Planning a Trip to Chile: Everything You Need to Know

Chile is one of the most geographically dramatic countries in the world to travel to. Stretching from the driest desert on Earth to glaciers at the edge of Antarctica, it offers extraordinary variety within a single country. You’ll find vibrant cities, world-class wine regions, remote wilderness, and landscapes that feel almost otherworldly.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more deeply, good planning will make your trip smoother, safer, and more rewarding.

This guide covers everything you need to know: when to go, where to visit, how to get around, practical essentials, and the best resources for planning.

Key Information

Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
Language: Spanish (English spoken in tourist areas)
Time Zone: GMT −3 (GMT −4 in winter; daylight saving varies)
Plug Type: Type C & L, Voltage: 220V
Emergency Numbers: Police 133, Ambulance 131, Fire 132
Driving: Drive on the right (same as USA)

Entry Requirements

Passport validity requirements

UK passport holders must have a passport valid for the duration of their stay. You should have at least one blank page for entry stamps.

Visas

UK citizens can enter Chile visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. Extensions are possible once in country. No advance application is required. Always check the latest guidance on the UK Government website before travelling.

When landing in Chile you will receive a standalone piece of paper when you go through immigration. Keep this safe as hotels will ask for it and you will also need on exit.

Vaccine requirements

There are no mandatory vaccines for entry to Chile. Routine vaccinations should be up to date. For recommended vaccinations and health advice, see TravelHealthPro’s Chile guide. Tetanus is recommended for most travellers and Hepatitis A and Typhoid are strongly considered. Hepatitis B and Rabies are sometimes recommended for specific travelers.

Customs rules

Chile has strict biosecurity controls, particularly regarding food, plant material, and animal products. Items must be declared on arrival, and inspections are common. Penalties for non-declaration can be significant.

Best Time to Visit

Chile is a year-round destination, but timing depends heavily on where you plan to go.

Summer (December–February): Patagonia Peak Season

Summer is the best time for Patagonia, with long daylight hours and the most reliable weather for hiking. This is also peak season, meaning higher prices and limited accommodation availability.

Autumn (March–May): Fewer Crowds & Great Value

Autumn brings fewer tourists, cooler temperatures, and excellent conditions for wine regions and the Lakes District. Patagonia is still accessible early in the season.

Winter (June–August): Skiing & the North

Winter is ideal for skiing in the Andes and for visiting the Atacama Desert, where days are clear and cool. Patagonia becomes difficult due to snow and wind.

Spring (September–November): Wildflowers & Shoulder Season

Spring is a strong shoulder season, with improving weather, fewer crowds, and good conditions across much of the country.

Getting There

Chile is well connected by air, with Santiago International Airport (SCL) as the main gateway. Most international flights route through Santiago, with onward domestic connections.

LATAM is the national carrier, supported by Sky Airline and JetSMART for domestic flights. Long distances make flying the most practical option.

Getting Around Chile

Chile is long and narrow, and distances are deceptive.

Domestic Flights

Flying is the most efficient way to travel between regions, particularly for Patagonia and the Atacama Desert.

Buses

Chile has one of South America’s best long-distance bus networks: comfortable, reliable, and affordable. Overnight buses are common.

Hiring a Car

Hiring a car is useful in the Lakes Region, wine regions, and remote areas.

Roads are generally good
Driving is on the right
Fuel stations can be sparse in rural Patagonia — plan carefully
There are toll roads especially around Santiago. Roads around Santiago are via electronic tag in other regions some are cash only.

Top Destinations in Chile

The Lakes Region (Puerto Montt, Osorno & Chiloé Island)

A lush region of volcanoes, forests, and lakes, with strong German and Indigenous influences.

Must-see and do: Mount Osorno is an active volcano and has a wide variety of outdoor activities including white water rafting, horse-riding, skiing and hiking.

Chiloé Island is famous for its wooden UNESCO-listed churches, colourful stilt houses (palafitos), mythology, and slower pace of life. It is also home to a colony of penguins depending on the time of year you visit.

Patagonia (Punta Arenas & Torres del Paine)

One of the most spectacular wilderness regions on Earth.

Must-see and do: Punta Arenas is the main access point to the area and is the gateway to southern Patagonia, with access to penguin colonies, Tierra del Fuego, and Antarctic cruises. From Punta Arenas you can travel up La Ruta del Fin del Mundo (The End of the World Route) a spec tactual drive up to the Torres del Paine National Park, home to glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the iconic granite towers. The park is also home to the W Trek and O Circuit — some of the world’s most famous multi-day hikes.

Atacama Desert (San Pedro de Atacama)

The driest desert on Earth and one of Chile’s most otherworldly regions.

Must-see and do: El Tatio geysers at sunrise, flamingo-filled salt flats, Valle de la Luna, high-altitude lagoons, and world-class stargazing (depending on the moon cycle).

Santiago & Central Wine Region

Chile’s capital is a modern, energetic city framed by the Andes. It’s also the gateway to some of South America’s best wine regions.

Must-see and do: Plaza de Armas, Cerro San Cristóbal, Museo de la Memoria, vineyard visits in Maipo, Casablanca, or Colchagua Valleys.

Nearby: Valparaíso and Viña del Mar r overnight stay.

Valparaíso & Viña del Mar

A colourful, creative port city and its more polished seaside neighbour which can either be done as a stay or a day trip from Santiago.

Must-see and do: Street art-covered hills, historic funiculars, Pablo Neruda’s house (La Sebastiana), coastal walks, beaches in Viña del Mar.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

One of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth, rich in mystery, Polynesian culture, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Must-see and do: The iconic Moai statues are scattered across the island, with the most famous sites including Ahu Tongariki (15 moai at sunrise) and Rano Raraku, the volcanic quarry where many were carved.

Explore Rano Kau, a vast volcanic crater with a freshwater lake, and visit Orongo, the ceremonial village tied to the island’s Birdman cult. Easter Island also offers great hiking, cycling, snorkelling, and diving, with clear waters, lava rock formations, and a strong living Rapa Nui culture expressed through dance, carving, and storytelling.

Practical Essentials: What You Need to Know

Money & Payments

Chile is largely cash-based outside major cities. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for smaller towns and tours. ATMs charge for cash withdrawals so it is worth minimising how often you need to visit them and worth getting some cash before you go.

Apps to Download Before You Go

Google Maps
Google Translate (Spanish offline)
Uber / Cabify (in cities)
Windy or MeteoChile (weather)
Maps.me (offline navigation)

Travel Adapters & Power

Chile uses Type C and L plugs at 220V. UK travellers will need an adapter.

Internet & Connectivity

Mobile coverage is good in cities and towns but limited in remote regions. SIM cards and eSIMs are widely available. While local networks sell SIMs and eSIMs directly, many travellers find it easier to use third-party providers.

Free Wi-Fi is sometimes available but inconsistent, particularly outside cities, so don’t rely on it entirely and use it safely.

Navigation

Navigation apps work well in urban areas, but always download offline maps when travelling in Patagonia or the Atacama.

Language

Spanish is essential outside tourist hubs. English is limited, but locals are friendly and patient. Learning basic Spanish goes a long way but equally apps like Google Translate should be fine for non Spanish speakers.

Planning Your Itinerary

How Long Do You Need?

Chile rewards time and smart routing. How long depends on how fast you are prepared to travel and your method of getting around. If you are flying between places and then hiring a car you will be able to go at a quicker pace compared to buses and tours.

10–14 days: Santiago + one/two major region
2–3 weeks: Santiago, Atacama Patagonia and potentailly lakes
1 month+: For a slower paced travel + Easter Island

Accommodation Types

Hotels

Western-style hotels are reliable, clean, and efficient although you will typically only find the big chains in Santiago. The range of independent hotels is excellent however and often a better experience.

Lodges, Estancias and Eco-lodges

Particularly common in Patagonia especially in the national park, they come in various levels of comfort. Going to one of these in the Torres del Paines park can be both an experience but also timesaving as allows you to stay in the in the national park.

Hostels

Excellent quality and popular with hikers, especially on well used routes.

Organised tours

Chile is an easy and safe country to explore independently, but organised tours can suit travellers who prefer structure or convenience

Popular UK-based operators include:

Trailfinders – Excellent for customised trips and flights

You can also get tours for part of a trip and are recommended for Atacama Desert excursions, Patagonia hiking logistics and penguin colonies/Tierra del Fuego

Reputable operators include Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, and local Chilean outfitters.

Where to Get Reliable Information

Official & Practical Resources

Chile Travel (official tourism site)
CONAF (national parks)
Chilean Civil Aviation Authority

Inspiration & Planning Tools

Travel blogs focused on Patagonia and Atacama
YouTube hiking and overland travel guides
Reddit (r/travel, r/Patagonia)

Etiquette & Culture (“Chile-isms”)

Chileans are warm, reserved, and polite. Greetings are important, and formality is appreciated initially. Time is flexible outside business settings.

Indigenous cultures are an important part of Chilean identity — show respect at cultural and natural sites.

Food & Dining

Chilean food is hearty and seafood-heavy.

Fresh fish and shellfish
Empanadas
Pastel de choclo
Excellent wine at surprisingly good value

Vegetarians will find fewer options outside cities but improving year by year.

Supermarkets

If travelling independently and hiring a car Chile has plenty of supermarkets to get snacks and essentials. The biggest chain is Lider which is the local name for Walmart.

Safety & Health

Chile is one of South America’s safest countries, though petty theft can occur in cities. Take standard precautions.

Chile is prone to earthquakes — buildings are designed for this, and the risk to travellers is low.

Bring essential medication with you, especially when travelling to remote regions.

Where to get help

The UK has an embassy in Santiago, which can assist in emergencies involving serious illness, accidents, or lost travel documents.

British Embassy
Avda. El Bosque Norte 0125Las Condes,
Santiago
Chile

Public access is by appointment only via the UK government website.

Final Thoughts

Chile is a country of extremes, and that’s what makes it so compelling. From flamingos in salt flats to glaciers at the end of the world, it offers experiences found nowhere else.

Plan carefully, travel slowly, and don’t try to see everything in one trip. Chile rewards those who give it time — and a sense of adventure.