Chile Travel Guide

What is Chile known for?

Chile is known for extraordinary geographic contrasts, ranging from the Andes Mountains and Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia, glaciers and Tierra del Fuego in the south. Outdoor activities include hiking, glacier trekking, whitewater rafting and sandboarding.

Santiago and Valparaiso add energetic urban culture, museums, markets, nightlife and historic architecture, while Chile’s celebrated wine regions offer another major reason to explore the country.

What are the best places to visit in Chile?

Many itineraries begin in Santiago before continuing north toward Valparaiso, the Atacama Desert and Arica, or south toward Chilean Patagonia.

• Santiago for culture, cuisine, museums and nearby vineyards
• Torres del Paine for mountains, glaciers, lakes and hiking
• Puerto Natales as a gateway to southern Patagonia
• Punta Arenas for the Strait of Magellan and wildlife
• Atacama Desert for extraordinary desert scenery and stargazing
• Easter Island for moai statues and Polynesian heritage

How many days should I spend in Chile?

We recommend approximately 7-10 days depending on the regions included in your itinerary. Chile stretches for thousands of miles from north to south, so combining distant destinations generally requires domestic flights.

Tripmasters vacation packages are customizable, allowing travelers to select the number of nights, hotels, transportation and activities in each destination.

What is the best way to get around Chile?

Air travel and private transfers are especially practical because Chile covers enormous distances. Flights connect Santiago with destinations throughout the country, while transfers are useful within Patagonia and the Lake District.

What currency is used in Chile?

Chile uses the Chilean Peso. U.S. dollars are generally not accepted for everyday transactions, so travelers should have access to local currency during their stay.

Do people speak English in Chile?

Spanish is Chile’s official language. English is more commonly encountered in Santiago, Patagonia, the Lake District and other tourism-focused areas, but learning basic Spanish phrases can make travel easier.

When is the best time to visit Chile?

March and April are excellent shoulder-season months for many Chilean destinations. Temperatures remain comfortable, Patagonia is still accessible and visitor numbers often begin to decrease.

Patagonia and the Lake District are generally at their warmest and most accessible from late October through April, while Santiago and northern Chile can be visited during much of the year.

Is tipping customary in Chile?

Tipping practices vary depending on the service. Restaurants, hotels, tour operators and taxis each follow slightly different customs, so travelers should review the bill and consider the quality of service received.

Should I use U.S. dollars or Chilean pesos?

Chile uses the Chilean Peso. U.S. dollars are generally not accepted for normal transactions, so travelers should use local currency during their stay.

Tipping should reflect the quality of the service provided and whether a service charge has already been included.