Chile
From Atacama's moonscapes to Patagonia's wild frontiers
Chile stretches like a skinny ribbon down South America's western edge, packing more landscapes into one country than seems physically possible. You've got the world's driest desert in the north, glacial fjords in the south, and everything from wine valleys to active volcanoes in between. It's the kind of place where you can ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon — if you don't mind a few hours of driving through some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet. The food scene rivals anywhere in South America, the wine flows freely, and the adventure opportunities are endless. But here's the thing: Chile isn't easy. Distances are massive, weather can be brutal, and some of the best experiences require serious planning. That's also what makes it incredible.
Explore the Region
Chile Itineraries
View all7 Wild Days in La Serena & Elqui Valley
Week · $$$
Starlight & Sea Breeze: 3 Days in La Serena
Weekend · $$$
Romantic La Serena & Elqui Valley: Desert, Sea & Stars
Week · $$$
Romantic La Serena & Elqui Valley Jungle-Wild Weekend
Weekend · $$$
7 Days of Sea, Stars & Valleys in La Serena
Week · $$$
Wild Coast & Valleys: A Family Escape to La Serena
Weekend · $$$
Money-Saving Tips
- 1.ATMs are everywhere in cities but scarce in remote areas like Atacama and Patagonia — stock up on cash before heading out
- 2.Restaurants add 10% service charge automatically, but locals round up to 15% for good service
- 3.Supermarkets like Jumbo and Lider offer better prices than tourist-area shops, especially for snacks and water
- 4.Wine costs 3-4x more in restaurants than shops — buy bottles at Concha y Toro or Santa Rita stores
- 5.Bus travel beats flights for medium distances — Santiago to Valparaíso costs $8 by bus vs $120 by plane
- 6.Tour operators in San Pedro de Atacama have fixed prices — shopping around won't save money but might get better guides
- 7.Credit cards work in major cities but many small businesses prefer cash, especially in markets
- 8.Hostels often include breakfast and kitchen access — use them to save on meal costs
- 9.Domestic flights book up fast in summer — reserve early or pay premium prices
- 10.Gas is expensive ($5+ per gallon) and stations are sparse in remote areas — budget accordingly for road trips
Travel Tips
- •Pack layers for dramatic temperature swings — Atacama Desert hits 80°F by day and 30°F at night
- •Altitude hits hard in places like San Pedro de Atacama (7,900 feet) — arrive a day early to acclimatize
- •Download offline maps before heading to remote areas — cell service disappears quickly outside cities
- •Book Torres del Paine camping and refugios months ahead for peak season (December-February)
- •Learn basic Spanish phrases — English is limited outside Santiago and major tourist areas
- •Bring sunscreen and sunglasses for high-altitude desert conditions — UV exposure is intense
- •Check weather forecasts obsessively in Patagonia — conditions change fast and can strand travelers
- •Carry water purification tablets for backcountry hiking — not all water sources are safe
- •Respect local customs around meal times — lunch runs 1-3 PM and dinner starts after 8 PM
- •Keep passport copies separate from originals — some areas require ID checks at checkpoints
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Chile
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