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We'll cover any potential airline fuel surcharge when you book before 30 June 2026Learn More

Destinations

Chile

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.

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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.

Quirky Excursions

All Excursions In Chile

Excursion

Matetic Vineyard

The rolling Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys are just an hour drive from the city. Here you’ll find the welcoming Matetic wine estates, which produce some of Chile’s most prominent and high-quality wines. Take a half day trip with your driver to enjoy a comprehensive visit of the vineyards, which will give an overview of the history and production of the wine, as well as the chance to sample of some of the most popular blends. Visits can be extended to include a quality multi-course lunch with paired wines, served in the serene lakeside restaurant.

Excursion

Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)

Just a short drive from San Pedro de Atacama, the rugged, lunar-like landscapes of Moon Valley are one of the desert's true highlights. This dramatic area includes enormous, sweeping sand dunes, deep valleys and salt caves. Another distinctive feature are the many fascinating geological rock formations, which have been created through water and wind erosion as well as extreme desert temperatures. This excursion lasts for roughly three hours, including a 40-minute walk.

Excursion

Orongo & Rano Kau (West)

This half-day shared excursion centres around the impressive extinct Rano Kau Volcano, with its sweeping views over the crater lake, island and the vast Pacific Ocean. The tour will also include the ceremonial village of Orongo where the mythical 'Birdman' competition, a heroic quest for the island’s kinship, took place. Here, you can see distinctive petroglyphs carved into the rocks. On the way back to Hanga Roa you’ll see the unrestored Ahu Vinapu, an altar made of basalt that is reminiscent of pre-Inca architecture.

Excursion

Horse riding in Patagonia

Experience a taster of the Chilean gaucho life and explore the unforgettable landscapes of the Torres del Paine National Park on horseback. Trips range from gentle taster walks on flat terrain through to a challenging day-long ride to see some of the magnificent lakes and ancient lenga forests. 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.

Excursion

Salar de Atacama (Salt Flats)

Drive the hour south to the charming village of Toconao to see the pretty town square where local artisans selling their wares, as well as the historic church. Next stop is the Natural Flamingo Reserve, which is often teeming with the parading pink birds. The reserve is inside the salt flats, where you'll explore the trails and learn about the birdlife and their feeding habits before finding a spot to enjoy one of the area's spectacular and colourful sunsets. The excursion will last roughly five hours, including transfers.

Excursion

Santiago City Tour

Together with your private guide, you will spend a full day exploring the highlights of the cosmopolitan city of Santiago. You will learn about the sobering recent history of the country's coup and dictatorship, as well as the culture, architecture and events that have shaped the city. The tour can be tailored to suit your interests and will include key sights such as the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, La Moneda where the current seat of government is located and El Centro, with its lively shopping area and street vendors. You can also visit viewpoints to experience panoramic vistas of the city and the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The fashionable Lastarria district is another area you will explore, with its diverse food, art and history.

Excursion

Santiago City: Historical Walking Tour

"Recalling Santiago from its early years" This shared walking tour reveals Santiago's hidden history: through the pre-hispanic civilizations, the country's foundation and the early years of colony. Providing an interesting view of the remains of Santiago’s different times and periods, the tour explores the city’s archaeology, religion, customs and folklore. By the end of this tour you will have a comprehensive notion of all the elements that made up the origin of Santiago. The tour includes Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna Square and Santa Lucia Hill. The tour begins every day at 10am and lasts for two and a half hours.

Excursion

Toco Volcano Hike

Not for the faint-hearted, this challenging four-hour hike allows experienced walkers the chance to trek to the summit of the impressive volcano, which is located 5000 metres above sea level. The journey on foot begins at roughly 2400 metres and during the ascent hikers are rewarded with spectacular views over neighbouring Bolivia, including the Blanca Lagoon and the vast Salar de Atacama salt flats. We highly recommend acclimatising to the altitude in San Pedro de Atacama for a few days before embarking on this trek.

Where You'll Stay

View all accommodation in Chile

Accommodation

Elqui Domos

Named after its seven spherical domed tents, or domos, the boutique Elqui Dom...

Accommodation

Taha Tai

Built on the waters edge in the small town of Hanga Roa, the Taha Tai offers ...

Accommodation

Hare Nua Hotel Boutique

With an enviable location on the outskirts of Hanga Roa, the peaceful Hare Bo...

Accommodation

Noi Casa Atacama

The boutique Noi Casa Atacama is nestled on a quiet street in the heart of th...

Accommodation

Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa

Located a few kilometres from the ancient trading town of San Pedro, the Alto...

Accommodation

Awasi Atacama

A healthy dose of luxury in the ancient trading town of San Pedro de Atacama,...

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

Elqui Valley & La Serena

Easter Island

Atacama Desert

Carretera Austral

Chiloe & The Lake District

Torres del Paine National Park & Puerto Natales

Chilean Patagonia

Valparaiso

Chilean Winelands

Santiago

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.

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!
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.
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.
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!’
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).
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.
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.
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.

Key Information

Flight Time 15 hours from London

Currency Chilean Peso (US Dollars are also widely accepted)

Language Spanish

Dialing Code +56

Capital City Santiago

Time Difference GMT -4

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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Tailor-made Chile Holidays

Overview

Most Popular Holidays

Classic Chile Highlights

from £10,570 pp

Atacama Desert Explorer

from £7,885 pp

Patagonia: Chile & Argentina

from £8,405 pp

Luxury Chile

from £14,100 pp

Quirky Excursions

Matetic Vineyard

Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)

Orongo & Rano Kau (West)

Horse riding in Patagonia

Salar de Atacama (Salt Flats)

Santiago City Tour

Santiago City: Historical Walking Tour

Toco Volcano Hike

Tailor-made
Chile
Holidays

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