Travel Notices

ChileChile

Chile is a country of beautiful contrast. From gorgeous, white sandy beaches with stunning azure waters to the driest desert in the world, the plentiful 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.

Highlights

  1. Santiago

    Palacio de la MonedaSantiago, Chile’s bustling capital and largest city, sits in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean Coast Range. Home to half of the country’s population, the city is the backdrop for various cultural activities, making it an enticing and entertaining entry point for travelers. Lose yourself in its art galleries, innovative design stores in the Providencia shopping zone, restaurants, and markets, including Mercado de Abasto Tirso de Molina. Pass through the modern residential areas with their daring architecture and explore the Vitacura neighborhood and Bicentenario Park, where lush green spaces, serene lakes, and captivating sculptures create an idyllic urban oasis. Journey to the top of San Cristóbal Hill via funicular for unrivaled city views below and admire the statue of the Virgin Mary at its peak. Finally, no visit to Santiago is complete without visiting the iconic highlights of Plaza Constitución and colonial Palacio de la Moneda.

  2. Torres del Paine

    Grey LakeTorres del Paine is a breathtaking National Park in Chile's Patagonia region known famously for its encompassing snow-capped mountain peaks, bright blue icebergs that cleave from glaciers, cascading rivers and waterfalls, and vast grasslands home to rare wildlife. Some of the park's most iconic sites are the three granite towers, horn-shaped peaks, and its shining centerpiece: The Cordillera del Paine. Stroll along the shores of Grey Lake, observe the Cuernos del Paine, and witness the unmatched views on route to Laguna Amarga.

  3. Milodón Caves

    Milodón CavesThe Milodón Caves is a site of great paleontological interest formed by three caves that have their remains almost intact. This natural monument includes one cave notable for discovering skin, bones, and other parts of a giant ground sloth called "Mylodon darwinii." At its entrance sits the "Silla del Diablo" or the "Devil's Chair," a rock formation which, according to legend, was used by the mylodon as a throne, whereas others believe that it was Lucifer himself who lived there. 

  4. Straits of Magellan

    Straits of MagellanTraverse the mythical Straits of Magellan, considered the most important natural passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Lying almost entirely within Chilean waters, the curvy navigable channel separates mainland South America to the north and Tierra del Fuego to the south. The Straits of Magellan is named after Ferdinand Magellan, the first European to navigate the Strait in 1520. Due to the complexity of the passage, with many fjords and dead ends, his journey took thirty-eight days to complete. Today, cruise along the passageway and experience the natural beauty, wildlife, and stillness while observing local wildlife, such as Humpback whales and Magellanic penguins.

  5. Chilean Wine

    Vineyard, Casablanca ValleyJourney through Chile's wine heritage and explore vineyards, indulge in wine tastings, and discover the secrets behind the art of winemaking. Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes as you savor exquisite wines surrounded by the charming ambiance of Chile's most renowned wineries. The history of Chilean wine dates back to the 16th century at the time of the Spanish conquest. Today, Chile is the fifth-largest exporter of wine globally and the seventh-largest producer. The climate in Chile is a fusion of the climates in California and France, creating the perfect environment for the grapes to reach their optimal ripening stage. The country's most commonly grown grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenère.

Fast Facts

Already booked on one of our packages to Chile? See everything you need to know before you go.

Overview

Capital: Santiago
Population: 17.91 million
Currency: Chilean peso (CLP)
Languages: Spanish
Drives on the: Right
Time zone: UTC -3

Entry requirements Please see our Entry Requirements page.
Staying Healthy

There are no health requirements to enter Chile, including no risk of malaria. Ask your doctor about possible vaccinations for typhoid and hepatitis.

Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization

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? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad.

Did you know?
  • Chile holds the world record for number of fireworks exploded in one night – 16,000.
  • There has never been a drop of rain in the Atacama Desert.
  • Sopaipillas (aka pumpkin fritters) are a popular street food that can be either sweet or savory.
  • A wine variety called "carménère" was originally from France and was thought to be extinct, but was later rediscovered in Chile!
  • Nobel Prize winning poet and politician Pablo Neruda hails from Chile.
  • The layout of the streets and buildings of Santiago was designed so that citizens could take shelter if the city was attacked.

Tours & Packages

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Small Group Tour Patagonian Explorer by Land & Sea
Santiago, Torres del Paine, a 4-night cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, then El Calafate & Buenos Aires; optional Iguazu Falls extension
from $9199 w/ Flights from $8299 Tour Only 14 days
per person, double occupancy*

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* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

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