Chile Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips

Despite its humble size, Chile packs a punch with its offerings. This slim but long South American nation (average 180 km wide and 4300 km long) flaunts diverse terrains from the moon-like dry Atacama desert in the north to vineyards running through its length, the Andes Mountains forming its spine, lakes and volcanoes along the way, and glaciers in Patagonia in Chile’s south. Visitors are spoiled for choice! Most flock to Patagonia to explore Torres del Paine National Park and its amazing hiking trails, others opt to holiday in the mysterious Easter Island, and some enjoy the Bohemian cities.If you are planning a trip to Chile and are looking for inspiration, our handy list of 18 things to do in Chile below is a good place to start.

Santiago in Chile is a cosmopolitan metropolis with much to offer the South American adventurer. A culturally diverse city, its lively neighbourhoods are peppered with verdant parks, art galleries, museums, cafes and restaurants. There are many exciting things to do in Santiago if it’s your first time in the city. If you are unsure of what to do when in Santiago, here are our top 10 highlights.

While most people are familiar with Patagonia in the South of Chile, far fewer are acquainted with Chile’s Lake District. Greener and less rugged than its Patagonian counterpart, the Lake District is bathed in vivid green and peppered with brilliant, turquoise lakes. Blessed with gorgeous backdrops of snow-capped mountains and verdant valleys, the magical scenery of the Lake District gives Switzerland some tough competition.But this Latino wonder is more than just a pretty face. The Lake District in Chile has all kinds of exciting and exotic things to see and do; from exploring nature and getting an adrenaline rush, to getting in touch with its unmistakably Chilean cultural. Whether you plan on a tour of Chile's Lake District or heading out solo, listed below are the top things to do in Chile’s Lake District, in no particular order.

When people think ‘skiing,’ they often think of the Alps in Europe or the Rockies in the USA, but there is a lesser-known gem in South America just waiting for snow bunnies. Chile boasts more than 10 world-class ski resorts sprinkled north to south through the Andes Mountains, with the large majority concentrated around Santiago. Every year more and more skiers learn about the wonders of skiing in Chile, increasing the popularity of this hidden gem. This year, Chile is expecting to see 1.4 million skiers hit their ski slopes due to its incredible snow, slopes for all skill levels, and outstanding accommodations. This adventure destination will have you alpine, heli-skiing, freestyling, and backcountry skiing through the iconic Andes Mountains, at amazing resorts, and over volcanos. Ski Chile from July through September to take advantage of the deeper snow and longer days of the southern hemisphere winter. So when the summer heat gets too much for you, grab your skis and prepare for a Chile tour to cool off. Below we are highlighting some of the best ski destinations in Chile for you (in no particular order):

Chile won the award for “Best Adventure Travel Destination” two times in a row during 2015 and 2016 in the World Travel Awards. That alone speaks about the amazing adventure activities the country has to offer. Albeit its small size, Chile has one of the most diverse landscapes in South America that plates up a contrasting assemblage of mountain ranges, deserts, fjords, glaciers, and volcanoes, making Chile one of the best adventure playgrounds in the world.If you are an adventure bug, craving for your next big adrenaline rush, a trip to Chile will fulfill your wishes. Below are seven big outdoor activities in Chile, listed in random order, that will satiate even the most adventurous people.

Although Chilean food has taken much inspiration from its European heritage, it has carved a niche for itself in the world food culture. The Chilean food dishes menu is a list of bright, flavorful, and wholesome meals that can put a large smile on the face of any foodie. Mostly comprising of meat, seafood, and vegetables, depending on the dish’s geographic origin, they are best eaten alongside local wine or pisco sour, a tangy local drink.Let’s look at the 10 most popular Chilean foods you must try during your tour to Chile.

From the fields of Patagonia, the ones that influenced Bruce Chatwin, to the endless mystery of the Easter Islands, there are a million things for you to do in Chile, an ecologically diverse country that has been a surprise to travelers for centuries. One of the most frequent questions people ask while planning their itinerary is when to visit Chile. Weather in Chile can vary quite a bit, and the seasons will definitely affect your plans. So, what is the best time to visit Chile? Let’s take a look.

Whether it is unraveling the conquistador history of Valparaiso or tracking pumas in Torres del Paine National Park, your trip to Chile in January is sure to be packed with thrills that are unique to this land. January falls in the middle of the high tourist season in Chile, and the weather during this time is a sweet tale of warm temperatures and nearly no rainfall. The cherry on top of this already delicious cake is long summer days promising a tempting series of seemingly unending outdoor adventures. Safe to say, there are plenty of things to do in Chile if you are planning on visiting the country in January.

From the historical attractions of Valparaiso and the stunning natural beauty of Torres del Paine to the glacial fjords and rainforest of Patagonia, Chile has a lot going for it. The southernmost country in the world. Chile occupies a long strip of land between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. Here you will find beaches, deserts, rainforests, and mountains. In other words, there is no shortage of exciting places to visit in Chile. And if you are traveling to Chile in February, all the better. This is one of the best times to visit the country, as the long summer days provide the ideal weather for outdoor activities, surfing, and relaxing on the beach.

Embrace the transition from summer to autumn as nature creates incredible sights in Chile in March. This is a perfect time to catch glimpses of changing leaves and engage in grape harvesting in the wine valleys. Go hiking in the Andes, embark on excursions in the Atacama Desert, or visit popular harvest festivals such as Fiesta de la Vendimia. For some water activities, head towards Easter IslaWaterfall in the foreground of the Osrono Volcano within Lake District.nd or the Lake District. There is no shortage of attractions and activities in Chile in March. What is more, you will be favored by fewer tourist crowds and affordable rates. A trip to Chile in March is sure to be epic.

April is the start of the low season in Chile, which means that attractions will be quieter with fewer tourists around. As you might expect, the weather is not quite as nice as at other times of year in the low season, but there are still plenty of reasons for visiting Chile in April as it offers plenty of places to visit and things to do. The weather in Chile’s north is mostly pleasant and hiking trails in Patagonia are still open. This is also a great time to go on a road trip through the country.

With the summer long gone, autumn is in full play in Chile in May. Fall colors are everywhere and the weather feels fresh and cool. Travel to Chile in May and experience the country's well-known landmarks such as the Atacama Desert, the Torres del Paine National Park glaciers, and Patagonia. This is also a great time to explore the lesser-known gems like Marble Caves and enjoy the scenic vineyards.

Chile is a travel destination unlike any other. The slender country runs from north to south and features all kinds of landscapes including glacier-filled Patagonia in the south, the stony terrain of the Atacama Desert in the north, the lakes and volcanoes of the Lake District and even secluded Easter Island, a Chilean territory in the Pacific Ocean. The country is also home to cultural hotspots including the capital, Santiago, which is surrounded by the Andes mountains, and the port city Valparaiso. Here is an overview of possible Chile itineraries to help you plan your trip to Chile, depending on how long or short you want the stay to be.

Home to awe-inspiring glaciers, mountains, deserts, and rock formations, Chile’s great outdoors is an endless adventure. With just 5 days in Chile, you can focus on exploring 2-3 destinations in one spectacular area like the Atacama Desert or Patagonia. You can also embark on an exhilarating skiing holiday combined with a delightful 5-day tour of Santiago. Make the most of your short stay, discovering the world’s driest desert, witnessing the gurgling Tatio Geysers, enjoying the hippie vibes at San Pedro de Atacama town, and admiring the lovely sunset at Valle de la Luna. Read on to discover some amazing itineraries for a 5-day trip to Chile.

A week in Chile gives you more than enough time to discover the center of Santiago, explore its coasts and cuisine, take in the magnificent scenery of Patagonia, and much more. If you have 7 days in Chile, you can easily cover up to three destinations, including the national capital, a charming coastal town like Vina del Mar, and incredible natural spaces like Torres del Paine. You may also choose to focus on one splendid destination such as the Atacama Desert. See natural wonders like volcanoes, waterfalls and lakes around Puerto Montt; sail to the isolated but enigmatic Peulla on a catamaran; and hear about ancient folktales of witches on the beautiful island of Chiloe. Continue reading if you are looking for inspiration for a one-week Chile trip.

If you are going on an 8-day trip to Chile, you can squeeze in a surprising amount, easily visiting three or four destinations. You could explore the buzzing capital Santiago, before scooting off to sample wine in the Maipo or Colchagua Valley, follow in the footsteps of Pablo Neruda (one of South America’s literary giants) in Valparaiso, visit the mysterious Moai of Easter Island or discover the barren landscapes of the Atacama — the choice is yours! You may also choose to spend 8 days in Chile going in-depth on a particular region like Patagonia. You could embark on the legendary ‘W Trek’ through Torres del Paine National Park with a few days to spare to relax and recover.

While a minimum of two weeks is ideal for a Chile tour, if you have less time, there’s still so much you can pack into a shorter trip. With proper planning – and around 10 days in Chile at your disposal – many exciting options are available from trekking the O Circuit, visiting the Lake District or checking out bustling Santiago. If you are looking for ideas on how to spend your time there, here are 3 recommendations for Chile itineraries of 10 days that will help you get inspired. Read on to find out what your 10-day tour in Chile can look like.

Chile’s small size makes it possible for travelers to explore some of its most breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage in a short yet fulfilling vacation. In just 4 days in Chile, you can explore iconic landmarks, indulge in local cuisine, and experience unique cultural activities. Whether you choose to spend time in one vibrant city like Santiago or adventure through a couple of destinations, a 4-day Chile itinerary is enough to sample its highlights. Overall, a Chile 4-day tour is great for those just passing through the country or are on a time crunch in terms of holiday leaves.