Chile

Chile

Chile stretches over 4,300 kilometers along South America's Pacific coast, creating one of the world's most geographically diverse countries. From the otherworldly Atacama Desert to the glaciers of Patagonia, Chile offers landscapes found nowhere else. Santiago serves as the cosmopolitan gateway, while world-class wineries, volcanic lake districts, and Easter Island's mysteries await exploration.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days
Budget$60/day
Mid-range$120/day
Luxury$300/day

Known For

adventurenaturewineculturediverse-landscapesatacamapatagoniasantiagotorres-del-paineeaster-island

🇨🇱 Country Information: Chile

CapitalSantiago
CurrencyChilean peso ($)
Language Spanish , Mapudungun, Aymara, Rapa Nui, German
Phone Code+56
Electricity220V (Type C, L)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is customary in restaurants (10% is common if not included)
  • For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is appreciated
  • Hotel porters and housekeepers can be tipped a small amount
  • Tour guides are often tipped

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
  • Credit cards are generally accepted in cities and larger towns, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments and rural areas
  • It's advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases and in remote areas
  • There is no significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Punctuality is generally expected, though some flexibility is common
  • A handshake is a common greeting
  • It is customary to say "provecho" (enjoy your meal) before eating
  • Personal space can be closer than in some Western cultures
  • Direct eye contact is a sign of respect
  • Dress code is generally casual but neat; for formal occasions, business attire is appropriate

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Chile has made significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights, including legalizing same-sex civil unions in 2015 and same-sex marriage in 2022. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties
  • Public consumption of alcohol is generally restricted

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to smoke in enclosed public places
  • Always carry identification
  • Be aware of potential petty crime, especially in crowded tourist areas

Common Phrases

NoNo (noh) No
YesSí (see) Sí
HelloHola (oh-lah) Hola
PleasePor favor (por fah-vor) Por favor
Thank youGracias (grah-syahs) Gracias

Climate

Climate varies dramatically by region. Atacama is hyper-arid year-round, Central Chile is Mediterranean, Patagonia is unpredictable with extreme winds.

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Centolla must_try

Giant king crab from the southern Chilean waters. Sweet, delicate meat often served simply steamed with melted butter. A Patagonian delicacy.

Pisco Sour beverage

Chile's national cocktail made with pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white. A frothy, refreshing drink with a contested origin (Chile vs Peru)

Curanto regional_speciality

Traditional Chiloe feast of shellfish, meat, potatoes, and chapaleles cooked in a pit over hot stones. An incredible communal experience.

Caldillo de Congrio must_try

Conger eel soup immortalized by poet Pablo Neruda. A rich, flavorful fish stew with potatoes, onions, and cream.

Chilean Wine beverage

World-class wine from diverse regions - Cabernet from Maipo, Carmenere from Colchagua, Sauvignon Blanc from Casablanca. Excellent value.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Torres del Paine Accommodation Accommodation
Book 6-12 months in advance

Patagonia refugios, campsites, and hotels have extremely limited capacity. The W Trek and O Circuit require advance bookings.

Easter Island Flights and Hotels Transport
Book 3-12 months in advance

Only LATAM flies to Easter Island with one daily flight. Extremely limited seats and hotel rooms on the island.

Antarctic Cruises from Punta Arenas tour_or_activity
Book 6-12 months in advance

Antarctic expeditions departing Chilean Patagonia have limited berths and book out well in advance.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Atacama Desert Astronomy Tours tour_or_activity
Book 2-6 months in advance

ALMA observatory public tours have extremely limited capacity. Other astronomical experiences are popular in the worlds clearest skies.

Fun Facts

Ready to explore Chile?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip