Things to Do in Chile

About Chile

Chile runs impossibly thin between the Pacific and the Andes' snow-capped peaks. The world's driest desert sits hours from pristine glacial valleys, and modern Santiago's glass towers give way to ancient Mapuche forests before lunch. You can sip excellent Carmenère while watching condors soar over otherworldly landscapes. Valparaíso's rainbow-colored hillside neighborhoods are worth the trip. Street art covers the walls. The city tells stories of resilience through murals and graffiti that locals have painted over decades—some political, some just beautiful. Chilean hospitality is genuine. Share empanadas with locals in a Santiago mercado or listen to fishermen's tales in remote Patagonian villages, and you'll see what draws people back. Every sunrise brings something new: Easter Island's mysterious moai at dawn, or marble caves reflecting turquoise waters. Chile doesn't offer destinations. It offers transformation.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Santiago Metro costs 640-830 CLP ($0.67-0.87) with Bip! card providing discounts. Micro buses charge 500-700 CLP ($0.53-0.74) citywide. Uber and Cabify widely available at 3,000-8,000 CLP ($3.15-8.40) for cross-town trips. Intercity buses to Valparaíso cost 2,500-4,000 CLP ($2.63-4.21). Metrobus connects airport for 1,900 CLP ($2.00). Colectivos (shared taxis) run fixed routes at 800-1,200 CLP ($0.84-1.26). Walking is excellent in central Santiago with clear signage and pedestrian areas.

Money: Chilean peso (CLP) is the standard currency. BancoEstado and Santander ATMs are reliable everywhere. Cards widely accepted including small vendors. Budget $40-80 daily. Tipping 10% appreciated at restaurants. TransBank debit cards work at most locations. Cash needed for street markets and small family businesses. USD exchange available at cambios with competitive rates. Keep some cash for tips and small purchases. Emergency dollars useful in tourist areas.

Cultural Respect: Handshakes are standard greetings with cheek kisses among friends. Chileans are formal initially but warm up quickly. Punctuality important for business but social events start later. Wine culture is central - show appreciation for local varieties. Family Sunday lunches are sacred time. Avoid discussing Pinochet era unless locals bring it up. Regional pride strong especially between Santiago and regions. Spanish accent distinctive with dropped 's' sounds. Business cards exchanged formally with both hands.

Food Safety: Empanadas at local bakeries cost 1,200-2,500 CLP ($1.26-2.63). Completo (hot dog) at Dominó runs 2,000-3,500 CLP ($2.11-3.68). Chilean wine starts at 3,000 CLP ($3.15) in restaurants. Seafood at Mercado Central costs 8,000-15,000 CLP ($8.42-15.79). Bottled water costs 800-1,500 CLP ($0.84-1.58). Tap water generally safe in cities. Fresh fruit and vegetables are excellent quality. Avoid raw shellfish in summer months. Marraqueta bread fresh daily at 500-800 CLP ($0.53-0.84).

When to Visit

Chile's diverse geography creates distinct regional seasons. December to March (summer) offers the best weather nationwide, with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F in Santiago and 60-70°F in Patagonia, making it ideal for trekking and outdoor activities. However, expect peak season pricing (30-50% higher) and crowds at major attractions. April-May and September-November provide excellent shoulder seasons with mild temperatures (60-75°F in central regions), 25% lower accommodation costs, and beautiful autumn colors or spring blooms. Winter (June-August) brings rain to central Chile and temperatures of 45-60°F, but offers perfect skiing conditions in the Andes and is the only time to visit northern Chile comfortably, where Atacama temperatures drop to pleasant 60-70°F. Patagonia is best avoided in winter due to harsh weather and limited services. Key festivals include La Tirana Festival (July 16), celebrating indigenous culture in the north, and Fiestas Patrias (September 18-19), Chile's lively independence celebration with rodeos, folk dancing, and traditional foods. Wine harvest season (March-April) offers special tastings and events in Maipo and Colchagua valleys. For Easter Island, avoid July-August due to strong winds and rain.