Chile

CHL

SMILE. YOU’VE LANDED IN CHILE.

Chile’s geography is preposterous: a ribbon of land, wedged between the Pacific and the Andes, stretching 3000 miles. At one point, the country is no more than ten miles wide. As strange as its territory sounds, Chile is home to the most diverse and stunning collection of landscapes in South America.

—— IMAGE GALLERY

Chile map

CAPITAL  SANTIAGO

LANGUAGE  SPANISH

CURRENCY  CHILEAN PESO

READ  THE BOOK OF QUESTIONS

TASTE  CURANTO

SIP  CARMÉNÈRE

EXPERIENCE  DAYBREAK AT THE TOWERS OF PAINE

 Chile’s north is an arid coastal plateau—the world’s driest desert. The central region is famous for its Mediterranean climate, wine valleys, and ski resorts.

Elqui Observatory

The Lake District’s deep blue lochs are surrounded by prehistoric forests.

Torres del Paine Grey Glacier

In the far south, Patagonia’s fjords, glaciers, and granite peaks repeat on in infinite variety. Offshore, Chile’s territory extends from the Antarctic to Polynesia.

Cuernos
“He who finds not love finds nothing.”
– Chilean proverb

Imagine the possibilities. Gaze at the clearest night sky you’ve ever imagined. Ski a snowcapped volcano. Visit ghost towns. Ride horses on Easter Island. Sample world-class Cabernet. Fly fish in Patagonia. Observe condors, flamingos, and penguins. One trip won’t begin to cover it. Chile is a destination to visit time and time again.

Torres del Paine

LANDED plans itineraries and arranges travel throughout Chile and throughout South America. We organize luxury accommodations, private transportation, and tours with expert guides. Speak with a travel planner today at 801.582.2100. We’ll take care of the details.

Featured Post

Atacama Flamingoes

AWASI LODGES

 
Awasi operates fine lodges in some of South America’s most memorable landscapes: the Atacama Desert and the Torres del Paine National Park.

—— DESTINATIONS

AYSEN & MAGALLANES

CHILE TO ARGENTINA BY SEA

CHILE’S NORTHERN COAST

CHILOE ISLAND

CROSSING THE ANDES

EASTER ISLAND

HOTEL ALAIA

LA SERENA & LA NORTE CHICO

ROBINSON CRUSOE ISLAND

ROUTE 7: WILD PATAGONIA

SANTIAGO

SKIING THE CHILEAN ANDES

THE ATACAMA DESERT

THE CHILEAN LAKE DISTRICT

TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

VALPARAISO & VIÑA DEL MAR

WINE VALLEYS OF CHILE

YACHT CHARTERS IN CHILEAN PATAGONIA

—— ALBUMS & STORIES

ARGENTINA & CHILE: AWASI LODGES PODCAST

AWASI LODGES

THE BEST HOTELS IN CHILE

FAQs

When should I go to 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.

What is the best time to visit Chile?

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.

What language is spoken in Chile?

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 should I pack for Chile?

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.

How safe is Chile?

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.

TRAVEL
GUIDES

MACHU PICCHU

First light at Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience. At dawn, the site is often concealed by low clouds. As the sun rises, the mists slowly dissipate to reveal walls and plazas — first in glimpses, then in majesty.