Chile

Speaking in broad generalities, the high season for leisure travel to Chile is December through February. The shoulder season months—October to November and March to April—can also be excellent, with mild climates and fewer visitors.

What to pack for your trip to Chile depends on which destinations you’ll visit, how long you’ll be away, what you’ll be doing in Chile, and the time of year.

Still, here are some essentials to help you get started:

• Passport. Lock the original in the hotel safe and keep a copy (say, a photo of the passport’s photo page) with you at all times.
• US cash in small denominations for tips. Currency exchange establishments will only take $100 dollar bills (clean, un-torn bills).
• Credit & ATM cards. ATMs are available and major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels. Please confirm your travel dates and destinations with your card issuers before you leave the country.
• Airline flight information
• Camera, batteries, & data cards (or film, if your hands are occasionally scented by fixer or selenium)
• Electrical adapter, universal surge protector, & power strip
• Daypack or small backpack
• Sun protection (sunblock, sunhat, & sunglasses)
• Insect repellant & antihistamine (anti-itch) spray
• Prescription medications
• Rain jacket
• Synthetic fleece pullover or other warm layers
• Swimwear
• Light, informal clothing for dining and hotel or in cities (it’s amazing how versatile a charcoal grey sweater can be).
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Wind-resistant jacket, gloves, hat, and trekking pants (if you’re headed to the Andes and/or Patagonia).

LANDED has also prepared a special packing list for travelers visiting Patagonia.

Chile is generally quite safe; however, common-sense precautions are still important. Bag snatchers and pickpockets target public transportation hubs and tourist areas. As a general rule, you should not be out in the streets alone after dark. Stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. Most incidents occur in the street. Keep your travel documents (e.g. passports) in the hotel safe or concealed in a zippered pocket. Leave that flashy wristwatch at home or in the hotel security box. The hotel concierge and local guides can provide the most up-to-date safety guidance.