Chile

Traveling to Chile

A mere 91 kilometers wide – the slimmest country in South America – Chile provides travelers with a surprisingly well-rounded travel experience. Stargazing in the Atacama desert, hitchhiking the Carretera Austral or hiking the famous W-trek are but a few of the many starlets to explore while visiting Chile.

The Republic of Chile is located next to Argentina in the western part of South America. It has no less than 41 national parks with extraordinarily diverse landscapes; the driest desert in the world or – polar opposite – patches of eternal ice in Patagonia, both on offer when visiting Chile.

Not to gloss over the whopping 43.000 islands – the most well-known Chiloé Island, the ultimate surprise Easter Island.

Tourism in Chile is growing steadily each year, and booking in advance has become mandatory for some of the more popular activities for example, The W-trek in Patagonia requires accommodations to be booked 3-6 months in advance.

Transportation in Chile

Most of the best places to visit in Chile are easily reachable through the excellent public transportation network.

• Trains in Chile: The network of trains in Chile is limited. Check routes and prices online.
• Buses in Chile: The Bus network in Chile will get you just about anywhere, comfortably. For longer/ overnight buses book a Semi Cama (reclinable seat) or a Salon Cama (a luxury reclinable seat). Most companies will offer food (snacks) and water onboard. Book your tickets online Pullman, Cruz Del Sur or at the bus station.
• Driving in Chile: Renting a car in Chile is another great option. Cruise through the Atacama desert or embark on an epic road trip along the Carretera Austral. To rent a car an international driver’s license and a credit card is required. Drivers must be over 20

Tips for travel in Chile

A few additional nuggets of knowledge to take into account before planning a trip to Chile

• Tipping in Chile: Not obligatory but 10% is appreciated
• Crossing into Chile: When coming into the country you will receive a piece of paper with a stamp on it. Be sure to keep it as you need to show it when leaving the country
• Crossing into Chile II: Chile has strict regulations on what items are allowed in the country. Be sure to declare everything as fines are hefty.
• Vegetarians in Chile: Chilean food is meat-heavy. Markets in the big cities have a wide offering of fruit and vegetables. Patagonia and Atacama will be a bit harder to navigate.
• Local Simcard: Invest in a prepaid tourist sim card. Do not purchase it at the airport as it is considerably more expensive. Simply pop into a Movistar or Entel– store, with your passport and purchase one for the duration of your stay (Price: 7000 CLP (5 GB data; 30 days validity).