Tailor-made
Chile
Holidays
Louise, our dedicated Chile expert, has all of the first-hand knowledge, real experience and passion to design a holiday that’s anything but ordinary, and completely tailored for you.
Overview
Chile is an outdoor lover’s dream. One day you’re hiking among emerald lakes and snow-capped peaks, the next you’re sipping Carménère in a vineyard or watching sunset over the Atacama’s salt flats. From Valparaíso’s street art to Patagonia’s wild trails, our expert Louise knows all the best spots, and the hidden ones too! We’ll design a tailor-made adventure that feels as big, bold and unique as Chile itself.
Meet our Chile expert
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Louise is dedicated to all things Chile and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Louise Mumford
Destination Manager
Lou’s explored Chile first-hand. From its wild southern fjords to the dry Atacama desert and the wilds of Patagonia, she knows exactly how to plan an adventure that's tailored for you.
Where to visit in Chile
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[title] => Elqui Valley & La Serena
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[content] => Often bypassed for better known areas of the country, the picturesque Elqui Valley is home to a number of handsome colonial towns, including La Serena and pretty Pisco Elqui. The rolling valleys are phenomenally beautiful, with views overlooking the patchwork fields and countryside that extend far into the distance. Time seems to have taken a considerable pause in the valley, reflected in the quaint villages and traditional houses. Visitors can tour the historic distilleries of the region which produce the prized pisco, an alcoholic drink that Peru and Chile both claim as their own and the key ingredient to the legendary pisco sour cocktail.
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[content] => With an unusual blend of both Polynesian and Spanish influences, stepping foot upon the remote Chilean territory of Easter Island feels more like you've landed on a different planet than another country! Known as Rapa Nui by its earliest inhabitants, tiny Easter Island was 'discovered' and renamed by Dutchman Jacob Roggeveen on Easter Sunday, 1722. Roggeveen's brief visit documented the earliest recording of the existence of the colossal Moai heads that tower over the rugged landscape throughout the island. While these crumbling volcanic statues may be the star attraction, they form just one part of the fascinating history of Easter Island. Extraordinary archaeological sites include stone quarries with exposed, partially carved Moai statues protruding from the ground, eerie burial sites and replica villages, which allow visitors to gain an insight into the daily lives of early settlers. Another must-see destination is the enormous volcanic crater, which offers uninterrupted views over the vast ocean.
With few exceptions, Easter Island’s 8000 inhabitants live in the small but lively town of Hanga Roa on the south-west coast. While the town itself does have a few points of interest, including a Moai of its own, a small museum and a selection of restaurants and gift shops, the majority of exploration time on the island will happen in the rural areas outside of Hanga Roa. For this reason, Easter Island is often likened to an open-air museum. In between sight-seeing, there are opportunities for relaxation, primarily on the picturesque white sand beach to the north of the island where swimming and snorkelling are possible. Bicycles are readily available to hire in Hanga Roa and the island is a manageable size to explore in a few hours by pedal power, or by foot for those who prefer to walk or hike.
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[content] => Alluring moon-like landscapes and vast open spaces make the parched Atacama Desert an unforgettable destination. Simultaneously barren and full of wonder, the area receives just 15mm of rainfall per year, making it inhospitable for all but the most hardy animals; chinchilla-like vizcacha, pink flamingos and Andean foxes are among the species that have successfully adapted to the harsh conditions. One of the star attractions of the area is the beautifully eerie Valle de la Luna. As the light hits the dramatic ridges and geological formations of the dunes here, the dazzling light casts gloomy shadows extend dramatically at sunset, transforming the warm orange glow into dusk.
Other notable areas to explore include the charming adobe clay town of San Pedro de Atacama, the expansive flamingo-filled Atacama salt flats, deep blue lagoons, inviting hot springs and the bubbling mud pools at the Taito Geysers. With a high altitude and an absence of light pollution, this region is one of the most prized areas in the world for stargazing; evening introductions to the night sky can often be arranged through your hotel and come highly recommended.
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[content] => For those with a sense of adventure (and a little patience!), the undiscovered Aisen region of Northern Patagonia is Chile’s hidden gem. With a fraction of the visitor numbers that pass through southern Torres del Paine, the area is overflowing with untouched landscapes including mystical fjords and glaciers, azure lakes and imposing mountain ranges dusted with a covering of snow. The largely unpaved road of the Carretera Austral stretches through the region for 1200km, making a stint on this route the perfect way to experience the diversity of the area.
The southern section of the Carretera Austral is accessed via the tiny Balmaceda Airport, which is one of the most untouched and dramatic regions of the route. Notable destinations south of Balmaceda include the bewildering Marble Caves, fast-receding San Rafael Glacier and vast swathes of protected national parks, many of which are home to roaming guanaco and elegant colonies of flamingo. A key piece of advice for those visiting this region is to take plenty of cash and fill up on petrol whenever you can, as there are no ATMs and garages are few and far between.
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[content] => Offering far more than just spectacular lakeside scenery, Chile’s Lake District is overflowing with areas of astounding diverse natural beauty; snow-topped volcanoes tower over ancient forests and the mountainous paths that wind through the area lend themselves particularly well to self-driven adventures. The rural landscapes are punctuated with the occasional lively town, each offering a selection of adventure pursuits: from gentle kayaking through to arduous summit accents of the impressive Villarica Volcano. Popular destinations in the area include the vibrant towns of Pucon and Villarica and the more sedate, German-influenced Puerto Varas. The town of Puerto Montt has fewer draws for the visitor, but is does have a well-served airport, meaning it is likely to feature as an arrival or departure point for your onward journey.
Culturally rich and distinctive in style, the picture-postcard island of Chiloe sets itself apart from the mainland with its unusual architecture, hearty cuisine and spiritual culture. UNESCO wooden churches and colourful, stilt-built houses are generously dotted throughout the island, whilst unique dishes such as curanto (a meat and fish stew) should not be missed. The island is located in the south of Chile near to the town of Puerto Montt and is accessible by road and a car ferry. The island has a reputation for changeable weather, but when the rain and fog lift the lush undulating landscapes offer a dreamlike simplicity unlike any other place in South America.
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[content] => When making your journey towards the Torres del Paine National Park, you’d be half right in feeling as though you were travelling to the end of the earth. The long journey south of Santiago may take eight hours by plane and road, but the exquisite landscapes of Torres Del Paine National Park are unquestionably worth the trek. Once you arrive at this windswept, yet stunning, area, it will become clear that this park is a true pinnacle of Chile’s natural landscapes. Set against the backdrop of picturesque lakes, vast grasslands and lagoons, the crowning glory of the park is the famous jagged peaks; three granite massifs tower over the terrain, carved into their spires by powerful glaciers. Summer brings strong winds, whipping lenticular clouds that resemble otherworldly spaceships into place, whilst the autumnal months see the park washed with a warm colour palette of orange, red and yellow. Wildlife roams freely in the park with graceful condors soaring overhead, grazing guanaco and stealthy puma. Puerto Natales is primarily a ramshackle gateway town for Torres del Paine, but it does have a unique charm of its own, with a few decent hotels and a surprisingly large range of innovative restaurants.
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[content] => Spanning the vast distance from the Lake District to the far tip of southern Tierra del Fuego, Chilean Patagonia is a truly remote wilderness. Seemingly full of open spaces and apparent emptiness, scratch the surface of this area and you will find a world filled with unspoilt beauty for those prepared to give the region the time and attention it deserves. Snow-capped volcanoes are interspersed with magnificent glaciers, mighty rivers and dramatic mountain ranges. The area has long been recognised as one of natural beauty and National Park status now protects vast swathes of the landscape. The most popular regions include the famed Torres del Paine National Park and the Lake District, whilst the undiscovered Aisen province is a hidden gem. Throughout the year the region is home to an impressive array of flora and fauna; graceful condors can be seen soaring overhead whilst grazing guanacos and stealthy puma roam freely.
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[content] => Colourful Valparaiso is a captivating town full of wonder and creativity. The Old Town is filled with intriguing murals created by local street artists, while the steep hillsides are crowded with brightly painted corrugated-iron buildings that bustle for space and conceal snaking alleyways and plazas. The city is a manageable size to explore on foot, and the effort can be lightened by taking a rickety journey on one of the creaking funicular railways which slowly ascends around the city to various viewpoints.
Once a lavish playground for the rich, Valparaiso’s port was considered an attractive break on the principal Cape Horn trade route. The prosperous city gained a healthy reputation and quickly became a place to be seen, consequently housing magnificent buildings including sumptuous hotels and top-class eateries. The completion of the Panama Canal led to a dramatic reversal in fortune; the steep decline in visiting ships meant money stopped flowing into the city, which quickly took its toll. Shells of these former grand buildings and half-completed hotels were abandoned and left to decay. Although Valparaiso could not be described as beautiful in the traditional sense, it is undoubtedly fascinating to see the absurd remnants of the mixed economic fortunes of the last century.
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[content] => Those looking to escape the bright lights of Santiago can treat themselves to visit the lush and fertile valleys that surround the city in every direction. Organic vineyards and traditional wine estates are interspersed with enchanting colonial architecture and boutique family-run hotels, giving the distinct feel of an era gone by when life moved at a gentler pace of life. This historic region of Chile is home to over 250 vineyards of all shapes and sizes, which produce a selection of the country's most well-respected and delicious wines. Vineyard tours are a fascinating way to learn about the process of wine production and sample the wines, whether you can spare just a couple of hours or a few full days of indulgence!
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[content] => Vast in size and sophisticated in its tastes, cosmopolitan Santiago is so much more than just a gateway to Chile. The city is full of surprises and for those who take the time to explore in greater depth, there is plenty to offer. Although chaotic and glitzy in parts, several quiet and leafy central neighbourhoods are home to examples of outstanding colonial architecture, alongside hillside parks, sobering museums and world-class galleries. These areas are compact and easy enough to discover on foot or with the occasional journey on the art-adorned subway system that connects the major barrios or neighbourhoods. The dining scene in Santiago is rich and varied: from simple pavement cafés serving traditional dishes through to superb restaurants that will make even the most discerning diner’s mouth water. Head up the Cerro San Cristobal hill to the Terraza Bellavista viewpoint and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the city, which is framed by the imposing backdrop of the snow-capped Andes Mountains.
Those looking to escape the bright lights of Santiago can treat themselves to visit the lush and fertile valleys that surround the city in every direction. Organic vineyards and traditional wine estates are interspersed with enchanting colonial architecture and boutique family-run hotels, giving the distinct sense of a time gone by when life moved at a far gentler pace. This historic region of Chile is home to over 250 vineyards of all shapes and sizes, which produce a selection of the country's most well-respected and delicious wines. Vineyard tours are a fascinating way to learn about the wine production process and to allow the chance to sample the wines: whether you can spare just a couple of hours or a few full days of indulgence!
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About Chile
With outstanding natural beauty at every turn, ribbon-shaped Chile is a true outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Stretching an astonishing 4,300 km, Chile has an extensive, rugged Pacific coastline and shares borders with several South American neighbours. Bolivia and Peru lie to the north and northwest, whilst Argentina and the dramatic Andes Mountains sit to the east. Extreme changes in latitude have created a country with a truly diverse landscape; parched, arid deserts in the north contrast with fertile Mediterranean-like central valleys, whilst the south of the country offers a contrasting and mesmerising array of vast ice-fields, vibrant blue lakes and glistening glaciers.
With a heavy influence from Western European settlers, Chilean people tend to be gentler and more reserved than their neighbours in the fierier South American countries. However, scratch beneath the surface and you will find some of the friendliest and most genuine people in the world. The beauty of Chile and its inhabitants has inspired the works of many notable writers, painters and poets, such as the celebrated Nobel prize-winning Pablo Neruda. These figures have left their mark on the nation, and their work is documented with pride in museums and galleries dotted throughout cities and towns. It is surprising to learn that over half of Chile’s population lives in cosmopolitan Santiago, but the country’s biggest draw is the unparalleled nature of a colossal scale, which really needs to be experienced first-hand to be appreciated!
Frequently Asked Questions
Chile is a destination that is a joy to visit all year round. As a general guide, we think that the best time to travel falls between October and early May; as Chile stretches far into the Southern Hemisphere, the weather patterns follow the opposite seasonal conditions to those found in Europe. Warmer summer months begin in November and extend into February, with the cooler winter months falling between June and August (a time when rainfall can also spike).
Peak summer travel months of December, January and February must be booked far in advance, and it is worth noting that at this time of year prices are higher, rooms are often scarce and cities can feel very crowded. These months also coincide with the local Chilean summer holidays, a time when locals jump at the opportunity to pack up and head off to explore their stunning country in droves.
Here is some further, region-specific information:
Santiago, Winelands & Central Chile: Excellent year-round travel destinations. In Santiago, daytime summer temperatures rise to 30 degrees and drop to a pleasant 15 degrees in winter. June to August are also popular months for skiers in Santiago’s surrounding mountains.
Atacama Desert: Excellent year-round travel destination. The arid desert regions of Chile see large daily fluctuations in temperature, meaning that extreme conditions should be prepared for throughout the year. Thin layers of clothing and high-factor sunscreen are required to accommodate sweltering daytime temperatures, while warm coats are essential for chilly evenings.
Patagonia & Southern Chile: September to November and March to mid-May are our favourite times of year to travel to Patagonia. During these Spring and Summer months, the crowds are far smaller and temperatures are especially pleasant for exploring the region. Another bonus is that the fierce summer winds tend to begin to dwindle in February and March, with the rich autumn colours that spread across the region in April and May becoming simply spectacular. Some hotels in Patagonia traditionally close their doors by the middle of May, but more and more places are bucking this trend and are staying open all year round.
Easter Island: October to April are the best months to visit Easter Island. February is the busiest time as it coincides with two weeks of local festivities held during the month. May can bring fairly damp weather, though in recent years this has been less of an issue and makes for a pleasant time to visit and avoid the crowds.
Chilean cuisine can be summarised as simple, fresh and full of flavour. Standards of dining have skyrocketed in recent years, with a wonderful range of mouth-watering regional dishes on offer, as well as fine dining opportunities to rival the world’s best restaurants. When eating out in well-established restaurants and cafes, expect to pay similar prices to the UK, whereas more affordable meals can be found in informal local restaurants and markets where the locals eat. Upmarket hotels often offer all-inclusive packages, with generous multi-course menus and free-flowing alcoholic drinks.
The humble empanada, a cheese-based pastry filled with vegetables, meat or fish, is likely to feature heavily during your stay. This savoury dish comes in two distinctive varieties: horno (oven baked, resembling a small Cornish pasty) or Frito (fried and often larger in size). In rural locations, white sheets in house windows indicate that homemade empanadas are available for sale. Meat and vegetable stews are also staples, including the famous lamb and seafood curanto stew from Chiloé, as well as the chupe de jaiva, a type of crab gratin. Another Chilean favourite is a sharing platter piled high with ingredients such as chopped potatoes, avocado, tomatoes, eggs and meats. South America may not be thought of as an easy food destination for vegetarians and vegans, but fortunately Chile is a refreshing exception to the norm; the vast array of tasty fruit and colourful vegetables on offer mean the country is far more geared up to cater for a meat-free diet than some of its steak-focused neighbours!
Central Chile is a wine grower’s paradise, with sprawling, lush valleys aided by year-round warm temperatures and a low pest concentration. Chile has over 250 vineyards, which produce a variety of red and white grapes that are transformed into delicious wines, now gaining international attention and the world-class reputation they deserve. While Cabernet Sauvignon is the most common grape variety, Chile’s more unusual speciality of Carménère must be sampled during a visit. This deep red had died out in France in the 19th Century due to temperature fluctuations but was rediscovered in Chile in 1994. Having long been mistaken for Merlot, it was able to thrive in the country’s more moderate climate. Alongside the wine, Pisco, a grape brandy-based spirit, is also the national drink and the star of the Pisco Sour. National draft beers are tasty, and there is a growing market in the south, where quality craft beers are contained within beautiful bottles dedicated to each region.
Chile is served by direct flights from London Heathrow to Santiago with British Airways, operating an overnight flight four times per week. The journey takes just under 15 hours; however, this will be a comfortable journey as BA uses their newest and most technologically advanced aircraft, the four-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, on this route.
A host of airlines also fly into Santiago via various European hubs, such as Madrid, Paris, Rome and Amsterdam, whilst LatAm also offer routes via São Paulo in Brazil. Indirect flights do cost a little less, and they often take between 18-20 hours in total to reach Santiago.
UK passport holders don't require a visa to enter Chile, providing they depart the country again within 90 days. Other nationalities should check entry requirements with the embassy. Passports need to be valid for the duration of your stay, and no further period of validity is required beyond the length of your trip.
You will be handed a rather flimsy immigration paper or ‘tourist card’ on arrival, which it is vital you keep safe. Along with passports, the immigration paper will be requested upon each hotel check-in and is required to leave the country. If you lose this paper, you will be required to visit a police station or return to the airport to get a replacement – please check the latest with our local partners who will be able to assist with the latest information.
If you are flying to Chile via the USA, you need to apply online for an ‘ESTA’ electronic travel authorisation, even if you are only in transit. At time of writing, this costs $14 per person, is valid for two years and should be applied for on the official Department of Homeland Security website.
You should contact your GP before travelling to all destinations. We can provide some general guidelines, however, we're not medically trained so it's essential to speak to a medical professional well in advance of your trip.
Zika Virus: There is no known risk of Zika in Chile.
Yellow fever certificate: If you are travelling to Easter Island and arriving from countries with yellow fever, you may be asked to produce a certificate of vaccination against the disease.
General: It is recommended that your general boosters for Diphtheria, Polio, Tetanus, and Hepatitis A are up to date before travel. We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you have booked your holiday and declaring any pre-existing medical conditions to your insurer – some may be able to provide cover for an additional premium.
Chile is one of the most developed, stylish and safe countries to explore in Latin America. Prices are largely comparable with those you’d expect to pay in the UK, while some remote regions such as Patagonia and Easter Island can be more expensive. The preferred currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP) and at the time of writing £1 (GBP) is worth roughly $865 (CLP). Notes of varying denominations come in multiples of $1000 (CLP), and smaller value coins are available in multiples of $100 (CLP) but are rarely enough to cover small purchases: for example, a decent coffee typically costs between $1500-$3000 (CLP).
It can be difficult to exchange GBP in remote areas, but ATMs and money exchange facilities are widely available in towns and cities. Warnings about ATM scarcity are no exaggeration in some rural locations; for example, small airports in Patagonia do not have ATMs. If you are eating in a hotel restaurant, it is usually worth charging the bill to your room, as payments made in USD are often exempt from taxes for foreigners.
Refreshingly, haggling is an uncommon practice away from markets.
While tipping is appreciated, it is not expected as fiercely as in other areas of the continent. Be sure to check your bill in restaurants, however, as guideline tips of 10% are occasionally already included in the bill.
While Chile enjoys low levels of crime, you should exercise caution in larger cities as you would in any capital city and take a taxi back to your hotel after dark. You can also check the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office website for the latest advice before you travel.
Horseriding in Chile
Horse riding can be a wonderful way to enjoy Chile’s landscapes, but there are inherent risks involved with riding anywhere in the world. Wearing a helmet is highly recommended for your own safety – ask your guide if they are not automatically offered.
We believe travel should be a force for good. That means exploring with open eyes, treading lightly, and respecting the people and places that make the world so special. Our code of conduct isn’t about rules, it’s simply a guide to help you travel thoughtfully, ethically, and with care. Because every small choice makes a big difference.
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If you choose to trust us with your holiday, we’ll send you a “Travel Facts” document when confirming your booking. This includes useful facts and travel advice, such as restaurant recommendations, reading tips, basic language information, cultural traditions, climate information, brief historical overviews, and more. We feel that this offers a useful insight and can help you interact with local residents in a more sensitive, well-informed manner. Please do try to take the time to read this information before your visit, it’s worth the time!
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A number of the countries in which we operate holidays are religious societies with a widely observed set of customs. Always respect these norms, particularly when visiting religious buildings.
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To the best of our knowledge, all hotels, lodges, and camps within our portfolio operate stringent measures to minimise water usage. All of our destinations have issues with water supplies to a certain extent, so feel free to raise any possible wastage should you encounter it during your stay, either with the accommodation or with us upon your return.
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Please ask permission before taking photographs of people, and respect their wishes if they are not happy to be photographed. We find that friendly requests and a smile are usually met with a ‘yes!’
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Strive, where possible, to make your own contribution to environmental practices as you travel. This might include minimising your electricity usage, not smoking in protected areas, avoiding coral while snorkelling, and safely disposing of all litter (recycling where possible).
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Where possible, try to purchase from local suppliers. This includes shopping for souvenirs, dining out at restaurants, and booking additional excursions during your free time. In areas where haggling is an accepted part of daily life, don’t be offended if you’re unable to obtain what you perceive as a fair price for an item.
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We emphasise to local suppliers that our clients should never be taken on unsolicited shopping trips, but if this does happen, try to retain your sense of humour, provide a firm refusal to participate and do let us know about it on your return. We pass on all feedback from every trip undertaken with us to our relevant local suppliers, who all share our commitment to travelling with sensitivity.
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Please don’t remove any indigenous items from their natural habitat and attempt to bring them home as a souvenir. This particularly applies to everything from coral, shells, plants and food in the natural world, to cultural artefacts and antiques.
If you’re unsure about anything relating to the above, please feel free to chat to us. Our expert, Louise, has travelled extensively in the country and will be more than happy to offer her considered advice.
Meet our Chile expert
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Louise is dedicated to all things Chile and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Louise Mumford
Destination Manager
Lou’s explored Chile first-hand. From its wild southern fjords to the dry Atacama desert and the wilds of Patagonia, she knows exactly how to plan an adventure that's tailored for you.
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Classic Chile Highlights, Atacama Desert Explorer, Patagonia: Chile & Argentina, Luxury Chile
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