Chile holidays
Holidays to Chile are about experiencing the country’s staggering contrasts, from the parched deserts in the north to the windswept wilds of Patagonia in the south. But between the natural wonders, you’ll find a land scaled to life’s simple pleasures. From storied wine regions and charming coastal cities to a cultural scene that celebrates Indigenous traditions and contemporary expression, see why Chile is one of South America’s brightest stars.
Top destinations in Chile
Santiago
Backed by soaring peaks, Santiago pairs city buzz with outdoor escapes. With easy access to Chile’s famed wine country, this capital serves up adventure, culture and flavour in spades.
Valparaíso
Valparaíso charms with crumbling mansions, hidden stairways and vibrant murals. Once a maritime powerhouse, it’s now a haven for poets, painters and seekers of offbeat coastal beauty.
San Pedro de Atacama
The gateway to the Atacama, San Pedro is a launchpad for endless salt flats, otherworldly valleys and turquoise lagoons. Say hello to your next big adventure.
Chile: fast facts
Language
Spanish
Currency
Chilean peso (CLP$)
Time zone
Santiago - UTC-4 (CLT) and UTC-3 (CLST)
Chile holiday highlights
Unmatched nature
Many come here to explore Chile’s vast geography, and for good reason. The variety of nature-bound experiences can be overwhelming, from trekking Torres del Paine to skiing in the Andes and stargazing in the Atacama Desert. For wildlife lovers, see the penguin colonies on Magdalena Island. Or join tours to spot humpbacks and blue whales in Patagonia.
Creative expression
It’s hard to ignore Chile’s pulsing creativity. You’ll experience it in street art, bohemian neighbourhoods and its strong independent gallery scene. Some of the top things to see in Chile are found in the artsy enclaves of Valparaiso and Santiago. Don’t miss Pablo Neruda’s house museums, artisan markets and national galleries. Keep an eye out for live music and theatre productions too.
Wine country
Taking advantage of the country’s diverse climate, Chileans have been harvesting grapes here for close to 500 years. Today, young and innovative winemakers work alongside veteran vintners to deliver some of the best bottles on the continent. To sample Chile’s signature grape, carménère, head to the Colchagua and Maipo valleys. Chardonnay lover? Find the good stuff in the Casablanca and Limarí valleys.
Things to do in Chile
Top attractions
Home to stunning peaks and glaciers, Parque Nacional Patagonia is the perfect launchpad for first-timers to the region. For diehard historians, nothing beats seeing the mysteries of hundreds of stone heads at Rapa Nui (Easter Island). And if you’re a lover of poetry, don’t miss La Sebastiana in Valparaiso for a glimpse inside the quirky world of literary master Pablo Neruda.
Family friendly
Young adventurers should take advantage of the many activities near San Pedro de Atacama, such as a walk through Moon Valley, a dip in the Puritama Hot Springs and a slide down the dunes of Death Valley. While in the capital, sample the selection of interactive museums, including Museo Artequin, Museo Interactivo Las Condes and Museo Interactivo Mirador.
Beaches
The coast rolls alongside the Pacific for over 6,000 kilometres, with inviting waters in the north, barreling surf in the centre and a rugged coastline in the south. Viña del Mar is a resort town with all the trimmings, while Bahía Inglesa is where the desert meets the ocean. Spot penguins on Chiloé Island. And wave riders should paddle straight to Pichilemu, Chile’s surfing capital.
Nature
Chile is home to incredible natural sights. On General Carrera Lake, float beneath the swirling blue cathedrals of the Marble Caves. At El Tatio, see high-altitude geysers shoot steam skyward at dawn. Or watch active volcanoes like Llaima, where past eruptions have created sculptural lava landscapes. To hear the roaring crack of shifting glaciers, look no further than Pío XI (Brüggen) Glacier and Garibaldi Glacier.
Cuisine
Chile’s cuisine is as diverse as its geography. The best restaurants in Chile reflect this, serving coastal seafood, Andean mountain fare and modern native flavours. Bread is beloved — seek out ‘pan amasado’ (doughy rolls), ‘hallulla’ (flat rolls) and ‘sopaipilla’ (fried pumpkin rolls). Finish your culinary tour with fresh empanadas and a glass of local wine.
Culture and museums
The most compelling museums in Chile reveal layers of the national story. Explore ancient Mapuche artefacts at the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and the sobering exhibits at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, which documents the Pinochet era. The National Museum of Natural History rounds out the cultural landscape with fascinating displays of Chile’s unique biodiversity.
Find the best time to visit Chile
Weather in Chile
March – May: Autumn offers great wildlife spotting in Patagonia, plus cheaper rates and fewer crowds. March and April on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) signal mild days perfect for exploring the ruins.
June – August: Braving the winter nights in the Atacama Desert will reward you with spectacular views of the Milky Way. In the south, expect cold, wet conditions.
September – November: The lush greenery of Chile’s wine country is hard to beat come spring. The longer, sunny days are also perfect for hiking the national parks of the Lake District.
December – February: The climate varies dramatically between Chile’s north and south. In summer, head for the central beaches and enjoy the chill vibe of Santiago.
Events in Chile
Tapati Festival (February): What originally started in the 1970s as a way for the Indigenous people of Rapa Nui to preserve tradition has turned into a two-week cultural celebration of folklore, music, dance and high-stakes tobogganing.
Wine Harvest Festival (March): Locals have been making wine in Chile since the 16th century — and it’s thought that ‘Fiesta de la Vendimia’ (the Wine Harvest Festival) is just as old. Today’s festival is best experienced in the country’s central wine region and around Curico, where you can sample vintages, stomp grapes and catch concerts.
Indigenous New Year (June): The winter solstice marks the beginning of a new year for the Quechua, Rapa Nui, Aymara and Mapuche peoples and an opportunity to honour nature.
Know before you go
Getting around Chile
Public transportation
Buses: Buses are great for travelling around Chile on a budget. Long-haul journeys can take more than eight hours, so opt for a semi-cama fare for extra comfort and pack plenty of snacks. Pullman and Turbus are reputable companies with extensive networks.
Trains: Passenger rail only exists south of Santiago and is known to suffer from delays and disruptions. There has been talk that Chile will invest in more infrastructure, but for now, it’s best to travel by bus or plane.
Boats: Local ferries are good for accessing the sprawling archipelago in the country’s south. Puerto Montt and Chaiten are major gateways to Chiloé and other islands. Ferries also operate on some of the larger lakes in the Lake District.
Domestic flights
With some organised planning, air travel can prove the fastest and easiest way to navigate Chile’s expanse. It’s also the best way to reach Rapa Nui. The three main players are LATAM, Sky and JetSmart.
Driving
If you’re keen to travel at your own pace, consider hiring a car. Be sure to always have your driver’s licence ready and stick to the speed limit. And you’ll want to buckle up while behind the wheel, as fines can be stiff.
