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 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
- Santiago
Santiago, 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.
- Torres del Paine
Torres 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.
- Milodón Caves
The 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.
- Straits of Magellan
Traverse 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.
- Chilean Wine
Journey 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.
Santiago, 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.
Torres 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.
The 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. 
Traverse 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.
Journey 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 |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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Tours & Packages
- Destinations: Chile
- including closed packages
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