Chile
Chile is a country of beautiful contrast. From gorgeous, white sandy beaches with stunning azure waters to the driest desert in the world, the abounding vistas will captivate any traveler. Let the warm sunshine encompass you as you roam the streets of Santiago, absorbing the city’s eclectic vibe. Wander around Easter Island, where more than 800 ancient Moai statues have puzzled archaeologists for centuries. Indulge in scrumptious freshly-caught jaiba (crab) or ostiones (scallops) as you peruse a local fish market. The scenes and sounds of Chile await you.
Tours & Packages
- Destinations: Chile
- including closed packages
Trip Reviews & Photos
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Highlights
- Santiago
Bordered by the Andes Mountains on the East and the Chilean Coastal Range on the West, Chile’s capital city exudes a natural beauty that perfectly complements the grandiose architecture and ornate designs of its buildings. The Plaza de Armas is a great place to start exploring the city – some of its most iconic structures are located just a few blocks from one another. You can see first-hand the variations of architectural styles that fuse together, creating a grand and elegant aesthetic. From the neoclassical design of the Metropolitan Cathedral, to the French design of the Central Post Office, you will be awestruck at every turn.- Valparaiso
The historic yet modern city of Valparaiso is truly the city of artists. From the colorful houses that dot the hillsides to the larger-than-life graffiti that adorns the exterior of buildings, the city tells the stories of its people through art. The charming historic quarter, with its cobblestone streets and oceanfront backdrop, look as though it was plucked out of a storybook. The walls of cafés, restaurants, and bars are canvases for street artists, whose work gives life to the city. There are ample ways to experience the color and energy of Valparaiso, from climbing the notoriously steep steps to admiring the scenic landscape from inside a funicular railway car.- San Cristóbal Hill
Call it the sibling of Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue, just with the Virgin Mary. The hill was named to honor St. Christopher, and rises 2,890 ft. above Santiago, and the statue of the Virgin Mary ascends another 72 ft. From the top, you can get a spectacular panorama of the city. Known as Cerro San Cristóbal to the locals, there is also a memorial to St. John Paul II, who visited the site and said Mass at the top of the hill in 1987. If you’re in favor of a less strenuous route to the top, you can take a funicular or cable car.- Magdalena Island
This remote island in Patagonia is home to Chile’s largest Magellanic penguin colony. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the waters of the Strait of Magellan, the only way to access the island. Disembark and walk along the rocky terrain, where you will witness more than 350,000 penguins playing and digging burrows. These adorable creatures aren’t even 3 ft. tall! They are very friendly, so don’t be surprised if they just come right up and say hi. You’ll also have the chance to see sea lions, seagulls, South American fur seals, and the island’s famous red and white lighthouse. The best time to visit is from November to March.
Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to Chile? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Santiago |
| Entry requirements | U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for the period of their stay, though we strongly recommend at least six months. U.S. passport holders do not need a visa for entry into Chile for stays up to 90 days. See the U.S. Dept. of State website for more information. If you do not hold a U.S. passport, please see the entry requirements. More information about passport, visa & entry requirements. |
| Health Precautions & Vaccinations | There are no health requirements to enter Chile, including no risk of malaria. Ask your doctor about possible vaccinations for typhoid and hepatitis. |
| Weather | The best time to visit Chile is October thru March. It seldom rains during that time and humidity is low. May thru August is the cold and rainy season from Santiago south. Temps range 70-90 F year round during the day, except the far south. Nights can be cold, so take a sweater or jacket. |
| Tipping | 10% in restaurants and hotels. Do not tip taxi drivers, though you may leave them change from the fare. Tip bellhops Ch$500-$1,000 per bag. |
| Money & Credit Cards | ATMs are everywhere. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling. |
| Shopping | Chile is best known for blankets, wool rugs, pottery, wines, lapis lazuli, models of Easter Island statues, shell necklaces, bronzes, purses, silver jewelry, ceramics, and copper items. Bargaining is not common where prices are posted, but can be tried in markets and smaller villages, especially if you have to ask for the price. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 220 volts. Plugs C & L. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? See our blog posts on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
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Articles
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