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How I Travelled Chile as a Solo

Chile is a fantastic country for nature and wine solos. Follow how I travelled Chile as a solo, starting in Arequipa in Peru before travelling down to Santiago.

I love South America . It is such an amazing continent and after living in Colombia I was ready to explore some more. During a 3 month trip, I flew from Colombia to Ecuador, travelled overland to Peru and was about to step foot in Chile, where I was planning a short trip to Easter Island, somewhere that had been on my bucket list for many years.

Having been to Chile before with G Adventures , I had travelled through Peru , Bolivia and Chile, spending time in Santiago and the Atacama Desert, one of my favourite places on Earth.

At the time I knew no Spanish and was a very nervous traveller, hence a tour was just perfect for me. Forward twelve years and I was back in Chile, this time solo and going overland from Arequipa in Peru. If you are also travelling from Peru to Chile you may find my itinerary useful. I only had 7 days here in total and didn’t make it further south than Santiago as it was winter. If you are planning a trip to Chile, I have included my trip to Chile below. 

• Easter Island

From Santiago

• Total Costs For Chile

Chile Tours

Getting to Chile from Peru had not been that easy. If I was travelling from Peru to Bolivia there were no shortage of buses but Chile seemed to be a different story.

Chile is a long, thin country and distances are far so I decided to stop in Arica for one night on my way down to Santiago, the capital. To arrange my transport there I went into one of the travel agents in the main square in Arequipa. I normally arrange my own transport but this one wasn’t that straightforward.

From the bus station I caught the bus to Tacna. Upon arriving at the bus station at Tacna, I had to ask the staff at the Turbus desk to call a man called Jose who then came to collect me and took me to a different bus station and put me in a car where I travelled with 3 Peruvians across the border to Arica. I definitely couldn’t have arranged this myself. This cost me 110 Soles in total and was worth paying the agency for a peace of mind. The guide who took me to the car spoke English and I felt really safe.

Arica – 1 night

In the early hours of the morning I arrived in Arica. There isn’t much in Arica but straight away I loved the feeling of this place. The guesthouse I had booked was a 5 minute walk away from the bus station. The taxi driver had refused to take my money and directed me on foot instead (how many places does that happen in!) Everyone I encountered was so friendly and I felt immediately at ease. 

Being too early to check in, I left my belongings and headed for a walk to the beach. I   sat on the sand and absorbed the peace and quiet of a new country. I had liked Peru but I hadn’t felt quite myself there. Crossing the border had felt so different and I was glad that I had chosen to stay overnight in Arica, the perfect stop for one night’s rest.

Things to Do in Arica

Arica is a port city in the north of Chile and the closest city I could stop in from the Peruvian border. It is known for its long beach which is good for surfers (it’s called Surf City for a reason). As well as surfers riding the waves you’ll see pelicans sitting on the waves and turtles swimming the waves (look for the large turtle sign for that area of the beach)

You can get a good view of the city from the path on Morro Arica hill. There didn’t seem to be that much to do here except visit the beach and check out the view. There is a cathedral called San Marcos Cathedral which has a pretty pink exterior, plus San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum where you can see mummies.

The likelihood of meeting other travellers here is virtually nil but that was ideal for getting some quiet work time.

Accommodation in Arica

Arica isn’t really the place to find hostels so I booked Residencial Tres Soles instead – a guest house with my own room and a shared bathroom for £11 a night (without breakfast). The owner was really nice and I could buy home-cooked meals if I wanted to. Find out more. 

Arica to Santiago

Flights were cheaper from Iquique so I caught the bus from Arica which took 5 hours and cost $8. The drive was stunning. The sun set over pink sand as I sat at the front of the bus taking in the stunning pink hues. As I arrived in Iquique the city lights came twinkling into view, the sea on one side and pink coloured dunes cradling it the other. From the bus I took a taxi to the airport. I was only in Iquique for a couple of hours but it made an impression on me and I would definitely come back.

I flew to Santiago from Iquique airport which took 2 hours and cost $49 through Sky Airline. In Santiago I waited for my flight to Easter Island which I booked through LATAM flights for £365 return. The plane to Easter Island was a Dreamliner making the flight even more special!

Easter Island – 2 nights

Easter Island is one of the three islands which makes up the Polynesian Triangle, along with Hawaii and New Zealand. It’s an island which is literally in the middle of nowhere. Six hours from Chile, and the same distance from Tahiti. Although it is nowhere near Chile, Easter Island is part of Chile’s territory.

Known for its giant, stone statues, Easter Island is a magical island drenched in myths and legends. The island was discovered in 1722 by Dutch explorers, who had arrived on the land on Easter Sunday. The island is so magical and is one of my favourite places to visit in the world. Things to do on Easter Island:

Watch a Rapi Nui cultural show – Tera’ai is an authentic gastronomy and Rapa Nui experience based on the island's culture. This ancestral cultural group performs an artistic show which spans through the history and culture of this magical island, known for its large Maoi statues.

See the Megaliths and the Journey of Legends – You can’t go all the way to Easter Island without seeing Tongariki, which is the most impressive monument on the island with 15 Rapa Nui statues. You also get to see the volcano or the ‘factory’ where the statues were carved. The Journey of Legends Tour takes you to see the only statues which are looking out to sea, and to the small volcano where the red stone for the topknot was quarried.

Related Posts:  Easter Island ,  Dancing with the Rapa Nui

Accommodation in easter island.

Accommodation isn't that cheap on Easter Island. I stayed at Hostal Mihira’s , which although was one of the cheapest at the time ($30 a night) and also clean, it was really noisy at night with dogs barking outside. It was also a bit of a walk from the town but I did meet a really nice French girl who came with me to the cultural show. I would look at alternatives such as Hare o Ahani from £28 a night for a single room with a shared bathroom.

Easter Island to Santiago

After a 6 hour flight from Easter Island to Santiago, I took a shared taxi into the Chilean capital. Go to one of the transfer desks before you exit and ask for a shared taxi. You may have to wait to be dropped off as others may get priority depending on where you are staying but it is definitely cheaper than getting your own taxi.

Santiago – 3 nights 

Santiago is Chile’s capital city and on a clear day you can see that it is surrounded by the snow-capped Andes. Unfortunately the view isn’t always visible because of the fog that can sit over the city, but when you can, it is pretty spectacular.

Things to do in Santiago

Get a good view – The best place to get a view of the city is at Sky Costanera which has an observation deck, or visit Cerro San Cristobal, which is a cathedral on the hilltop.

Do a walking tour – Tours for Tips are a great company and offer 3 hour walking tours around the city teaching you about the city whilst keeping you entertained. If you prefer wheels rather than going on foot, choose to cycle around the city instead on a bike tour. 

Plaza de Armas – Explore the historical centre of Santiago which has some of the city’s most important buildings with neoclassic facades such as the Correo Central. Then shop for a handicraft whilst listening to a local musician before enjoying a coffee and people watching to your heart’s content.

Explore the area of Bellavista – Bellavista is the city’s bohemian quarter and is known for its vibrant nightlife. But the area offers more than bars and restaurants in the evening. You’ll find shops and boutiques and a weekly craft market here. Patio Bellavista is my favourite area here. This outdoor area is full of little shops and restaurants and is really lively at night.

Accommodation in Santiago

I stayed at Dominica Hostel which was in Bellavista a really funky area with cafes and bars and near to a park. It cost £9 for a bed in a 4-bed dorm and included breakfast. They also had heating in my room which was ideal considering it was their winter and really cold.

From Santiago there was the option to go to Valparaiso, a port city known for its colourful clifftop houses. It was only a 1.5 hour bus ride from the capital. You could also cross to Argentina and head to Mendoza, the famous wine region but being there at the wrong time of year meant that there was a chance that the pass between the Chile and Argentina border could be closed.

Needing to be in Brazil for a certain date meant that I had limited time so I chose to fly direct from Santiago to Buenos Aires instead (my flight was with Sky Airline and cost $145). From Santiago I travelled to Buenos Aires and spent 5 nights here before heading to Uruguay.

My time in Chile had been short but Easter Island had been amazing. I definitely recommend the Atacama Desert if you’ve never been there before, and to join a tour if you are not confident with your Spanish or about going completely solo.

Total Costs for 7 Nights in Chile – $1125.50 (£904)

• Transfer – Arequipa (Peru) to Arica (Chile) = 110 Soles ($34)
• Arica Accommodation – Residencial Tres Soles x 1 night = $14 (no BFST)
• Bus – Arica to Iquique = $7
• Taxi – Iquique bus station to Iquique Airport =   $13
• Flight – Iquique to Santiago with Sky Airline = $49
• Accommodation – Night in Santiago airport = $0
• Flight – Santiago to Easter Island (return with Lan Airlines) = £365 ($455)
• Transfer – Easter Island = Free (included with Hostal Mihira)
• Accommodation – Hostal Mihira = 2 nights x $30 = $60
• Tour – Megaliths with Easter Island Tour = $145 (complimentary = 0)
• Tour – Journey of Legends Tour with Easter Island Tour = $145 (complimentary = $0
• Dance Show – at Tera’ai = 20,000 Chilean Pesos = $30 (complimentary)
• Transfer – Santiago Airport to Dominica Hostel (in Recoleta) – $19
• Accommodation – Dominica Hostel in SCL = $11.50 x 3 nights = $34.50 (including BFST)
• Transfer – Hostel to Santiago Airport = $15

My food budget for each day was $15 x 7 = $105

My total budget should have been $1125.50 (£904) but I was lucky to receive complementary tours in exchange for writing about them. My trip actually cost   = $805.50 (£646).

G Adventures Tours – Although I travelled to Chile solo, if you feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your trip or the whole duration, G Adventures is a responsible tour company which mainly caters towards budget travellers. Most tours have an average of 12 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book one of their tours to Chile you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there.

G Adventures Chile tours range from a 4 day Easter Island independent adventure. an 11 day full circuit trek at Torres Del Paine starting and ending in Puerto Natales, a 14 day End of the Earth adventure seeing Argentina, Chile and Patagonia, to an epic 65 day Great South America Journey from Quito to Rio, with many variations in-between. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female friendly company. 

*  Click here for itineraries, prices, and start dates

Intrepid Tours – Intrepid Travel is similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each tour. Over 50% of people who book their trips are solo travellers. They tend to use hotels instead of hostels for their Intrepid tours and have a more comfortable style of accommodation hence the trips can appear a bit more than G Adventures.

Intrepid tours Chile range from a 3 day Santiago stopover making the most of the Chilean capital, a 9 day Patagonia: Trekking in the Andes trip, to a 65 day Epic South America trip from Quito to Rio. Both tour companies also offer Patagonia tours and you share a room with someone of the same gender or you can pay extra for your own room.

*  Click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

Day Tours – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and day tours in worldwide destinations including Chile. Choose from a penguin watching tour in Ushuaia, a full day tour to Torres del Paine, and an island tour to the mythical Chiloe island. There are several to choose from and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online.

* Check all tours, prices and availability for Chile

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2 thoughts on “ How I Travelled Chile as a Solo ”

I love the idea of solo travelling as well as travelling with small groups of people on a small budget. My parents are worried that I could come to harm – how do you make sure you are safe? What precautions do you take? How can I make my parents less worried? Your blog is so interesting – I really want to start travelling this summer. Any advice you can give would be great! Loving the photos too!

Hi Hannah, that’s great that you want to travel solo. I always listen to my instinct when I travel alone and if something feels wrong then I remove myself from the situation. This page will help with how to stay safe http://www.girlabouttheglobe.com/on-the-road/stay-safe/ I recommend joining our Facebook group to show your parents how others are doing it and to reassure them. We even have a parent in the group who joined because she was worried about her daughter travelling alone. She said that it’s helped put her mind at ease 🙂 x https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/

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Chile Solo Female Travel Safety Tips and Advice

This post may contain affiliate links. For full information, please see our  disclaimer here and our Privacy Policy here .

Welcome to the Solo Female Travel Safety Tips and Advice page for Chile !

This page is brought to you by Solo Female Travelers Tours , our curated small group trips for women, by women.

On this page you will find first-hand, unbiased, and real  safety tips, advice and reviews  from women traveling solo, submitted directly from their personal experiences in the country.

Their opinions are unfiltered and submitted independently as part of the Solo Female Travel Safety Index , a ranking of 210 countries and regions based on how safe they are for women traveling solo.

The safety scores range from 1 to 4 with 1 being the safest and 4 being the most dangerous for solo female travelers.

You don’t need to login to read the below reviews. But do sign up or login to share your solo travel experiences, country safety rating and comments.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE – LEAVE YOUR SAFETY REVIEWS! We can make the world a safer place for women traveling solo together. Sign up to our portal and leave your reviews NOW. Share your experience with other solo female travelers and help us empower more women through travel.

Chile Country data

We have compiled a few data points below that can help you better understand Chile and have more context when thinking about travel safety.

Official country name: Republic of Chile.

Etymology: The origin of the name is unclear, but it may come from the Mapuche word "chilli" meaning "limit of the earth" or from the Quechua "chiri" meaning "cold".

Country map

Locator map

Capital: Santiago.

Independence / foundation: Indigenous groups inhabited central and southern Chile for several thousands of years, living in mixed pastoralist and settled communities, ending with the Inka ruling the north of the country for nearly a century prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The Captaincy General of Chile was founded by the Spanish in 1541, lasting until Chile declared its independence in 1810. The subsequent struggle became tied to other South American independence conflicts, with a decisive victory over the Spanish not being achieved until 1818.

Population: 19 million.

Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP) 1 USD = 710 - 880 CLP 1 EUR = 850 - 990 CLP

Time zone: UTC-3

Languages spoken: Spanish 99% (official), English 10%, Indigenous 1% (includes Mapudungun, Aymara, Quechua, Rapa Nui), other 2%, unspecified

Religions: Roman Catholic 60%, Evangelical 18%, atheist or agnostic 4%, none 17%.

Climate: Temperate climate with extremes. Desert in the north, Mediterranean conditions in the central region and cool and damp in south. Higher altitude areas are aride and dry.

Real GDP (ppp – purchasing power parity): $445 billion.

Real GDP per capita (ppp): $23,300.

Main airports: Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport.

World heritage sites in Chile

There are over 1,100 world heritage sites spread across more than 165 countries. New ones are added every year, and some may be removed from the list for various reasons.

Number of UNESCO listed sites : 7.

Top world heritage sites :

Interesting facts about Chile

Further reading : N/A.

Chile Travel tips

Socket type: C / L. Guide to socket types .

Weekend days: Saturday and Sunday.

Driving: Cars drive on the Right.

Local taxi apps: Didi-Rider , Uber .

Travel Guides: Lonely Planet , Bradt Guide .

Languages spoken : Spanish 99% (official), English 10%, Indigenous 1% (includes Mapudungun, Aymara, Quechua, Rapa Nui), other 2%, unspecified

Basic words and phrases in the main language:

Find a hotel in Chile

Book tours and activities :

More about Chile on Solo Female Travelers

Did you spot any errors? We do our best to keep this information updated and accurate, but things change. If you saw anything that is not right, let us know so we can fix it: [email protected] .

About the Solo Female Travel Safety Index

Safety matters to solo female travelers, you told us so in our annual  Solo Female Travel Survey , where year after year, women prove that this is their most important concern when traveling solo.

We wanted to do something about it, so we built these country-specific pages where you can find reviews and scores for 7 key variables affecting the safety of women traveling solo.

• Risk of scam
• Risk of theft
• Risk of harassment
• Attitudes towards women
• UK Travel Advisory
• US Travel advisory
• Global Peace Index (GPI)

Informing OSAC

The Solo Female Travel Safety Score is used by the Overseas Security Advisory Council for including safety concerns for women travelers in their country security reports; OSAC is a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and private-sector security community.

How to use the Safety Index

On this page, you will find the country score and the personal opinions on safety of other women traveling solo.

You can sort the comments by:

• The  level of experience traveling solo  of the reviewer (beginner = <5 trips solo, Intermediate = 5 to 10 trips solo, Experienced = >10 trips solo).
• The  age  of the traveler.
• Whether they are a  visitor or local .
• The  date  they were posted.

The safety scores range from 1 to 4 with 1 being the safest and 4 being the most dangerous for solo female travelers. 

Thus, the lower the score, the safer the country.

Looking for more safety resources?

This entire website is devoted to helping women travel solo. Check out the links below to learn more:

Solo Female Travel Stats : Results from the the largest, most comprehensive and only global research study on solo female travel trends, preferences and behaviors published.

Thanks to Jacobo Vilella for creating the Solo Female Travelers Safety Index ❤️

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Safest Neighborhoods in Santiago for Solo Female Travelers

Santiago, chile is a great place to uncover..

Published by Wave Tribe

With many places to visit and incredible sights to see; it has an alluring appeal, especially for solo travelers. But safety in Santiago is a huge consideration, particularly for solo female travelers. What are the safest neighborhoods in Santiago for solo female travelers?

“Is Santiago safe for solo female travelers?”

It is a common question asked by female travel enthusiasts. While it is not accurate to say that the entire city is safe, it is truthful to say that everyone is safe in Santiago if you know where to go and when. The outskirts of the city are generally not as safe as the central region, but you will be fine in those areas too if you do the necessary precautionary measures. Peru is also a great option for those looking for a little more adventure. It’s great for solo travelers because taking a tour in Peru allows you to enjoy the place while meeting a ton of new people along the way.

When you do visit Santiago, it is best to avoid showing off your valuable possessions. This is a common tip for travelers anywhere you go as there are pickpockets here, just like in most other cities in the world. Also, getting back to your hotel before dark will significantly improve your personal safety. But knowing what to do is just half of the preparation, knowing where to go is the other half. To help you have the best time on your next trip to Santiago, we have prepared a list of the city’s best and safest neighborhoods in Santiago for a solo female traveler like you.

1. Barrio Lastarria 2. Mercado Vega 3. Barrio Italia 4. Barrio Brasil 5. Centro Cultural Palaceo La Moneda 6. Providencia 7. Barrio Bellas Artes Santiago, Chile in a Nutshell

1. Barrio Lastarria

This highly appealing neighborhood is home to high-end restaurants and street art. It is sandwiched between two other safe neighborhoods, Bellavista and Bellas Artes, making it just as safe as those—if not safer. It’s a common tourist destination for souvenir buying so you can bet that you will be safe here.

2. Mercado Vega

This neighborhood is among the best places to tour when in Santiago. It has many restaurants that sell local delicacies as well as gift shops that sell everything you need to bring back home as gifts for your loved ones. This neighborhood is also just a stone-throw away from Mercado Central, making it a busy neighborhood that solo female travelers can explore safely.

3. Barrio Italia

The unique architectural designs in this neighborhood set it apart from most cities in Latin America. There are lots of contemporary architectural designs to see and tons of Chilean history to learn in this neighborhood. It is a laid back, relaxed, and peaceful community that you can explore without much worries. It’s also representative of the Chileans’ love for colors as this neighborhood will not disappoint any lover of interior and/or exterior house decorations. You must consider ordering your own wall art canvas and hanging it in your living room as a great keepsake of the vivid beauty of this neighborhood.

4. Barrio Brasil

Hundreds of international visitors come here on a daily basis to learn Spanish and to enjoy the local booze. It is one of the best and safest neighborhoods for solo female travelers to visit because Barrio Brasil is a very lively neighborhood largely because there is a university nearby. The population of the area is mostly comprised of youthful Chileans from across the country and these young people are friendly, welcoming, and focused on bettering the reputation of their hood. Visiting this neighborhood is your perfect chance to chat with the learned youths and understand their perspective on different international topics. This neighborhood is also home to the best graffiti art in the whole of Chile here and it’s an art piece that you wouldn’t want to miss.

5. Centro Cultural Palaceo La Moneda

The main highlight of Centro Cultural is the art museum that gives tourists a chance to interact with local artifacts and buy unique souvenirs. La Moneda Palace can be found here, so there is a lot of Chilean history and modern governance to learn. The presence of the palace is also a guarantee that this neighborhood is very safe for everyone including female travelers.

6. Providencia

This business center has everything you need from banks, shops, high-end accommodations, and restaurants. Residential apartments stand side by side with commercial buildings, including shopping malls, so you won’t need to go shopping far from where you’re staying. It is safe to say that this area is among the most tranquil regions in Santiago.

7. Barrio Bellas Artes

The Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts is easily accessible from this neighborhood. This neighborhood is a common hub for tourists on their way to or from Plaza de Armas and Parque Forestal because of its proximity to these popular destinations. For anyone who wants to visit Santa Lucia Hill, s/he will have to pass by here. Simply put, you don’t have to worry about your security because there are thousands of fellow travelers to keep you company.

Santiago, Chile in a Nutshell

Your itinerary will be filled and your bucket list will be ticking off like crazy when you visit Santiago. It’s a great place to visit to explore and appreciate the Chilean culture. Safety isn’t an issue if you know where to go and what to do when you get there so it’s always best to keep in mind the safest neighborhoods for solo female travelers. It’s an awesome place to get your mind off things and to simply enjoy life and marvel at the beauty of being alive.

Even for those who suffer from anxiety or are seriously looking to recharge, Santiago is still a great place to unwind and refuel. By the time your trip is done, you will have found and tuned in to your rhythm again. If you do see a life coach after your trip here, you two will have a great foundation of hope to build on and many awesome things to talk about.

So go ahead and order that piece of wall art. It’s a great keepsake and a wonderful reminder of the awesome time you spent exploring the neighborhoods of Santiago, Chile.

Surfing Santiago Chile

Santiago Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Santiago , Chile? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

• Santiago is Chile’s capital and largest city, with a population of around 6.9 million.
• Founded by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1541 .
• Divided into comunas – political divisions similar to the boroughs of New York City.
• Located about 1 hour from the ski slopes and 1.5 hours from the beach.
• Nicknames: known to outsiders as “la capital.”

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Currency:  Chilean peso  (CLP).
• Spoken languages: predominantly Spanish .
• Best time to visit: from September  to  May  (Santiago has a pleasant, mediterranean climate). Ski season is June through early October.
• Arriving via airport : two bus options exist – the Centropuerto and TurBus (both run 24/7, both cost 1,900 CLP one way or 3,400 return). Centropuerto (1st floor, Gate 6): terminates at Los Heroes. TurBus: terminates at Santiago Central Station. Both follow more or less the same route and stop at the metro/bus stations in the city centre. Journey takes 40 minutes, buses depart every 20 minutes (or every hour at night).
• A taxi ride is a bit quicker (25 minutes), but will cost 10x more (19,000 CLP). If traffic is especially bad (e.g. rush hour), expect to pay closer to 30,000 CLP. Go to the Vía Controlada transportation desk in Arrivals to arrange a taxi.
• Tip: if you see a 7 digit phone number (e.g. 333-3333), you must dial “2” first (e.g. 2333-3333).

WHERE TO STAY

• Best Santiago hostel for solo travelers: Hostel Forestal . In a great, central location – perfect for exploring the city. Very friendly staff, clean rooms, chilled atmosphere. Bathrooms could be a bit cleaner, but this is as good as it gets in Santiago!
• If you want to be in walking distance of the old city, Santiago’s downtown ( Santiago Centro ) has a wide range of accommodations and prices.
• Providencia is a little farther east, but you have quick access to many parts of the city via the subway (called Metro). The most exclusive hotels are located in Las Condes and Vitacura . These three are the safest areas of the city and are often recommended to new travelers.

GETTING AROUND

• The systems for getting around town include the Metro (subway) and city buses. The Metro will quickly take you to most centrally located sites of interest. Buses are slower, may be crowded, and/or require a long wait.
• You can purchase a prepaid transport Bip! card that will work on both the subway and city buses (buy one in any station). This is a contactless smart card that makes using public transport a breeze.
• Taxis are yellow and black and can be hailed on the street. Though more expensive than the subway or buses, short trips are priced reasonably.

SANTIAGO NIGHTLIFE

• Drinking age is  18 , no official last call (bars are open until early morning).
• Note: Bellavista (Baquedano Metro Station) is no longer as safe as it used to be. Fine by day, dangerous at night. Stay away.
• Good nightlife areas: Barrio Italia (Providencia) and Las Condes.
• Great bars to start your night: SOCiAL, Oculto Beergarden, and Jardin Mallinkrot.
• Looking for dancing ? Head to Bar El Túnel and/or Subterraneo.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

• Cerro San Cristóbal is a hill with the statue of the Virgin Mary at the top. Take a ride in a gondola, visit the zoo, and take in the view of the city below.
• Plaza de Armas (at Plaza de Armas Metro) is Santiago’s main square. Take a chance to visit the city’s cathedral.
• El Pueblito de los Dominicos (Los Dominicos Metro Station). Old Dominican monastery and church. There’s also a crafts market, where you will find all sorts of souvenirs. Look for goods made with lapis lazuli , a blue stone found only in Chile and Afghanistan.
• Palacio Cousiño ,   a mansion from the 19th century that is open for tours.

INTERESTING WALKS

• Walk in Santiago Centro , on the north side of the Alameda. Take Paseo Ahumada all the way to Plaza de Armas. Palacio La Moneda (the presidential palace) is another noteworthy stop.
• Admire the French-style architecture and meandering streets on both Concha y Toro and Londres streets.
• Take a stroll through two recently inaugurated parks: Parque Bicentenario and Parque Juan Pablo II .
• Walk through the manicured gardens of Parque Forestal and stop at Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to admire the art.

LOCAL WISDOM

• Don’t forget to pack a sweater and/or a light jacket (mornings and evenings are cool, with the exception of the hottest summer days).
• Santiago is full of fuentes de soda (soda fountains) that serve as informal cafés. Be adventurous and try the Chilean version of a hot dog – the completo. It is topped with tomato, mayonnaise, sauerkraut, and avocado paste.
• Craving chocolate ? Head to Brussels Heart of Chocolate (multiple locations).
• Great restaurants to try: Dondoh Santiago, Baco – Nueva de Lyon ($$$ – French), Silvestre Bistro, Antigua Fuente (sandwiches), Restaurante Hansoban (Korean), New Horizon (Indian food at a great price), Holy Moly (burgers), Tanta (Peruvian – multiple locations), and Ciudadano Restaurant.
• The core of Santiago is laid out in a grid, with streets running in straight lines. The Andes Mountains help you get your bearings. If you go to more residential neighborhoods, you will see that the streets have distinct names such as: Arkansas, Mar Negro and Hamburgo. Hardly any streets are named with numbers.
• Santiago remains conservative , though it has opened up from the world. If you stray from the norm, you will stand out.
• Do not carry any valuables on you. Take only the cash you need with you. Never take your wallet out in public to count money.
• Dangerous areas : The main danger in the city’s tourist area is theft . Try not to walk in Santiago Centro at night and avoid the comunas to the south, north and west of Santiago Centro.

Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days

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Solo Female Travel in Chile: How to Plan Your Itinerary

• July 6, 2023
• Americas , Travel Tips

Hi again, and welcome to Tourist Lookup , the best place to go on an adventure before an adventure. Not only do we tell you where to go, we bring them to life right in front of your eyes. And today, we’ll be exploring the Republic of Chile in South America and spoon-feeding you all the nutrients you need for your on-fleek Chile solo female travel. 

Chile is a long, narrow country that stretches over four thousand Kilometers, earning it its spot as the longest country in the world. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, the daring Atacama Desert, and the peaceful Patagonian region (replete with solid mountains and stunning glaciers)

Chile is also renowned for its wine production, so if you know and love your wines, you can visit The Central Valley, located near Santiago, and enjoy a treat of exquisite wines and enjoy the scenic beauty of the vineyards. But other than its wine-ness, Chile has other worthwhile reasons for visiting. 

Because of its landscape, the country offers a wealth of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, surfing, and wildlife watching. So whether you’re a little or a lot outdoorsy, you’ll fit right in. Chilean culture is also very inviting, as it is a unique blend of indigenous traditions and European influences. 

Like most countries, the most popular city in Chile is its capital, Santiago, and it will definitely pop up a lot in your Chile solo travel itinerary. Santiago, in particular, is a great place to intake the country’s rich history, with remnants of ancient civilizations, colonial architecture, and a vibrant arts and music scene.

But asides from all the excitement that this country affords you, you might be wondering —since we are talking about solo female travel— “ Is it safe to travel to Chile alone?” Well, the answer is yes. Chile is a perfectly safe country, especially if you are in the right places like we are about to show you. 

By now, you should be able to tell the purpose of this post. We’re about to bring Chile to you and tell you all you need to know to plan your itinerary for your solo travel in Chile. So get ready, strap on, and let’s get going. 

Table of contents

How to Plan Your Solo Female Itinerary 

When embarking on your Chile solo female travel, you need to meticulously plan. As much as Chile is not the biggest country in the world, it is not a tiny country either. There are many attractions in the city that are fighting for your attention and your Pesos, and not all of them are worth visiting. 

From the vibrant city life of Santiago to the mystical landscapes of the Atacama Desert to the awe-inspiring beauty of Torres del Paine National Park to the captivating cultural heritage of Valparaíso to the pristine wilderness of Patagonia, it all can be a little confusing. So we’ll map it out for you. 

Day 1: Visit Santiago and Valparaíso ( City Experience )

What better way to start your amazing female Chile solo travel than to explore the vibrant capital city, Santiago, and take in all its wonders? If you are up for it, start with a relaxing climb of the Santa Lucia hill, which offers the most amazing views of the city you are about to explore. 

After the hill, you can go on with your adventure by visiting the historic center, Plaza de Armas , and stroll through the bustling streets of Bellavista . While in the city, you should check out Santiago Bahá’í Temple . It has stunning architecture that has won a number of awards. 

Depending on how long you plan to spend in Chile, you can visit a lot more places in Santiago. From immersing yourself in history at The Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral to witnessing the changing of the guards at the Palacio de La Moneda to riding a cable car up San Cristobal Hill , there are myriads of activities to keep you busy. 

If you plan to spend only a few days in the country, then you should try to round up your tour in Santiago by morning and, in the afternoon, take a 90-minute bus ride to Valparaíso. Valparaíso is a must-have on your Chile solo travel itinerary. 

On getting to Valparíso, you can have the time of your life. Whatever you do, make sure you explore the colorful hills of Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the Pacific Ocean from various lookout points.

You can also ride the Historic Funiculars , visit the Open-Air Museum , stroll along Paseo Yugoslavo and Paseo Gervasoni , and take a boat tour of the harbor to experience Valparaíso from the water.

After an exciting and adventurous afternoon and evening tour, you can treat yourself to a delicious seafood dinner in any of Valparaíso’s charming restaurants and catch a sunset over the Pacific Ocean as a perfect end to the perfect day. 

Valparaíso is a city full of surprises, so allow yourself to get lost in its charming streets, interact with locals, and embrace the vibrant artistic and cultural atmosphere that makes it so unique.

Day 2: Visit the Atacama Desert ( Natural Wonders )

After a wonderful night’s rest at any of the Valparaiso hotels like the Hotel Palacio Astoreca or Casa Higueras Hotel Boutique, continue your Chile solo female travel with an early morning flight from Santiago to Calama, and take a transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. This is where the next phase of your adventure will be. 

Once there, check into your accommodation at either Terrantai Lodge Andino or Nayara Alto Atacama, or any other hotel of your choosing, and get ready to explore the otherworldly landscapes the region has to offer. 

The whole region here is known as the Atacama desert, and it is a vast and arid landscape stretching across thousands of kilometers and is considered one of the driest places on Earth. It has some places that have never recorded any rainfall at all, and it has some striking natural features that give it an aura of mysticism. 

You can begin your adventure with a guided tour of the Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna), where you’ll witness extraordinary geological formations and stunning salt flats and enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the desert.

Since Laguna Cejar and Salar de Atacama are quite close to town, they are the next stop. Laguna Cejar is a stunning saltwater lagoon that offers a refreshing swimming experience to take a break from your exploration and just relax in the water. 

To maintain that relaxing atmosphere and mood, the next stop should be Salar de Atacama. It is, in fact, one of the most common things to do on solo travel in Chile. 

Salar de Atacama is a salt lake covered by a thick crust of salt. It is home to many interesting birds, including several different types of flamingos, and is a perfect place for birdwatching. 

After visiting Salar de Atacama, you can further explore the remarkable attractions in the Atacama Desert, including Lagunas Altiplánicas, Piedras Rojas, El Tatio Geysers, and Tatio Cactus Valley.”

To make it easier for you to tick off your Chile solo travel itinerary, here’s a list of the attractions. You can just paste them into your Chile solo travel itinerary. 

1. Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)

2. Laguna Cejar

3. Salar de Atacama

4. Lagunas Altiplánicas (Miscanti and Miñiques)

5. Piedras Rojas (Red Stones)

6. El Tatio Geysers

7. Tatio Cactus Valley

After a wild day of touring the deserts, you can catch an impressive view of the night sky with some evening stargazing. 

Day 3: Torres del Paine National Park ( Outdoors and Recreation )

After a wonderful time in the desert, it’s time to return to Calama. Take a flight from Calama to Punta Arenas and transfer to Torres del Paine National Park.

Torres del Paine is renowned for its awe-inspiring beauty and captivating landscapes. It is home to the iconic three granite towers and is covered with stunning crystal-clear waters. It is one of the most popular parks in the whole country and is a must for solo travel in Chile. 

From hiking in the park to taking in the breathtaking views of the granite peaks to exploring the lakes and glaciers, you have a couple of things that don’t require company. The parks also have a variety of cozy lodges or campsites that gives you the best of both comfort and nature. 

To enjoy more of the natural and scenic views, you can start a personal tour of all the surrounding regions starting from the scenic views at Laguna Azul to the cascading waterfalls of Salto Grande . You can then take a short hike to Lake Pehoé and enjoy stunning views of the Cuernos del Paine.

Day 3: Alternative

Alternatively, if parks are not your thing, you can instead fly from Punta Arenas to Puerto Montt and take a 30-minute drive to the charming town of Puerto Varas. 

Puerto Varas is known for its German architecture and stunning views of Lake Llanquihue. You can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, visit the iconic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and enjoy a traditional German-inspired meal.

In the afternoon, take a ferry to Chiloé Island and visit the picturesque fishing villages and wooden churches. You can take a boat or ferry ride from Puntas Arena to visit the beautiful island, Isla Magdalena, and spot the large King penguins in their habitat (the world’s second-largest species of penguins). 

Conclusion 

Though this plan specified only three days, you can extend your Chile solo female travel as long as you like. Each city and place has enough attractions to keep you for a day or two more. Of course, that may cost a little more, but if money is not a problem, then, by all means, turn this 3-day plan into a 10-day one. 

For instance, you can explore the Maipo Canyon: A majestic masterpiece of towering cliffs, vibrant colors, winding rivers, and untamed natural beauty just outside of Santiago if you have more time to spend in the city.  

Also, after enjoying Laguna Cejar, you can take a long trip to the Marble Caves. It would involve a flight to Balmaceda Airport in the Aysén Region and a 5-hour drive to Puerto Río Tranquilo. Once in Puerto Río Tranquilo, you can join a boat tour to visit the Marble Caves on General Carrera Lake. 

If you want to go even further south, you can go on to find other amazing places to explore in South America . Also, if you’re looking for the answer to the question, “ Is it safe to travel to Chile alone?” Here you go; it most definitely is! 

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Safe Santiago Neighborhoods For Solo Female Travelers

Is Santiago safe for solo female travelers? This is a question many female travel enthusiasts ask many times. And although it is not accurate to say that the entire city is safe, it is truthful to say that everyone is safe in Santiago provided she knows when to be where and at what time. The outskirts of the city are generally not as safe as the central region, but you will be fine in those areas too if you are careful enough. IF you are up for a little more adventure, we recommend going up north and visiting Peru. Peru is also a perfect place for solo travelers, and the possibility to find friends in vast, especially if you take a tour in Peru with a group of people.

When you visit Santiago, avoid showing off your valuable possessions as there are pickpockets here, just like in most other cities in the world. Also, getting back to your hotel before dark will significantly improve your personal safety. That is not all we are telling you today. To help you have the best time on your next trip to Santiago, we have prepared a list of the city’s safest neighborhoods for a solo traveler like you.

1. Barrio Lastarria

This highly appealing neighborhood is home to high-end restaurants and street art. It is sandwiched between two safe neighborhoods, Bellavista and Bellas Artes, meaning that it is equally safe, if not safer. And because tourists flock these streets to buy souvenirs, you can bet that you will be safe here.

2. Mercado Vega

This neighborhood is among the best places to tour when in Santiago. It has many restaurants that sell local delicacies as well as gift shops that sell everything you need to bring back home as gifts for your loved ones. And because this neighborhood is only a stone-throw away from Mercado Central, you can bet that it is among the safest places for a female tourist to be at.

3. Barrio Italia

The unique architectural designs in this neighborhood set it apart from most cities in Latin America. There are also lots of contemporary architectural designs to see and tons of Chile’s history to learn. And because Chileans love their colors, this neighborhood will not disappoint any lover of interior and/or exterior house decorations. Thus, to have a vivid memory of this amazing city, you can order wall art canvas and hang it in your living room to have a look at it from time to time.

Besides all that, Barrio Italia is known for its laid back, relaxed, and peaceful vibe. You can actually count on this neighborhood whenever you wish to slow down and take stock.

4. Barrio Brasil

Hundreds of international visitors come here on a daily basis to learn Spanish and drink local booze in a 30 oz tumbler . Barrio Brasil is a very lively neighborhood; largely because there is a university nearby, meaning that most residents are youthful Chileans from across the country. These young people are friendly, welcoming, and focused on bettering the reputation of their hood. Visiting here is your perfect chance to chat with the learned youths and understand their perspective on different international topics. The best graffiti art in the whole of Chile is also found here.

5. Centro Cultural Palaceo La Moneda

The main highlight of Centro Cultural is the art museum that gives tourists a chance to interact with local artifacts and buy unique souvenirs. La Moneda Palace is based here, so there is a lot of Chilean history and modern governance to learn. The presence of the palace is also a guarantee that this place is very safe for everyone including female travelers.

6. Providencia

This business center has everything you need, from banks, shops, high-end accommodation, to restaurants. You name them. Residential apartments stand side by side with commercial buildings, including shopping malls, so you don’t need to go shopping far away from your room. It is safe to say that this area is among the most tranquil regions in Santiago.

7. Barrio Bellas Artes

The Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts is easily accessible from this neighborhood, while Plaza de Armas and Parque Forestal are both a stone-throw away. Tourists love to hang around Barrio Bellas Artes on their way to or from the mentioned attractions. And for anyone who wants to visit Santa Lucia Hill, he/she will have to pass by here. Simply put, you don’t have to worry about your security because there are thousands of fellow travelers to keep you company.

In Conclusion

Your bucket list will constantly be full when visiting Santiago. The good news is that you don’t have much to worry about in regards to your safety or security, so you will easily get your mind off things and enjoy life and the beauty of living.

If you are suffering from anxiety or lack of productivity, you will be able to recharge in Santiago so that by the time you report back to work, you will have found your rhythm in life.

Lastly, remember to order wall art canvas for your home decoration. Of course, there isn’t a better way of remembering Santiago than through a wall art hanging on a wall in your living room.

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Chile Travel Guide 2024 [From My 6-Month Solo Chile Trip]

Covid-Related Travel Update, Jan 2024:  Chile is open to international tourists. Visit the  Chilean government’s official website  for travel-related information and regulations. Don’t forget to read the government’s rules to be followed in public spaces  here . My guide to Chile visa would be helpful for Indian citizens.

What does this Chile Travel Guide contain?

•   Where is C hile?
• How did I decide to travel to Chile? What inspired me to visit Chile?
• What is English Open Doors program? – Volunteering in Chile.
• But why should you travel to Chile or South America? What is so special about Chile?

How is the landscape of Chile?

What are the natural disasters of chile that you should be worried about while traveling in chile.

• # 1 of the Places to Visit in Chile.
• # 2 of the Things to See in Chile
• # 3 of the Best Things to do in Chile.
• # 4 of the Best Places in Chile.
• # 5 of the Places to go in Chile.
• # 6 of the Places to See in Chile.
• # 7 on your list of Where to Go in Chile.
• # 8 on the list of What to See in Chile.
• Chile is far. What about the long flights and the insane timezone shifts?
• How to stay connected with family?
• Didn’t I feel homesick or lonely that far away from my home country and friends?
• What about the rough Latin American Spanish? What language do Chileans speak?

Why do I say that Chile people are the nicest?

Is chile expensive on a traveler’s budget what is the cost of travel in chile, how much did the tickets cost for the flight to chile, what about the tourist visa for chile.

• What is the best time to travel to Chile?
• What to pack for Chile?
• How to move around in Chile?
• How should you carry money when you travel to Chile?
• Is Chile Safe? This Backpacking Chile guide is updated for the current uproar in Chile. 

How is Chilean food?

Now let’s get real – the drinking scene of chile..

While watching the traditional Balinese Ramayana performance in Ubud where men and women dressed as Ram, Sita, and Ravan danced around the fire, my close friend Anish asked me that why haven’t I published a comprehensive Chile travel blog, yet.

You would find the occasion of the question strange, but he was concerned that even though I was on a long South America travel trip (nine months), alone, and indulged in the continent’s culture intricately, I didn’t write about it enough.

I pen down my cultural experiences, the people I meet, and the places I travel to, but a lot of my travel stories are still hiding in the folders. Like we never serve our curries without garnishing them with garam masala and coriander, I have to add final touches to these stories, too, before publishing them. 

This massive backpacking Chile guide is one such postponed piece. I was traveling in Chile for around six months as a part of a longer nine-month journey through South America, solo, and returned to India in 2017. 

Since then I have been writing and traveling, full-time from around the world, as you all know.

Recently after traveling in Southeast Asia (again) relentlessly for two months, I am staying put for a month now and editing a good bunch of my content; most of my writing is about to come out of its closet before I move onto further adventures.

Assuming that we both do justice to this ambitious travel guide to Chile, let us continue.

Update July 2023 – Now I have written most of the South America content, so feel free to indulge here .

Related Reads:  Backpack Peru travel guide  and  Your One-Stop Travel Guide to Bolivia  

Where is Chile?

Chile, the world’s narrowest country, is located at the western edge of the South-American continent. Chile country leads our way up to the end of the world, for the southernmost tip of Chile, Cape Horn, is the last inhabited place that gives way to South Antarctica, a no man’s land.

The extreme south of Chile or Patagonia is mostly devoid of humans due to its cold and inhospitable climate, and the temperature stays low throughout the year. Even the Spanish conquistadors were not able to colonize this part of Chile, a country that they had conquered in entirety.

Would you be now amazed if I tell you that the northern part of this long country is the driest desert of the world, Atacama , which we all studied in our Geography classes?

Have you ever seen such geographic contrasts within a country before? (I know the Himalayas and the Thar desert, but this is a rhetorical question.)

To answer a popular Google question:

• Is Chile in South America?

Yes. Chile is a country in South America.

How did I decide to travel to Chile? Or What inspired me to visit Chile?

As Chile is a long way from India and isn’t a popular destination amongst Indian travelers, yet, many people ask me why did I go to Chile.

Until a friend of mine, who also went to Chile to teach English with the English Open Doors program (EODP) that I volunteered for later, mentioned Chile, I didn’t even know that the country exists. Or maybe I knew, but I had forgotten the petite country thriving on the extreme edge of the South-American continent for here in India we don’t hear about Chile often.

Drooling over the Chile pictures of my friend and accepting that the creative English writing programs I had applied to (a story best told another day) would reject me, I applied to EODP. As part of EODP, I had to teach English in Chile for four months in exchange for food and accommodation.

Fast forward a couple of months —  I was rejected by the English writing programs and was selected by EODP. To pursue my travel dreams , I quit my investment banking job (that inspired me as much as spinach inspires a cat) and finally called home to disclose my plans to my parents. As soon as they heard about my decision of traveling to Chile to volunteer, my tiny world was struck by so much chaos that even Ved Vyas would have felt ashamed of not adding more family drama to the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

Escaping the parents-induced guilt fire by a few inches, I booked a one-way ticket to Santiago, months before applying for a Chile visa .

And when I applied for the visa, the program requested the Chile consulate to approve my visa on priority so that I could join at the earliest. By the time the Chilean embassy in Delhi sanctioned my visa, I still didn’t have much Chile travel information as I had been busy traveling in Southeast Asia and seeing off my Indian friends for I didn’t know when I would see them again.

When I arrived at the Mumbai airport to board my 36-hour flight to Santiago, I had sold most of my belongings, packed the rest in bags, and released myself from a two-year failed relationship. 

After a two-hour agonizing phone conversation with my mother about the men she thought I should have married, I pushed my loaded trolley towards the Emirates counter at the Mumbai airport. I remember knowing back then that I wasn’t coming back soon.

While my family lost it, I rollerbladed into a new life.

In July 2016, I landed on the remote Southern island Chiloé where I had to teach English to the government school students. While I was surprised by Chilean customs and the people, most of the islanders were perplexed with my brown complexion and kohl-eyes for they were seeing an Indian for the first time.

Though I didn’t know about Chile much, I had always found the South-American culture intriguing. When I heard the Latino prisoner group chatter away in Spanish in Orange Is the New Black, I had goosebumps. Later when I learned Spanish while living in Chile, I fell in love with the language.

Please note: I have also prepared a list of 50 best things to do in Chile . Do give the article a read for an exhaustive list of experiences Chile has to offer.

Leaving aside all the troubles that I faced in traveling to the other end of the world (of which you would hear much about in this Chile travel guide), my South America trip is one of the best journeys of my life. Even today, after having returned from the continent for over a year over two years, I reminisce over the days I spent there and cry with nostalgia whenever I hear anybody speak Spanish. I wept for about an hour when I wrote this list of common Spanish phrases for travelers visiting South America.   

So to answer your question – I wasn’t searching for a big inspiration. I wanted some changes in my life, and Chile happened.

But why did I stayed on in Chile even after the program ended? My celebrity-like status in the Chilean countryside might have prolonged my Chile trip but that’s a rant (show-off?) for another day.

An interesting read on Indian culture:   Indian Marriage Culture  – How I stay unmarried in India as a 32-year-old woman

What is the English Open Doors program? Volunteering in Chile.

English Open Doors Program or “Ingles Abre Puertas” (EODP) is a volunteer program run by the government of Chile in coordination with the United Nations(UN). EODP has given a boom to Chile Tourism. 

As part of the program, I had to teach English to the students of a government school, and, in return, the program hosted me in Chile. The program provided me accommodation with a Chilean family, food, free visa, a tiny stipend, a certificate of teaching English as a second language(ESL), and health insurance during my entire stay in Chile.

Where was this government school and who were these students? I didn’t come to know until the day I arrived in Chile.

I had filled up a form wherein I mentioned that I would prefer south Chile over north and that I was okay with villages or remote locations. As EODP mentioned during the application process, all the volunteers were assigned a location as per their preferences, mostly, and then they were sent to a school within that location, which could be remote and icy or warm and metropolitan. But this assignment happened close to the program dates. 

The day I had to board my Chile flight, I received an email from the program which said that I had to teach in a school in Castro on the island of Chiloé in southern Chile.

When I Googled Castro, I saw gorgeous, rainbow-like pictures in which colorful stilt houses fringed the shores of a turquoise-blue ocean.

I beamed. It looked like my sort of place, and it was.

READ NEXT:  Volunteer and Teach English in Chile  – All You Need To Know About the English Open Doors Volunteer Program and my experience of teaching English in Castro.

All of this sounds good.

But why should you plan a trip to Chile or South America? What is so special about the place?

I grin whenever someone asks me this question.

Though notorious for criminal activities and drug trafficking, South America (SA) has Windows-wallpaper-like landscapes, warm and caring people, and ancient culture. And the Latin-American countries I visited — C hile, Peru, and Bolivia — have none of the horrendous crime problems.

How do I know? I spent nine months in these three countries alone with only one disturbing incident (of mobile snatching in Santiago ) that can happen in any part of the world. Had I been more aware, I could have easily avoided that incident, too.  

So let us keep aside the safety angle for a while, and I would write about traveler’s safety in Chile amongst other travel tips for Chile later. 

But is it worth to travel to this remote continent that is known for rough Spanish, bold Latin-American people, long flights, unknown geography, seemingly high cost of living, and who knows what else?

For those who haven’t been to SA, these are fair questions. 

Let me resolve your doubts one by one.

Read if you need some positive inspiration to visit South America:  Epic Experiences in South America

Read later:  Running behind delinquents in Santiago

My friend, you are in for a treat.

An Indian artist in Pushkar told me that Chile is like a river that flows unhindered and pure from the north to the south on the western edge of South America. The gigantic Andes mountains shade the country from the eastern sun, while the rowdy Pacific runs parallel to the entire west coast of Chile.

Chile is essentially a thin strip of land sandwiched between the ocean and the mountains.

Pablo Neruda, a famous poet from Chile, said the following about the Pacific ocean, that cradles Chile all her life, day and night, 

Del brazo sumergido que levanta una gota

no queda sino un beso de la sal. De los cuerpos 

del hombre en tus orillas una húmeda fragancia 

de flor mojada permanece. Tu energia 

parece resbalar sin ser gastada

parece regresar a su reposo. 

In English,

Of the sunken arm that throws up a drop of water

nothing remains but a kiss of salt. Of the bodies of mankind

along your shores a misty scent of wet flowers is all that lasts. 

Your energy seems to slip away without ever being

exhausted, it seems to circle back into your calm. 

Also Read:   Peru – In the Golden Foliage of Poetry and Pictures.

The Chilean landscape is still largely untouched by commercialism, hotels, giant corporates, smoky factories, or urbanization. Though there are ethical issues of salmon fisheries, mining, and water privatization that the Chilean citizens are fighting the present government for, Chile is rich in natural beauty. 

Llamas and vicunas grazing freely in open pastures, horses and donkeys chilling next to high azure lakes, furry dogs sprinting through rain-ridden streets, giant volcanoes backdropping mundane towns, deserts as vast as oceans, vast white salt-flats, and salt lakes, lakes as blue as clear summer sky bedazzling throughout the country, nights so starry that you would spend years counting the stars, dense forests being protected by the local people, rivers sometimes as white as ocean froth for they are flowing straight from glaciers, long beaches next to wooden cottages and tall buildings, snow-capped peaks visible from crowded cities, graffiti covering uninteresting walls, and people smiling and laughing. 

Families still have farmlands, people live on picturesque islands, herd cow, and make wine at home, artists are respected, cherry trees and apples fill the courtyards, and shore-side residential hills are filled with graffiti. Are we dreaming?

I have not even mentioned the treacherous icy mountains, sinewy fjords, and the deep-blue glaciers hung atop hills of the South. 

If you don’t have goosebumps by now, then either you are devoid of emotions, or maybe I am a terrible writer. Let us believe the latter is true, for a lot of travelers agree that Chile is one of the most gorgeous countries in the world.

All the natural beauty comes with its own hazards.

Situated at  the triple junction of the Geologic plates , Chile suffers frequent earthquakes, which also sometimes cause tsunamis and floods because of the long coast that runs along with the entire country. Due to this frequent shaking of Chilean earth, high volcanoes have sprouted out of the land and now stands tall at almost every turn of Chile.

While walking around, I was surprised by the omnipresent tsunami, earthquake, and volcano evacuation signs. But soon I got used to them. Many earthquakes struck Chile when I was there. At such times, the house shook, the roads were blocked, the government stopped the ferries, and all my friends from Chile called me to check where I was and if I was okay. 

Though we could feel that the house was shaking, Chileans were pretty cool about the mild tremors for they have seen much worse.

So do not worry much about these calamities because the people of Chile know how to deal with them. The government takes precautionary actions. Tsunamis are expected in case of strong earthquakes but such strong tremors aren’t frequent at all. All the earthquakes that I felt during my 6-month in Chile were pretty minor. Volcanoes are active but most of them aren’t close to eruption. Otherwise, how could we climb the active Volcano Villarrica?

We can never control nature. So when I travel to a country that is prone to natural disasters, I just tell myself that whatever has to happen will happen irrespective of where I am.

Please decide if you want to visit Chile as per your point of view.

We have discussed the Chilean landscape, but that wouldn’t make much sense without understanding Chilean geography.

The Geography of Chile – Along with the top things to do in Chile .

As per Chilean administration, Chile is divided into 16 regions, and each one of them has its own  administrative rules, geography, climate, culture, food, and specific things to do and places to see.

But for this Chile attractions guide, I would divide the country into four main divisions that I think describe Chile’s geography best. And to make the guide an easy read, I will combine the geography with the best places to visit in Chile from each region. 

The North of Chile

The Northern end of Chile is the Atacama desert that marks the boundaries of Chile from its neighbors, Peru and Bolivia. When I visited the Atacama, the surreal landscape of this part of Chile blew my mind.

Snow-capped volcanoes play hide and seek with you as you drive along the dusty roads that wind through the Atacama. This driest desert ironically hosts salt and freshwater lagoons. Pink flamingos settle around these dazzling blue beauties, which are not the only water bodies as hot natural geysers and thermal pools are strewn throughout the desert. Deep moon-like valleys, that were once under the ocean, shine white amidst the arid land. Also, the Atacama puts up the stariest show at night.

The entire desert is at a minimum height of 2500 m and shamelessly adds nauseated drama to the already crazy journey of world travelers who visit Chile.

Please note- Though the things to do in Chile list is numbered, the numbering doesn’t signify any priority or order in which you should visit these Chile destinations. 

# 1 of the places to visit in Chile, South America

Chill in the quaint san pedro de atacama (antofagasta region as per chilean administration) — this tiny village is a gateway to the atacama desert..

The houses in the village are made of abode, a mixture of mud and other organic material, and so is the village church that was constructed by the Spanish conquerors in the 17th century. Next to the church is the Plaza de Armas or the main square where you can sit at twilight and sip wine at one of its many posh restaurants while watching the budding jugglers throwing around clubs whose ends are on fire.

You can only guess how cool this wifi-enabled main square is until you see it yourself.

Though thousands of tourists travel in Chile and visit the Atacama desert and tonnes of hostels, tour companies, and restaurants are spread throughout the tiny village, none of those have been able to disturb its serenity.

Visit this village for its centuries-old culture and to immerse in a perfect fusion of the contemporary with the traditional. 

Where to Stay in San Pedro:

I stayed at the La Casa EcoExplor in San Pedro de Atacama. This gorgeous hostel fitted perfectly in my budget and taste. EcoExplor is an eco-friendly place with budget rooms and dorms, a seating area, hammocks, a fully-functional kitchen, wifi, hot water, and kind staff. I booked all my Atacama tours with them, and they helped me find the ones at a good price and also explained what all I could see in the desert. The hostel is located close to the center, but still a bit away so you are not in the middle of the chaos. The bus stand is only about 200 m from EcoExplor, and you shouldn’t miss the views on the way from the bus stand to the hostel (hint: volcanoes).

You can book your stay at EcoExplor or check for availability  here on Booking .

If you don’t like EcoExplor, browse through more hotels in San Pedro and choose one as per your priorities.

Read Next:  My comprehensive  travel guide to San Pedro and the Atacama desert  for more details on the tours you can take and the experiences you can expect.

Did you know that you can even cross into Bolivia from the Atacama desert via the Atacama-Uyuni border? Have a look at this GetYourGuide multi-day tour that will pick you up in the Atacama but can drop you in Uyuni after showing you the very famous reflective salt flats of Uyuni.

# 2 of the things to see in Chile

Wander in the atacama desert, the driest desert of the world—.

The Atacama desert is not the flat desert valley you think it would be. Snowy volcanoes, emerald lagoons, cavernous valleys glittered with salt, and flocks of pink flamingos would welcome you as you tread in this fathomless desert.

As I told above, at whichever hotel or hostel you stay in San Pedro, it would offer tours to the many natural wonders of the Atacama. Or you can hire a car and drive around in the desert at your pace. You can also book GetYourGuide Tours prior to heading to San Pedro. I have written about the tours in detail in my San Pedro guide . This (to piedra Rojas and blue lagoons) and this (to the Moon Valley) are my favorite. 

Related read:   See my photo-poetry essay on the Atacama and decide for yourself if you want to add the Atacama to your list of things to see in Chile.

The Central Valley of Chile

As you move south of the Atacama, you find yourself in the central valley of Chile. The major cities of the central valley are Santiago, Valparaiso,  Viña del Mar , and Concepcion.

The central valley is known for its cosmopolitan life, vineyards, beaches, commercial ports, graffiti, and art. Though the beaches stay cold almost throughout the year except for the summer month of December, Chileans do get out on the beach to relax and many other travelers join them, too.

While I visited these cities I was influenced by the art and street graffiti, amazed by the fluffy street dogs even in the busiest part of the town, watched the residential hills that light up like a star-studded sky at night, drank homemade delicious red wine and visited lush vineyards throughout the countryside, ran around in big farmhouses and apple farms, listened to the seagulls who flew down to the shoreside houses to pick food, and talked to the contemporary artists and the self-involved tattoo artists who simmer down the metropolitanism of the cities with their art.

You might want to spend a few days in the valley to see and experience at least a few cities.

# 3 of the best things to do in Chile.

Visit santiago,  valparaiso,  viña del mar , and concepcion  — if you fly to chile, you will land in santiago, and all the other cities are easily accessible from there..

Stay in the central valley  for a few days to observe the Chilean culture , immerse in the art, taste some good Chilean wine, chill at some warm beaches, and soak in urban Chile, for this part of Chile is the most urbanized and a lot of people and students speak English.

Visiting the Central Chilean valley is one of the best things to do in Chile for this side of the country has the densest Chilean population. If you love understanding cultures and want to see regular Chilean life, Central valley is a good place to be in.

Do not forget to go to the local grocery and food markets, fish stalls, quaint cafes, sushi restaurants, art galleries, museums, performances, for you all get a good mix of all these in the cities that I mentioned. I would write a separate article on either the central valley or on each of these cities so I can tell you in detail what is worth experiencing there. I have now written in detail on the things to do and places to see in Central Valley. Read here .

Here are some other stay options in Santiago:

I stayed in Santiago at a friend’s place and at an Airbnb that is not functional anymore. But if you do not use Airbnb, feel free to go through the accommodation list below. I have handpicked these places from throughout Santiago as per the locality, reviews, experiences, prices, and services provided.

Guest House Mery, Barrio Brasil – Run by a Chilean family, in downtown Santiago, close to historical places and metro, amazing reviews, kind staff, beautiful rooms, and patio, and pick up and drop from the airport at reasonable prices. Best for solo or couple travelers.

Look at the hotel here on Booking and check their availability or book. This place gets sold out well in advance.

Amistar Apartments – In downtown Santiago near Santa Lucia hill, entire apartment for 3/4/5 people, clean accommodation, kind owners, great reviews, and pick up and drop service from the airport. Best for a group of friends or families.

Browse the apartments here on Booking and book if you like.

And now for the hostel lovers.

Hostal Rio Amazonas : In central Santiago near Baquedano Metro Station, boutique hotel, gorgeous interiors and paintings, comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, friendly staff, in-house bar, and wifi. Best for couples, family, and solo travelers.

Click here to see the availability and book Hostal Rio Amazonas.

Valparaiso: To book your stay in Valparaiso, look at the stay options on Booking and choose one as per your preferences. Click here to go to the list of hotels. 

Viña del Mar: This beach-side town has gorgeous places to stay and a very high-class feel to it. Browse through the Viña accommodations here and book.

Concepcion: I didn’t go to Concepcion but my friends volunteering with the program had an amazing time there. Go through this list of hotels and see if you like something. 

The Lake Region of Chile

The central valley then leads the way to the lake region that is known as Los Lagos in Spanish . The lake region marks the beginning of Patagonia, one of the most inhabitable and inaccessible parts of Chile that attract tourists from around the world.

The major towns in Los Lagos are Puerto Varas, Osorno, and  Puerto Montt. Puerto Montt is also the access point of Chiloé, the island that was my home for five months. 

The lake region is full of lakes (how genius), active volcanoes, thick rainforests, treacherous mountains, absolutely azure rivers and other water bodies, and has cold and rainy weather due to its location and geographic nuances.

Though all of Chile is stunning and offers many adventurous and cultural activities, the Lake Region is even richer in culture for its numerous islands. You would also notice that the scenic beauty of Los Lagos is even purer and serene as from here Chile starts getting less populated and nature overpowers everything else.

# 4 of the Best Places in Chile

Visit the legendary island of chiloé — a must-have on your chile itinerary. .

If I say that I left my heart in Chiloé when I returned to India, I wouldn’t be exaggerating.

This lush-green island, its open pastures on which stout sheep and cows graze freely, its deep-blue beaches and national parks, its antique wooden churches, its colorful “ palafitos ” or stilt houses, its unique culinary history, its apple trees, its seafood markets and countryside bars, its tiny villages, and its humble people who stop their car for every pedestrian and open their home for every traveler made my stay on the island once in a lifetime experience.

In the capital of Chiloé that is Castro , I taught English, practiced Spanish, ate Chilote food (Chilote means belonging to  Chiloé), cooked Indian delicacies, danced with the islanders, shopped for fish in the morning Saturday markets, strolled by the beachside, and soaked in the island life for about five months. Those were some days!

Chiloé people believe in natural powers, and the many legendary stories that are passed onto Chilote generations will make your just-for-a-few-drinks visit to cozy bars into all-nighters. Castro, Ancud, Dalcahue are just some names of the many small villages and towns in Chiloé. 

You would definitely want to visit Chiloé if you want to see a culturally-rich island of Chile that speaks Spanish in a rhythmic way, is respectful, and has more fiestas more than you can imagine. You would have to slow down in Chiloé. Consider this tour that will take you to parts of Chiloe and then goes to the Caulin and Puñihuil Penguins Colony. 

You can take a bus directly from Santiago to Chiloé or fly to Puerto Montt and then board a bus from Puerto Montt to the island. The island has many Airbnb’s, hostels, and hotels.

The bed-and-breakfast of my courageous host mother is centrally located in Castro. If you tell her that you went to her after reading my blog, you will get special treatment. Though she only speaks Spanish, you wouldn’t face a problem as she is used to conversing with foreigners who only speak English. But she hasn’t listed her place online yet. So go to 471 Los Carrera, Castro and ask for lodging. She lives in the back of a blue house and has the warmest home in town.

Another lovely friend’s Airbnb in Castro – Private domes amidst nature , and the warmest hosts ever who make amazing pisco sours and seafood preparations.

But if you are not on Airbnb or want to book a place beforehand, here are some stay options that I know for a fact are good for maybe I crossed them at least a few times every day. 

Palafito WaIwen – Located by the Gamboa river and only about .6 miles from the Castro center, double rooms and dorms with heating, ocean and city views, wifi, kind staff, complimentary breakfast, shared kitchen, and a terrace overlooking the ocean. Best for couples and solo travelers.

Click here to book this palafito or wooden stilt house that is customary to Chiloe.

Casa Chilota B&B – In downtown Castro, a typical Chilote home with wooden flooring, friendly and kind Chilean owners, and clean rooms with a complimentary breakfast spread. Best for families, couples and solo travelers.

Look at the pictures and see Casa Chilota on Booking .

Cabañas Lomas de Ten Ten – Located in Ten Ten, a small countryside area about 4-5 km away from Castro downtown, beautiful wooden cottage, kitchen included, and ocean view from the cabin. Ideal for families or a group of friends.

Book these cabins on Booking here .

# 5 of the Places to Go in Chile

Hornopirén, the majestically beautiful and serene town— this breathtaking town is a landscape painting of the most imaginative kid who painted volcanoes, lakes, mountains, jungles, hot thermal pools, rivers, and flocks of birds and all of that came to life and is called hornopirén now..

I spent a very laid-back yet adventure-filled birthday in Hornopirén. I started the day by drinking mate, a hot herbal tea typical of South America, watched horses grazing in sunlit pastures, ran behind the flocks of thirsty birds that filled the swampy pastures, hiked in the Hornopirén national park, biked up the peaks of Andes only to come down flying, watched the Blanco river (the white river) melting away in its milkiness, and ended the day with another cup of mate and cheese empanadas at a local artisanal restaurant.

What a birthday!

The day wasn’t clear so we couldn’t hike the volcano Yate or volcano Hornopirén. Though both the hikes are challenging so prepare for a tough day.

Hornopirén might not be on the list of famous places in Chile, it was one of my favorites. 

In Hornopirén, you should stay  in one of the many wooden cabins that Hornopirén is known for and ask your host for a bike and explore like a child.

Have a look at the wooden cabins of Hornopirén here and see what suits you the best. 

# 6 of the Places to See in Chile

Pucon (araucanía region, but just above the lake region) — pucon is a travel hub and is on chile must see list of many solo and group travelers. pucon offers so much to do that you might find it hard to rest, though there are many tranquil options for that, too..

Here  my Canadian friend Alison and I went crazy and  hiked the active volcano Villarrica , kayaked in the quiet Villarrica lake to find remote beaches, jumped in it and swam there with the stunning volcano in the backdrop, and hitchhiked to the  deserted Leon waterfalls.

You can also  ski in the Centro de Ski Pucon (ski center of Pucon) and hike to the tallest peak of the park Santuario el Cani for stunning views, but we didn’t do any of this as at that time the snow wasn’t deep enough for skiing, and we forgot about the park. 

Having done tonnes of activities, we chilled in our hostel, cooked and hogged on enormous amounts of chicken and mushroom curries, spaghetti, and sandwiches, and relaxed at the Caburgua lake beach while gulping down a few beers and talking about our travel and life plans.

We stayed at the Chilli kiwi hostel which was comfortable and had ample double rooms and dorms. You can also book any of the adventure activities, hikes, or tours from Chilli Kiwi. Click here to find the availability in the hostel and to book it.

Consider this guided tour to climb the volcano as you can’t do this on your won. The hike would take your entire day.

# 7 on your list of Where to Go in Chile

Spend a few days in valdivia, the city of rivers (region los ríos or the region of rivers, just next to los lagos) — during my volunteer program, i went to valdivia, which is set at the junction of calle-calle and cau-cau rivers and was the fourth city founded by the spanish when they conquered chile. .

The Spanish built many forts and castles in and around Valdivia. I took a day trip to the Niebla fort, one of the many forts, and visited the war museum, took a walked on the beach (playa grande), clicked pictures with canons, ate chicken and pork anticuchos (grilled skewers) and drank chicha, a homemade fruit juice with insignificant alcohol content, in the Niebla market. If you fancy, you can also get your ears or nose or cheek pierced by one of the many professional ladies in the market(not speaking with experience.)

My favorite place has to be the Mercado Fluvial or the local grocery market of Valdivia which was a colorful assortment of street food, fresh fish, local vegetables and fruits, and handcraft artwork and wooden artifacts. And while we admired the fresh avocados and drooled over the salmons and trouts, the sea lions basked in the sun in the Valdivia River, while seagulls flew around to sneak out a fish or two from in front of the fish sellers.

Mercado Fluvial is also the starting point of a boat ride through the network of waterways that are spread through the many rivers of Valdivia. I didn’t take the boat ride, but I have heard that you can visit many more forts and historical places through these waterways while cruising along with a refreshing view. 

My Chilean friends would kill me if I talk about Valdivia and don’t mention the brewery of Kunstmann beer, one of the oldest and popular Chilean brands, where you can sip the frothy beer while watching the brewing process. Honey flavor was my favorite. 

Stay Options in Valdivia:

Airesbuenos Hostel y Permacultura, Valdivia – I stayed at Airesbuenos for about 2 nights. As the hostel was about 350 m from the bus terminal, I walked to the place and took a bed in a dorm. It’s a great place for solo or couple travelers who are looking for an affordable yet comfortable stay. Wifi, breakfast, and a shared kitchen is available to all guests.

You can book Airesbuenos on Booking here .

And if you don’t like this hostel, then feel free to browse through other options in Valdivia .

South Chile

After the Chiloé island, Chile divides into tiny islands scattered near the coast, and the Andes rise on the mainland forming Patagonia. What is Patagonia? An icy and mountainous nomad terrain that is home to endemic animals,  national parks, hanging glaciers, deep blue and turquoise rivers, fjords, and lakes, marble caves, and vast wilderness.

The proximity of this region to Antarctica makes it the coldest area of the country. 

The Carretera Austral or the Southern highway runs along with this nomad land from Chaiten till the Tierra del Fuego or the land of fire which culminates in Cape Horn, the last stop before Antarctic Peninsula — Patagonia leads our way into the end of the world. 

# 8 on the list of What to See in Chile

Visit patagonia, the end of the world—  patagonia is a collection of jugged, icy mountains with glaciers atop, turquoise-blue lakes, labyrinthine fjords, and impenetrable ice sheets. .

The only significant occupants of Patagonia are the generations of the early European migrants from the nineteenth and twentieth century who came here to find a new life.

I couldn’t go to the interiors of Patagonia, but I did enough research to suggest you the right places.

The central attraction of this treacherous landscape is the Torres del Paine National park. The famous, 100-km-long W circuit goes along the park through its mountains and jungles. You would have to pre-book the limited camping sites and the food packets that the travel companies in the park offer to hikers as they get sold out. You can also book the entire W trek with some tour company to take off the burden of booking everything individually. 

I came across this brilliant guide to the campsites of Torres Del Paine while doing my research and am sure this information would help you in your planning and booking places in Patagonia and the treks within.

After completing your treks, you can picnic at the Laguna Azul , a shiny blue lake with snowy mountains in the backdrop and guanacos grazing on the golden grass nearby.

Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales are the two major cities of Patagonia that are connected by air. From Punta Arenas, you can visit the Isla Magdalena which the penguins have colonized unabashedly. Visit before March as then they start their swim to the Brazilian side.

Should you book Patagonia in advance? Patagonia is a popular destination amongst travelers from around the world, especially in the summers (Nov-Feb). Either you can explore the Torres del Paine park from Puerto Natales with a tour company for a full day and then decide what you would like to do. Or pre-book the tours online. Accept the W trek which has limited slots and get booked beforehand sometimes, most of the activities would be available in the high season, too. 

If I were you, I would research about Patagonia before going there, book one or two nights at a hotel in one of these cities, walk around, explore, talk to the many tour companies, and then see which one suits me the best as per the prices and the itinerary. Also, you can go to most of the places on your own and hire a local guide for a hike or a glacier trek, if needed. Else explore on your own or book a tour then.

If you want to travel through Patagonia freely on a bike or your own car, you should think of getting Argentina visa, too, for you have to cross many times between the two countries due to the geography of the mountains. Else you would be limited in what you can do.

Have a look at this comprehensive Patagonia guide to plan your trip.

If you are coming down from Chiloé, you can take a ferry to Chaiten and then enter the Carretera Austral or the Southern Highway from there. 

I have marked all the destinations in  Chile that I visited on this map. If you are planning a trip to Chile, this map would give you an idea of the relative locations of the various places you want to visit.

Though I have given you a lot of recommendations about the best places to travel in Chile, the country is so amazing that in whatever direction you turn, you are bound to find unadulterated nature. Build your own Chile travel itinerary as per the time you have and the places you want to see. And as I mentioned above, you should read my list of 50 incredible things to do in Chile to get more ideas on what to do in Chile.

The landscape of Chile is breathtaking. But what about your other doubts?

The Logistics of Traveling to Chile

Chile is far. what about the l ong flights and the insane timezone shifts.

South America is far from Europe, India, the UK, Australia, Asia, and Africa. Except for the US, we are all in for a treat if we plan a Chile travel.

From India to Chile, I changed the aircraft twice, spent a night at the Dubai airport, flew a 14-hour flight from Dubai to Sao Paulo, and spent a few exhausting hours in the Sao Paulo airport. The journey took me about thirty-six hours.

Do you know what I did throughout these thirty-six hours? I slept.

How did I do that? I carried this extremely comfortable memory foam pillow which fit around my neck and gave me the best neck support that I could expect in a flight. Given that flights also provide food and movies, I was more than comfortable.

What about the jet lag? Jet lag hits everyone differently. 

I slept throughout the flights like a kumbhkaran (read the Ramayana to know more about this sleeping devil who didn’t wake up even when drums were beaten next to his ears), woke up to eat, and then dozed off again at my window seat. I was in such a deep sleep during the night halt at the Dubai airport that I didn’t even use my food coupon. 

And then I arrived at my hostel in Santiago, and then fell asleep again.

Please don’t worry about the time zone shift. You will gradually adjust to it.

Note: Consider pre-booking this pickup from the airport to your hotel if you are arriving in Santiago for the first time. If you are going to stay in Santiago a bit longer, consider  this  introductory tour to Santiago with a local guide.

Is that all to long flights and insane distances? No.

How to stay connected with family while you travel Chile? Or what are the various modes of communication a traveler can use for long-distance calls?

The 17,000 kilometers between India and Chile and the time difference of 8-9 hours further strangled my relationship with my angry parents. Mostly I used to call just after waking up or before going to bed, which is what most of the travelers did.

But this distance also meant that I wasn’t expecting any calls during the day, and sometimes I didn’t even look at my phone for hours.

If you are visiting for a few weeks or a month, the distance isn’t a problem. If you plan to travel Chile for a long duration, you can use video calls. 

For making international calls, try the app Rebtel that lets you buy unlimited international credit for 10 USD. When I visited Chile, I didn’t know about the application, and I used Skype credits and Whatsapp calls. You should Whatsapp for even the FB messenger video calls have better connectivity than Whatsapp (believe a girl who video-called for hours to save her long-distance relationship recently).

But I used Rebtel on my other international trips, and the app worked wonders.

Didn’t I feel homesick or lonely that far away from my home country and friends? – The challenges of traveling solo to new countries.

The beginning of my solo Chile trip was challenging because I didn’t understand even basic words of Spanish. To get over the social awkwardness, I started learning Spanish . When I could put together the words to frame basic Spanish phrases , I felt at home. (I speak about the challenges I faced with Spanish and how I learned it later in this guide).

Once I started speaking Spanish, I could talk to the local people much better, and thus slowly I grew comfortable in Chile. South Americans, especially Chilean people, are very warm people, and they opened their homes and hearts and made me a part of their families. 

Needless to say, when you travel solo, you meet a lot of solo travelers who share the same fears and anxieties, so you never feel that lonely.

Having said all this, I admit that I was out of my comfort zone for the first few weeks in Chile  —  but isn’t getting out of the comfort zone a dictionary meaning of travel? And  once I started hanging out with the local people and start communicating in broken Spanish, I had the time of my life.

What about the rough Chilean Spanish? 

When I landed in Chile, neither could I speak Spanish nor could I understand it. The language learning app DuoLingo had introduced me to words such as cat, cow, dog et cetera, but that’s all.

When my cab driver picked me up at the Santiago airport, he conversed with me using the voice feature of Google translate. During my solo travel in Chile, I talked with many tech-savvy Chileans with the voice feature. But when I went to Castro, I got to know that most of the islanders didn’t speak English and didn’t use Google translate or any application that could help me communicate with them.

Chileans speak super fast Spanish.

In the initial days, I didn’t understand a word of what was being said. Then I started learning Spanish, and within a few weeks, I spoke conversational Spanish.

So if you are wondering what to do in Chile if you can’t speak Spanish, I will be honest that traveling in Chile would be tough in the beginning as you wouldn’t understand much. You wouldn’t find any signs in English, and most of the people, including cab drivers, bus drivers, shopkeepers, won’t speak English.

But that shouldn’t deter you from planning a Chile vacation for the Chileans are helpful. They don’t expect you to speak Spanish or understand what they say. People of Chile know that not only they talk fast, but their Spanish is one of the worst forms of spoken Spanish.

Ask any Chilean, and he or she would confirm this.

But I met tonnes of long-term travelers who started speaking at least the essential Spanish words and phrases in a few weeks. People who were on short trips were managing more with applications and sign language.

Download Google Translate and the offline file of Spanish and use the voice feature. Try DuoLingo but don’t expect too much as it would teach you how to say avocado and chili and cheese but you wouldn’t still be able to say “I want to go to the toilet.”  You can also download Spanishdict, an app that gives all Spanish nouns and verb forms.

Now I have three important guides that will help you:

Read before you travel:  Learning Spanish in South America  – The honest story of my struggle with Spanish in Chile and how I became fluent in the language.

Bring along on your Chile trip:  My list of  Essential Spanish phrases that will help you travel in Latin America . You can also  download  the list of these phrases. Bonus: The phrases guide also have insider tips and English and Hindi phonetics of the Spanish phrases and words.

Helpful if you are planning to learn any foreign language:  I have aggregated the ways which helped me learn Spanish in Chile in an experiential guide on  how to learn a foreign language yourself . These 25 tips are my tried and tested language-learning methods that saved me in South America.

With these three combined, you should be good to go.

Do try learning at least some Spanish if you plan to travel to South America for long. Of course, the best way to learn any language is to immerse yourself in the culture. So don’t try to practice too much at home. Bring these guides with you and then learn Spanish while traveling and talking to native Spanish speakers. If your trip is short, then you can bring a print out of the phrases, start speaking, and, soon, you will pick up simple words and sentences to make your way.

If nothing else, start using your hands and face for making expressions. Believe me, Chile people would never get tired of you. 

Good luck. Buen suerte!

Chileans grow up amidst the strong forces of nature and see many natural calamities happening around them from early childhood. These natural disasters and the extreme climate teach them how to be helpful. The challenges that Chilean see while growing up also show them the importance of living in the present without worrying too much about the future – My Chilean friend told me this, and she seems right.

While traveling through Chile, the locals directed me to the right place when I was badly lost, listed down the various Chile tourist attractions that I should visit, gave me their spare phone when mine was stolen, talked to me using the voice feature of the Google translate, stopped their car for us pedestrians to cross the road, enquired every morning about how I had slept, wished me to enjoy fully every time I went out, helped me translate my CV into Spanish, translated Spanish words and hand gestured from early morning to late evenings, invited me to their homes and opened their best wine and cooked sumptuous meals, and I can go on and on.

Chileans are one of the most passionate and helpful people on the planet. 

One of my best Chile travel tips that I can give you – In Chile, Be outspoken about your troubles. Express what makes you happy. And I bet that Chileans would join you as they love sharing.

Chile is one of the most financially stable and economically strong countries in South America, and, hence, one of the most expensive ones, too.

As per currency conversions, 10 US dollars is about 8,500 Chilean pesos. 

Chile’s purchase power is higher than in India. Even though the conversion rates seem to make Indian rupee more valuable, everyday things, such as towels, shampoo, oil, bread, snacks, fruits, vegetables, et cetera, cost slightly higher. For the people from the US and the UK, the prices were lower or almost similar. 

I will give you a general idea of the travel costs in Chile, but how much money you spend depends on your travel style and the time you stay in Chile.

Water: You can drink tap water, so don’t spend money on buying water bottles. I also use my LifeStraw , a water bottle with an inbuilt filter, that can help you save a lot of money while traveling the world.

Wine: Chilean wine is delicious and cheap; you can even get a bottle of good wine in about 2500 Chilean pesos (CLP). Of course, you can spend more, but buying these cheap wines from regular supermarkets is a thing in Chile. So while you are there, get drunk often on the finest wine in the world. Hello El Gato!

Food: A meal at a local fair or in a food market/stall would cost you somewhere between   3000 to 6000 Chilean pesos. But dinner in a fine dining restaurant could make you shed more than 10,000 Chilean pesos.

If you have a kitchen at your hostel or Airbnb, you may also cook your own food if you want to stay really low budget. I cooked a few times in Chile for my friends wanted to taste Indian food. In the central part of Chile groceries aren’t that expensive, but as soon as you go on the islands, or in the extreme North or South, prices soar for the transportation costs add up.

Accommodation: The prices for one night’s stay would depend on the location and timing of your visit. You could get a dorm bed with breakfast for about 10,000 CLP if you go to a hostel or a local budget hotel anywhere in Chile. 

On the  Chiloé  island, I got a room with meals included for 10,000 Chilean pesos. But that was because my host mother had already hosted me as part of the program, and later on, when I stayed at her place, she charged me a low price.  

But big cities like Santiago and touristy places like Pucon were more expensive. A budget room and a shared kitchen in a Santiago Airbnb cost me about 10,000 CLP without any food, and a dorm bed in a good hostel in Pucon was around 16,000 CLP. If you go for better options or private rooms, expect to pay more, of course. 

Transport costs: The local micros or buses that travel within a town or within an island would cost you between 2000 to 4000 Chilean pesos depending on where you are going. The long route buses cost higher, for example, my semi-cama or half-bed bus from Santiago to Castro or vice-versa cost me about 38000 Chilean pesos. 

Total Costs: I spent about 30,000 to 40,000 CLP per day on an average. I took a mix of private rooms and dorms, ate at local stalls, bought groceries sometimes, did basic activities such as the Atacama tours, museums, performances, and bought wine. Your travel costs would vary as per your accommodation and eating habits.

Overall, among the many South-American countries, travelers considered Chile and Argentina the most expensive ones.

I booked both my flights (Santiago to Mumbai and vice-versa) about 2-3 months before the travel dates. In total, the tickets cost me around 1,800 US dollars for the return flights.

The Emirates flights from Mumbai to Santiago cost me about half of the Ethiopian return flight from Santiago to Mumbai and was a much better experience. I would strongly suggest you avoid the Ethiopian airlines which is a frequent flyer on this route. 

Use Skyscanner to compare the ticket prices and never forget to click the “Add nearby airports”  button. Though you might have to fly for longer with this option, you would get cheaper flights. You can also see a new place as you fly to a connecting destination first.

I would write about finding cheap flights in a separate article.

Chile gives free visa for ninety days to most of the countries. But not to India, of course.

I was stuck on the Chilean-Bolivian border once because I thought that I could also get free access. And then I had to go back all the way to La Paz, Bolivia to apply for a Chile tourist visa. (I would publish this story soon on the blog.)

RELATED READ:  Chile visa for Indians  – The process to get a Chile visa from India and South America in detail. 

What is the best time to visit Chile?

As Chile is in the Southern hemisphere, our summer is Chile’s winter and vice-versa. So when New York is buried under snow, and trains are canceled in New Delhi due to the fog, heat waves strike the North of Chile (that’s how Chilean newsreaders call those hot days in Santiago.)

The coldest months of Chile are June, July, August, and September during which the Lakes region and Patagonia are freezing and wet, and that is when I landed in Castro.

October brings in the spring which is followed by the shining summer that lasts until March. Visit Patagonia and the lake region during the summer, mainly from November to February, for the mild weather and friendly sun.

I also visited the Atacama desert in the scorching sun of February and got the best views of all the places, though the nights were chilly.

For the central valley, the temperature ranges from 0-13C/30-50F in winter and 16-35C/60-90F in summer. The locals from the central valley go for a holiday to the colder parts of the country in summer, and everything is cheaper (something to remember if you are traveling to Chile in summer).

The best time to travel to Chile is different for each part of the country. But you can see most of the best places in Chile if you explore Chile in the summers.

I would say choose your battles wisely.

What to pack for Chile? – My Chile Packing Guide. 

As you have read about the colorful Chilean weather, you must be already thinking about carrying a range of clothes from summer essentials to winter jackets. But remember that you can buy some of the woolen clothes for affordable prices at the local artisanal markets in Chile. (Like if you stopover in Chiloé , you can buy homemade llama-wool sweaters, gloves, and caps.)

Here are some of the essential things you should carry to Chile for a comfortable and adventurous stay.

• A couple of  dresses  and  Skirts  for women – For the Chilean outgoing culture and wine bars. People in Chile are very cool with any kind of clothes, so wear whatever you like without worrying about being out of place.
• Short for women  and  shorts for men  – For everyday travel in Chile.
• A  good pair of jeans  – Even though I am not a big fan of wearing jeans and love many other more comfortable bottoms, sturdy jeans can keep you pretty warm in Chile and the surrounding countries. I wore mine frequently.
• Swimwear for women  and  swimwear for men  – Most of the beaches would be too cold to get in, even in the summers, but you can definitely jump in the beaches in central Chile.
• Yoga pants  for women  and  for men  – suitable for long buses, which you will take many in Chile, and flight travel, too.

Sturdy items to beat Chile cold and icy winds

• Good hiking shoes for women  and  good hiking shoes for men  – A must-have in South America.
• A rain jacket  – Don’t go to south Chile or Patagonia without a rain jacket.
• Warm jackets  for men  and  for women  – You might even need these on a rainy day in the summer.
• Warm and waterproof gloves  – essential for hiking and the outdoors.
• Woolen socks  for women  and  for men  – For hiking and to survive the chilly winds of Chile.
• A  woolen sweater  – Or buy one from Chile.
• A scarf  for women  and  for men  – You can buy woolen ones from Chile but I could only find the hand-woven ones in San Pedro de Atacama or on Chiloe Island.
• A pair of warm leggings or thermals  for women  and  for men  (I wore them under my dresses to stay warm.) And I know that my male friends wore theirs under their jeans, too.

Travel Essentials

• A  fanny pack  to carry your passports and money. (I bought one from the San Pedro de Atacama market and loved its local feel. But until you find a locally made one, you should carry one fanny pack especially when you are in Santiago. Read my story about  getting mugged in Santiago  to know why.)
• Also, bring a  strong backpack  as you would travel in weird weather and on rough routes – I have been using a North Face backpack for about four years now and have no complaints.
• A  travel towel  – Carry a light travel towel like this one for it will save you a lot of space.
• A  first-aid kit  – Always carry one while traveling. Carry essential medicines as in Chile you only buy medication with a doctor’s prescription.
• Lifestraw water bottle  – Comes with an inbuilt filter, and you can fill it anywhere.
• Memory foam travel pillow  for a good sleep while traveling
• A good camera –  Nikon D3400  is a very good choice for the price. I use Nikon for all my photography now (the pictures in the article though have been clicked with my phone for I have been using Nikon only for the past nine months). This camera comes with two lenses, and the one with the higher resolution if perfect for bird photography if you are interested.

I have a piece of special advice for my Indian readers —Take your favorite snacks along as you wouldn’t get any of those in Chile. I took along Indian spices, too, which helped me cook Indian food, and then I gave them away to a 70-year-old Chilean friend who relished them. 

Also, take along some affordable Indian things such as bindi, henna, bangles, light jewelry like earrings, rings, and bracelets, light-weight sweets, incense sticks, and other such small artistic items that you can gift to your Chilean friends or Airbnb hosts.

Chilean people love Indian stuff, and you can’t find any of these things easily there. I searched an entire island and Santiago for henna but couldn’t find it. Your gifts would cheer up your hosts, and they would go out of their way to help you, for such are Chileans.

And last but not least, if you plan to work and travel in Chile, bring your degrees and mark sheets in original. You would need the original copies for you would have to get them notarized to show them to the ministry for the visa (you can also get these documents notarized in India). 

How to travel in Chile?

Intercity travel.

Chile doesn’t have trains, and most of the intercity travel happens by buses, cars, ferries, and flights.

You can book the major buses, which are Pullman, Turbus, Cruz del Sur, online. I generally checked the timings and purchased my ticket from the counter at the bus station.

The buses have two options – half bed (semi-cama) and a full bed (salon cama). The full bed means that you can recline the seat a bit more than in the half bed, but it isn’t a full bed similar to the one you get in Indian buses. All the buses in Chile have toilets, except the local short-distance micros that run within a city(intracity) or on an island.

To explore the Carretera Austral and the Atacama desert, you can also hire a car and drive on your own. I met a lot of travelers who were driving their caravan vans and paid a small amount to a camping place or a hostel and then parked their van inside. These self-sufficient vans are a cheap and fun way to travel. If you want to experience them, South America is a good place to start.  The distances are long, routes are extremely scenic, roads are good, and plenty of places would allow you to park your van.

Carretera Austral, which is mostly gravel, also has scheduled buses and is also a popular cycling route.

I only flew once during my entire stay in Chile, and I picked LATAM airlines for it is one of the best of Chile.

Intracity travel

Buses and taxis run within bigger cities such as Santiago and Valparaiso. Santiago also has Uber. Intracity and intra-island buses are called micros. 

On islands, you have micros or local buses, that stop frequently and you pay when you leave, a custom that I couldn’t get enough of and appreciated it when it happened recently in Pushkar, too.  When the bus has to go to another island, it gets onto a ferry, and you sit on your bus and enjoy. Or get out of the ferry and enjoy  the dancing dolphins in the water ( a regular scene on the ferry from Puerto Montt to Castro.)

For me getting into a bus and crossing to distant islands was one of the most fun things to do in Chile.

 Colectivos are a favorite mode of travel in many small places. These are taxis that run on specific routes, carry four or five people, and charge low rates. For example from my home to school in Castro, I used to pay about 1000 Chilean pesos to the collectivo. 

Ask the locals for these collectivo and micro routes as they aren’t written anywhere in most of the places.

How should you carry money when you travel in Chile?

Though I carried a travel card and some US dollars, I wouldn’t suggest you do so. The card didn’t help much for it always applied conversion rates and some transaction charges, too. For most of my trip, I withdrew with my debit card from the BancoEstado government bank ATM. The US dollars helped, but were not necessary.

Carry at least two working debit cards and inform your banks that you are traveling internationally. Else they might block your card (after a certain amount of international withdrawal), and you would wonder if you went bankrupt.

Do check the international withdrawal limits before you leave your home country. I couldn’t withdraw any money after a few weeks, and when I enquired the bank, the phone banker told me that I had exceeded the international withdrawal amount.

Keep a working Indian mobile number for you would receive all the one-time passwords (OTP) on it, without which you cannot do online transactions ( a thing specific to India). Only HDFC allowed me to enter my online pin instead of the one-time passwords. 

Is Chile Safe? What is the situation of Chile Tourism after the civil revolt?

This chile travel guide is updated for the current uproar in chile. .

Chile is one of the “safest countries in South America” for its economy is stable, and people have basic work and money, mostly, and believe in making their ends meet by working. 

The simple rule that you should not walk alone at night in any part of the world, unless it is Singapore, still applies in Chile. Most of the cities of Chile were safe during daylight, except Santiago which is known for drugs and delinquency. 

The young (and some old) crowd of Santiago deals in drugs for easy and quick money. Be careful while walking around in Santiago for the city is known for many tourists traps. One of the popular tricks is that someone would put some paint on you when you aren’t looking, and then they will point out that you have paint on your shoes or your trousers. While they engage you in a conversation, someone from their group would run away with your bag.  

But I never heard any such stories in any other parts of Chile except Santiago. Also, some residential parts of Santiago didn’t feel so safe even during the day for they were frequented by delinquents looking for easy targets. How do I know? I stayed for about a month in Santiago and walked around the city quite a bit.

Having said this, Santiago’s central area, or downtown, was pretty safe. But don’t take the risk of going out alone at night in Santiago.

Chiloé was extremely secure, and I even walked around alone at night, when I returned from some late-night parties. 

Apart from the limited instances of Santiago, I didn’t hear of any other crime or robbery during my entire stay from any volunteer or local.

Update 2019: Since the protests have started in Chile, many people have asked me is it safe to travel to Chile now. I asked my Chilean friends about the situation.

Chileans say that this revolt or protest was long-awaited. The present (and past) Chilean government have done a lot of things such as selling water to private foreign companies, damaging natural resources, cutting fruit trees, and more. Due to these actions, rivers have dried, animals have died, and much damage has been done to the natural resources of Chile.

If people complain, the government puts fine on them, increases the metro fares, and so on. People are also very angry for the current president has a very big house in the South, and he hasn’t paid any taxes for the past thirty years. Also, the economic inequality within Chile has angered the common masses who want the government to bring some reforms so that the financial conditions improve.

A lot of questions are unanswered, and the people don’t want to stay silent anymore.

My friends told me that most of the people want to march and protest peacefully. There are only some delinquents who are taking advantage of the situation and are burning buses and supermarkets and are stealing stuff.

Now for how long would this go on? I don’t think Chileans are ready to settle down until the government resigns, and a new government brings some revolutionary changes regarding the concerned issues.

I think people can still travel to Chile but they should keep more time at hand for unexpected issues. Instead of hotels or average-rated accommodations, travelers should try to choose home stays so that they stay close to the locals and can get help if anything comes up. All big cities such as Santiago, Valdivia, Osorno were all in an emergency zone. So do your research and read the news while traveling to Chile and see which places you can visit.

Do you think that Chile is safe to travel to? Please let me know your thoughts about traveling to Chile in the current political conditions in the comments.

Update Jan 2024: Since the new government in Chile, the situation for travelers in Chile is more or less stabilized. Please do consult your embassy for more guidance.

Also Read:   My Worst Travel experience in Santiago, Chile

I have written about Chilean food in the guide to Chile culture , but a lot more has to be said.

Chileans are mostly non-vegetarians with their favorite meat being beef, pork, chicken, and seafood (hello, the 4,300-kilometer coastline). They love steaks and grilled meat or prepare soups that they eat along with potatoes and rice or bread. Kurkuma (turmeric), oregano, and paprika (similar to chilly but milder) are the only spices Chileans use (if at all), along with the occasional garnish of coriander and lemon.

Chile people love bread, mostly made from white flour, and buy it every day or once every 2-3 days from the local bakery. They pair the bread with cheese, ham, eggs, butter, and tea or Nescafe filter coffee for breakfast. 

Generally, Chileans don’t eat a lot of vegetables, and as you go to the colder parts of the country and islands, the consumption of vegetables decreases further giving way to the meat.

There is also this food tour in Santiago that you can take to get close to the local food scene.  

Most of the foods that I mention below would be served along with pebre   —  the finely chopped onion, tomato, green chili, garlic, oil, and coriander mixture would save your life when you miss some chili in your food.

Not to miss food preparations of Chile: 

• Sopaipilla – Fried flatbreads which are eaten with pebre or ketchup. 
• Empanadas – Empanadas are brothers of samosas because they are fried and stuffed. Some people also prepare empanadas in the oven, and then they are called empanadas de al horno . The most popular is empanadas de pino or beef empanadas. But my favorite was the  mariscos (seafood) or pollo (chicken) empanadas.
• Pasta del choclo and humitas – Both are made with corn. Pasta del choclo is like a corn paste, while humitas are prepared by stuffing corn paste in corn leaves and then boiling the stuffed leaves. 

• Cazuella  – Cazuellas are soups of seafood, chicken, or pork, made by simmering the meat with peas, pumpkin, onion, ginger or garlic, corn on the cob, tomato, carrots, oregano, and other vegetables.

• Completos — The Chilean hot dog that comes overloaded with avocado, tomatoes, and mayonnaise — a Chilean favorite. 
• Porotos Granados –  Red or white b eans made with mashed corn, onions, pumpkin, garlic, tomatoes, and basil. Though this dish is more popular in the countryside, I loved how my friend in Santiago made them, and I ate bowls of them every day. 
• Churrasco  –  Grilled beef or beef steaks extremely popular in Chile and eaten in a sandwich form. I didn’t try this. 
• Chorizos  – Pork sausages. A favorite of Chileans. 

I drooled over all the above preparations, except for the extremely meaty ones such as churrasco, chorizo, completo, or asados (barbequed meat). But if you are a meat lover, you should try all of them.

Not to miss preparations of  Chiloé, known for its unique culinary : 

You could find all the above food items on the island, but some exquisite preparations were only local to the island. Also, the size of every dish was bigger on Chiloé, and if the food could have a deep-fried version, Chilote people took out their woks and oil.

If you visit the island, definitely incline towards trying the seafood whenever you can. Chiloé people have come up with exciting and yummy seafood preparations.

• Cazuella Chilota – The Chiloé preparation of cazuella. The seafood version of this soup was nowhere better than in Chiloé. And even better if my host mother made it. 
• Milcao – A grated and mashed potato preparation that is stuffed with pork and other ingredients and is then deep-fried. I will admit that this yummy bowl of carbs lured me a few times.
• Algas or algae soup – You can only find it in Chiloé. It has a very explicit sea smell and taste but is delicious and healthy.
• Ceviche – A preparation of raw mussels, clams, and salmon, red and green peppers, onion, coriander and lemon.
• Curanto – Curanto is generally prepared in an activity called as “minga” in which a group of friends come together and dig a hole in the ground, make a fire, and then place a huge dish full of mussels, clams, Chilote potatoes, white wine, pork, and then just let the ingredients cook. Then they dig out the dish and share it with friends. 

Don’t forget to taste the papa Chilota or colorful potatoes from the island.

Go to the local markets on the islands and in the cities, look for seafood restaurants, try food from streetside stalls, buy empanadas and sopaipillas wherever you see them, and bite into some purple and pink potatoes. 

Surviving as a vegetarian is a bit tough in Chile and South America, but definitely manageable. You can always go to a supermarket, buy some fresh bread, and eat it with fresh avocado, the first love of all Chileans. 

Insider Tip: Do read the Spanish food phrases in Simple Spanish phrases for travelers guide to be able to say your food preferences. 

If you have read through the article, you would know by now that Chileans love to drink. Otherwise, why would they all make delicious wine and store it in ten-liter containers at home?

Pisco sour, wine, navegado (wine boiled with orange and cinnamon), terremoto (literally earthquake), beer with chili and lemon, wine with strawberries, wine in pomelo shell – Chilean get high on all of these, and I joined them because they always invited me with love.

I didn’t see many people drinking hard drinks such as whiskey, vodka, or tequila, except in the big bars of Santiago. 

As I said above, don’t miss the Kunstmann beer. Though Kunstmann is a little more expensive than the regular beers, it is worth the price. 

Don’t shy away from drinking when you are in Chile, because Chileans don’t. Drinking is part of the Chilean culture, and Chile people are never bad drunks. Drinking is one of the top Chile things to do.

Salu! 

Also Read: A Memoir on Chile Independence Day – Or As The Chileans Call It, Fiestas Patrias.

Some Closing FAQs and Tips

• What is Chile?

Believe me, a lot of people ask this question. Chile is a country in the continent of South America.

• Do you need to carry your passport when you go out?

No. And this is universally true for all countries and all nationalities. If you like, bring a printout or a soft copy on your phone.

• Can you teach English in Chile?
• Would you be a millionaire by teaching English in Chile?

No. I talked to and interviewed many English teaching institutes in big towns and small cities and even with schools and colleges. No one would have researched as much as I did. So if you are looking forward to just staying in South America, especially Chile, and want a work visa with some money, go ahead.

Most of the teaching jobs, except the online ones, involve traveling throughout the city to teach business clients, students, and homemakers. The pay was between $6/8 to $15 per hour (though finding the $15 ones would take time.) 

• Does Chile have the Amazon jungle?

I hope that with this Chile travel blog, I have done justice to my long travel through this beautiful country. Hope you enjoy the guide and use it to the fullest when you travel to Chile.

Que Disfrutes! Enjoy!

READ NEXT: You should definitely read my comprehensive  backpacking South America guide  if you are planning a trip to the continent.

It took me a week to write this exhaustive and honest Chile guide. So if you like it, please pin it!

Are you still wondering what to do in Chile?

Or are you are already planning your chile adventures, let me know in the comments 🙂.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to products I like; If you choose to click through and make a booking or purchase a product, I will earn a little bit at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

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27 thoughts on “Chile Travel Guide 2024 [From My 6-Month Solo Chile Trip]”

So nice blog with full information.

Thank you for amazing blogs. I am planning to visit there one day and i will follow all the what you mention in this beautiful blogs. Thanks again.

Namaste!! Sherpa

No comments on the lack of any spices – or flavours – in Chilean food, especially from an Indian point of view 🙂 ? We spent 6 weeks in Chile in 2019. We started from Punta Arenas and travelled north, so it took us 4 weeks to reach Santiago. And we were so crazed with the bland food by then, that on all 5 days in Santiago, we made sure we had only Indian or Asian meals 😀

But to be fair, Chilean food is a bit better than Argentine food. Argentine asados are just drop dead boring 🙂

Hi Priyanka, loved your in depth article on Chile travel! I am heading their soon with my family. A little nervous due to the political situation there, and also the fact that our Spanish is muy basico! 😉 My kids are very excited too. Fingers crossed, it will be a wonderful experience! 🙂

You are most welcome, Dipika. I am glad you are traveling there, and hope you have a nice time. The situation in Chile is a bit chaotic right now but the people of Chile want to protest peacefully. They just want their rights. Hope you have a had a look at my basic Spanish phrases guide that will help you immensely in South America – https://www.onmycanvas.com/basic-spanish-phrases-south-america/

Have fun. Let me know how it goes.

From always I am fond of visiting the chile. I will follow your guide so how I can visit the Chile without any problem and hardship.

Thank you, Roger. I hope you have lot of fun in Chile. Do let me know if you have any questions 🙂

priyanka, fantastic and really nice blog and chile travel information thank you

Super informative Priyanka. Ended up bookmarking and going back to the link multiple times in the last three days. Looks like you had an amazing time!

Thank you, Narayanan. Glad you liked the guide for it took me a long time to write and compile the information. Let me know if you have any other questions about Chile or in general about South America. Enjoy your trip and tell me later how it goes 🙂

Hello Priyanka,

Wonderfully and nicely written and really informative to anyone willing to visit Chile. I’m planning to visit Chile in couple of months, but as per information in your blog, Jun to Sep is too cold which is not suitable for me, I think I have to postpone. Anyway, thanks a lot Priyanka. Where are you now? want to know more about Chile, any direct contact no?

Thank you, Musthafa, for your comment and reading the detailed article. June to September is definitely cold. But after September the weather starts to improve. I am in India currently. Please reach out to me via comments and questions on the blog articles (I always reply). Or if you have something specific to ask, you can reach out to me at [email protected] or on Instagram at priyanka_onmycanvas. Thanks.

Wonderfully written and extremely detailed with a lot of information

Thank you, Diptarka. I am glad that the information helped you. Let me know how your trip goes.

Whoa, that just about covers the length of it 🙂 Makes me nostalgic to remember how much there is to do there! Also, love that you cooked Indian food for your Airbnb hosts in Santiago! What a great way to say thanks for their hospitality.

Thank you, Taylor. The country is beautiful, and people were so nice that I couldn’t skip over any information. I cooked Indian food so many times that I have lost count. haha. Look forward to hearing from you more 🙂

This blog post is so informative and handy! Chile is definitely on my bucket list and I even got more excited after reading this.

Thank you, Maartje. I am glad you found the guide helpful. You should definitely go. Chile doesn’t disappoint anyone. Buen Viaje!

Wow, so amazing that you got to spend 6 months exploring Chile and really comprehensive post about it, thanks for sharing! I’ve wanted to go to Chile for a while, so was interesting to read your experience.

Thanks Helena. I am really lucky that I spent six months there. I want to visit again. When are you visiting?

Wow, that is a really impressive and massive guide to Chile. I have been in Chile and loved it but there is so many things you discuss in length that I had no idea about! Time to pay a visit again!

Thank you, Marysia. I am glad that you found the guide helpful and even discovered some new things. Chile is gorgeous; please visit again 🙂 I am sure you will enjoy. Stay connected.

Chile is so high up on my bucket list. And this is such a detailed post, I will certainly be saving it for later.

Thank you so much, Lizzie. Please visit Chile. I adore the country, as you would already know by now 🙂 Save it, and let me know if you have further questions.

This is absolutely gorgeous! You have put so much effort in this post! I loved your insights as Indian, it’s always special when you are the first traveller/representative of your country ☺ I have yet to go to Chile but your guide is going to be really useful for me, thank you!

Thank you, Valentini, for this appreciative comment. I worked so hard for this post. 🙂 Haha. yeah at a lot of places I was the first traveler here. Definitely visit Chile. You would love it. Thank you for saving my guide. Also, let me know if you have any questions when you go.

This is such a comprehensive guide and I am so happy I found it. I really want not only to visit but live in Chile at least during some time. I have been looking for different opportunities how to teach English but wasn’t able to find many options. I have never heard about the English open doors program and now can’t wait to get in touch with organizers and possibly to apply. Thank you for this information! I am bookmarking your post and will be referring to it later!

Thank you, Anya, for such a thoughtful comment and appreciating my hard work in this post. This is a straight-of-the-heart kind of article, and everything I have written is based on my experiences. Definitely visit Chile. You would love it. It is easy to apply to the English Open Doors program, and I will publish another detailed post on the program. Thank you for bookmarking this, and let me know if you have more questions. Would be happy to help 🙂

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Updated: January 12, 2021

Welcome to Chile!  This land of volcanoes and glaciers, geysers and deserts, has pushed itself to the forefront of travel lists everywhere, and for good reason.  Where else can you see sights as spectacular as we have in Torres del Paine , Aysén , or San Pedro de Atacama ? Even its capital city, Santiago , is boosting its way through magazines as a culinary hot spot, with restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.

As solo travelers, though, our needs are somewhat different, because we know that we face potentially higher accommodation costs and greater security concerns.  But fear not, intrepid reader! Chile is a remarkably easy and safe country to traverse on your own, as you will see below in this guide to Chile, made just for you: the solo traveler .

Safety Precautions

Chile is generally a safe country, particularly when compared to other countries in the Americas. However, in saying this, you should keep your wits about you anywhere in the country, just as you would elsewhere in the world.

Be careful at night and always watch your belongings as petty theft and pick pocketing are not unheard of.  A further known method is for someone to spill something on you and for a second person to come over and "help you," but instead grab your bag while you're distracted. Also make sure you lock your car doors and never have valuables displayed inside the car (including when you are inside).

In October 2019, there was a series of protests in Santiago and other cities around Chile, as well as some incidents of vandalism and violence. The event eventually led to the decision to rewrite Chile's constitution, a decision that we hope will bring more opportunities and equality to all. Occasionally there are still demonstrations today in a few of areas in the cities, as well as escalated incidents, so it's best to avoid these places while traveling. Stay plugged into the local news or ask one of our Cascada Travel Designers to learn more.

During times of COVID-19, we also recommend revising all of the country's updated travel rules and restrictions prior to your trip. You should make sure to bring a mask and always listen to the local health guidance. To learn more about safety in Chile during COVID-19, check out this blog post .

Speaking the Language

T he official language is Castellano Spanish , so that means that you will notice a few differences if you are used to the Spanish of Spain. Like every country in the world, Chile has developed its own linguistic traits and characteristics, and first-time visitors will probably experience a steep learning curve. Chileans speak rapidly and do not enunciate, tending to swallow whole sounds and using sayings that are unique to them.  For example, the word complicado will be pronounced "complicow" and cómo estás will be said as "cómo estay." Few people outside of the tourist hot spots speak English, especially in rural areas, and many things (such as signs, menus and even museum displays) are not translated. We recommend that you learn the basics before you leave and attempt to communicate with the locals in their own language.

The languages of the indigenous peoples are not official languages of Chile, though you may come across Mapundungun (language of the collective Mapuche) around the Lakes District or on products; this language is being revived but the first language of most people in Chile is Spanish.

Deaf travelers will be pleased to note that Chilean Sign Language is used by roughly 21,000 people and is a recognized language, with the news and governmental programs subtitled or interpreted on screen. It is linguistically similar to French and German Sign Language.

Food and Restaurants

Traditional foods typically consist of various soups, stews and lentil dishes. Meat, particularly asado (Chilean barbecue) is also very popular all year. For extra flavor, you need to add a dollop of pebre (similar to pico de gallo) and if you are not a fan of table salt you should ask that your salad comes "sin aliño." Notable foods include the sopaipilla (fried pastry snack), empanada (fried or oven baked filled pastry), cazuela (meat stew), pastel de choclo (corn pie), curanto (seafood and meat dish from Chiloe) and sweet treats such as mil hojas (fine pastry layers with dulce de leche sauce), torta de tres leche (cake made with sweetened milk) and alfajores (biscuit with dulce de leche).

When it comes to restaurants, you can sometimes get away without making a reservation. Although it's helpful to make one on a Friday or Saturday night or if the place is high-end or popular. Many restaurants are open for lunch between 12 to 4 PM, then closing until dinner when it re-opens around 7 PM. A lot of places also have a weekday set lunch that is cheaper than choosing individual dishes from the main menu. Tipping of 10% is typically expected.

Santiago is also a bit of a rising star when it comes to gastronomy, with Ambrosia, Borago and 040 acclaimed worldwide. For our personal recommendations on where to eat in Santiago, check this post out .

Preparing for the Weather

The weather in Chile can vary greatly from North to South, so it's important to understand the conditions of the area you are visiting. 

In the Atacama Desert in the northern part of the country, there are warm days and cold nights. The city of Santiago is hot, dry and bright in summer and has cool winters where you'll need a warm jacket. In the South, generally the weather becomes wetter and colder. But in Patagonia , you should also come prepared from unpredictable weather and strong winds. In general, it's helpful to bring plenty of layers to Chile!

Quick Travel Tips

Arrival - Tourists will fill out a flimsy piece of paper on arrival in Chile - do not lose this ! This tourist card you will need to exit the country and if you misplace it you should head to the nearest international police station (PDI); in Santiago this can be found at General Borgoño 1052. Citizens of the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, South Africa and EU citizens do not need a visa to enter Chile and will receive a tourist stamp upon arrival for 90 days; you may need to show proof of onward travel. Latin American travelers can enter using their National Identity Card (carnet).

Book Full-board at Refugios  - When you are on your trekking adventure in Torres del Paine, it will save you a lot of hassle if you book this option when you stay at the trekker's accommodation in the park.  This means that you will receive breakfast, dinner and a packed lunch to take with you on your hike.

Communication - The Internet is a part of life now, and most cafes and hotels will have a good Wi-Fi connection (unless they are promoting a digital detox like at our hotel EcoCamp ). You can also find stores selling inexpensive sim cards and chargers across Chile, especially in metro stations.

Currency - The currency is Chilean pesos. Some places in rural areas do not accept cards, so it's helpful to have extra cash on hand.

Making New Friends - Join the Discover Chile Facebook group, formed for travelers and expats who speak English in Chile. This is your go-to place to get your travel questions answered and meet new people. Additionally, there are meet-up events and Spanish/English language exchanges in Santiago.

Keep Your Friends and Family Informed - It's always a smart idea to share your itinerary with a friend or family member prior to traveling!

Getting Around

In Santiago, you can get around easily using the underground metro system. To use this, you'll need buy an inexpensive, multi-use "Bip!" card and top it up with money prior to using the system. This card is also used on the local buses.

From Santiago , you can travel to anywhere in Chile (and to other places South America) with the main bus terminal being around the Estación Central. It may seem overwhelming here, what with the throngs of people and general clamor, and you should certainly keep an eye on your belongings. There is a multitude of overnight bus options of varying degrees of comfort to choose from. Main bus companies include Pullman, Turbus, JAC, and Cruz del Sur, and most are double-decker. Some buses have Wi-Fi and most others play a movie or two. For more information, read this excellent blog.

Flying is the fastest way to travel anywhere, which is actually a pretty big deciding factor when you consider just how huge Chile is.  LATAM is the main airline and smaller airlines include Sky or Jetsmart.

Taxis are also available everywhere in Chile (just flag one down), recognizable by their yellow roofs and orange number plate (if it isn’t orange, it isn’t legal).  They use a meter, and generally, you should keep an eye on this.  Uber is also used throughout the larger cities, as is Cabify and Beat , while there are local apps like EasyTaxi that calls the nearest local taxi from your phone. Please bear in mind that Uber is not legal in Chile and you will be advised to sit in the front seat because police checks can happen. You are also advised not to use Uber to or from the airport as this area is monitored very strictly.

Where to Stay

The Dominica Hostel is well-located beside all the bars and restaurants of Bellavista, meaning you don’t have a long walk home at night.  Rooms are simply furnished with common areas to mingle with other travelers, plus there is free wifi and a TV in the living room.

El Hotel Meridiano Sur is a quaint hotel located in Chile's popular Providencia neighborhood. It is walking distances from restaurants, bars and entertainment in Manuel Montt.

The Aubrey is a beautiful boutique hotel set in a restored building, also in the Bellavista neighborhood, but a step up price-wise from the Dominica Hostel. It gets top marks for being bilingual (it’s owned by Australians), has a heated pool and - best of all - it has on-site entertainment in the form of the Piano Room, so you don’t have to go out at night.

Buy your locally made gifts in Barrio Italia , a quick walk from either Santa Isabel or Irarrazaval metro stations.  This is a beautiful neighborhood reaching out from its main thoroughfare, Avenida Italia, that sells local designs and which also boasts delicious restaurants, cafe and vegan food joints.

Head up Cerro Santa Lucia , a central city viewpoint that has historical importance too, being the site where Pedro de Valdivia declared the city of Santiago into existence, plus it’s right beside the happening neighborhoods of Barrio Lastarria and Barrio Bellas Artes.

Take a quick look around the Plaza de Arma s (it's obligatory) including inside the grandiose, Metropolitan Cathedral , then pop into the Museo de Arte Pre Colombino , considered the best of its kind in South America.

The WineBox, is owned by a Kiwi winemaker and Chilean architect. Built entirely from recycled shipping containers, this is a passion project that has to be known to be understood, defying all explanations by bringing something completely new to the table. The great thing about WineBox is that they see a great mix of guests, and they regularly host events and gatherings.

The Nómada Eco Hostel is a little bit famous for its social barbecues, plus it has a great common area to mix and mingle. They are also holders of a sustainability certification, which is always a plus.

The hills of Valparaiso are beautiful, with views that stretch across to neighboring Viña del Mar and the ocean.   Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion are the most built-up, each dotted with curling alleyways, little stores, cake shops, restaurants, and lookouts boasting epic vistas. The hills of Valpo, as it is affectionately known, are mostly residential, with most of the action taking place in El Plan, the busy downtown area in front of the port. This area has a much grittier, visceral feel to it and, while attractive and interesting, you should keep your eye on your belongings here. To get to/from El Plan, ride on the funicular train which clings to the hillsides.

Hostel Pangea is a great place to stay for those looking for somewhere budget to stay.  Rooms are clean (shared or private) and the hostel provides a decent breakfast consisting of a warm sandwich, juice, cereal, tea/coffee.

For higher-end travel, Lodge Altitud is a highly recommended option that comes with swimming pool, Wi-Fi, and a good breakfast. They also offer a tour to their guests to point out places of interest and travel tips.

Overall, the Atacama is a spellbinding destination, and you should not leave without making the early start to the El Tatio Geyser and the Valle de la Luna . 

NOTE: The Atacama is mining territory, with a kind of rough and tumble quality.  While this area is safe, you should definitely keep aware of your surroundings.

Chilli Kiwi Hostel in Pucon proudly states that they are made by backpackers, for backpackers. Their dorms are spacious and clean, and they have some seriously cozy common areas including a garden terrace (with a tree house!) where you can also chill out in a hammock, as well as a fully stocked kitchen.

Hotel Bellavista in Puerto Varas is a good step-up from a hostel that looks out across the Llanquihue Lake and comes with an indoor pool and room service (great for those nights when you just want to take some "me time." Its excellent location close to the town and casino makes it a convenient spot for solo travelers.

Pucon is the adventure capital of Chile, and it has a vibe similar to Queenstown in New Zealand.  This is a beautiful little town with some of the best food that you can find anywhere in Chile, featuring local southern ingredients such as trout and wild pig.  From here you can find local outfits to take you to climb volcanoes or visit hot springs, or you can relax on the beach or go for a kayak on the spotless lake.

Puerto Varas is similar to Pucon , with an incredibly clear lake and lots of nearby adventures. You can also visit the nearby Puerto Montt , a working city (tourists head to the Angelmo restaurants), Frutillar (with the famous wooden theatre), or the island of Chiloe . 

Of course, we wouldn’t be a business worth our salt if we didn’t mention EcoCamp Patagonia , the Cascada-owned and operated glamping experience down in the heart of Torres del Paine . It’s also much more than simply glamping - to get what we mean, you will just need to book!

In Punta Arenas , Hostel Keoken is a cozy guest house featuring wifi and cable tv in the rooms, a shared kitchen, and an excellent location just a short walk to the Punta Arenas boardwalk.

Take on one of the best hikes in the region, like the W or the Paine Circuit . It's a fun and active way to see the best of Torres del Paine National Park with expert guides by your side (check out our full guide on the W Trek for more information about that multiday hike!)

Grab your camera and snap some photos of the region's unique wildlife, like pumas, condors, foxes, guanacos and more!

Practice yoga! In fact, EcoCamp has an awesome Yoga Dome where free classes are offered daily.

Wander down to Tierra del Fuego , where you can take on the southernmost trek of the world , visit penguins and more.

You can also contact us so we can organize the trek you’re looking for!

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The Chilean Way

Want to learn more about the beautiful country of Chile? Download our insider’s guide to learn all the best travel tips and tricks.

• TERMS & CONDITIONS
• PRIVACY POLICY

Destination

• Multi Destination
• Salta Argentina

Experiences

• Multi-activity
• Exceptional Journeys

SOCIAL NETWORKS

Updated October 4th, 2022

Dear Traveler,

We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile. Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:

• You only have to present the vaccination certificate issued in your country when boarding to Chile. Those who do not have their vaccinations must present a negative result in a PCR test dated less than 48 hours from departure to enter Chile. Those who are under 18 years of age do not have any requirements to enter Chile
• A negative PCR upon arrival is not compulsory any more but diagnostic tests will be carried out randomly at the entry point to Chile. Confirmed cases shall be isolated according to the general health regulations.
• Medical insurance covering any expenses caused by COVID-19 is not compulsory any more
• The use of a face mask is voluntary

In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!

The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia

How To Travel Solo To Santiago, Chile

The Andes mountain ranges make Chile one of the most admirable travel destinations in the world. And because it is technically impossible for a foreigner to access Chile without passing through the capital, Santiago, this city has really grown both in infrastructure and culture.

 Without a doubt, Santiago is among the most convenient cities in Chile to navigate and discover as a solo traveler. It is large, clean, culturally accommodative, modern, and with some of the richest histories of the indigenous South American people. Also, there are beautiful parks, enchanting neighborhoods, museums, and hidden treasures to visit. If the city leaves you with such a good impression, you can order a wall art canvas for your home, to remind you of the good time that you spent there.

Once you decide to visit Santiago all by yourself, the question that pops into your head is whether or not you will be safe. To be brutally honest with you, the answer is YES! You will be very safe here. Just be sure to hang around the city and discover its hidden treasures before you move on to Patagonia or the Atacama Desert.

Related Article: Living in Santiago: Why you Should Consider It

That being said, what are the important things to know when traveling solo in Santiago?

Here are a few:

Where Will You Be Staying?

Santiago is generally safe and calm, so you can choose to stay anywhere depending on your budget. However, it is important that you find accommodation within the city center because most attractions are walking distances from there.

Staying far away from the central business district would mean limited access to most public amenities as well as shopping streets. On the flip side, booking accommodation too close to the central area would mean expensive food and accommodation fees. Take your time to decide if you want to pay more and see/do more or pay less and see/do less.

Which is the Best Way to Get Around Santiago?

The Metro subway is the most common transport system in Santiago, although there are others such as the Transantiago city buses. The two options are cheap, but the buses aren’t as comfortable or as convenient as the subway.

If your budget allows, the best transport means in Santiago are the Taxis. These can be hailed on the street, but it is always safer to ask the doorman at your hotel to call one for you.

The taxis are more expensive than the subway or buses, as you correctly imagined, but they will take you to attraction sites that neither a bus nor the subway would take you. They are also the most comfortable and convenient means of transport here.

Which are the Best Things to Do and See in Santiago?

Santiago is among the most peaceful and tranquil places on the planet where you can take your troubled mind to heal. The city offers you tons of fun activities that will help you shift your focus from the anxiety that is damaging your productivity in life, to the beauty of Mother Nature. By the time you will be landing back home from Santiago, you will already have a good foundation to consult with a life coach for a complete positive turnaround in your life.

Traveling solo gives you the freedom to choose what you want to see and do at any given time. So, what would you like to see and do in Santiago? To start you off, a tour of the city’s zoo or climbing to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal could be ideal for you. You will then discover other key places as you get used to life in the city.

For the students of history, it is important to learn a bit about the Pinochet dictatorship of the late 20 th century at the Memory and Human Rights Museum. If, on the other hand, you are a foodie, a day at Centro Artesanal Los Dominicos will be delightful as you will have a unique chance to experiment on Chileans’ culinary prowess. You can also buy some Chilean handicrafts from the wonderful craft gift shops that are located here. Once you are done, check out Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda and compare your culinary experiences in the two regions.

Additional Tips

• It is polite and respectful to dress and behave as per the conservative norms of the Chilean people. If you dress inappropriately, the locals might avoid interacting with you.
• Learn some Spanish before departing for Santiago. That will be a lifesaver at some point.
• Leave your valuables and travel documents in your hotel room as pickpockets are in abundance here. If you must count money, at least don’t do it in the open.
• For as much as possible, be safe in your hotel room before darkness sets in.
• Tipping is important but not mandatory.

When you get back home from Santiago, don’t allow your fondest memories of Chile and specifically Santiago to fade away.  Make a point of ordering a memorabilia wall art canvas for your home decoration.

Article written by Lilly Herbert

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After spending two months in Chile, I left thinking it really does 'have it all' in terms of landscape. 

Chile is one of the longest countries in the world, narrowly beaten out by Brazil, is home to the driest desert on earth, the most remote island on earth, and partial home (shared with Argentina ) to the third largest frozen body of fresh water in the world. For those who adore hiking, rock climbing, sailing, red wine, and an all-in-one vacation destination, Chile is it. 

Chile is also the most prosperous nation in South America, and leads Latin America in peace, income per capita, and democratic development, making it a great place to explore for first-timers to South America.

Where in Chile?

Get to Know Chile

Everything you need to know about hiking the O circuit in Torres del Paine

Thumbs Up! The Start of the Patagonia Hitchhiking Adventure

How to Visit Easter Island Cheaply and Awesomely

Camping Under the Best Night Sky in the Driest Desert on Earth

Where to Trek on Glaciers in Chilean Patagonia

Have You Ever Seen a Glacier that Turns into a Waterfall?

Here's What to Pack When You Go to Patagonia

• 'Hello' and 'Thank You' in Spanish:  "Hola" and "Gracias"
• Currency : Chilean Peso ( click here   for current conversion rates)
• Visa : 90-day visa on arrival for US citizens. Australians must pay a reciprocity fee  ( click here   for more info).
• Safety rating : Ranked 27 on the Global Peace Index  with a score of 1.63 (USA is ranked 128 with a score of 2.40).
• Solo Travel Friendliness : The locals are friendly, there’s an excellent transportation network, and a low rate of violent crime. Chile is a great country for solo travelers to start their South American journey. That said, in major cities like Santiago, pickpocketing does happen so always keep an eye on your belongings. Additionally, catcalling is normal in Chile just like the rest of South America.
• Climate : Since Chile is so long, it depends on where you go. In the far north, expect scorching hot summers and in Patagonia, be prepared for heavy winds, rain, and cold all year-round. Winters often experience snow in the mountains and in Patagonia.
• Best SIM cards : Claro or Virgin. Easily purchasable from street vendors who also sell air time. Spanish speaking ability (or a friend who can help) required.
• Random useful tip : If hiking in Patagonia, bring waterproof hiking shoes, a waterproof and windproof jacket, and clothing that can handle all temperatures, seriously!

Accommodation

Budget Solo Travelers ($5 - $20): Camping is awesome in Chile! In Patagonia, it will be available just about everywhere you go. If you have a tent with you, expect to pay $5 - $20 to camp at campsites with kitchen facilities and showers. In the San Pedro de Atacama Desert, free camping is available at the park entrance at the Valle de la Luna, and there are plenty of places where you can simply follow car tracks off the road and find a nice, totally secluded spot for the night. Camping is also an option in popular places like the Easter Island. Dorms on the mainland generally cost about $10 - $15 per night, offering free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Consider a HI Network membership to get better rates if you plan on staying exclusively in hostels.

Mid-Range Solo Travelers ($20 and up): Expect to pay about $35 - $40 for a private room in a hostel or a budget hotel . Airbnbs average at about $20 for a private room, and at about $55 for an entire unit. Cabanas are very popular in Chile, and you’ll find them in popular areas, especially by the coast. Staying and sharing a locally-run cabana will save a bunch of money – a cabana can often accommodate six or seven people for around $50+ per night . They come with a kitchen so that you can cook your own food as well to save money - this is a particularly good option on Easter Island.

Transportation

Getting There: The main international airport is Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, located in Santiago . Direct flights are available from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Europe, and Australia. Crossing borders overland is possible by bus from Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Go for the full-cama beds so that you can recline fully if on an overnight bus. Note that many passes close in winter due to snow. I once missed a flight in April due to this!

Getting Around: Public transportation is reliable, cheap, and comfortable in Chile. Local buses (called micros) cover a wide range of routes, and a short single trip typically costs less than $1. Destinations are usually displayed on the window, and a ticket is issued by the bus captain at the point of boarding. Shared taxis (called colectivos) usually cost only slightly more than the local buses, and are much more comfortable. Similar to the local buses, destinations are displayed on the windows. Taxis are metered and widely available in major cities. In Santiago, trains are incredibly efficient, though they get very crowded during peak hours.

Inter-city Traveling: Long distance buses are reliable and comfortable. Most inter-city buses have reclining seats, plenty of legroom, and frequent departures. Prices vary between companies, and the most popular bus companies are Tur Bus and Pullman . Buy tickets online, at your hostel, or in person at the bus stations. To reach the wilderness areas that are not accessible by local transportation, it makes sense to rent a car, though my personal recommendation is to rent a campervan and have it double as your accommodation as well. Make sure to double check everything when you pick up the vehicle. Hitchhiking is widely common and sometimes the only option in Patagonia, where the locals are used to hitchhiking and picking up hitchhikers.

Local Eats ($5 - $10): Local staples include potatoes, avocados, and sweetcorn. Beef is excellent throughout the country. Eating out can be expensive in Chile but it’s worth it now and then. Budget travelers can buy groceries at the local supermarkets and cook their own food at the hostels or campsites, which typically have kitchens and cooking utensils available for guest use. Expect to pay about $30 - $50 for a week’s worth of groceries. Small meals like empanadas, sandwiches, pita bread, and sausages are sold by street vendors. Lunch deals, or menu del dia, offer a complete meal with starter, main, and dessert for about $7 - $10.

Restaurants & Bars ($20 - $30): Great quality restaurants and cafes are ubiquitous in major cities. Beef is the country’s pride and   it’s definitely worth splurging now and then on a meal out. Expect to pay about $20 for a steak with a glass of wine. I have also had some of the best lamb ever in Patagonia, cooked on a spit and called cordero patagonico, so keep a lookout for that! If you are in the coastal areas, make sure to order Chile’s fish and seafood, which rank among the best in the world. Bars in major cities and coastal areas serve great fruit juices, beer, and wine.

Things to do

Get Artistic in Valparaíso : Valparaíso is a colorful menagerie of narrow alleyways, spray painted self expression, and colorful houses up steep streets. The entire district is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s characterized by tall and narrow streets with tall and narrow houses and funiculars, and in some ways reminds me of San Francisco, which would make sense given its nickname is ‘little San Francisco’. One can easily spend a couple of hours (or even a day or two!) wandering and getting inspired by the street art and its people in this gem of a spot.

Explore Easter Island : Standing right in front of the giant Moai statues, towering above us mere mortals, is an incredibly humbling experience. It’s like taking a walk into the past, and contrary to popular belief, it can be done affordably and without the crowds. It is not necessary to go with a tour company, as the island is small, and transportation is available in the form of car rentals, quads, and motorbikes. Other than the humbling, giant statues, other activities on the Easter Island include exploring the Ranu Kau Volcano, going SCUBA diving, surfing, and chilling on the only beach on the island.

Camp in the San Pedro de Atacama Desert : The San Pedro de Atacama desert in Northern Chile is famous for a few good reasons: It’s the driest desert in the world, has some of the best viewing for stars in the night sky, and it’s full of otherworldly-looking canyons, lakes, and landmarks. It’s also got plenty of awesome camping spots. Rent a cool campervan, make sure it has a kitchen, bring blankets (it gets very cold at night), plenty of water, and find your own sweet spots. My personal favorite was at the Laguna Chaxa, where I saw the clearest milky way ever.

Hike Torres del Paine: Each year this national park gets exponentially more popular as trekkers discover that Torres del Paine in Chile is a stunning adventure, full of changing landscapes and a glimpse of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, especially from the full O circuit. The trek typically takes about 8 days, with several starting point to choose from. A good tent, shoes, and hiking poles are necessary for this trek. Here is a full guide to trekking the Torres del Paine .

Snowshoe in el Cani: The park was founded by locals who wanted to protect this area from the woodworking industry. One of the oldest trees in the world, Araucaria tree, can be seen here. The trail to the private national park is pretty steep, but it’s a great spot to snowshoe in, walking along a former volcano crater, lagoons, and the beautiful trees is a wonderful experience.

Get to know Siantiago: Chances are you'll be flying into or out of the capital of Chile at some point during your exploration. This vibrant city has street art, great nightlife, and a culture all its own. Read more about things to do there here.

Posts About Chile

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The World’s Best Road Trips

Patagonia Itineraries for One Week to One Month

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The Perfect 9-Day Torres del Paine O Circuit Itinerary

The ultimate patagonia guide.

A Carretera Austral Adventure Guide

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Valparaíso, Chile: The Most Artistic City in the World?

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A Solo Traveler’s Guide To 3 Days In Santiago

While the city is too large to see everything in three days, this 3 days in Santiago itinerary offers key highlights to get the most from your visit. 

The largest city in South America, Santiago packs more people than Los Angeles in an area half the size. It would be endless if not for the Andes and Central Mountain chains holding it in place.  

Where to Stay and How to Get Around Santiago de Chile

Santiago has been in a period of unrest with protests in the main government square. Your safest option is to stay near Las Condes, Vitacura, or Providencia.   

Airbnb has nice options throughout the city. They tend to be clean and modern apartments in one of the many towers with staff at the front door for safety and assistance. 

The easiest way to navigate the city is a combination of Uber and the subway. While Uber isn’t legal in Chile, it’s widely used, affordable, and considered safe. The subway is inexpensive and convenient for most of downtown Santiago. 

Stores and attractions don’t open until 10 am, allowing for a relaxed morning. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy breakfast at one of the local cafes, practice your Spanish, and pore over a city map before starting your day.

Related read: Safest countries in Latin America

3 days in Santiago itinerary

Day 1 – a feel for the city and aerial views.

This day may sound ambitious, but everything is close together and in safe neighborhoods where you can wander by yourself in the evenings. 

You’ll have two opportunities to view the city from above, while also enjoying some time at a park. 

Sky Costanera

Take the subway to Costanera Center in Providencia, a large complex that includes a mall, hotels, and office buildings. 

It’s also home to the Gran Torre Santiago skyscraper, the tallest building in South America. You may hear it called Sky Costanera, which is the viewing platform at the top. 

A guide will welcome you and share facts about the tower on the elevator ride up. At 62 floors, the modern skyscraper, lined with shining blue glass, reaches up to the sky for a whopping 982 feet (300 meters). Try to remember to breathe and not think about the height. 

Arriving at the first level of the observation deck, you’re greeted by a 360-degree room lined with large glass windows. 

All of Santiago is on display as you walk around.  The sheer size of the city becomes clear as you see endless buildings. In the background, the Andes mountains create a dark and rugged backdrop. 

Before leaving, head up the escalator to the top floor of the observation deck and gaze at the open roof.  Art and function come together as a maze of thick, white metal crisscross above your head, part of the support holding the structure together.

When you’re ready, head back down and enjoy lunch at the mall or one of the small shops nearby. Grab water to go since your next adventure includes a bit of walking. 

The Outdoor Sculpture Park

Rounding the mall, you’ll see a small park across the street with a sand walking path. This will lead you to the Sculpture Park. 

It’s a 20 to 30-minute walk, allowing time to soak up the sun and city views. Locals enjoying their summer lay in the grass, ride their bikes along the path, and picnic under trees. 

On the horizon, you’ll see large installations announcing the park. This open area is home to 30 pieces of art, all by Chilean artists. 

As you wander through the statues and other installations, you’ll find yourself trying to contrast this area with the views of endless buildings you saw from Sky Costanera. 

A further reminder of your morning, the Gran Torres skyscraper appears in the distance.

It will be hard to pull yourself away from the peaceful setting, but after 2 to 3 hours, you’ll want to head out to your next stop, San Cristobal Hill. 

San Cristobal Hill

The iconic hill sits in the middle of downtown with its statue of the Virgin Mary viewable from almost every neighborhood. 

There are three ways to reach the top, cable car, funicular, or the road. You’ll need an Uber to arrive at any of the entrances. The cable cars are near the Providencia entrance and the funicular is on the opposite side of the park, towards the Bellavista entrance.

You’ll see a mix of locals and tourists at San Cristobal. Some locals like to exercise by biking up the long and windy road, while tourists and local families enjoy the cable cars or funicular.

The top of the hill is home to a Sanctuary, the statue of the Virgin Mary, and lots of nooks and crannies to explore. Sit along the wall and enjoy the city views. 

Wander down the walkway with beautiful crosses painted by local artists. You’ll find yourself winding down the mountain for a bit. If you continue past the cable cars, the two pools will appear. 

There’s so much to do here, it’s easy to lose track of time. 

If you’re getting hungry, head back down and grab dinner at any of the restaurants near the entrance, or one of the local favorites near your accommodations. 

Day 2 – The Bustling Downtown

Today is all about historic downtown Santiago. Similar to other South American capitals, the historic downtown is also home to current political buildings.

Santiago manages to evolve and modernize while still preserving a sense of history. 

Other countries like Ecuador focus on preservation. You can read more about Quito, Ecuador here , and compare these two unique capital cities.

Historic Downtown Santiago

With Santiago’s history of unrest and rioting in the main plazas, you’ll want to leave the area by 4 pm. 

The subway is the easiest way to reach the historic district and the University of Chile stop will drop you off right in front of an area called La Bolsa. It’s easily identified as the only intersection making a Y. 

No matter the time of day, the subway and downtown area will be crowded. As the escalator rises to the sidewalk, you’re immediately enveloped in a sea of people. The crowd is a mix of downtown workers, families shopping, and tourists.

Take a moment to find a spot where you can look at the buildings. The old and new architecture blend rather than compete. This is part of the charm of Santiago. A nod to the past, but an eye on the future. 

Take a deep breath and dive into the crowd. As you walk down the busy streets lined with offices and shops, a plaza will suddenly appear. 

The Plazas of Santiago

Standing in the middle of Plaza de Armas, the center of downtown, you’ll see the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Royal Court Palace bordering the square. 

The Chilean National History Museum inside the Royal Court Palace and the Cathedral are both open to the public. 

The cathedral may not be the grandest in the world, but it stood fast in times of war and rioting, even surviving a few earthquakes.

Also in this area is Plaza de la Constitución, home to the current government buildings such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Finance. 

As you stand in front of the massive building housing the Chilean Supreme Court, you may notice an open window on the second floor. It hits you that this is not just a piece of the past. People are in there now, making new history. 

Mixed in with these stately buildings are stores and restaurants. Shop like a local and see if anything catches your eye. Have lunch at one of the finer restaurants or stop by a storefront and grab a completo.  

Wander into one of the mini-malls where small entrance ways under the office buildings lead to mazes of shops. 

As it starts near 4 pm, head back and enjoy dinner near your Airbnb.   

Day 3 – A Dark History and a Bustling Market

Today you’ll learn more about Santiago’s bloody past. But it will also be a day of street vendors and markets, including the famous Mercado Market. 

The Museum of Memory and Human Rights

Most museums are not open on Mondays so be sure to check and adjust your itinerary. 

Museums are great for a quieter day and you can reach the Museum of Memory and Human Rights by taking the subway to Central Square.

In front of the subway station is a loud and colorful street vendor market with an odd assortment of goods. You may want to wander for a bit before heading out on the 15-minute walk to the museum.   

The Museum of Human Rights is easy to spot with its distinctive green glass and concrete façade. While the outside may be modern and beautiful, the inside remembers the victims of human rights violations during the military regime of Pinochet. 

You’ll leave knowing more about the culture and understanding a bit of the Chileans, but it’s not an uplifting story. 

As you walk around this section of town, keep your eyes open for the street art nearby. Across from the museum is a building with a sun and moon. Next to it is a concrete wall with work that should be in a top museum. 

To call the street art of Santiago graffiti seems to undermine the level of talent. These works could hold their own against any current megastar in the art world. 

Mercado Market

When you’re ready to head to Mercado Market, take the subway from Central Station to the University of Chile stop. You’ll need to walk through historic downtown. 

The market’s famous main building is just the tip of the iceberg. Mercado Market is an entire neighborhood of shops, restaurants, and street vendors. 

There’s a constant squawk from vendors lining the sidewalks and delicious smelling food. You’ll fight with the massive crowds as you navigate the streets. 

Similar to the market at Central Station, it’s a sea of color with vendors selling everything from vegetables to toothpaste, to socks and underwear, to crafts. 

There are even people with shopping carts housing small chargers hooked up to deep fryers. They fry whole chickens and serve lunch. You’ll be enticed by the smell and intrigued by the setup. 

If a sidewalk meal isn’t appealing to you, try an empanada from Emporio Zunino. With a long line of locals, you know it’s the best empanada in town. 

Mercado Market can be confusing. Don’t go crazy trying to figure out where you are and where you’ve been. 

Buildings are mazes of stores and confusing to navigate. Entering what looks like an Italian restaurant, you’ll find yourself in the giant seafood warehouse. Just wander and go with the flow. 

You’ll finish in plenty of time for an early dinner before catching an evening flight. If you have another day, some additional suggestions can be found below. 

Extra Time in Santiago Chile

If you spent a little less time downtown or a museum isn’t quite your cup of tea, there are many other things to see and experience in Santiago. 

• Art lovers can visit the Bellas Artes neighborhood lined with graffiti from local artists. 
• Wine enthusiasts can take half a day and travel to one of the amazing Chilean wineries . 
• Hikers can head to Cerro Manquehuito in Vitacura for views of the city and Andes mountains. 
• History lovers can tour more museums . 

The list is almost endless. 

You may have thought of Santiago as just a layover on the way to something else. But now you’re one of the savvy travelers who know it’s a must-see destination. Next time, you’ll come back with a couple of weeks to explore.

Keep reading:

• 43 Chile travel tips for your upcoming trip
• Best long-distance hiking trails in South America
• Solo Travel Pitfalls : 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Insider’s Guide to Solo Travel in Spain

Alison Watta started traveling later in life due to fear and lack of confidence. Her passion is to inspire other hesitant travelers to get out and explore the world. She promotes local travel, global destinations, and outdoor adventures at ExplorationSolo . Follow her on Facebook .

Contributing members  are responsible for the accuracy of content  contributed  to A World to Travel.

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7 replies to this topic

what are your interests? how about a budget/range?

i use sites like

http://www.booking.com

www.hotels com

and others. I know you want an area, but to me, $$$ can make a difference on where. Im sure you have a budget/limit.

Also are you chasing any bonus/loyaltiy points or wnat to stay in any chain to follow/get/use those points?

when i was there - pre covid - i stayed near the Lastarria area, but closer to the metro line that ran along the major street. for me and what i wanted to do/see, it was fine.

Hello FlightAttendantMom,

To be fair, that area is not posh and not a luxury tourist area. Such can be found around Las Condes for instance. But that area, at least for my taste, is too far from the places worth being seen.

Personally I had a fantastic time in the Chilean capital, and I felt safe at all times - walking or taking the metro, which is very easy to use and very modern.

Hope this helps, happy travels!

Thank you Leisure50 and Linda E! Glad it was helpful! :-) Yes, exactly - the location is perfect and although not posh, I thought it was more authentic. And the areas I would avoid walking alone at night are not different from areas I would avoid in my town or New York, for instance.

Happy travels!

Linda E......Could happen....! I'll be there towards the end of March..... Business_trav mentioned some good destinations on foot so I am now researching those. Several good museums within walking distance, or using the Metro. Also parks and plazas. Plenty to see in my relatively short stay.

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Santiago Hotels and Places to Stay

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A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Chile

Planning a solo trip to Chile? Sounds like fun! But there are an array of practical tips you may not have thought of that will make your trip more stress-free if you tackle them before you leave. Here’s Culture Trip’s guide for safe and exciting travels throughout one of South America’s most beautiful countries.

Preparing to go.

Communication

Consider how you will communicate while you’re abroad. You could activate an international call plan with your service provider, purchase a SIM card in Chile for a local number on a prepaid plan with a domestic company, or turn off cellular data altogether and just use your phone in wifi mode – although, if you are traveling solo, it would be a good idea to be able to call in case of emergencies.

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Make sure your passport is updated and you have any required visas, and necessary immunizations or vaccines in plenty of time before you leave. Chile is a very developed country; however, depending on where you go, you might need to get some shots. Check here for recommendations.

Get ready for a lot of kissing. To greet one another, Chileans kiss once on the left cheek. You’ll greet everyone in a group, so if there are 11 people, get ready for 11 kisses. Unless you are man greeting a man, then a handshake or hug is more customary.

Spanish is spoken throughout Chile; however, you should know that Chileans are known for talking quickly and having a distinct vocabulary , especially in the south. We recommend brushing up on your language skills before you arrive, and having access to a dictionary throughout your stay. Spanishdict is free in the app store and will be very helpful. Another tool is the Chilean Spanish dictionary, as what you hear might not be what you have studied. Since slang is very common in the south especially, check out the dictionary . But, generally Chileans are kind and will work with you and your Spanish abilities, however limited.

Lodging is a big consideration when traveling. Fortunately, Chile has a huge hostel culture (ranging from boutique to backpacker) so wherever you go, Santiago or south to the Lakes Region and below, you’ll be able to find a reasonably priced room. Staying in a hostel is a great way to meet other travelers and make friends on your solo excursion. Just be sure to check the ratings and only choose well established places, as traveling alone makes you more vulnerable.

Transportation

For the most part, it is easy to get around Chile. In Santiago, the metro is most popular, and like most big cities this can be complicated. Study up on how it works here . Also popular in Chile’s cities is Uber – a safe, reliable, clear way to travel alone, as you give your destination to the driver beforehand. This leaves no room for miscommunication if your language skills are below par. If you want to travel from the north to south or vice versa, Turbus is a great, inexpensive option for extensive trips. Once you get to smaller towns, you’ll notice the multitude of minibuses. They take you from town to town for a few thousand pesos (a few USD) and are relaxed and not too hard to figure out. They have a route, but will drop you off whenever you say “ acá por favor ” (here please). Lastly, there are taxis and colectivos. Good for short trips in town, colectivos will pick up multiple people at a time that are wanting to get somewhere within the town limit. Taxis are a one-party service and are the most expensive way to travel in Chile.

Tours are a great way to see things safely, especially if you are traveling on your own. Available for any type of excursion, skiing in the Andes, winery tours, Atacama Desert, Patagonia , etc, they’re all there for a fee. Chile’s various tour services will be a great way to see places that you might not have been able to otherwise. Check out the best tours here .

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Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Is Chile Safe to Visit?

Chile is one of the most popular destinations (and one of my favorites) in South America. I was blown away by the beauty of the country, the delicious and inexpensive food, the plethora of different ecosystems, and the hospitality of the locals. (And, as someone who works online, how much they are investing in tech — Santiago is one of the best cities in the world for digital nomads! )

Owing to its diverse geography, the country offers a lot to visitors. You can explore the wilderness of Patagonia , taste wine at boutique local vineyards, visit the bucket-list favorite Easter Island , explore the Atacama Desert, hang out in the vibrant capital of Santiago — there are endless reasons to visit Chile.

But, protests and civil unrest that occurred between 2019-2021 raised travelers’ concern over safety about traveling to this Latin American country. While protests have abated following the election of the new president, many travelers are still unsure about the situation on the ground.

So, while Chile is not a dangerous country by any means, there are some things you do need to be careful about when you visit. The tips below will not only help you learn more about how to deal with the risks there but they’ll make sure your experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible!

Table of Contents

8 Safety Tips for Chile

Should i be worried about protests in chile, are there places to avoid in chile, is chile safe to travel alone, is it safe to drive in chile, is it safe to walk around santiago.

• Is the Water Safe to Drink in Chile?

Is Chile Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

1. Be aware of your belongings – Petty theft is your biggest concern in Chile, especially in the larger cities. Since these types of crime are usually situational and occur on a whim, don’t make yourself a target. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying or wearing expensive accessories as well. The more you can blend in, the better.

Be aware that there might be teams of thieves working together: one will try to distract you while another steals something, so be careful if a stranger tries to get you into a conversation in a busy place. This is most common on the bus. Always keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

There are other popular scams here as well, such as the “bird poo” scam, where someone squirts a gooey liquid on you, and then they (or an accomplice) rob you while you’re trying to clean it up or figure out what’s going on. For more info on common travel scams, check out this post.

2. Don’t pet stray dogs – I know: dogs are super cute. But the number of stray dogs in Chile has been increasing, and quite a lot of them have scabies, which is a highly contagious disease. If you come across dogs who look like they have skin problems, make sure not to touch them.

3. Watch out for rip tides and currents when you swim – Chile has lots of beautiful beaches, but unfortunately, many of them have dangerous offshore rips. It’s easy to get swept up in these and not be able to swim back to shore. Watch for signs on beaches that say “no apto para bañar” or “peligroso,” meaning it’s too dangerous for swimming.

4. Double-check your taxi – There have been incidents of people being robbed by unlicensed taxi drivers, including in what look like airport taxis. Don’t hesitate to use pre-booked taxis or to check that the taxis you use are officially licensed ones. When going out, ask your hostel or hotel to book your taxi for you just to be safe.

5. Be prepared for an earthquake or volcanic eruption – Chile is located in a highly active seismic zone, and earthquakes are relatively common. Make sure you familiarize yourself with any safety or evacuation procedures at your accommodation. If you’re hiking, be aware that earthquakes can trigger landslides.

6. Watch out for drink-spiking – There’s been an increase in reports of people having their drinks spiked in recent years. Victims become unconscious and may have their belongings stolen or worse. Be especially careful in the Suecia and Bellavista nightclub areas of Santiago, but it’s good practice to avoid accepting drinks from people you don’t know and to keep your drinks in sight at all times.

7. Look out for the car tire scam – In the larger cities, there have been incidents wherein tourists driving rental cars have a sudden tire puncture because thieves have surreptitiously slashed a tire. Once you’re busy inspecting the damage or changing the tire, thieves swing in to rob your vehicle. Keep a good eye on your stuff if you should mysteriously get a flat tire!

8. Buy travel insurance – Whenever you travel, buy travel insurance. You never know what might go wrong. While you hope that nothing will happen, you’ll be grateful you have travel insurance if you are the victim of theft, get sick or injured, or find yourself in an emergency situation. I never leave home without it. You shouldn’t either! Buy travel insurance before you go!

I recommend SafetyWing for travelers under 70, while Insure My Trip is the best choice for travelers over 70.

You can use this widget to get a quote for SafetyWing:

For more information on travel insurance, check out these posts:

• What Does Travel Insurance ACTUALLY Cover?
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies
• How to Buy the Best Travel Insurance

From 2019-2021, anti-government protests erupted in the capital in response to policies that increased subway fares and then became general protests about the increased cost of living, privatization, and inequality. Parts of the capital, Santiago, erupted in flames and the protests got violent.

However, while the scars of those incidents are still visible, the pandemic and governmental changes, including the election of a new president, have ended this period of increased civil unrest. Moreover, protests in general are confined to major cities. If you’re going hiking in Patagonia or out to the desert or even to the nearby town of Valparaiso, you won’t notice anything.  

Not really. You’ll want to be more vigilant in the busier areas of cities like Santiago and Valparaiso, where petty theft and tourist scams are more likely to occur, and protests are more likely to arise. There is no reason to avoid these places — just keep your guard up and your possessions secure as you’re out and about.  

Solo travel is as safe in Chile as any other kind of travel, and you should just take the usual extra precautions when traveling alone anywhere. The biggest problem will be making sure you keep an eye on your luggage and valuables at all times, especially on public transport. But it’s still quite safe for solo travelers!  

Chileans tend to drive quite aggressively, so this might put you off from renting a car in Chile. It’s also tough work driving in Santiago because the traffic is always really busy and pedestrians run across roads without checking.

The highways are well-maintained through funding from tolls. Once you’re off the main roads, however, the secondary roads are often not well-maintained and are poorly lit, so you will need to be more careful. If you’re driving in the mountains, you’ll notice that the hillside roads don’t have the guardrails you often see in other countries.

If you’re not used to driving in countries with more lax rules of the road, I’d advise against renting a car. But as long as you have experience and are comfortable in a more hectic environment, then go for it!  

Chile’s capital, Santiago, is a large city with well over five million inhabitants, so, like many big cities, there are parts that are perfectly safe and some that might be a little dangerous. The Las Condes, Vitacura, and Providencia areas of Santiago are known to have higher rates of petty theft than other parts of the city, so be extra cautious when in those areas.

Try to avoid walking around at night if you’re alone just to be safe. And, whenever possible, share a taxi with others to reduce the chances of getting robbed.  

Is the Tap Water Safe to Drink in Chile?

The tap water here is generally considered safe, though the high mineral content in many places can make it a bit unpalatable. It never hurts to take precautions, so consider using a water bottle with a built-in filter, like Lifestraw , to purify your water while simultaneously reducing your environmental impact by avoiding single-use plastic water bottles. You’ll definitely need a water purifier for when you hike in the mountains down south, where it is not safe to drink the tap water or from a stream.  

There is no special risk for female travelers in Chile, although, like in many parts of the world, you should probably avoid being alone in empty or dark places at night. Women are also more likely to be victims of drink-spiking, especially if they’re on their own at a bar or club. However, many women go backpacking alone in Chile, and for the majority of them, the trip is uneventful. While you might be traveling solo, you will also most likely end up making some like-minded friends.

Here are a few helpful posts on safety written by our solo female travel experts:

• How to Stay Safe as a Solo Female Traveler
• 8 Myths About Solo Female Travel Debunked
• 10 Common Questions About Solo Female Travel
• Women Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Travel Alone

Chile is an amazing country. Whether you’re interested in the natural wilderness, want to head out to Easter Island, or are keen to experience the culture and vibe of Santiago , the country won’t disappoint.

Just be aware of scams meant to distract you and use some common sense. Chile is safe to visit — as long as you follow the tips above. Do that, and you’ll have a fun, safe, and amazing visit to this underrated destination!

Book Your Trip to Chile: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• Hostal Forestal (Santiago)
• Hostal Po (Valparaiso)
• Kona Tau (Easter Island)

Don’t Forget 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. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Chile? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Chile for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Chile solo female travel.

Traveling alone as a female can be an incredibly empowering experience, and Chile is a destination that offers a wealth of opportunities for solo female travelers. From the rugged landscapes of the Atacama Desert to the cosmopolitan streets of Santiago, Chile has something to suit every taste and budget. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best destinations and activities for solo female travelers in Chile, as well as offer tips for staying safe and making the most of your trip.

Why Chile is a Great Destination for Solo Female Travelers

Chile is a safe and stable country with a relatively low crime rate, making it an ideal destination for solo female travelers. The country is also known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who are often eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors.

In addition to its safety and hospitality, Chile offers a wide range of activities and experiences that are perfect for solo travelers. Whether you’re interested in hiking through the mountains, exploring the country’s rich history and culture, or simply relaxing on the beach, Chile has something to offer.

Top Destinations for Solo Female Travelers in Chile

Chile’s capital city is a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination that offers plenty of opportunities for solo female travelers. From exploring the city’s museums and galleries to shopping and dining in its trendy neighborhoods, Santiago is a great place to start your Chilean adventure.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its colorful streets and bohemian vibe. Visitors can explore the city’s historic landmarks and take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert offers some of the most stunning landscapes in Chile, including geysers, salt flats, and colorful rock formations. There are plenty of tour operators in the region that offer guided hikes and other activities.

Torres del Paine National Park

This breathtaking park in southern Chile offers some of the best hiking and trekking opportunities in the world. Visitors can explore glaciers, mountains, and lakes while taking in stunning views of the Patagonian wilderness.

Tips for Staying Safe While Traveling Solo in Chile

While Chile is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers, it’s always important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Research Your Destination Before You Go

Take the time to research your destination before you arrive, including any potential safety concerns or areas to avoid. This will help you feel more confident and prepared during your trip.

Dress Conservatively

Chilean culture is generally conservative when it comes to dress, so it’s a good idea to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or other cultural landmarks.

Avoid Walking Alone at Night

As in any city, it’s best to avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas. Instead, take a taxi or use public transportation to get around.

Stay Alert and Aware of Your Surroundings

Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and trust your instincts if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable in a particular situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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ADVENTURE TRAVEL , CHILE , SOLO , SOUTH AMERICA · September 26, 2018 Last Updated on March 11, 2024

5 MUST DO’S FOR SOLO TRAVELERS IN ATACAMA, CHILE

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When you are a young solo traveler like me, it may seem complicated to find fun activities to do by yourself. Lucky for all of us, San Pedro de Atacama is a little village in the middle of the northern Chilean desert which is perfect for solo travelers. Located 1,700 kilometers away from Santiago, Atacama is the perfect destination if you are ready to travel to the end of the world!

You can get there by booking a flight (2 hours) from Santiago to Calama City, and then take a transfer from airport to your accommodation. For the more adventurous, there are buses leaving Santiago’s terminals on a 22 hour trip where you can admire all the Chilean geography first hand.

The weather in Atacama changes depending the hours of the day and the season. Chile’s winter is between May and September, so the temperature can get especially cold at night during these months. As in most desert climates, the temperature can vary wildly in Atacama, where it can get as low as 1ºC and as hot as 22ºC. I recommend that travelers bring light clothes but also a really good winter jacket, windbreaker, boots, gloves and anything you need to keep yourself warm (you should be fine with regular winter clothes). It may seem a little complicated, but trust me it is worth it!

Chile is described as a having “otherworldly landscapes” by the Lonely Planet, is considered one of the top destinations by many travel experts around the world, and has become a must-visit on any travel bucket list. Here are five things to do as a also traveler in San Pedro de Atacama:

1) CONNECT WITH YOURSELF AND NATURE

Basically, every place you go in Atacama is perfect to admire the stunning and peaceful landscape! But if you are looking for the ultimate reconnecting experience you should take one of the Astronomic Tours. The tours will teach you everything you need to know about the stars and give you the most amazing starry night experience. You can book this tour anywhere in the village, which is full of travel agencies that offer really good prices.

You can find more information about what to do, where to stay and basically motivate yourself on the official San Pedro de Atacama website .

2) EMPANADAS, EMPANADAS, EMPANADAS

Eating is one of the most rewarding things about traveling, as tasting different flavors and dishes tells you so much about the culture of the place you are visiting. When in San Pedro de Atacama you will find the traditional and worldwide recognized “Empanada Chilena” but raised to a whole new level. One of these is enough for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They are filled with a variety of mixes (beef, chicken, cheese, and sauces). But that’s not all! Here comes the fun part: No table needed! You can eat them while walking or sitting in the square. To find one (or two) of these delights, just ask anyone in the village where to find the best Empanadas, and they will show you the way to a hidden place inside the walls of San Pedro.

3) GO SHOPPING

If you have a couple of free hours, you can walk through San Pedro’s 468-year-old streets, while admiring the traditional desert architecture. You’ll find craft fairs where you can buy handmade and colorful souvenirs for really good prices. Most of them are made by the locals, using traditional products like Llama’s hair, leather or plants.

4) TAKE A REVITALIZING BATH

Despite being a desert, Atacama has a big reserve of natural lakes known as “Salares” (natural reserves of salt) that make different landscapes. Besides enjoying the view you can take a bath in a couple places.

First, there is “Laguna Cejar” where you can swim, floating in the dense salty (really cold) waters, while you can also take in the cordon of fire of the Andes mountain (which covers the entire eastern side of Chile), an amazing experience that is definitely Instagram worthy!

The second option is being picked up by your tourist van at dawn and then experiencing the cold of the desert nights. The “Tatio” is a field of geysers located 4200 meters above sea level, and is the largest geyser group in the southern hemisphere and the third largest in the world, after Yellowstone (United States) and Kronotski Nature Reserve (Russia). There are only 7 places in the world where you can find geysers and Chile is one of them.

Once you have arrived at your destination to watch the sunrise and the gusts of hot springs, you can take a bath in the warm waters slaved from the bowels of the earth, and it will be worth the low temperatures that you have endured throughout the journey (can be up to 20 degrees below 0). All the tours, which you can book online or at any local tourist agency, includes hotel pickup and breakfast or snacks.

5) MAKE NEW TRAVEL BUDDIES

Atacama is full of solo travelers looking to meet new friends and enjoy the peaceful environment. The best option is to book yourself into a hostel (besides keeping your budget low) where you will be able to interact with other people, enjoy a nice barbecue and maybe find some adventure companions.

Even though Atacama offers a variety of things to do, it is still a small town and the number of tours and places to go makes it easy to run into the same people on many occasions.

Personally, I fell in love with San Pedro, the landscape, the people, the food, the environment, and the amazing feeling that you have landed on another planet, and I encourage you to visit if you have the chance!

Have you ever been to Chile? If you have any additional tips for our readers or questions please leave these in the comments below.

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Our Top Places To Stay Near Atacama, Chile

• NOI Casa Atacama
• La Casa del Pueblo Hostal
• Hotel Pascual Andino
• Find the best price on hotels in  Atacama, Chile
• Sign up to AirBnB with this link and receive a US $35 off your first booking

Read More About South America

• Hiking Rainbow Mountain, Cusco
• Exploring Cafayete, Northern Argentina
• Ascending The Ruins Of The Sacred Valley, Peru
• How To Get The Most Out Of 7 Days In Colombia
• Land Based Trip To The Galapagos
• Montanita, Ecuador’s Coolest Coastal Surf Town

We Are Travel Girls Contributor Claudia Vojiachiz of ChakiMeraki.com Connect with Claudia  Instagram  | Facebook

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Izzi Popat says

November 19, 2018 at 11:43 am

It is my dream to go to Atacama!! Single female in my 60th year. Young 60!!

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Is it Safe to Travel to Chile? An Expert Guide to Safety

By Author Graham Minser

Posted on Last updated: 31st January 2024

Chile, a country known for its natural beauty and range of experiences, is an amazing travel destination. The problem for visitors isn’t finding things to do, but choosing between them.

It has long been at the top of the heap in South America for infrastructure and amenities, and its cities have a European feel.

The astounding variety of the country keeps visitors returning each year. You can explore the longest mountain range in the world, the driest desert, glacial lakes, ancient forests, active volcanoes, countless beaches, and urban areas ranging from the modern metropolis of Santiago to quaint and artsy Valparaiso.

And, although Chile has been in the news for political protests and natural disasters, if you’re wondering whether it’s safe to travel to Chile, rest assured that most of this country is a very safe and welcoming place to visit, ranking 58th on the Global Peace Index in 2023 .  

Any country can present hazards or setbacks for tourists, however, this country is a low-stress destination for those who exercise common sense. That said, the capital, Santiago, is becoming increasingly unsafe – so precautions are necessary when traveling there.

From the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia in the south, Chile is one of the safest countries in South America.

Click to navigate this article:

Safety in Chile FAQs

Is chile safe to travel to in 2024.

Yes, Chile is among the safest countries to visit in South America. However, it’s worth noting that in the capital, Santiago, crime rates are increasing, with muggings, violent crime, and carjackings on the up. In May 2023, the US State Department moved Chile to “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution”. To avoid issues, stay in the safest neighborhood – Vitacura and the eastern end of Providencia – and take taxis at night. Uber, My Ride Chile , or a pre-booked taxi organized by your hotel is recommended; flagging a taxi off the street should be avoided. Even tourist destinations such as Lastarria and Bellavista are now increasingly unsafe. A few years ago in 2019, political protests and civil unrest erupted intending to address inequality, bringing constitutional reform, and forcing the resignation of the government under the unpopular President, Sebastián Piñera. The immediate spark was a hike in the price of metro tickets. There is a history of heavy-handed policing, which was another reason for the unrest and locals often refer derogatorily to police as pacos . Since the pandemic and the election of progressive candidate Gabriel Boric, things in Chile have calmed down, and constitutional reform is ongoing. Street protest has largely died down, but past demonstrations were rarely violent, and foreigners are not targeted.

Is it safe to walk around Santiago, Chile?

Safety is a growing issue in Santiago. Crime, particularly petty theft, pick-pocketing, and occasional muggings, is on the up; don’t walk around showing off valuable items, as these can make you more of a target.

The capital is a good place for walking around, and visitors can explore the areas around the Plaza de Armas, Bellavista, and Parque Quinta Normal on foot confident of their safety from morning through early afternoon. The tourist-favorite Lastarria neighborhood is safe both day and night, just avoid straying from the couple of streets that make up the zone. Like in any large city, it is advised to keep your valuables out of sight and to keep your phone in your pocket while walking or standing at a traffic light (tourists have had phones stolen by passing motorcyclists). Most crime takes place at night when the streets are mostly empty. After dark, arrange for an Uber or My Ride Chile to your destination to avoid an unwanted encounter; avoid hailing a taxi on the street or using Uber. Public transportation is typically safe, although it’s necessary to keep an eye on your belongings when traveling the metro, as pick-pocketing can be an issue here. The metro runs from 6:30 to 22:30, and 8:30 to 22:30 on Sundays and holidays so is useful during the daytime.

Is Chile safe for female travelers?

Yes, Chile is safe for female travelers, solo or in groups. While violent crime is possible in any country, visitors who practice common sense and avoid putting themselves in harm’s way will have a stress-free trip. 

Women may experience catcalling and attention from men on the street and in bars but this behavior can generally be ignored. At night, it’s always advisable to call a taxi rather than flagging one down on the street.

Is Chile safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Homosexuality has been legal in Chile since 1993, while discrimination against gay people was ruled illegal in 2012. The reality, however, is that attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people are only slowly changing. Santiago demonstrates the most liberal attitudes and it’s not unusual to see gay couples in the city. It also has one of the country’s only thriving gay scenes, centered on Barrio Bellavista, although there are clubs in Viña del Mar, too. All clubs cater to men and women, regardless of sexual orientation. Attitudes are not as liberal in more rural parts of the country. Transgender rights are gradually developing, with a landmark bill signed into law in November 2018 recognizing the right of people over 18 to legally change their gender.

Common safety concerns in Chile

While Chile ranks as one of the safest countries in South America, there are still some areas of personal safety that you should consider when visiting to ensure you have a pleasant and positively memorable experience. Here are our many safety tips for visiting Chile.

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Baggage theft and crime

Increased levels of crime, including muggings and carjackings, are taking place across Santiago and Valparaiso, with the US Government raising their travel advisory for Chile to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.

If it’s your first visit to Latin America, I suggest avoiding Valparaiso, which has become increasingly dangerous. When visiting Santiago, it’s essential to stick to central locations such as Downtown, Lastarria, and Bellavista during the day; at night time, Downtown (including the Plaza de Armas and Mercado Central areas), should be completely avoided.

If you’re staying in Lastarria, you must take taxis at night if visiting restaurants outside of the neighborhood.

The eastern edge of Providencia near Los Leones and Tobalaca remains safe during day and night, as does Vitacura and Las Condes. Take care when moving around the city; avoid flashing expensive items, particularly on the street and the metro.

As is always a risk when traveling by plane, having your bags stolen is an unfortunate possibility. To minimize this risk, keep your most important belongings (passport, wallet, money, phone) with you at all times, and secure your luggage with a lock.

Theft is most common in bus stations, and travelers should always keep an eye on their bags until they’ve been securely stowed in the luggage storage beneath the bus. The Estacion Central has also become unsafe and should be avoided completely.

If you’re traveling overnight or with valuable items, keep your rucksack at your feet rather than in the overhead lockers where there’s a chance it might be stolen. 

When traveling around Santiago, Valparaíso, and other large cities in Chile, it’s crucial to keep an eye on your belongings as pick-pocketing can be a real issue. Muggings are on the rise in the tourist areas of Bellavista and Lastarria in Santiago. If you are accosted, it’s not worth fighting: give up your belongings. 

Be careful with using cell phones at pedestrian crossings and traffic lights, as thieves on scooters have been known to grab devices from unsuspecting pedestrians waiting to cross the street.

You should also not leave them on tables at restaurants, particularly if you’re on an outdoor terrace where distraction techniques can be used to steal them. 

It’s also never a great idea to carry lots of cash on your person, particularly in large cities such as Santiago; leave excess amounts in a safe in your hotel (or, in the absence of a safe, split them into small amounts and hidden throughout your luggage). 

When eating at restaurants, never allow your credit cards to be taken out of view as card skimming can occur.

Finally, bring a photocopy of your passport in case you lose yours. This is also helpful as Chileans often require your passport number to complete transactions at grocery stores and bus stations, so this prevents you from needing to get your passport out continually. 

Despite Chile’s reputation as one of the safest and most politically stable countries in South America, on Friday the 18th of October 2019, protests erupted in various neighborhoods across the capital city, Santiago . 

Following this, they spread to other cities across the country and, on Friday 25th of October 2019, an estimated 1.2 million people marched through Santiago in protest, a number that represents more than 5% of the country’s population.

This was the largest demonstration of its kind since the country returned to democracy following the Pinochet dictatorship of the 70s and 80s.

After the Chilean government agreed to a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution (which passed with a large majority, although the new constitution was ultimately shot down ), and following the lockdown measures of the pandemic, protests have largely quietened down in the country. 

However, peaceful protests in public places in Santiago do occasionally take place. These are sometimes held on Friday afternoons in and around Plaza Italia (now known as Plaza Dignidad) in the center of the city and it’s recommended to avoid these areas when any form of protest is occurring as the police can get heavy-handed with water cannons and tear gas. 

Protests also take place in Santiago and other parts of the country every September 11 (the anniversary of the military coup), March 29 (‘Day of the Young Combatant’), and May 1 (Workers’ Day). Protests are also held annually in the week leading up to and on October 18 and 19 to mark the anniversary of the first protests being held.

For up-to-date travel advisories, visit the website of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs if you’re based in the United States or the corresponding body in your home country. 

Natural disasters

Chile is along the fault line between the Nazca and South American tectonic plates – the geological force that has raised the Andes mountains to their soaring altitudes. 

As a result, Chile has one of the world’s highest incidences of major earthquakes in the world. Tsunamis that follow off-shore earthquakes can be destructive as well. To manage this risk, Chile has one of the most modern and efficient earthquake and tsunami response systems.

Although the occurrence of a significant terremoto (earthquake) is unlikely during your visit, pay attention to advisories in the event of one. The last major earthquakes and tsunamis in Chile were in Valdivia in 1960 and Valparaiso in 2017.

After a tremor, get as far away from coastal areas as possible and quickly leave any older building if you question its structural integrity.

Chile also has several active volcanoes, but most are far from major population centers. Pucón in the Lakes District is next door to Volcán Villarrica, one of the most active volcanoes in South America, with the most recent volcanic eruptions taking place in February 2023. 

Due to the worsening effects of climate change, wildfires are becoming a more common occurrence around the world. Because of its dry, hot summers, and the high UV index, the forests of Central Chile are prone to outbreaks.

In case of forest fires, make sure to listen to the advice of local authorities, emergency officials, and evacuation orders. If a fire is breaking out, report it to others as soon as possible. Isolate yourself from flammable material as much as possible and douse your surrounding space with water as thoroughly as possible. If in a building, close all doors but keep them unlocked, and stand away from walls.

These are rarely significant enough to require evacuations of the surrounding area, but if visiting the region, it’s essential to follow instructions from the local police in the event of an evacuation. 

Safety while hiking and in national parks

Chile’s national parks are often very large areas, so it is important to plan ahead to ensure a safe visit. First, a good old-fashioned paper map is a solid idea in case you find yourself without a signal. 

That said, Chile has very good mobile coverage and you will likely be connected unless in the most remote of places. A GPS device is also a good shout for knowing your precise location. Don’t forget to bring an extra battery and a charger if spending extended time off-grid.

Make sure to bring a comfortable pair of hiking boots that have already been broken in to avoid painful blisters during your trek. Also plan for all possible weather, including waterproof clothing for Los Lagos, Chiloé, and Patagonia.

Layering is important, as there is often a big difference between day and nighttime temperatures. From Central Chile north to the Atacama, sunscreen is essential, as the UV index is quite high.

Although you are unlikely to encounter dangerous wildlife on your trip, travelers should be aware of a few species. Pumas normally avoid humans, but attacks are not unheard of in the mountains and forests. They will generally not attack unless their young are threatened.

The Chilean recluse and black widow spiders are the most dangerous creatures travelers could run into. They generally stay in dark, enclosed areas both indoors and out, so take care not to inadvertently disturb them (and check your shoes before putting them on!).

If bit by either of these, seek immediate medical attention.

Chile has snakes in the wilderness, but none of these pose a serious threat to people as their venom is weak.

Health considerations

Chile is a generally very safe place to visit, however, there are a number of health concerns that you should consider before and during travel. 

Covid-19 requirements

There are no longer any Covid-19 requirements for entering Chile.

Traveler’s diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea is always a possibility in Chile, but the risk is considered much lower than in the rest of South America.

Traveler’s diarrhea is typically caused by a lack of basic hygiene, with those preparing food not washing their hands properly and so passing infection through food and water. 

Raw, undercooked, or unwashed food is a particular risk, and you should be careful with buffets and any food that sits for prolonged periods at lukewarm temperatures (such as street food stalls, where hygiene practices may also leave a lot to be desired). 

Tap water is generally safe to drink but consult with your host to confirm, as the high mineral content can cause an upset stomach for visitors. It’s recommended to therefore boil water for one minute, invest in a portable water filter that removes heavy minerals, or stick to bottled water. 

In the Atacama Desert, water sources have high levels of arsenic and are therefore not safe for human consumption. If traveling to remote areas anywhere in Chile, it’s also important to stock up on water. 

Insect-borne diseases

Unlike in other South American countries, mosquitoes are not a great concern in Chile. Mosquito-borne illnesses are rare, and although an isolated case of the Zika virus was found seven years ago, none have since been reported. No vaccinations are required for visiting Chile, but a tetanus booster is recommended.

Some regions of Chile, particularly the Atacama Desert in the north, are at high altitudes.

Visitors may experience soroche (altitude sickness), and it is advised for those who have recently arrived to take a couple of days to acclimate by drinking plenty of water, abstaining from drinking much alcohol, and avoiding overly strenuous activity.

Chile’s large stray dog population means that rabies is a real concern. The virus causes inflammation of the spinal cord and the brain and is transmitted through the bites or scratches of infected mammals – usually dogs and cats as well as bats.

Symptoms usually show 20-60 days after exposure and include headaches, fever, and tingling around the wound. By the time symptoms have developed, rabies is fatal. 

To avoid contracting the virus, stay away from stray animals, and, if bitten or even scratched, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water and then with an iodine solution or 40-70 percent alcohol. Go directly to a hospital for treatment. 

Before travel, a three-dose pre-exposure vaccine can be administered over a period of three to four weeks.

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!

Book here to claim your discount.

It means that, if you’re in a remote place without access to medical facilities, the delay it takes for you to receive treatment is less likely to prove fatal. 

The safest places to visit in Chile

The key to being safe in Chile is being aware and prepared wherever you go. In the event of sickness or injury, all cities in Chile have high-quality healthcare facilities, however, to avoid excessive fees, it’s essential to purchase travel insurance before you land in the country. 

Note that many remote destinations, such as Patagonia, have far smaller hospitals, so if you have a serious accident, you might be flown back to Santiago for further medical treatment.  

However, the vast majority of trips to Chile are safe and without issue – and allow the visitors to experience the truly unique terrain that this country has to offer. Wondering where are the safest places to go? Here are our best destinations to consider for your trip.

1. Santiago

To understand the people, heritage, and culture, the capital is the best place to start. This megalopolis, one of the largest cities in South America, showcases a wide variety of neighborhoods containing excellent museums and restaurants, well-manicured parks, and world-famous street art.

2023 safety update: The US State Department has suggested “exercising increased caution” when visiting Santiago. This is due to an increase in muggings, assaults, and carjackings taking place in the city. Unlicensed taxi drivers are an increasing issue, too, particularly at the airport, so it’s recommended to always book through a registered provider (we recommend the reliable, English-speaking My Ride Chile ). Previously safe tourist neighborhoods such as Bellavista and around the Plaza de Armas and the Central Market are becoming increasingly unsafe, and you’re best to visit them during the morning as things can take a turn later in the afternoon. It’s advised to take taxis (use Uber where possible or ask your accommodation to call a taxi; never hail a cab off the street) within these areas at nighttime. Read more safety recommendations here .

Remember to keep your valuables safely in your pockets when walking in busy parts of the center, as pickpockets tend to frequent these areas.

For more on these and more activities in Santiago, check out our guide .

2. Outside Santiago

In day trip range from Santiago are many exciting destinations for all kinds of travelers, including Cajón del Maipo, a canyon in the Andes foothills where visitors can hike and spend a relaxing day outside the city.

Within a couple hours of the city are Chile’s best ski resorts, Farellones , Valle Nevado , and Portillo , which offer a full range of year-round activities. For more ideas, read our guide on day trips from Santiago .

3. Valparaiso and Viña del Mar

On the coast west of Santiago are the coastal cities of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. The former is famous for its turn-of-the-century art scene, and the latter is the destination of choice for sand and sun.

Unfortunately, Valparaiso is becoming increasingly more dangerous, with reports of tourists being mugged during the day, even in the tourist neighborhoods of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion.

May 2023 safety update: the city of Valparaíso is becoming increasingly unsafe to visit. Muggings have been reported in the tourist neighborhoods of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion, even during the day. We recommend avoiding this city until further notice. If you do visit, taking a pre-booked taxi or using Uber is essential if straying from these two neighborhoods during day or night and extreme precautions should be taken when walking around the city. Read more safety information here .

For more, read our guide to Valparaiso .

4. Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Over 3000 kilometers from the mainland in the South Pacific is the remote island of Rapa Nui ( Isla de Pascua in Spanish). Known primarily for its hundreds of giant stone moai , this beautiful, wind-swept island is unlike any other place on Earth.

Although not a budget destination, it is possible to make the trip without spending thousands of dollars. For more information on planning an Easter Island trip, read up on our detailed guide .

5. Atacama Desert and Northern Chile

The great expanse of Northern Chile is one of South America’s greatest adventures for travelers. The stark landscape of the Atacama Desert offers tourists an unforgettable experience for those seeking isolation and natural spectacle.

Highlights include geysers and hot springs, and incredibly clear night skies, all of which are best approached from San Pedro de Atacama.

This is a great region for renting a 4X4 vehicle for a self-guided tour. Don’t forget to read up on our guides to the Atacama and Northern Chile .

6. Patagonia

At the opposite end of the country in Southern Chile is the harsh and beautiful land of Patagonia. The top draw of the region is Torres del Paine National Park, the mesmerizing glacial peaks that offer some of the most stunning views imaginable.

A trip here is incomplete without hiking either the W Trek or lengthier O Circuit . For detailed information on visiting Torres del Paine, take a look at our guide and learn more about visiting Patagonia with our backpacking guides .

7. Puerto Varas and Los Lagos

Between Patagonia and Central Chile is the Lake District: a land packed with beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Travelers should take advantage of the opportunities for white-water rafting, boating, mountain biking, or summiting Osorno Volcano. 

For more details on Los Lagos and Puerto Varas, read our guide .

8. Chiloé Island

Just southwest of Los Lagos region is the mysterious island of Chiloé. Its isolation from the mainland is apparent in its unique churches built entirely of alerce , a Patagonian cypress, and in its folkloric witchcraft among the native population.

The island and surrounding waters boast an impressive array of flora and fauna, including Humboldt penguins, blue whales, and sea otters.

9. Pucón

Chile’s original adventure sports center, Pucón has a well-earned reputation as a premier outdoors destination. Visitors in winter should take advantage of the chance to ski on an active conical volcano at Villarrica . 

Another special activity is to go dog-sledding with the adorable husky team at Aurora Austral .

10. Take a road trip

Because Chile is such a massive country, travelers should consider renting a van and doing a road trip. Rent a van or SUV with Wicked and you’ll be able to pick up and drop off in separate cities.

For more inspiration on all things Chile, check out our full array of guides , including this bumper post about my favorite things to do in Chile .

Useful information

The local currency is the Chilean peso (CLP); the current exchange rate is 800 pesos to 1 USD.

Spanish is the official language, and Chile’s dialect has a lot of vocabulary and slang unique to it. English is not widely spoken outside the tourism sector.

Santiago is the transport hub of the country, and because of the great distances between regions, most travelers choose to fly between destinations. LATAM is the flag carrier (and therefore a bit more expensive), while Sky and Jet Smart are budget airlines with the lowest prices.

Tuesday 11th of July 2023

There is a HUGE problem with this guide. Time and time again, it's suggested that you take a taxi to avoid being mugged. But it turns out that, at least in Santiago, you will be mugged either way (by the taxi driver instead).

There is a known taxi mafia in Santiago that extorts tourists. They mainly operate around the Costanera Center (Santiago Tower). Why the authorities haven't done anything about this even though they publicly aknowledge the problem I don't know. DO NOT take taxis there and for safety nowhere in Santiago. Get Uber rides instead. YOU WILL BE MUGGED if you take taxis.

I had familly there that took a taxi ride for little more than half a mile and the driver charged them 45 USD for it. Don't make the same mistake.

I kindly ask that Mr. Minser or Worldly Adventurer add this warning to the guide.

Sunday 21st of January 2024

@Steph Dyson, what have you heard about Uber? Just curious...

Steph Dyson

Hi James, I've actually suggested using Cabify or My Ride Chile, not taking a taxi from the street. I've heard really bad things about Uber recently, too, so that's why I no longer recommend it. Steph

Travelling solo? Three Australian women share their experiences and tips for going it alone

There can be many barriers getting in the way of travelling — the cost, getting time off and rearranging care commitments.

But for many women there can be an added barrier — having no one to go with.

There seems to be more of a stigma about women travelling alone than men. 

Because it's not just loneliness or the potential awkwardness of being alone that can put some women off travelling solo — it's also about safety.

'Geography of fear' creates a barrier for women

Catheryn Khoo, professor and researcher of hospitality and tourism at Torrens University, says safety is an issue for everyone, not just women.

"It is more the social discourse around safety that is a huge barrier for women wanting to travel solo," Dr Khoo told the ABC.

"The media perpetuates danger by reinforcing.

"It creates the geography of fear for women and incites self-doubt."

But Dr Khoo says there are many good reasons for women to travel on their own.

"Women find themselves tied to the responsibilities attached to their roles as women, mothers, daughters, wives, and partners.

"But when they go on a solo journey, they no longer have to fulfil these roles.

"They live only for themselves and only have themselves to take care of."

And when they share these experiences, it can also empower other women to break the stigma. 

"Women who have actually travelled solo are creating a social acceptance of doing so, which gives others courage to do the same," Dr Khoo says.

"For these women, the motivations are personal growth, self-discovery, empowerment, and independence."

We spoke to three women about their experiences travelling alone. 

'Yearning for adventure'

Eleea Navarro has climbed Mount Fuji, ridden bareback with Andalusian horses in Spain and braved the heat of the Sahara Desert. 

And she did it all on her own.

"I feel confident travelling by myself," Eleea tells the ABC.

"And the thing that still pushes me to travel is the thrill of the unknown, my yearning for adventure, wanting to connect with new people, and wanting to get to know myself better.

"The beauty of going solo is that the only person you have to convince is yourself."

'Liberating' and 'overwhelming'

Travelling abroad was never a possibility for Chelsea Golding's family when she was growing up.

But now she's in her 20s, things are different. 

So when the timing felt right in 2023 she decided it was "now or never" and went on a solo trip through South-East Asia for three months.

"Going off on my own for the first time was definitely a shock to the system," Chelsea tells the ABC.

"It went in waves where it was the most liberating feeling, to something that felt quite overwhelming.

"But I would absolutely do it again, it was an amazing experience."

Writing the next chapter

For Donna Manders, the catalyst for her solo adventure was a little different.

After her divorce a few years ago, she found herself experiencing a lack of identity, not knowing who she was or where she fitted in. Even though she had love and support from her children, family, friends and work colleagues.

"I felt like I still had so much to offer and that I was only halfway through my life story," Donna tells the ABC.

"The usual commentary around situations like this, a middle-aged, divorced woman with grown children, is 'just keep going as the best is behind you now'.

"But that didn't feel right to me."

So, with an unexplainable desire to push herself, Donna decided to take a leap of faith and write the next chapter of her life story.

She travelled for two and a half months through Italy, England, and Scotland solo.

"Although it was a journey of emotions along the way, I learnt how capable and resilient I actually am," she says.

"I learnt to trust my intuition, lean into the solitude and silence, so I could finally hear myself."

But it wasn't all sunshine

Eleea says being able to travel is an incredible privilege, but warns that it is romanticised online.

"Just like in real life, you're likely to get exhausted, ripped off, sick, injured, financially stressed, overwhelmed, lost, confused, or lonely.

"I've experienced everything from intense food poisoning while on a 10-hour bus commute, being scammed by a dilapidated half-built resort in Hoi An, and getting bitten by bed bugs from a cheap hostel in Budapest.

"I was also depressingly lonely for days on end on one of my first solo trips to Vietnam.

"I resorted to crossing my fingers as people walked past, hoping they'd talk to me."

Donna says that although she felt excitement and joy, there were times where she felt isolated, lonely and sad, but was able to navigate her way out of those feelings with a few tools.

"I repeated my favourite affirmations, listened to music — this is where your favourite playlist comes into the picture — wrote in a journal, and just learnt to trust myself."

Chelsea recalls times where she was shouted at and experienced catcalling in Malaysia.

"There's probably nothing I could have done in that situation to make it less confronting, as I was already dressing modestly to respect the customs."

What are their safety tips?

Eleea recommends walking with confidence and trying not to look like a tourist.

"If you're following directions on maps, try putting one headphone in your ear to listen to the audio cues, instead of constantly looking down at the map on your phone," she said.

"This helps you stay more aware of your surroundings and look more confident, like a local."

Eleea says she also wore a plain ring on her wedding finger as a deterrent from unwanted attention.

Here's some more tips from our three solo travellers:

• Learn the language and customs of your destination 
• Give friends and family members your full itinerary
• Never go overseas without travel insurance
• Dress simply and don't wear expensive jewellery to avoid unwanted attention
• Keep in touch with a good support network, even if they're back home
• Switch on a 'find my phone' setting on your smartphone
• Travel light with your luggage so you confidently carry everything without help
• Book accommodation near public transport
• Project a sense of being in control, especially in crowded places and public transport areas
• Be wary about giving out the address of your accommodation
• Get an e-SIM or local SIM card that allows you to make calls and access the internet
• Call family of friends while walking out at night on a quiet road
• Carry your valuables in bum bag strapped around your waist or a crossbody bag
• Wear a backpack on the front of your body when in crowded places or on public transport

How to overcome solo travel fears

Do your homework before you start booking.

" Join a supportive online community that supports women's travel," Dr Khoo says.

"This will mitigate perceived risks, and eliminate fear, doubt, and anxiety.

"You can also read the empowering literature on solo travel and be inspired by the stories."

This was something Donna couldn't recommend enough.

Chelsea and Eleea recommend staying in hostels as a way to meet fellow travellers and build a sense of community away from home.

"I would often meet friends in my hostel dorm or on free walking tours on my first day in a new destination," Eleea says.

"I usually opt for the largest mixed gender hostel dorm available, as it's typically the cheapest and the most likely place to meet new friends.

"And most importantly, don't be afraid to say hello to somebody and start a conversation."

Prepare yourself for a certain level of discomfort, Chelsea says. 

"You can plan as much as possible but there will always be an element that you can't predict or feels out of your control.

"So being willing to be uncomfortable is necessary."

But Eleea believes overcoming these minor discomforts can make you more confident and resilient person.

"Plus if nothing goes wrong, then you have no funny stories to tell when you get home."

'Best thing I've ever done'

Donna says travelling on your own takes confidence and courage.

It helps you gain perspective and can reveal strengths you never knew you had. 

This is why Donna says it's the "best thing I've ever done". 

"I highly recommend it to anyone, especially middle aged women who may think their story is over.

"Don't be put off by your age.

"If you want to do it, give it a go."

For Eleea, solo travel has altered the course of her life in the most positive light.

"I have never regretted a trip, even if things weren't perfect.

"I feel so lucky to have the passport and freedom to see the world, and I try to appreciate and immerse myself in every moment."

• X (formerly Twitter)

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