Chile
Travel guide & places to visit in South America
- Capital
- Santiago
- Currency
- Chilean Peso (CLP)
- Language
- Spanish (official)
- Best time
- October, November, December
About Chile
High-income Latin American economy. Mining (copper), wine, salmon, lithium. Most stable economy in South America.
Geography
Area: 756,102 sq km
- • Desert north (Atacama)
- • Mediterranean central
- • Oceanic south
- • Subpolar extreme south
Government
Type: presidential republic
Capital: Santiago
Economy
GDP: $317.1 billion
Per Capita: $16,800
Demographics
Population: 18,430,408
Languages: Spanish (official)
Religions: Catholic 45%, Evangelical 15%, none 35%
Explore Chile's Regions
Discover 16 distinct regions, each with unique landscapes and culture.
Major Cities in Chile
Explore 50 cities with unique attractions and experiences.
Places to Visit
Hand of the Desert
Chile
top
El Tatio
Chile
Santa Lucia hill
Chile
viewpoint
Mirador Cerro De La Cruz
Chile
cave
Marble caves
Chile
Coastline of Vina del Mar
Chile
Travel Essentials
Contact & Emergency
Phone Code: +56
Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
fire: 132
police: 133
ambulance: 131
Practical Info
Electricity: 220V / 50Hz / Type C, L
Driving: Right
Water: Safe to drink
Tipping
- • 10% in restaurants
- • Not expected in taxis
- • Tour guides: 5,000-10,000 CLP/day
When to Visit Chile
Best Months
October, November, December, March, April
Peak Season
Dec-Feb (summer, Patagonia)
Off Season
Jun-Aug (winter, ski season in Andes)
- Feb
Vina del Mar Music Festival
- Sep
Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias, Sep 18-19)
- Dec
Patagonia hiking season opens
Top Destinations in Chile
- 1Torres del Paine
- 2Atacama Desert
- 3Santiago
- 4Valparaiso
- 5Easter Island
- 6Lake District
- 7Patagonia glaciers
- 8Chiloe Island
- 9Elqui Valley
- 10Pucon
- 11Marble Caves
Cultural Tips
- Chileans greet with one kiss on the right cheek
- Once (afternoon tea) is an important social ritual
- Fiestas Patrias (Sep 18-19) is the biggest celebration
- Chilean Spanish is fast with lots of slang — don't worry if you don't understand
- Empanadas and wine are sacred
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chile safe?
Safest country in South America. Low crime in tourist areas. Standard precautions in Santiago. Patagonia and Atacama are very safe.
Daily budget?
Mid-range for South America. Budget: $40-60/day. Mid-range: $80-150. Santiago and Patagonia are priciest.
What to Buy in Chile
Countries Bordering Chile - Cross-Border Travel Guide
Plan seamless cross-border travel to countries bordering Chile. Discover visa requirements, border crossings, and multi-destination trip opportunities.
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