Chile makes a fantastic introduction to South America. There’s stunning nature everywhere you turn, plus you can have the hustle and bustle of large cities like Santiago.
Let’s plan your trip!
Top Things to Do | Itineraries | Know Before You Go | Transportation | When to Travel | Costs & Budget | Solo Female Travel Advice | Photo Inspiration
Top Things to Do
Not sure where to start? Here’s some of my favorite spots in Chile.
Santiago
Chile’s capital is where many people start or end their journey. Check out a museum, visit the beautiful Santiago Cathedral, and visit the top of San Cristobal Hill for a sweeping view of the city. For a day trip, head out of the city to the gorgeous Maipo Canyon.
Viña del Mar & Valparaíso
Valparaíso and Viña del Mar are popular day trips from Santiago, but travelers could easily spend the night. Wander the colorful streets of Valparaíso and spend some time relaxing by the ocean in Viña del Mar. Or take a day trip to one of the other awesome destinations in the region.
Puerto Varas
Located in the Chilean Lake District, Puerto Varas was my favorite city in Chile. While the city is light on sights (but has some gorgeous volcano views), there are so many day trip options from here. Tour the Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls or even day trip to Chiloé Island.
San Pedro de Atacama
In northern Chile, the Atacama Desert makes it onto a lot of Chilean itineraries. This desert has sweeping vistas, world class hiking, and plenty of other adventure activities. It’s also ideal for stargazing due to the minimal light pollution.
Itineraries in Chile
So far, I’ve only been to Chile once, but it’s a country that I can’t wait to get back and explore more. There’s so much to see and do and I’ve only just scratched the surface. But for those looking for some inspiration for their own trips, start here.
Know Before You Go
Currency – Chilean Peso (CLP). Nearly every place I visited accepted card and there were only a small handful of places where I was required to pay by cash.
Language – Spanish. Learn some basic Spanish before you visit Chile. While you will likely be able to find English at your hotel (but it’s not a guarantee), its best to have at least a basic understanding of Spanish. Do not expect to hear a lot of English.
Power – 220V and 50hz. Types C and L.
Tipping – Your service charge is typically include in the cost of your meal, so tipping is generally not expected. However, if you had a fabulous experience, a small tip is appreciated.
Water – In most of Chile, the tap water is safe to drink, though not everywhere. When in doubt, stick to bottled water or ask at your hotel.
Check out my top travel tips for Chile post for even more.
Transportation
By Plane – For the longer journeys, such as Santiago to the Atacama Desert or Santiago to Patagonia, use a plane to save time.
By Bus – Buses cross the country but can take a long time, depending on your start and end point. Use buses for the shorter distances (like Santiago to Valparaíso).
By Train – You’ll find a handful of train lines throughout the country, but plan to use planes and buses for most of your travel.
By Rental Car – I’d only recommend renting a car for the days you really need one. In large cities, like Santiago, it’s unnecessary. Plus, if you’re visiting other far away cities (like Santiago and San Pedro de Atacama in the Atacama Desert), you’ll be spending so much of your trip stuck in a car.
When to Go
Low Season – Low season is in the Chilean winter, which is from June through August. Expect the coldest temperatures, but the fewest crowds. As you venture further south toward Patagonia, many activities may not be available.
High Season – High season is the Chilean summer, running from December through March. During this time, you’ll have the best weather, but also the largest amounts of other tourists. For those heading to Patagonia, this is peak time.
Shoulder Season – Spring (September through November) and Falls (April through May) can offer a nice balance between weather and tourist crowds. I visited in October and had great weather. When I visited, the tourism industry was just coming back to life after it’s winter closures.
Budget
Prices in Chile can vary greatly based on when you travel and where you travel. However, in general, I found Chile a very affordable country to travel. Check out my detailed Chile budget for more information.
Accommodations – Larger cities like Santiago will be more expensive than small towns. I managed to find a great deal on a hotel room in Santiago for about 53,000 CLP per night, whereas my hotel in Viña del Mar was about 32,000 CLP per night.
Food – Food prices, like everywhere in the world, will vary wildly. You can get empanadas for 4000 CLP or less or sit down to a nice meal for 25,000 CLP (or more!). Budget travelers should utilize the grocery stores which can really keep costs down.
Transportation – Transportation costs vary wildly based on which mode of transport you choose, when you book your ticket, and which cities you are traveling between. Buses between Santiago and Viña del Mar (a popular tourist route) take about two hours and cost about 6000 CLP. Internal flights can cost 50,000 CLP (including carry on luggage).
Activities – Museums and other smaller sights can cost 5000 CLP or less. For a full day, guided tour, set aside at least 50,000 CLP. For guided tour, make sure you understand the full cost. There will often be optional (and sometimes even mandatory) additional add ons.
My Experience as a Solo Female Traveler
I visited Chile in 2023 as a solo female traveler. In general, I had no issues and felt completely safe. However, it should be noted that I don’t go out after dark and I don’t drink alcohol. Quite honestly, the only time I felt uncomfortable was because of a Colombian man who tried to approach me in broad daylight because he saw that I was sitting on a bench by myself. It was easy to ditch him, but aside from him, I had no problems with safety during my time in Chile.
Photos to Inspire Your Travels
