Chile

Chile’s elongated territory stretches from the desert north to the sub-Arctic, and extends from Polynesia’s southeasternmost outpost (Rapa Nui / Easter Island) to snowclad peaks of the high Andes.

Chile’s north is among the driest places on earth. In parts of this region, precipitation is imperceptible. Although the arid landscape is reminiscent of the US desert Southwest, the Atacama’s higher altitude means cooler temperatures. During the summer months of November to March, highs reach into the upper 80s F. Overnight lows hover around 60° F. Atacama’s winter months—May through September—can be much cooler, with overnight lows nearing 40° F. Sunny skies are clear nights are virtually certain.

The central region is famous for its Mediterranean climate. This area can be visited during any season. Precipitation is light year-round, and most months are blessed with sunny days and cool, comfortable nights. Temperatures can reach into the 90s from December to March, but even during the summer months, the nights typically cool to near 50º F. This area is also excellent for skiing during part of the Austral Winter (usually July and August).

In the South of Chile, you’ll find The Lakes District and Patagonia. The Lake District is cool and comfortable year-round. That said, sweaters and rain jackets are essential here. The warmer, drier months from September to April bring highs in the 60s F and lows in the 40s F, while the cooler months of June through August see highs around 50º F and lows near 40º F.

Most lodges in Patagonia are closed from May to September. The high season is December through February. The shoulder season months—October to November and March to April—can also be excellent.

Would you like help sifting through the Chile travel options? Are you overwhelmed by the choices? Since 2006, we’ve helped travelers of all sorts (e.g. adventurous singles, honeymoon and empty-nest couples, families with young children, and multi-generational families) explore Chile in style. Speak with one of our world-class Chile travel planners today. 801.582.2100.

Chile is remarkable in its narrowness and length—more than 4,000 miles of coast from the desert north to the sub-Arctic regions of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. As you can imagine, the best time to go depends on which parts of the country you’ll be visiting.

Speaking in broad generalities, the high season is 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.

But you want specifics, right? Let’s talk. Since 2006, the experts at LANDED have helped travelers of all sorts (e.g. adventurous singles, honeymoon and empty-nest couples, families with young children, and multi-generational families) explore Chile in style. Speak with one of our world-class Chile travel planners today. 801.582.2100.

Spanish is the official and predominant language in Chile. English is spoken in locations frequented by foreign visitors and larger cities.

Want to know which options are right for your Chile vacation? Speak with one of our Chile travel planning experts today, at 801.582.2100.

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, packing for Chile is not difficult. Here are some of our recommendations:

LANDED has also prepared this packing list for our clients visiting Patagonia.

• Lock the original in the hotel safe and keep a copy with you (say, a photo of the passport’s photo page) at all times.
• Sun protection (30+ sunblock, sunhat, and sunglasses)
• ATM and credit 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 USA. Bring cash with you to Atacama; the destination has only a few ATMs.
• Camera, camera batteries / chargers, and data cards
• A water and wind resistant cold-weather jacket
• Prescription medications
• Synthetic fleece pullover, as well as a down parka or some other warm layer. Atacama is a high-altitude destination, and mornings can be frigid.
• Thermal underwear
• A wool hat
• Wind resistant jacket, gloves, trekking pants (jeans are not recommended for hiking)
• Swimwear
• Daypack or small backpack
• Light, informal clothing for dining and hotel
• Comfortable walking / hiking shoes (preferably waterproof)
• Electrical adapters and converters. Chilean electricity is officially 220V 50Hz. Many sockets have no ground pin. Some sockets accept US plugs; this does not mean that these sockets deliver the US standard 110 volts. Make sure that your equipment can handle 220 volts; irreparable damage and even fire can result. Most laptop power adapters and many portable electronics chargers are designed to work on dual voltage; check the specifications for your equipment to be sure.

You’re probably on the adventurous side. We’d love to meet you. Since 2006, the experts at LANDED have helped travelers of all sorts (e.g. adventurous singles, honeymoon and empty-nest couples, families with young children, and multi-generational families) explore Chile in style. Speak with one of our world-class Chile travel planners today. 801.582.2100.

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.

Most of our clients leave the travel logistics to us. Doesn’t that sound better? Speak with one of our Chile experts today, at 801.582.2100.

Chile is open for travel from all US states, though there are some requirements for entry. Here are the current entry requirements for Chile:

• Passengers entering Chile must submit the Affidavit for Travelers within 48 hours of boarding your flight. This form can be downloaded at the following link: c19.cl.
• All passengers must present proof of purchased travel insurance that covers at least USD30,000 in medical expenses due to COVID-19.
• A COVID-19 PCR test or a COVID-19 Antigen test will be taken randomly to travelers arriving in Chile. The COVID-19 test will be taken at the airport (SCL) or land borders. PCR test results will be available in 8 to 12 hours. Antigen test results will be available in 15 minutes.
• Travelers who get tested with a COVID-19 PCR test must quarantine until results are received. Passengers may wait for the test results at the airport in Santiago or at the declared address, hotel, or residence in the destination city, either Santiago or another city, connecting by a direct domestic flight. Travelers who get tested with a COVID-19 Antigen test must wait at the airport until the results are received.
• To enter any closed-door sites such as museums, restaurants, shops, etc., and to board domestic flights, everyone aged 6 and older must present a Mobility Pass. To obtain this, passengers must validate their complete vaccination card at the following link: https://mevacuno.gob.cl/.