Car Rentals in Chile: A Guide

From dramatic glaciers to majestic peaks to vast grasslands and national parks teeming with wildlife, Patagonia offers unrivaled natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventure opportunities. The region straddles Chile and Argentina and can be accessed from both countries. In this article, we will look into the ways you can travel to Patagonia via Chile. Santiago, the bustling metropolis and capital of Chile, is an ideal starting point for Patagonia tours, offering convenient access and a wide range of travel options.

Valparaiso is a tapestry of mesmerizing chaos, old architecture, ramshackle funiculars, colorful street art, and the beautiful Pacific coast. Home to 45 historic hills, it is Santiago’s bohemian hideaway, a favorite among artists, philosophers, and romantics. In 2003, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Since then, more and more tourists on their Chile tour have been attracted to visit – and some, to stay. There are two primary modes of transportation you can use to get from Santiago to Valparaiso. The 120 kilometers land distance can be covered either by bus or car. Unfortunately, Valparaiso cannot be accessed by air as there is no airport near Valparaiso.

Home to picturesque mountain tops, crystal-clear lakes, glaciers and scenic valleys, Torres del Paine National Park is famous for the 3 Torres del Paine Treks - the W trek, the O trek and the Q Trek. A popular destination for avid trekkers, hikers, and for those who just want to experience the spectacular vista of the Chilean Patagonia, the park also features some remarkable options for lodging and comforts. Whether you’re looking to stay at a luxurious resort or a camping site, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Below we give you a brief introduction to the popular lodgings and hotels available in Torres del Paine National Park (in no particular order):

Easter Island is a beautiful, isolated island in the South Pacific Ocean, known for hundreds of colossal moai statues strewn all over the island. The island which also goes by its indigenous name Rapa Nui, remains one of the biggest archeological enigmas. Despite its remote location, more than 2,500 kilometers away from the nearest inhabited island, Easter Island receives more than 80,000 tourists every year. There are two modes of transportation to reach the island: by flight and by boat. However, it is the flights that are popular, safer and a much more convenient option. The yachts sail to the island from January to March, but are infrequent and the treacherous waters of the South Pacific Ocean can make for an extremely troublesome voyage. We therefore recommend you to visit the Island by air, and not by sea, as it’s too risky.

As mysterious as its famous moai statues, Easter Island has been a magnet for travelers for long time. Its rugged natural terrain is home to stunning sights, impressive volcanoes, and pristine beaches — a perfect playground for intrepid travelers. Most people on their Chile holiday will spend at least two to three nights in Easter Island given its isolated location and simply the wanderlust it fulfills. When here, choose to base yourself in the main town — Hanga Roa — where you’ll find the most diverse accommodation options. It will also be just a short drive away from all of Easter Island’s main and most popular tourist attractions. If you’re wondering where to stay on your trip to Easter Island, look no further. We have compiled a list of the five best Easter Island hotels (in no particular order) for a comfortable and unforgettable stay.

The Carretera Austral, also known as Chile’s Route 7, is the country’s most challenging and yet wildly beautiful road trip. Stretching 1,240 km through Chile, from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins in Patagonia, the route takes you through untamed landscapes that constantly change and evolve. One moment the road will be fringed with lush, dense forests and the next you will be driving through stark, rugged wilderness with snow-capped mountains forming the backdrop. The entirety of the area is sparsely populated, allowing visitors to truly detach from modern civilization and lose themselves in the lap of nature. There’s no doubt that a road trip along the Carretera Austral will be a trip of a lifetime.

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.

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.

During summer in Chile, the country experiences some of its warmest temperatures in December, marking a delightful transition from spring. However, given the country’s shape, which is narrow and elongated, the effects of summer differ from region to region. The northern parts of the country are comparatively warmer than the south. Having said that, you need not pack many warm clothes for your Chile trip unless you are looking to base yourself in the country’s south. Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in the popular national parks and spotting local wildlife along the coasts.

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.

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.

With massive glaciers and vast deserts, golden beaches, and thermal waters, epic driving routes and ancient vineyards, lush valleys, and snow-capped peaks, Chile promise a memorable experience for tourists, no matter their proclivities. But if skiing and other winter sports get your adrenaline pumping, the prospect of visiting Chile in August should be nothing short of mouth-watering. Though the winter season is just about to wind up around this time, there will be enough snow to enjoy. The best part is that you will not have to compete with the crowd of local vacationers if you travel to Chile in August.