Chile Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Chile is a long, slender strip of land that packs in deserts, glaciers, vineyards, volcanoes, and Pacific beaches—sometimes all in the same trip. From the bohemian streets of Valparaíso and the capital Santiago to the starry skies of the Atacama Desert, the lake-and-volcano district around Puerto Varas and Pucón, and the jagged peaks of Patagonia and Torres del Paine, Chile is one of South America’s most rewarding and well-organized destinations. It is also one of the safest and most stable countries in the region, with good infrastructure, quality accommodation, and a food-and-wine scene that keeps getting better. Because the country is 4,000+ km north to south, seasons flip as you move and distances are long, so good planning really matters. This guide is built for first-time visitors who want practical, up-to-date information so they can travel confidently.

Cities, Towns & Attractions Popular with Tourists

Santiago: Likely entry point. Plaza de Armas, Bellavista, Lastarria, San Cristóbal Hill, Sky Costanera views, day trips to Maipo wine valley.
Valparaíso & Viña del Mar: Colorful street art, funiculars, and port-city vibe in Valpo; beaches and resorts in Viña—easily reached from Santiago.
Atacama Desert (San Pedro de Atacama): Valle de la Luna, El Tatio geysers, high-altitude lagoons, stargazing.
Lake District (Puerto Varas, Frutillar, Pucón): Snowcapped volcanoes, lakes, hot springs, rafting, hiking.
Chilean Patagonia: Especially Torres del Paine National Park (W and O treks), Puerto Natales, and cruises through fjords and glaciers.
Carretera Austral: One of South America’s most scenic road trips—glaciers, turquoise rivers, and remote towns.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui): Remote Polynesian island with moai statues and unique culture (usually a separate flight from Santiago).
Wine regions: Maipo, Casablanca, Colchagua, and Maule for day tours or overnight vineyard stays.

Good to Know

Best time to visit: Oct–Apr for Patagonia and the south (summer). Sept–Nov and Mar–May are great shoulder months for Santiago and central Chile. The Atacama is mostly year-round.
Long distances: Chile is long—expect domestic flights for Atacama (to Calama), Patagonia (to Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales), and sometimes for the Lake District (to Puerto Montt/Temuco).
Entry & food: Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities; seafood is excellent along the coast.
Natural hazards: Chile is seismically active. Know the basic earthquake/tsunami protocol.
Protected areas: Many top sites are national parks or reserves—book park entries and refugios (e.g. in Torres del Paine) well in advance.

Currency & Budget

Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP).

Exchange rate: In 2025, 1 USD commonly sits in the range of CLP 900–1,000, but it fluctuates—check a live rate shortly before you arrive.

Average daily budget (approx.):

Backpacker: 45–70 USD/day – hostel dorms, intercity buses, cooking some meals or eating at local diners, free city sights.
Midrange: 90–160 USD/day – solid hotel or cabin, domestic flights, organized tours in Atacama or Lake District, good restaurants.
Luxury: 200–400+ USD/day – boutique hotels, vineyard stays, private excursions, multi-day Patagonia trekking with refugios or high-end lodges.

Tipping: Restaurants typically add a suggested 10% service (propina) to the bill—Chileans usually accept it.

Credit card acceptance: Very good in Santiago, Valparaíso, airports, supermarkets, and most hotels. In remote Patagonia, small villages on the Carretera Austral, and some local tour operators, cash is still useful.

ATMs: ATMs from major banks (BancoEstado, Santander, BCI, Banco de Chile) are widely available in cities. Some charge higher withdrawal fees for foreign cards. Withdraw in cities before heading to remote areas; use ATMs inside banks/shopping centers for safety.

Best way to get cash: Pay by card where possible; withdraw CLP in larger towns; bring a backup card. Avoid changing money on the street—use casas de cambio or banks.

Language & Communication

Official language: Spanish (Chilean Spanish is fast and full of local slang).
English: Spoken in many hotels, tour agencies, and by younger people in Santiago and tourist hubs, but not guaranteed everywhere—learn basic Spanish phrases.
Indigenous languages: Mapudungun, Rapa Nui, and others in their regions.

SIM cards / eSIM

Main operators: Entel, Movistar, WOM, and Claro.
Where to get: At Santiago airport kiosks, official stores in the city, and malls—bring your passport for registration.
Tourist eSIM: The easiest option if your phone supports it—buy online before arrival and activate on landing.
Coverage: Excellent in Santiago/central Chile; can be patchy in remote Patagonia, Carretera Austral, or high-altitude areas—download offline maps.

Power Plugs & Voltage

Voltage: 220V, 50 Hz.
Plugs: Type C and L (two round pins; sometimes three inline pins). Many accommodations use the common European-style plug. Bring a universal adapter and make sure your devices can handle 220V.

Getting Around

Domestic flights: The fastest way to cover Chile’s length. Airlines connect Santiago with Calama (Atacama), Puerto Montt (Lake District), Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales (Patagonia), and Easter Island.
Long-distance buses: Comfortable, reliable, and affordable—widely used by locals. Classes include semi-cama and cama.
Within Santiago: Modern metro, buses, and ride-hailing apps. Get a Bip! card for public transport.
Rental car: Great for the Lake District, wine valleys, and parts of Patagonia, but check road conditions, fuel availability, and one-way drop fees.
Ferries & boats: In Patagonia and the south, ferries connect isolated towns—schedules can be seasonal.

Safety

Overall: Chile is considered one of the safer countries in South America for tourists.
Urban petty crime: In Santiago, Valparaíso, and bus terminals, watch for pickpockets, bag snatching, and window/phone theft.
What to do: Keep valuables in front, do not show large amounts of cash, use hotel safes, and take official taxis or ride-hailing at night.
Outdoor safety: In Patagonia and high-altitude areas, weather can change quickly—carry layers, tell someone your route, and follow park guidelines.
Protests: Chile can have demonstrations in big cities—stay clear and follow local advice.

Common Tourist Scams & Annoyances

Taxi meter tricks: Use official airport taxis, agree the fare first, or use ride-hailing apps.
Bag distraction in busy areas: Someone distracts you while an accomplice grabs your bag—keep it zipped and close.
Overpriced tours in Valparaíso / Atacama: Compare agencies and read what is included (entrance fees, pickup, language).
Fake money / bad change: Pay attention when paying with large bills—check change immediately.

Chile rewards travelers who plan by region and season—do that, and you will get glaciers, desert, wine, and Pacific sunsets in a single trip.