Chile Vacation

Plan your Chile trip with our inspiring travel guide, and be ready for your next Chile vacation. Discover dazzling lakes, jagged mountains, deserts, salt flats, and Starlit skies. Enjoy Chilean cuisine and learn everything about Chile’s local inhabitants and culture. 

Chile is the southernmost country in the world. Located in South America, on the western part of the Andes mountain, its populations arise up to more than 19.000.000 people whose mother tongue is Spanish in its Chilean version (with a slight difference in pronunciation and words from Spain). Is the narrowest country in the world (with only 110 miles wide) and the second-longest (with only 57 miles difference from the first one, Brazil). It is a great country to plan your next trip.

From imposing skyscrapers and sophisticated cities surrounded by one of the longest ranges in the world to jagged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, pristine lakes, salt flats, and geysers fields. Chile offers a wide range of stunning landscapes but above all, unique ones: did you know Atacama’s desert in northern Chile is the driest nonpolar desert? Discover with our travel guide the incredible nature and culture of Chile.

Tips & Advices

Tips & Advices

How to travel to Chile?

If you are planning a Chile trip from North America or Europe, you can purchase a flight to Chile. Depending on which city you are departing for your Chile vacation, your flight may last between 8 to 15 hours long.

The main international airport, and jumping-off point to other national airports, is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, located in Chile’s capital city, Santiago de Chile.

Who can travel to Chile?

Chile reopened its borders, so all travelers from all countries are welcome to visit this amazing country!

However, we strongly recommend checking specific requirements to enter the country, to be ready to start your Chile trip!

Airlines that travel to Chile

You will find many airlines flying to amazing Chile:

American Airlines, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, Avianca, LATAM, Aeromexico, Copa Airlines, United Airlines, KLM, Iberia, British Airways, GOL, JetSmart, Sky.

Where to travel in Chile?

Choosing is difficult but you can prioritize some of these in your Chile vacation. Discover the delightful lakeside town, the gateway of the Chilean Lake District, Puerto Varas. From this picturesque village, you can visit several stunning natural marvels, like the Green Lagoon, Osorno’s volcano, and Petrohué Falls.

Following southern Chile, the Patagonia region also awaits! Go hiking in one of the 8th wonders of the world named by UNESCO: Torres del Paine National Park. A true paradise for hikers where you can discover imposing high-peak mountains and turquoise water lakes.

Santiago, on the other hand, hosts impressive skyscrapers and high-class buildings and services. You can enjoy top-ranked restaurants to delight yourself with local Chilean cuisine.

Find out more places to explore on your Chile trip.

Why travel to Chile?

Exploring the unique Andes Mountains Range natural environment, its native wildlife, and local culture will for sure create memories of a lifetime in any Chile vacation. Driest nonpolar desert on Earth? The Atacama Desert awaits. The 8th Wonder of the World by UNESCO? Torres del Paine National Park awaits. And salt flats, geysers fields, dazzling pristine lakes, imposing glaciers and jagged mountains also await you. Chile hosts adventures for all ages and tastes!

Best time to travel to Chile

It depends on which destination you are thinking of visiting, but mostly during summer is the best time to visit most of the destinations: 

  • Santiago de Chile: best times to visit are during fall and spring when temperatures are moderate and places aren’t as crowded as in summertime. Although, if you are into winter sports, winter is a great time to visit and get to do some skiing at the nearby ski resorts.
  • Valparaiso or Viña del Mar: Summer is the best time to travel to enjoy some time at the beach as Pacific Ocean waters might be a little bit cold;
  • Chilean Patagonia: best time to visit Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, or Punta Arenas is during summer, as all hiking trails are open, something that is not likely to happen during winter because of the extreme weather and snow.
  • Atacama’s Desert: during summertime, this area has more pleasant weather without extreme temperatures, and is the best in the year for stargazing.
  • Los Lagos Region: The best month to visit this region is in January when temperatures are moderate and most days are sunny. Summer is the best option as in winter rainy and foggy days are more likely.

Is Chile open for travel?

The answer is an absolute yes! Chile’s borders are opened for all travelers from all countries. 

However, we strongly recommend you to check Chile’s requirements to enter the country.

Travel to Chile and Argentina

Looking forward to an epic adventure, huh? These neighboring countries have jaw-dropping landscapes and one-of-a-kind experiences that will live forever on you.

Our explorer’s favorite option to discover these two countries in one whole trip is our 9-day tour or 13-day tour Best of Patagonia, where you will visit all Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia highlights. Plus, you will immerse yourself into the local culture of ranches to get to know the “huasos” (in your Chile trip) and “gauchos” (in Argentina) story and lifestyle, while being delighted with traditional local cuisine.

Visit Puerto Varas, Punta Arenas, Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia and Ushuaia, El Calafate, El Chalten in Argentinian Patagonia. Ready for some adventure?

Learn more about Chile and Argentina tours here.

 

Budget for a trip to Chile

A Chile trip to discover its unique landscapes can cost you similar to a trip you’ve done to North America or European destinations. But, as Chile’s territory is long and diverse Chile’s territory, it is the budget you can choose to spend. Depending on your preference, the budget may increase or decrease: 

  • Dishes at restaurants may start from 15-20 dollars per dish. You can choose to get to-go or cheaper dish options at some local restaurants, a few blocks away from main streets and avenues. 
  • Bus tickets: if purchased in advance, they can cost US$9 (between Lake District villages, for example) or up to US$72, depending on time and distances
  • Subway: Transportation in Santiago is affordable, clean, and efficient. Tickets range from US$0.73 to – 0.91, depending on the time of the day.
  • Torres del Paine National Park Tickets Fee: if you are planning to visit this National Park for less than 3 days, tickets go from US$ 17 for teenagers between 12 and 17 to US$ 35 for adults. If you are planning to visit for more than 3 days, tickets for 12 years old or more cost US$49. Best part? In all cases, kids who are 12 years old or under, have entrance-free to the park.
  • National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales: the oldest national park in Chile hosts the Saltos del Petrohue. Tickets cost between US$ 4 to US$ 8. Children under 12 years old are free of charge.
  • Nature Reserve Los Flamencos: to visit the famous rose flamingoes in the high altitudes of Atacama, or the salt lagoons to bathe or visit the Moon Valley, this nature reserve holds them all. Fees range from US$ 5 to US$ 10. Special rates for students are available.

Travel to Chile during Covid

 In Chile, 86,5% of the population is fully vaccinated with at least two doses of Covid-19 vaccines. Learn more about Chile’s restrictions and protocols.

 

Travel to Chilean Patagonia

Chilean Patagonia is one of the most visited areas in the country. The main destinations you can visit in your Chile vacation in Patagonian are Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, or Torres del Paine. Discover absolutely jaw-dropping landscapes in the top-ranked hiking paradise: Torres del Paine. Our 5-day tour known as the “W” circuit, the most popular, will take you to every highlight of this National Park, sleeping under the starlit skies of Chilean Patagonia.

Do I need a visa if I'm travelling to Chile?

When it comes to tourism purposes, visas might be required in some countries although most European, and American countries can enter Chile visa-free. Learn more about visa requirements here.

How to travel to Chile?

If you are planning a Chile trip from North America or Europe, you can purchase a flight to Chile. Depending on which city you are departing for your Chile vacation, your flight may last between 8 to 15 hours long.

The main international airport, and jumping-off point to other national airports, is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, located in Chile’s capital city, Santiago de Chile.

Airlines that travel to Chile

You will find many airlines flying to amazing Chile:

American Airlines, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, Avianca, LATAM, Aeromexico, Copa Airlines, United Airlines, KLM, Iberia, British Airways, GOL, JetSmart, Sky.

Why travel to Chile?

Exploring the unique Andes Mountains Range natural environment, its native wildlife, and local culture will for sure create memories of a lifetime in any Chile vacation. Driest nonpolar desert on Earth? The Atacama Desert awaits. The 8th Wonder of the World by UNESCO? Torres del Paine National Park awaits. And salt flats, geysers fields, dazzling pristine lakes, imposing glaciers and jagged mountains also await you. Chile hosts adventures for all ages and tastes!

Is Chile open for travel?

The answer is an absolute yes! Chile’s borders are opened for all travelers from all countries. 

However, we strongly recommend you to check Chile’s requirements to enter the country.

Budget for a trip to Chile

A Chile trip to discover its unique landscapes can cost you similar to a trip you’ve done to North America or European destinations. But, as Chile’s territory is long and diverse Chile’s territory, it is the budget you can choose to spend. Depending on your preference, the budget may increase or decrease: 

  • Dishes at restaurants may start from 15-20 dollars per dish. You can choose to get to-go or cheaper dish options at some local restaurants, a few blocks away from main streets and avenues. 
  • Bus tickets: if purchased in advance, they can cost US$9 (between Lake District villages, for example) or up to US$72, depending on time and distances
  • Subway: Transportation in Santiago is affordable, clean, and efficient. Tickets range from US$0.73 to – 0.91, depending on the time of the day.
  • Torres del Paine National Park Tickets Fee: if you are planning to visit this National Park for less than 3 days, tickets go from US$ 17 for teenagers between 12 and 17 to US$ 35 for adults. If you are planning to visit for more than 3 days, tickets for 12 years old or more cost US$49. Best part? In all cases, kids who are 12 years old or under, have entrance-free to the park.
  • National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales: the oldest national park in Chile hosts the Saltos del Petrohue. Tickets cost between US$ 4 to US$ 8. Children under 12 years old are free of charge.
  • Nature Reserve Los Flamencos: to visit the famous rose flamingoes in the high altitudes of Atacama, or the salt lagoons to bathe or visit the Moon Valley, this nature reserve holds them all. Fees range from US$ 5 to US$ 10. Special rates for students are available.

Travel to Chilean Patagonia

Chilean Patagonia is one of the most visited areas in the country. The main destinations you can visit in your Chile vacation in Patagonian are Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, or Torres del Paine. Discover absolutely jaw-dropping landscapes in the top-ranked hiking paradise: Torres del Paine. Our 5-day tour known as the “W” circuit, the most popular, will take you to every highlight of this National Park, sleeping under the starlit skies of Chilean Patagonia.

Who can travel to Chile?

Chile reopened its borders, so all travelers from all countries are welcome to visit this amazing country!

However, we strongly recommend checking specific requirements to enter the country, to be ready to start your Chile trip!

Where to travel in Chile?

Choosing is difficult but you can prioritize some of these in your Chile vacation. Discover the delightful lakeside town, the gateway of the Chilean Lake District, Puerto Varas. From this picturesque village, you can visit several stunning natural marvels, like the Green Lagoon, Osorno’s volcano, and Petrohué Falls.

Following southern Chile, the Patagonia region also awaits! Go hiking in one of the 8th wonders of the world named by UNESCO: Torres del Paine National Park. A true paradise for hikers where you can discover imposing high-peak mountains and turquoise water lakes.

Santiago, on the other hand, hosts impressive skyscrapers and high-class buildings and services. You can enjoy top-ranked restaurants to delight yourself with local Chilean cuisine.

Find out more places to explore on your Chile trip.

Best time to travel to Chile

It depends on which destination you are thinking of visiting, but mostly during summer is the best time to visit most of the destinations: 

  • Santiago de Chile: best times to visit are during fall and spring when temperatures are moderate and places aren’t as crowded as in summertime. Although, if you are into winter sports, winter is a great time to visit and get to do some skiing at the nearby ski resorts.
  • Valparaiso or Viña del Mar: Summer is the best time to travel to enjoy some time at the beach as Pacific Ocean waters might be a little bit cold;
  • Chilean Patagonia: best time to visit Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, or Punta Arenas is during summer, as all hiking trails are open, something that is not likely to happen during winter because of the extreme weather and snow.
  • Atacama’s Desert: during summertime, this area has more pleasant weather without extreme temperatures, and is the best in the year for stargazing.
  • Los Lagos Region: The best month to visit this region is in January when temperatures are moderate and most days are sunny. Summer is the best option as in winter rainy and foggy days are more likely.

Travel to Chile and Argentina

Looking forward to an epic adventure, huh? These neighboring countries have jaw-dropping landscapes and one-of-a-kind experiences that will live forever on you.

Our explorer’s favorite option to discover these two countries in one whole trip is our 9-day tour or 13-day tour Best of Patagonia, where you will visit all Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia highlights. Plus, you will immerse yourself into the local culture of ranches to get to know the “huasos” (in your Chile trip) and “gauchos” (in Argentina) story and lifestyle, while being delighted with traditional local cuisine.

Visit Puerto Varas, Punta Arenas, Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia and Ushuaia, El Calafate, El Chalten in Argentinian Patagonia. Ready for some adventure?

Learn more about Chile and Argentina tours here.

 

Travel to Chile during Covid

 In Chile, 86,5% of the population is fully vaccinated with at least two doses of Covid-19 vaccines. Learn more about Chile’s restrictions and protocols.

 

Do I need a visa if I'm travelling to Chile?

When it comes to tourism purposes, visas might be required in some countries although most European, and American countries can enter Chile visa-free. Learn more about visa requirements here.

Park Entrances & Fees

Park Entrances & Fees

Torres del Paine

  • Torres del Paine National Park: 87 USD. This fee can only be paid in the equivalent of local currency in cash.

 

Puerto Natales

  • Cuevas de Milodon: 28 USD. This fee can only be paid in the equivalent of local currency in cash.

San Pedro de Atacama

  • Valle de la luna: 12 USD
  • Geysers del Tatio: 18 USD

These fees can only be paid in the equivalent of local currency in cash.

 

Puerto Varas

  • National Park Vicente Perez Rosales: 8 USD. This fee can only be paid in the equivalent of local currency in cash.
Sustainability

Sustainability

Chile
  • Torres del Paine Legacy Fund

This project seeks to ensure a sustainable future for Torres del Paine National Park and its surrounding communities. At Torres del Paine Legacy Fund they see the growth of tourism as an opportunity to create a positive impact, uniting travelers, residents, and the public and private sectors to carry out local sustainability initiatives that strengthen the long-term health of the region. 100% of all donations go directly to sustainability initiatives that preserve, support, and celebrate the park and its surrounding communities. To make a donation, please follow this link.

 

  • Etnia Patagonia

Etnia fabrics are handmade with sheep’s wool and alpaca. In addition, handicrafts with recycled materials and souvenirs are also offered. Only products made in Chile are marketed in a sustainable way. 

Address: Manuel Bulnes 1004, Puerto Natales, Patagonia, Chile.

Mon – Sat: 10:30-20:00 hrs, Sun:11:00-13:00 hrs

 

SayHueque’s Sustainability Involves

 

Reforestarg: Planting trees in Patagonia­

In Partnership with Reforestarg, we stand against deforestation, planting and donating trees in damaged zones (consequence mainly of forest fires) helping at the same time to compensate for our carbon footprint. To plant a tree is leaving a part of your legacy in Argentina, and promoting hope for future generations. 

You can take part in this initiative by volunteering at tree-planting ceremonies (which can be arranged at specific destinations in your itinerary)  or you can also donate a native tree for each passenger who travels to Patagonia.

­Last but not least, here are some other truly world-changing sustainable actions we are involved in:

 

Compensation for CO2 Emissions 

  • In Partnership with the South Pole, we are the first travel company in Argentina to compensate for all the CO2 emissions you’ll make during your trip when traveling by land.
  • We plant trees to compensate for our CO2 Emissions and so far, between 2018 and 2020 we sowed 60.660.550.

Sumando Energías (“Combining Energies”) 

 

This project features the creation of solar-powered water heaters to provide hot water day and night to residents of villages like Garin. The NGO works alongside locals and volunteers to build their panels on-site.

The full hot water system consists of an array of leftover cans, bottles, and cartons, piping to carry water, and an insulated storage tank.

Say Hueque has been part of these encounters where our agents help the community build their heaters. 

To learn more about Sumando energías make click on this link

 

Other initiatives we are supporting

 

Plastic Free

  • We decided to encourage our local operators and travelers to bring their own reusable bottles and gear to reduce this impact.

 

Say Hueque’s Offices

  • We collect and recycle non-reusable batteries.
  • Nearly 60 people work in our offices, and we all decided to bring reusable bowls to have lunch.
  • We compost! Reduce waste, please

 

Local Community

  • We are committed to helping our travelers connect with locals and encouraging local businesses by working with local operators.

 

Climate Emergency Declaration & Future of Tourism

 

Sustainability tips

Useful tips to be a responsible traveler:

  • Take your reusable bag when you go shopping.
  • Choose to consume local products from artisans and small producers.
  • Use a bike or walk to explore the city, it is healthy and reduces carbon footprints.
  • When you go on an excursion, ask for food without plastic wrap.
  • Don’t leave trash in nature.
  • Take a reusable bottle with you.
  • Don’t feed native wildlife.
  • Use rechargeable batteries.