rights), an excellent museum dealing with a grizzly topic: the Pinochet dictatorship that lasted from 1973 to 1990.

Los Cuernos in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, as seen from the road into the park from the southern entrance

Want a custom-made Chile itinerary, but without the effort of planning it?

Get it planned by an expert (me!) with my travel itinerary planning service ; you’ll give me an overview of your ideal once-in-a-lifetime trip to Chile and/or Patagonia, and I’ll put together a custom itinerary just for you using my expert knowledge of the destination.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a local operator to plan and book your trip, I recommend our trusted partner EcoChile Travel. They design and book tours throughout the country, such as this 12-day highlights of Southern Patagonia itinerary – and offer Worldly Adventurer readers a 5% discount on their services!

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If you want to learn first-hand about the Chilean love of the sanguche , head to La Fuente Alemana for a traditional churrasco (beef or pork sandwich) – just ask them to go easy on the mayo. Alternatively, sample some other key Chilean dishes in Santiago with the help of this guide to Chilean food .

Head over to nearby Barrio Lastarria ( barrio means neighborhood) and take the short hike up to Cerro Santa Lucia for views across the city and the omnipresent Andes Mountains beyond.

For even more impressive cityscape views, take the funicular up to Cerro San Cristóbal in Parque Metropolitano (don’t walk; there have been reports of muggings of people hiking up the hill and those straying from the trails).

Finally, listen to my interview on the We Travel There podcast to learn more about my recommendations for visiting Chile’s capital city.

Return to the airport and fly home.

Chile itinerary for two weeks of travel : Santiago and the Lakes District

Arrive at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago and take either a transfer ($7,000 with Delfos or TransVIP; no need to book in advance, Uber, or the Turbus airport bus (get off either at Terminal Pajaritos (better if it’s rush hour) or Terminal Alameda and take the metro Line 1 to the center of town).

For more inspiration, read this article about tourist attractions you can’t miss in Santiago .

Where to stay: Splurge on your hotel and stay overnight at the foot of Cerro Santo Lucia in  Hotel Magnolia  (Huérfanos 539, $276,000 CLP ($350 USD) double) in the heart of the Barrio Lastarria and surrounded by a wealth of bars and restaurants, plus excellent transport links.

Alternatively, read my complete guide to Santiago’s best hotels and hostels for every budget (including much more affordable than Hotel Magnolina), ordered by neighborhood or learn about other things to do in Santiago .

Days Two to Five: Chiloé

Fly from the domestic terminal in Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) to Aeropuerto El Tepual (PMC) (one hour 40 mins), the airport just outside of Puerto Montt .

Outside the airport, buses for the bus station in central Puerto Montt (30 mins, $2,500 CLP/$3.5 USD) are run by Andrés Tour and leave a short while after flights land.

Moon Chile guidebook

Need more inspiration?

You’ll find even more detailed itineraries, off-the-beaten-path gems, hiking routes and accommodation, restaurant and tour recommendations to suit your travel style in my brand-new guidebook, Moon Chile.

In the bus terminal, there are plenty of companies selling tickets to Ancud, on Chiloé Island (2.5 hours including the boat crossing, $5,000 CLP /$7 USD).

Alternatively: Rent a car from the agencies at Aeropuerto El Tepual and drive to Chiloé Island. While public transport on the island does connect most destinations, it can be painfully slow and infrequent, so a car grants you significantly more flexibility and will allow you to get to destinations faster and therefore see more. Puerto Montt airport has some of the cheapest car rents in Chile (from $30 USD per day) and you can book using Rental Cars , who provide insurance documents and all contracts in English.

chile itinerary 10 days and two weeks

In Ancud, stop at the brilliant and free Museo de las Iglesias which explores how Chiloé’s most famous buildings – the brightly colored wooden churches, of which 16 are UNESCO World Heritage registered – were constructed.

If the season’s right (September to March), spend the afternoon at the Monumento Natural Islotes de Puñhuil where the rare Humboldt and less rare but still wonderfully cheeky Magellanic penguin have a colony.

You can take a tour from town with 13 Lunas (Los Carrera 855), who charge $15,000 CLP/$21 USD per person (and an additional $5,000 CLP/$7 USD for an English-speaking guide).

Alternatively, hop on a local bus marked for Puñihuil (40 mins, $2,000 CLP/$3 USD) from the Terminal Rural (Colo Colo 318). These leave four times daily from Monday through Friday and at 1pm and 1.30pm on Saturdays; they drop passengers and then leave for the return journey around 10 minutes later. 

When you arrive at Puñihuil, you’ll need to get on the next boat with Pingüineras Chiloé ($7,500 CLP/$10.5 USD), a cooperative of fishermen who take tourists out on their boats to see the penguins (note that you are not allowed off the boat).

Where to stay in Ancud: A 15-minute drive or taxi journey southwest from Ancud, Paihuen Yurts (Camino a Lechagua, $60,000 CLP/$84 USD two-person yurt) have one spacious canvas yurt hidden in the forest, with its own private hot tub down a short path to the river. The setting is serene and the facilities are superb, with a complete kitchen, plus a modern bathroom with a good shower. I loved my stay here!

Where to stay on a budget in Ancud: 13 Lunas Hostel ($19,000 CLP/$24 USD dorm, $28,000 CLP/$43 USD double) is a really comfortable and beautifully decorated hostel right opposite the bus station, a two-minute walk from the harbor and with big, comfortable dorms, plenty of communal space including a huge kitchen and a terrace overlooking the bay. Avoid the beds downstairs as they’re dark and most don’t have windows.

The next day, hop on a bus to Castro , the capital of Chiloé and famed for its vibrant  palafitos:  colorful, traditional fishermen’s houses on stilts that line the harbor overlook the bay at two places, just off Calle Ernesto Riquelme and another accessed by Calle Puerto Montt.

However, the best place to appreciate them in all their colorful glory is across the river from Calle Ernesto Riquelme at Mirador Gamboa .

Another unmissable stop in Castro is at the Feria Artesanal (Lillo s/n, just before the harbor), a craft market where you can find both local woolen crafts to buy and a cheap lunch of empanadas  (stuffed with seafood or cheese and prawns) or huge plates of fish.

Nip out the back to meet the resident sea lion population, who’ll also be fighting over their lunch – scraps of fish thrown into the sea by the fishermen.

Where to stay in Castro: If you fancy finding out what it’s like inside a palafito, stay at the brown-shingled Palafito 1326 (Ernesto Riquelme 1326, $79,000 CLP/$100 USD double). Rooms are spacious, with crisp white linens and those overlooking the water have a balcony from which you can watch the ocean.

Where to stay on a budget in Castro: La Minga Hostel (dorm $16,000 CLP/$20 USD, $25,000 CLP/$40 USD double) is a proper backpacking hostel (run by the wonderful Camila, a Brazilian and former backpacker herself) that is small but perfectly-formed. Rooms are fairly tiny and there aren’t that many bathrooms to go around, but it’s got a really sociable atmosphere without being a party hostel. Camilia also has great local knowledge and can help with suggestions for local things to do.

Spend the rest of your time on Chiloé exploring the churches; my favorite was definitely Tenuan , which you could reach by bus from the terminal in Castro (one hour 10 mins, $1,600 CLP/$2 USD).

If there’s a group of you, take a wander along the shore and you can try negotiating a small boat to take you to Isla Mechuque, which also has its own church and a small museum and is supposed to be stunning.

chile itinerary 10 days and two weeks

Cucao, a one-hour bus journey (again from the local bus terminal in Castro), is one of my favorite places on the island and has the mind-blowingly beautiful Palafito Cucao   ($55,000 CLP/$130 USD double).

Not only is this place hugely comfortable (it has lovely double rooms), it’s the living room area and outdoor terrace with views across Lago Cucao that make this place one of the most sensational places I’ve ever stayed in Chile.

I even saw a giant otter swimming past one day. They can also arrange horseback riding and trekking tours to nearby Parque Nacional Chiloé and its stunning, practically untouched nearby beaches.

Palafito Cucao is close to the Muelle de las Almas , a destination that has shot to fame in Chile in recent years.

While it is beautiful – it’s an art installation shaped like a pier that appears to jut out over the cliff edge and into the ocean on a desolate hillside – it’s now so overrun that much of the magic is lost.

If you do want to go, make sure you get here as early as possible in the morning, as 45-minute queues for photos with the muelle are unfortunately common.

Days Five and Six: Puerto Varas

Return by bus to the bus terminal in Puerto Montt and then take a small micro (a blue local bus) from the terminal to Puerto Varas (20 mins, $1,000 CLP/$1 USD).

This lovely lakeside town sits beneath the shadow of Volcán Osorno, but rest assured, it hasn’t erupted since 1869.

There’s not a whole lot to do in the town, although the somewhat eccentric collection of artwork and accumulated bric-a-brac in Museo de Pablo Fierro , run by enthusiastic owner and artist Pablo Fierro is definitely worth an hour of your time through.

For hikers, the best way to stretch your legs is by taking a local micro  (minibus) from the corner of El Salvador and San Pedro in the center of the city (all local buses leave from here) to Petrohué on the banks of Lago Todos los Santos where there are a handful of treks.

Paso Desolación , which goes around the edge of the volcano and takes around eight hours return (23km/14.2mi), while a shorter, 11km (6.8mi) route takes a path along the edge of the lake before heading back in a loop and offering views of the volcano and the valley, with a walking time of around three hours.

chile itinerary 10 days and two weeks

Don’t miss the Museo Pioneros Petrohué ($2,000 CLP/$3 USD), which is run by Petrohué Lodge and details the various “pioneers” who ventured to this once remote part of the Chilean lakes district across history, including explorers and German settlers.

If it’s not open (which it probably won’t be), nip into the Expeditions Office next door to ask to be allowed in.

Catch the bus back from Petrohué and stop at the Saltos de Petrohué ($4,000 CLP/$6 USD) to see the raging, crystalline waters of the Río Petrohué churning over the rocks with a backdrop of the volcano. You can also raft down the class II and IV rapids of this river with Ko’Kayak , a local kayaking and rafting specialist operator.

For a more relaxed afternoon, hop on a bus to Fruitillar (from the same place in Puerto Varas) to try locally baked kuchen , a German dessert brought, and cooked, by the German descendants who started this town.

Alternatively, book a sea kayaking tour with Ko’Kayak out into the Chilean fjords for dramatic, volcano-studded landscapes.

There’s also a really good museum, the Museo Colonial Alemán , with its collection of artifacts brought over from Germany with the settlers and the history of founding the different towns around the lake.

There’s also Frutillar’s elegant, lakeside theatre, Teatro del Lago (they have performances from all across the globe and the building is renowned for its acoustics).

Where to stay in Puerto Varas: It’s definitely pricey, but the location right on the shores of Lago Llanquihue of AWA ($350 USD double) makes this a truly remarkable place to stay. Bedrooms are huge, while the restaurant serves up delicate dishes showcasing local ingredients – all with a serving of volcano views.

Where to stay on a budget in Puerto Varas: The wonderful Compass del Sur (camping $17,000 CLP/$21 USD, $24,000 CLP/$30 USD dorm, $54,000 CLP/$68 USD double), with its cozy sitting room with wood fire, breakfast room, and huge new kitchen, it’s my personal favorite when I’m in town. Their owners are very knowledgeable about activities to do in the local area and bedrooms are large, most of which now have their own private bathrooms after extensive renovations in 2017.

Days Seven to Ten: Pucón

Take a bus to Pucón (five hours, $17,500 CLP/$22 USD) from the bus terminal for Buses Jac in Puerto Varas.

Pucón is one of Chile’s best-known adventure destinations thanks to a range of highlights, including an active volcano that you can hike up, accessible national parks, and a whole host of other activities to get your pulse racing.

chile itinerary 10 days and two weeks

One of the best day trips you can take from Pucón is to nearby Parque Nacional Huerquehue , a one-hour bus ride from the town with Buses Caburgua (they have their bus station at Uruguay 540).

There are five trails in the park, the most exciting being the  Sendero Los Lagos , which goes past a pair of impressive waterfalls and ends with glorious views across the lakes at the top of the mountain.

The most challenging (and with the best vistas ) is Sendero San Sebastian , where you’ll see not one, not two but NINE volcanoes and 14 lakes from the top. Uh, yes please!

You can also stay within the park, either camping (there are various places, including Camping Olga ($18,000 CLP/$23 USD for two people, minimum two-night stay) or at the basic Cabañas Tinquilco ($50,000 CLP/$63 USD per night; minimum stay four nights between December and March.

It’s also impossible to visit Pucón without hiking up Volcán Villarrica , the snow-topped volcano that dominates the landscapes surrounding the town and is easily one of the top Chile attractions for visitors.

It’s a tough climb (you start around 6-7am from Pucón and are at the crater by lunchtime), but not one that requires technical expertise; you will need to go with a guide unless you have all of your own equipment (ice axes, crampons etc.). Bear in mind, this trail is packed with other tourists, so can feel like you’re queuing up the side of the mountain, rather than hiking it.

Patagonia Experience  is the most recommended of all the agencies in the town. Expect to pay upwards of $80,000/$132 USD.

And don’t miss Termas Geometricas , some really beautiful hot springs located on the southern flanks of the volcano. Unless you’ve got a car, you’ll need to take a tour ($35,000/$58 USD) – but it’s worth the cost as you get to spend an afternoon relaxing in these stunning pools.

Where to stay in Pucón: Another personal favorite, if you’re willing to splash some cash, is the Maison Nomade B&B (double $90,000/$120 USD – but email them as they can offer cheaper prices), which is a few kilometers away from Pucón but has glorious views of the volcano from their huge garden, a swimming pool, beautiful modern rooms decorated with the handicrafts that Carolina, one of the owners, makes, plus a kitchen for guests. Alain, the other owner, also runs an orientation meeting to help you decide what you plan to do during your stay (and he knows the region like the back of his hand).

Where to stay on a budget in Pucón: Having visited this place recently as part of my research for Moon Chile , I can back up the general consensus that Chili Kiwi (dorm $20,000 CLP/$25 USD, $49,000 CLP/$67 USD hobbit hole) is one of the best hostels in Latin America. I stayed in both a hobbit hole and a treehouse (the hobbit hole was a bit roomier and had its own tiny private terrace, which was a nice touch), but they’ve genuinely thought of everything here: from their private bar to their three kitchens, huge lockers for people who’ve checked out but need somewhere to store their bags and just the enthusiasm of the owners and the staff who can answer practically any question you have about travel in the region (and beyond). It’s not a party hostel, but it does attract a youngish crowd.

Days Eleven to Thirteen: Parque Nacional Conguillio

From Pucón, get an early bus to Temuco (one hour forty minutes) and catch the 10.30am Nar Bus to Parque Nacional Conguillio (leaves from the Terminal Rural de Temuco only in January and February, two and a half hours). It’ll drop you off right at the campsite and main ranger office for the park.

From here, there are a number of different day hikes to take that pass through the park’s incredible ancient scenery of thousand-year-old Araucania trees, black lava flows from looming Volcán Llaima, and gloriously blue lakes.

Travel tip: The park is actually quieter and more beautiful to visit in November and December, when the weather’s warming up, or in April, to see the forests turn shades of autumn yellows and golds. The easiest way to get here in these months (or a faster means than taking the bus in high season) is hiring a car from the rental agencies in the arrivals terminal of Aeropuerto Araucanía (ZCO) in Temuco. You can get to the airport with a taxi (around $15,000 CLP/$21 USD from the bus terminal in Temuco).

You can get hold of maps from the ranger station here. The bus returns back to Temuco at 1pm (soon after it arrives).

Out of season, your only options are to take a taxi from nearby Curacuatin or rent a car in Temuco .

There’s a small shop at the campsite, but otherwise, you’ll need to bring food with you (unless staying at La Baita , who can prepare meals for you).

chile itinerary 10 days and two weeks

Where to stay in Parque Nacional Conguillio:  There are a number of campsites run by  Sendas Conguillio . The best of these, if you’re traveling in a pair or alone, is Camping El Estero ($6,500 CLP/$11 USD pp), which you cannot book (but there is normally space). If you’ve got a vehicle,  La Baita  (double $90,000 CLP/$150 USD) is spectacular, with stylish, wooden bedrooms, cozy communal living room with wood fire, and hot tubs. Outside of the summer, the prices are cheaper (but they’re closed in June).

Fly from Temuco airport to Santiago or take the bus overnight (eight hours).

Chile itinerary for two weeks of travel : The highlights

Mapuche funerary statues made from wood found inside the Museo Chilenoo de Arte Precolombino, one of Santiago's best museums and an unmissable thing to do in Santiago, Chile

Days Two and Three: Valparaíso and the Casablanca Valley

Either hire a car or hop on a bus from the Terminal Alameda (Av. Alameda 3750) and the Terminal San Borja (San Borja 235) in the city center to Valparaíso (two hours, $3,000 CLP/$4 USD), a historic harbor city set across 42 hills and home to a wealth of street art.

This includes La Sebastiana , the beautiful ship-inspired house of Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda (well, one of his three), elderly acensores (which are also UNESCO heritage monuments), and a colorful skyline of brightly-painted houses, cobbled streets, and vivid graffiti.

If visiting over the summer (be warned: it gets rammed full of Chilean holidaymakers), be sure to hop on a local micro ( bus) and head around the coast towards Viña del Mar where the best beaches are.

The easiest to access is Playa Caleta Abarca as it’s right on the main road that passes through the city, while nearby Reñaca also has a pretty beach. Alternatively, you can drive further north to the pretty beaches of surf-town Maitencillo , secluded and beautiful Cachagua , or exclusive Zapallar . 

White wine tasting in Vina Matetic in the Casablanca wine valley in Chile and a good day trip from Santiago

The following day, head out to the Casablanca Valley , Chile’s premier white wine-producing region. A bus to Casablanca and then a taxi can take you around some of the best wineries, including Casas del Bosque (which has a brilliant restaurant), Viña Mar (which is known for its sparkling wines, Bodegas RE (which produces unusual blends), and Emiliana (an organic, sustainable winery).

Alternatively, drive south via Isla Negra (the prettiest of poet Pablo Neruda’s houses) to reach the Valle de San Antonio , where first-rate wineries offer outstanding wines and stunningly-located accommodations. 

The best are Matetic and Casa Marin , the latter of which produces delicious sauvignon gris. 

Where to stay in Valparaíso/nearby: Winebox (Baquedano 763, $99,000 CLP/$125 USD double) is a truly unique hotel, built entirely from 25 recycled shipping containers. What’s more, they have an urban winery in the basement and a wine bar cum restaurant on the roof (which is open to the public). It’s actually on Cerro Mariposa, so you’ll need to take local colectivos (shared taxis) or taxis to get into the centre at night. Alternatively, stay in La Casona ($774 USD double) Matetic winery’s stylish 10-bed hotel, set within the vineyard and with a welcome swimming pool or at the more affordable Bungalow Miramar ($167 USD one-bedroom bungalow) that has sweeping views across the vineyards of equally brilliant Casa Marin.

Days Four to Seven: Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Head back to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) and take a six-hour flight west across the Pacific Ocean to Rapa Nui (Easter Island).  

Having captivated archaeologists and tourists alike for decades, Rapa Nui – while still being part of Chile – lives and breaths the Polynesian culture of its inhabitants: the Rapanui. 

After landing on the runway of Matavari International Airport (IPC) , take a transfer with your hotel into Hanga Roa, the island’s only town and the location of most lodgings. 

Spend the afternoon snorkeling off Playa Pea on the lookout for Green Pacific, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles, before catching the sunset at Ahu Tahai, where various ceremonial platforms known as ahu play host to the angular stone heads (moai) for which the island is famed. 

17 moai on Ahu Tongariki in Easter Island, Chile

The following day, head out to Parque Nacional Rapa Nui , where the majority of the moai are located. New rules mean you’ll need a guide, who can show you around key locations across the island. 

Don’t miss Rano Raraku , the volcanic crater and quarry where the moai were carved, or nearby Ahu Tongariki . With 15 moai statues, it’s the largest of the platforms and ideal for sunrise. 

Read our guide to visiting Rapa Nui for more detailed information about getting to the island, as well as recommendations for what to do and where to stay , and the best time to visit Easter Island .  

Where to stay in Rapa Nui: The stunning sea views from certain suites and bungalows make  Hotel Boutique La Perouse  ($210 USD suite; $288 bungalow) an excellent choice for accommodation on Easter Island. Situated right at the heart of Hanga Roa, but with a tranquil setting, this is a great place to relax after a day of touring the island, while a delicious breakfast will ensure you’ve got the fuel you need.   

Where to stay on a budget in Rapa Nui:  If price is your number one factor when it comes to finding accommodation on Easter Island then look no further than  Camping y Hostal Tipanie Moana  ($57 USD double room with shared bathroom, $14 USD camping). Offering private rooms (some with shared bathrooms), it’s hard to quibble over the price here, which grants you clean and spacious bedrooms – some with mini-fridges – and a sociable atmosphere among the other guests staying here. 

Days Eight to Nine: Punta Arenas 

Fly back to Santiago’s Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) and then hop on a flight to Punta Arenas, a three-hour flight south. 

The gateway to Patagonia, Punta Arenas is where the first colonizers landed in southern Chilean Patagonia and is home to some of the best wildlife-watching opportunities. 

A Magellanic penguin looks at the camera in Argentine Patagonia

You’ll have time for at least one tour. Head out to Isla Magdalena for a half-day visit to the 120,000-strong Magallenic penguin colony that resides on this island. 

Alternatively, take a tour with Solo Expediciones to Parque Marino Francisco Coloane (Francisco Coloane Marine Park) to catch a glimpse of the many species of whales that come here to breed, including humpbacks and sei whales. 

At the end of your second day, hop on a public bus to Puerto Natales (three hours). 

Where to stay in Punta Arenas:  Easily the smartest choice in Punta Arenas is the luxurious La Yegua Loca ($160 USD double), where antique wooden furniture rubs shoulders with superb views of the Strait of Magellan. Don’t miss the restaurant on the ground floor, which specialises in local specialties such as king crab.

Where to stay on a budget in Punta Arenas:  Budget digs don’t get much better than the family-run Hostal Aventura Austral ($57 USD double), which has small but comfortable rooms and brilliant hosts.

Days Ten to Fourteen: Torres del Paine National Park 

Unless you’re planning on hiking the W or the O Circuit , the best way to explore Torres del Paine National Park is with a rental car . 

From Puerto Natales, head north along Ruta 9 and then northwest along the Y-290 to enter Torres del Paine National Park from its southern entrance, where you’ll get the best views of the Los Cuernos mountains that dominate the park. 

Los Cuernos as seen from the road into Torres del Paine National Park from the south

Over the next few days, you’ve got time to hike the park’s ubiquitous route up to Mirador Las Torres where you’ll stand beneath the three sky-spearing shards of granite after which the park is named. 

Day hikes and shorter routes to viewpoints abound in the national park, with the steep climb up to Mirador Ferrier for 180-degree views across the park and the short meander along Sendero Mirador Cuernos for dazzling views of Los Cuernos among the best. 

Read our guide to day hikes in Torres del Paine National Park for detailed route information. 

There’s plenty more to do in Torres del Paine, including tracking pumas , with the park believed to be home to the highest concentration of these big cats in the world. 

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The best way is on a two-day tour with Chile Nativo (use the referral code “Worldly Adventurer” for a 5% discount), which takes you along some of the paths most frequented by the cats and has a close to 100% success rate for seeing them.

Return to Puerto Natales and then fly back to Santiago.

Where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park: With its cluster of 20 deluxe yurts, Patagonia Camp  ($2,160 USD double all-inclusive for two nights) sits pretty on the southern shore of Lago Toro as a top luxury accommodation option just 15 kilometres from the park entrance. There’s no TV or internet connection in the rooms, but who needs WIFI when you’ve got a private terrace with panoramic views, and even a jacuzzi in the suites?

Where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park on a budget: Restaurant costs within Torres del Paine have skyrocketed with the park’s popularity. Stock up on food in Puerto Natales and head to Cabañas Lago Tyndall ($110,000 CLP ($160 USD) four-person cabin), which is situated on a bend in the Río Serrano and a short drive from the southern entrance to the park.

Our complete guide to what to do in Torres del Paine National Park is packed with plenty more information about how to visit this incredible place, while our detailed Patagonia itineraries contain recommendations for exploring Southern Patagonia, plus how to combine a trip to Torres del Paine National Park with Argentine Patagonia, including the Perito Moreno glacier and hiking capital, El Chaltén. 

How to amend this two-week itinerary

Rather than heading to Rapa Nui, you could spend three days in the Atacama Desert. San Pedro de Atacama is the region’s main hub and jumping-off point for Mars-like scenery and wildlife-packed protected areas, such as the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos.

We’ve got a full guide to what to do in San Pedro de Atacama , while, if you want to avoid the hassle of organizing your trip, EcoChile Travel can help you plan a four-day trip to the region , including visits to local indigenous communities to learn more about the unique culture of the region. Mention Worldly Adventurer for a 5% discount off the tour.

Traveling to Chile? You need these two detailed travel itineraries to help you plan a two week or 10 day trip around Chile. Insider tips, hotel and restaurant recommendations and travel guidance included. #Patagonia #chile #pucon #sanpedrodeatacama #atacamadesert #worldlyadventurer #chiletravel #southamericatravel #adventuretravel #travelitinerary #travelplanning

Tuesday 23rd of July 2019

Great article. I love this piece of writing. Thanks

Thursday 13th of June 2019

Hello Steph,

Thank you for your detail guide and the itineraries of 10 and 14 days. My husband and I are planning to go to Chile 10/11 days on late October or early November. I had planned to go to Ecuador but considering the high altitude that we probably couldn't stand.

There are so many blogs on Pinterest just telling me how great the attractions there but very few itineraries provided. So happy that I found yours

Here I have a few questions for the 10 days itinerary: 1) Any tours around the hostels to the attractions @ San Pedro de Atacama (my husband hates driving on vacation and I don't have a license)? 2) any other suggestions for the day 8 to 9 if not going to the vineyard? Thank you in advance!

Steph Dyson

Friday 21st of June 2019

Hi Sarah, yes you can find tour companies for destinations around San Pedro de Atacama on the main drag in the town - there are loads of them! Try and negotiate several tours with one company as this will help you get a discount. Whipala Expedition and 123 Andes Chile Conectado (both have websites) are recommended companies. There are plenty of other destinations to visit in San Pedro. Check out this article for more ideas! Enjoy your trip :)

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports in Chile

Best Santiago Hotels

One-Week Itinerary for Chile

Best Places to Visit in Chile

Beach Destinations

Top National Parks

Guide to Chilean Patagonia

Guide to Valparaiso

Guide to Vina del Mar

Best Wineries in Chile

Things to Do in Chile

Things to Do in Santiago

Must-Try Food

Your Trip to Chile: The Complete Guide

South America’s skinniest country spans a volcano-fringed desert, fertile wine valleys, pristine fjords, and glacier stippled mountain ranges making it the ultimate destination for adventure travelers. This guide to Chile is a one-stop-shop for planning, covering everything from must-see places, tantalizing local cuisine, and money-saving tips to help you squeeze the most out of your trip.

Planning Your Trip

  • Best Time to Visit: Most trips are timed to make the most of fine weather in Patagonia in the south, with the austral spring, summer, and early autumn (October through April) good months for clear, warm days.
  • Language: Chileans speak Spanish but thanks to their penchant for slang and dropping constants at the end of words, bringing a phrasebook is recommended even for advanced Spanish speakers. Most tourist-fronting businesses have good English, as do younger Chileans residing in Santiago.
  • Currency: The Chilean peso ($ CLP) is the official currency of Chile.  
  • Getting Around: Chile has an extensive infrastructure of increasingly low-cost flights that connect most cities across the country and, if booked in advance, are often significantly cheaper than buses. However, most inter-city flights are indirect and pass through the capital, so expect to spend plenty of time in Santiago’s domestic terminal. For local travel, affordable and comfortable bus services cater to short and overnight journeys, while Santiago’s excellent Metro/subway system is an easy and cheap means of exploring the capital. Hiring a rental car is an excellent option in Chile, particularly for exploring Patagonia.
  • Travel Tip: Chile is a vast country packed with far more than you can see in a short period of time. We know it’s tempting to cram a whole month’s worth of activities into a far shorter time period, but we strongly recommend stripping your trip down to just a small number of destinations. You’ll spend far fewer hours on flights or overnight buses and come away wowed by the deep and unforgettable moments you’ve had the time and space to experience.

Things to Do

Chile’s remarkable diversity of landscapes and culture means you’re guaranteed to find plenty to fill an action-packed vacation. The north is home to the Atacama Desert, with its world-class stargazing and otherworldly landscapes; Santiago brims with fine museums, trendy new restaurants, and a burgeoning street art scene; the Central Valley is a place of rolling vineyards and classy boutique hotels; while the Lakes region is volcano country, where the intrepid can summit a fiery giant. In the far south, Patagonia is a place of pristine national parks and outdoor adventure, while west across the Pacific brings you to Rapa Nui (Easter Island), a UNESCO World Heritage site dotted with statues of long-lost ancestors.

On a first trip to Chile, don’t miss the following:

  • Spend a day exploring coastal Valparaíso ’s tumbling, street art daubed hills, dining on freshly-caught fish in its trendy eateries, and learning about the life and loves of the much-adored Chilean Nobel Prize-winning poet, Pablo Neruda.
  • Strap on your hiking boots and discover Patagonia’s most striking wildernesses in Torres del Paine National Park . Clamber up to glassy lagoons or paddle a kayak across icy waters filled with bobbing icebergs to admire vast glaciers. Head out by boat to visit chattering Magellanic penguin colonies or learn how to be a cowboy at a sheep ranch before dining on local specialties of spit-roasted lamb and king crab.
  • To appreciate a completely different side to Chile, take the six-hour flight across the Pacific to Rapa Nui—a Polynesian island home to almost 900 moai (stone statues)  —to tour these sacred sites, dive into warm, crystalline waters, and sample tuna ceviche.

Get more inspiration with our guide to the top destinations to visit in Chile , the best things to do in Chile , and the best things to do in Santiago .

What to Eat and Drink

Chile might not be known for its dining scene, but prepare to be surprised. This is a country with a tradition of asado (barbecue) and expertly-cooked seafood, while growing indigenous culinary influences promise truly inventive flavors.

Santiago is a hub of increasingly fine dining, with a handful of restaurants that showcase unusual Chilean ingredients now on the world’s best restaurant lists. But it’s not all fancy: traditional markets and no-frills food trucks in the capital are great places for classic Chilean meat and fish stews and savory empanadas. In the south, Chiloé Island is proud of its traditional seafood dishes including curanto (a seafood stew cooked underground), while Patagonia lays claim to juicy lamb roasted for hours over an open fire.  

Chile is home to two main alcoholic drinks: wine and pisco. A large proportion of the Central Valley is stippled with vineyards, with Colchagua and Casablanca the most sought after, for their red carménère and white sauvignon blancs respectively, and both offering tours, tastings, and even top dollar dining. Further north in the Elqui Valley, moscatel grapes are fermented to become the grape brandy, pisco, which is best sampled in the zingy cocktail, pisco sour, which any self-respecting bar across the country can whip up.  

Learn more about what to eat with our list of must-try Chilean foods .

Where to Stay

Chilean accommodations run the whole gamut of basic campsites to exclusive five-star hotels, with plenty of family-run B&Bs, boutique hotels, and rental cabins in between.

Santiago is home to a wealth of affordable B&Bs and small hotels located right in the heart of the tourist districts of Lastarria, Bellavista, and Italia, granting quick access to the metro, as well as excellent restaurants, bars, and shops on your doorsteps. In more rural parts and in national parks across the country you'll find increasingly stylish chalet-style cabins. They are a hallmark of Chile and a great option for self-catering, with many built to include hot tubs. In Chiloé, you’ll want to stay in an oceanside palafito (a traditional fisherman’s dwelling on stilts) for the best sea views.

In the south, long-distance treks through isolated national parks mean lodgings in campsites or hostel-style accommodation, although many parks are now home to at least one five-star hotel, generally tucked deep into the wilderness and offering outstanding, lavish accommodation. In more remote parts of Patagonia, sheep and cattle ranches, many of which are still operational, also provide comfortable, sometimes rustic lodgings—all with the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Patagonian barbecue feast. 

Getting There

Santiago’s one international airport, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez, is the hub for all flights into the country with a record-setting 24.6 million people passing through the airport in 2019.   Most U.S. airports have connections with Santiago, with many offering direct flights in the summer months. These include American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines.

If flying from within South America, budget companies including Sky Airlines and Jet Smart, as well as regional mainstay LATAM, provide the most frequent connections from hubs such as Lima in Peru and Buenos Aires in Argentina.

Rickety buses also provide an overland connection to Chile from Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, although adventure cruise ships from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas in Patagonia in the south are a far more daring means of crossing the border.

For domestic travel, aim for budget carriers Jet Smart and Sky Airlines where possible and plan to book at least a few months in advance for the cheapest fares. If you do, you’ll often find that three-hour flights between cities are the same price, if not cheaper, than 12-hour bus journeys.

Culture and Customs

  • Chileans greet family, friends, and visitors alike with a kiss on the right cheek (for women greeting women and men greeting women) or a brief one-arm hug (for men greeting men).
  • Much the same as other South American countries, punctuality is not a national strength, and Chileans are known for arriving to social occasions late—although most tour operators and all transport companies pride themselves on their punctuality, so be sure to arrive on time for paid excursions or risk being left behind.
  • In restaurants, a 10 percent tip is added to your bill though you’re under no obligation to pay it if the service doesn’t meet your expectations.
  • Uber and other ridesharing apps are illegal but widely used in Chile with 85,000 Uber drivers across the country in 2019.   Despite the technical illegality, rideshares are a convenient means of getting around and avoiding being scammed by yellow taxi cabs (an unfortunately common occurrence in the capital). Avoid using an Uber from Santiago’s airport to the city, however; police regularly impound Ubers operating here, so you’re better off arranging an official airport shuttle instead.

Money-Saving Tips

  • In popular destinations such as Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and Patagonia, prices rise considerably in January and February, so avoid these months for a chance to secure cheaper deals on airfare, hotels, and tours.
  • Santiago’s excellent Metro is the fastest and cheapest means of exploring the capital - just keep a close eye on your belongings as pickpockets do operate here.
  • Book domestic flights at least a few months in advance to secure the best deals. This is particularly the case for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), where prices can triple closer to the departure date.
  • If traveling to Patagonia, take plenty of US dollars with you. Paying in this currency at hotels and tour agencies can save you up to 10 percent off the advertised price.
  • Bringing US dollars to switch at exchange houses will also save plenty of cash as ATMs can charge up to US$10 per withdrawal, and these can often be capped at a maximum of US$150 each.
  • Request small bills where possible when receiving change. Most national parks accept cash only and may refuse to change large, 20,000 peso notes. If hiring a car, you’ll also want small bills for toll booths on the highways.

Chile Travel. " Currency. "

History.com. " Easter Island ." February 28, 2020.

Arturo Merino Benítez Airport. " Santiago Airport Projects Passenger Traffic to Drop From 24.6 Million to 9 Million by 2020. " September 8, 2020.

Reuters. "Chilean Bank Ordered to Open Uber's Accounts to Taxman." October 15, 2019.

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Your Trip to Argentina: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Ireland: The Complete Guide

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The Complete Guide to Chilean Patagonia

Top 15 Destinations in Chile

Top 10 South America Travel Destinations

Your Trip to San Diego: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Morocco: The Complete Guide

Complete Guide to the Great Barrier Reef

Your Trip to Iceland: The Complete Guide

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Nuestros Servicios

En Viva Chile Travel contamos con más de 10 años de experiencia. Atención VIP y Asistencia 100% Personalizada

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Atención Personalizada

Priorizamos la comunicación con nuestros pasajeros para informar y orientar sobre las excursiones, pagos y cualquier otra duda.

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Nos encargamos de llevar a los pasajeros hasta el lugar de la excursión y así evitar contratiempos.

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Un «Tour Líder» es el encargado de acompañar a nuestros pasajeros en los viajes grupales.

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Tickets para las excursiones

Facilitamos la compra de los tickets para las excursiones, así solo deberás preocuparte por disfrutar.

Nuestras Excursiones

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14 things you need to know before you come to Chile

Mark Johanson

Sep 23, 2023 • 7 min read

A man riding a mountain bike through the Valle de la Luna, Atacama Desert, Chile

Having a Chilean adventure is easier with some inside tips © Westend61 / Getty Images

I remember the day back in 2014 when I’d just settled into my new apartment in Santiago and a powerful earthquake rattled the walls. I leaped up from my couch and ran for the door, while all the Chileans in the room just sat still and laughed at me, confident in Chile’s strong building codes and unfazed by the regular tremors.

A few days later, I learned that even the simple act of buying an empanada (stuffed pastry) could involve navigating three separate lines. As those first weeks in Chile passed, my dinner hour moved from 7pm to 8pm, eventually landing where it stands today, at around 9pm in the evening.

Chile is, in many ways, an accessible and familiar destination for many travelers. Yet, there are customs, protocols and safety issues that you’ll want to keep in mind on your trip. From cheek-kissing to the local etiquette for tipping, here are some insider tips to help you make the most of your visit to Chile.

A female hiker on a trail at Torres del Paine National Park

1. Learn some basic Spanish before arriving

Chileans have a reputation for being shyer than most other Latin Americans, and local people won’t typically talk to strangers unless asked a question. Learning a bit of basic Spanish can go a long way towards breaking down barriers and getting to know the locals when you visit.

It’s also a bit of a necessity – outside of the major hotels and the business district in Santiago, you’re unlikely to find many English speakers when traveling around the country, particularly in rural areas. That said, Chileans will try their hardest to understand and help out as best they can, even if there's a language barrier.

2. Pack layers for cool evenings

It doesn’t matter if you’re staying by the coast, up in the Andes, down in Patagonia or out in the Atacama Desert , temperatures across Chile drop considerably at sundown, making layers a necessity at any time of the year. Even in the Central Valley and Santiago, a blazingly hot day can transform into a cool evening before you know it. Always pack an extra layer when going out for a full day.

3. Download WhatsApp for easy communications

It’s not uncommon to have to wait several days for a response if you send an email to a business in Chile. If you want to book a tour or a hotel or restaurant reservation, communicating via WhatsApp is always the best way to go; you may find that you get a response in just minutes.

Chilean couple in a vineyard in the sunshine in Chile

4. Be prepared to eat late

Chileans are not big fans of early mornings, and most locals consume lunch between 1:30pm and 3:30pm. Dinner won’t begin until after 8pm, and can be as late as 10pm. If you can’t stand the thought of eating dinner that late, try Chile’s “fourth meal” – an afternoon tea, typically consisting of bread, cheese, meat, eggs, mashed avocado and something sweet. It's known locally as la once (pronounced "on-say").

5. Embrace the sobremesa

When dining out with Chileans, it’s considered rude to leave straight after finishing your meal. Instead, it’s common to linger over the table chatting, perhaps while drinking a bajativo (digestif) such as Bitter Araucano to wash down the food.

Waiters at restaurants are well used to this habit and will never try to rush you out after your meal. If you’re dining in someone’s home, even getting up to help clear the table of dishes immediately after a meal could be considered impolite. Stick around and enjoy the conversation; these long, lazy meals are one of the best parts of Chilean culture.

6. Expect to queue 

Why stand in line once when you can do it several times? In Chile, it’s not uncommon to place an order in one queue, pay in another and collect your order in a third. At a supermarket, you will be expected to queue up to weigh your bread, fruit and vegetables in separate lines before taking your items to the checkout to pay.

Two women dining in a cafe in Chile

7. Learn to pay ‘sin cuotas’ but ‘con propina’

Credit cards are widely accepted across Chile thanks, in part, to a system of paying in cuotas (installments) for just about anything. Cashiers will always ask if you want to pay in cuotas , but when using a foreign bank card, you should always say no – " sin cuotas, por favor ."

At restaurants, waiters will ask if you would like to include a standard 10% tip, which is generally expected regardless of the quality of the service. Unless something went terribly wrong, it’s polite to say con propina – ‘with gratuity’ – when you request the bill.

8. Keep small bills handy

If paying for items in cash, always keep small bills to hand; many vendors will not be able to break a 20,000 peso note. Get into the habit of breaking large denomination bills into smaller change when you can.

9. Keep your voice down

Chileans are, on the whole, quiet and respectful people who prefer to avoid sticking out in a crowd. Loud-speaking tourists will immediately call attention to themselves, and often in a negative way. Speaking loudly in a foreign language on the streets of somewhere like downtown Santiago can also be a good way to alert pickpockets of a potential target!

10. Learn how to greet Chileans

As with many other Latin American peoples, Chileans are known for their warm greetings. It’s typical for women to greet other women, or men, with one kiss (right cheek to right cheek). Men will greet women the same way, and offer a handshake to fellow men – perhaps followed by a hug if you’ve become close.

Goodbyes are similarly enthusiastic. It’s not uncommon for someone who enters a social setting to greet everyone individually and then say goodbye to everyone individually when they leave.

Nightime view of the Plaza De Armas, Santiago, Chile

11. Check for protests (and avoid them)

Protests are frequent in Chilean cities and while these are typically peaceful, they can shut down roads and public transport. Visitors should steer clear, as demonstrations can turn violent with little warning. In Santiago, water cannons and tear gas are often used to disperse crowds, particularly on dates commemorating politically charged historical events such as March 29, September 11 and October 18.

12. Know which areas of Chile to avoid 

Chile is one of the safest countries in the Americas, according to the Global Peace Index . There is, however, one area in the southern part of central Chile that you may want to avoid due to an ongoing conflict between Indigenous Mapuche land-rights activists and the Chilean state.

While forestry corporations and landowners are the main targets, the dispute over land rights can close roads and become violent at times. The area to avoid lies on the border of the Biobío and Araucanía regions, roughly between Lebu and Temuco, following the coastal range. This said, flying into Temuco to visit popular Andean resort destinations such as Pucón or Malalcahuello is usually perfectly fine.

13. Know where to drink tap water

A good rule of thumb in Chile is that the water is perfectly safe to drink from Santiago south. In fact, in Patagonia , it’s downright delicious, and used to make some excellent craft beers. Heading north into the Atacama Desert, it’s best to avoid the tap water, except in large cities such as La Serena and Antofagasta.

14. Don’t be paranoid about earthquakes

Chile is one of the most seismically active countries on earth. Indeed, the country was the site of the strongest tremor ever recorded – the 1960 Valdivia Earthquake, which registered 9.5 on the moment magnitude scale. Following the devastation of that event, Chile now has some of the planet’s strictest building codes and is better prepared for dealing with seismic events than just about anywhere else on the planet.

Most Chileans won’t even bat an eyelid unless a quake approaches 7.0 or above, and the most recent sizable earthquakes in 2014 and 2015 – with respective magnitudes of 8.2 and 8.3 – saw just 15 fatalities. You can rest assured that coastal areas will have well-marked tsunami evacuation routes, and that buildings have been created with quakes in mind.

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Meet the newest ‘walking’ fish—a bright red creature of the deep

This odd-looking sea toad may look like crochet. But it's one of a hundred species possibly new to science that have been found in underwater mountains off Chile.

A round red fish with a small tail.

Sci-fi shows are full of alien encounters, but few of the imagined creatures are as bizarre as the ones in our own deep sea. A team exploring the ocean off Chile recently discovered more than a hundred strange-looking species that are likely new to science.

“Although finding new species in these areas, among the most remote and poorly explored in the world's oceans, is not unexpected, finding dozens of them is thrilling and inspiring,” chief scientist Javier Sellanes , a marine biologist at the Catholic University of the North in Chile, told National Geographic in an email.

The scientists set sail early in 2024 aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Falkor (too) research vessel to explore the depths of the southeastern Pacific Ocean. They sent a robotic underwater vehicle, or ROV, equipped with lights and cameras down more than 5,000 feet to livestream the hidden wonders far beneath the waves.

Scientists found a life-form that resembles a living constellation and moves like an underwater tumbleweed; crimson crustaceans with long, spindly legs covered in spikes; and lots of organisms flashing with bioluminescence .

One creature that stood out is a type of “walking” fish, complete with googly eyes and skin that looks crocheted. It’s a kind of sea toad––a type of deep-sea anglerfish famous for its gloomy expression and the glowing lure that dangles in front of its face to attract prey. Its doily-like skin is made up of little needles that likely offer protection and holes for sensory organs.  

The sea toad has modified fins that allow it to walk on the seafloor—partly a hunting strategy and partly because it’s more energy efficient than swimming, Sellanes says. (See a picture of another type of sea toad, called a coffinfish.)

As the first scientific report of a sea toad in the southeastern Pacific, the sea toad is likely a new species, experts say.

"There is very little known about the ecology, behavior, and other aspects of biology of Chaunacops ,” or the genus of sea toad, says Bruce Mundy , a retired U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fishery biologist who was not part of the expedition.  

For example, he says, "There have been no studies, to my knowledge” about how their lures actully work.

Marine oases

The researchers mapped four previously unknown underwater mountains, called seamounts, as well as six already known to science.

"The unique nature of the topography of the seamounts allows certain types of species to live and adapt to a lifestyle which can only be found on that particular mountain,” team member Jan Maximiliano Guerra, a Ph.D. student at Catholic University of the North, said in one of the expedition videos. (See photos of more deep-sea creatures.)

“And, therefore, most of the species we find along this mountain range and in the seamounts are unique in nature and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.”

Sellanes adds in another video: “In many ways, they constitute a kind of oasis in the middle of a marine desert.”

There may be well over 100,000 seamounts worldwide, but people have explored less than 0.1 percent of them, according to NOAA. Far fewer are set aside from potentially harmful human activity, such as commercial fishing, bottom trawling, and mining. (Read about deep-sea animals new to science—and already at risk.)

Fortunately, Sellanes says, two of the underwater mountains the scientists explored are already part of marine protected areas .

Scratching the surface

But Sellanes says more seamounts need to be safeguarded. During the expedition, he witnessed giant sponges; fields of sea lilies; seafloor-dwelling octopuses ; and enormous, 10-foot-tall bamboo corals—each populating entirely different areas.

“So each seamount is unique, and protecting only a few is not enough to efficiently protect all the diversity of fauna and habitats they host,” Sellanes says.

Many plants and animals found on seamounts are especially vulnerable because they live nowhere else, says chief scientist   Erin Easton , a biological oceanographer at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. (Read more about these unique mountains in the sea.)

And while a hundred-plus new species is a significant haul from a single expedition, the team emphasizes that they’ve barely scratched the surface.

“What we explored in each ROV dive is just what we are able to see in a trail of about two kilometers, which is insignificant compared with the huge volume of these structures,” Sellanes says.

Far more new species will remain hidden until scientists return for further exploration. “What we already know about [these deep-sea ecosystems] justifies their protection, but what we still do not know justifies it even more.”

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