Things To Do
in Chile
Chile stretches along the southwestern edge of South America from the arid north to the glaciated south. Its geography includes the Andes, a long Pacific coastline, and a vast interior valley of deserts and lakes. The culture blends indigenous traditions with European influences in cuisine, music, and poetry.
Travelers should prepare for dramatic climates, long distances, and a wealth of outdoor adventures.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up to the soft glow of the Andes framing the skyline as you stroll through Plaza de Armas, absorbing the bustle of street vendors and local artisans. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and watch sunbeams filter through stained glass windows, illuminating centuries of history. The aroma of freshly roasted coffee around every corner invites you to linger and strike up conversations with friendly locals.
Ascend Cerro San Cristóbal by funicular for sweeping city views, then explore the leafy paths and hidden vistas at the summit. Descend to the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood to browse colorful murals and artisanal shops. Sample a pastel de choclo at a classic fonda, savoring the blend of sweet corn and savory meat.
Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the glittering city lights and the silhouette of the Andes. Sip a pisco sour as live guitar music drifts through the air. Cap the night off with a stroll along the Mapocho River, where quiet bridges and lamps cast dancing reflections on the water.
Set out early for the lush vineyards of Maipo Valley, where morning sunlight shimmers on neatly aligned grapevines. Walk among Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère rows, guided by a passionate vintner sharing ancestral winemaking secrets. Breathe deeply as the crisp mountain air mingles with floral and fruity aromas rising from the vines.
Enjoy a cellar tour to witness oak barrels aging fine wines in dimly lit stone rooms. Participate in a blending workshop, creating your own personalized bottle under expert guidance. Sit down to a long lunch on a terrace, pairing artisanal cheeses and charcuterie with robust local reds.
Return to Santiago at dusk, watching the valley lights fade behind you. Relax in a boutique hotel lobby with a final glass of wine and soft live jazz. Reflect on the vineyard’s tranquil ambiance and the craft that transforms grape to glass.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍷Glass of wine at a restaurant | $3-7 |
| 🥗Three-course meal for two (mid-range) | $25-50 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $60-120 |
| 🚌Public transit pass (week) | $15-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Diverse landscapes from desert to glaciers
- Fantastic seafood and wine regions
- Warm, friendly locals and an easy to travel country
- Long distances between regions
- Seasonal weather can be variable in the south and Patagonia
- "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hi, how are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Puede recomendar un plato vegetariano?" - Can you recommend a vegetarian dish?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Chile
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic city views from the hilltop sanctuary, best at sunrise or sunset.
Impressive neoclassical architecture and ceremonial guards for classic political imagery.
Colorful hillside houses, steep staircases, and street art with sweeping bay views.
Early morning steam clouds erupt against a dramatic high desert backdrop.
Otherworldly rock formations and dramatic lighting for surreal landscape shots.
Iconic granite towers, turquoise lakes, and dramatic Patagonian horizons.
Food in Chile
Chile Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A corn bread casserole with ground meat, chicken, olives, and a layer of sweet corn on top.
Must-Try!
Flaky pastry pockets filled with pino (meat), cheese, or seafood, widely available from bakeries and street stalls.
A comforting chicken or beef stew with squash, corn, potatoes, and cabbage.
Cilantro tomato relish served with bread, widely used as a topping or dip.
A hearty Chilean hot dog loaded with avocado, sauerkraut, and mayo sauce, popular in street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Iconic seafood market offering fresh catches and seafood restaurants right on the pier.
Vibrant market known for produce, spices, prepared foods, and inexpensive eats.
Neighborhood markets across major cities offering fresh fruit, empanadas, and local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake with eye contact is common; close friends may kiss on the cheek. Use usted for elders and formal settings.
Social settings may be relaxed about time, while business meetings tend to be punctual.
Be polite and avoid aggressive topics; directness is less common in casual chats, and sharing opinions respectfully is valued.
Safety
Tipping in Chile
Ensure a smooth experience
In sit down restaurants tipping is typically 10% to 15 if not included. In cafes tipping is optional but appreciated. Hotel staff often appreciate small tips for service.
Cash in Chilean pesos is widely accepted for small purchases; credit and debit cards are accepted in most places; ATMs are common in cities; rural areas may rely more on cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours in the north and central zones, warmer temperatures in valleys, and windy but tolerable conditions in Patagonia.
Mild temperatures, harvest season in wine regions, and colorful foliage in some hills.
Central Chile cool and wet, Patagonia cold and windy with snow at higher elevations, and ski resorts in the Andes open for winter sports.
Rising temperatures, blooming landscapes in the south and central valleys, and good conditions for hiking before the summer crowds.
Chile at Night
Hiking in Chile
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Alpine scenery near Santiago with canyon trails and dam viewpoints.
Mild hikes through native flora and scenic mountaintop views.
Forested landscapes, lakes, and volcanic vistas near Osorno.
Iconic trekking in Patagonia with dramatic towers, glaciers, and lakes.
Airports
How to reach Chile by plane.
Chile's main international hub near Santiago with connections across the Americas and beyond.
Puerto Montt gateway to the Lake District and Patagonia transitions.
Iquique's main airport serving the northern desert coast.
Concepción area gateway to the south central regions.
Punta Arenas gateway to the far south and Patagonia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large, diverse populations in Santiago, Valparaíso, and the south with growing immigrant communities.
Mapuche and other groups in the south and east contribute to regional cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport with vibrant local league culture and a strong national team following.
Popular in the Andes at resorts like Portillo and Valle Nevado with reliable winter access.
Coastal towns like Pichilemu offer long, forgiving waves for all levels.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In major cities vegetarian options are common in restaurants. Look for palabras vegetarianas on menus and ask for dishes without meat or with cheese and eggs. In rural areas options may be more limited, so plan ahead and carry snacks if needed.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chile.