South America
Welcome Kit
Chile
The longest and thinnest country in the world here in South America.
From the altiplano to the unexplored southern territories of the end of the world.
Highlights
In the South the beautiful city of Punta Arenas is the starting point of the tour towards places of special beauty and interest, such as the Torres del Paine, Fort Bulnes and the Antarctic continent.
In the central area, a very good option is to go on the Wine Route, visit winter resorts
highlighted by their ski fields, and of course, practice mountain climbing.
In the North, you can visit archaeological and astronomical sites. And of course the great Atacama desert among other attractions.
In the coast, the beaches and the national parks where you can practice ecotourism activities.
General Facts
Chile includes a long narrow strip of land known as continental Chile, between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, bordered in the north with Peru, the east by Bolivia and Argentina, and south by the Drake Passage.
In addition, island territories in the Pacific Ocean as the Juan Fernandez archipelago, the islands Desventuradas Sala y Gomez Island and Easter Island, the last two located in Polynesia, a total area of 756 102,4 km².
Due to its extension, Chile is a country of beautiful and great contrasts, which constantly surprises as it offers a wide variety of possibilities to do within its territory.
Its continental territory occupies part of the southern part of the continent and limits to the north with Bolivia and Peru; to the east with Argentina; to the west and south with the Pacific Ocean.
Map Location
Documentation
A valid Passport.
Most countries in America and
Western Europe do not require a visa.
Insurance information.
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Best Time to Go
The best season for visiting Chile depends on whether you’re going to Patagonia, Atacama or Santiago.
Summer is the best time to visit Patagonia with warmer temperatures perfect for outdoor adventure.
Best time for excursions. Busy season.
High temperatures during day.
Low Season (jun-aug)
Ideal for visits without crowds.
Snow falls are usual.
Clothing
To visit Chile is to enjoy its nature and spend time outdoors. At any of the extremes of the country, it is advisable to wear dark glasses and a sun block. The south and the high places are windy.
Depending on the time of year and the places you visit, you will need to be equipped against the cold or rain. In the temperate zones, a light raincoat that protects from a shower, that also acts as a windcheater and that can always be carried in your backpack. Some warm clothes of the type of polar lining or some fiber of less weight and less volume can also be convenient.
In the north, the Atacama Desert has a harsh climate and will force you to protect yourself from the heat. A breathable dress and light pants. At nightfall, a little coat may be necessary.
Of course, if you intend to walk in open spaces, we recommend you to wear trekking style shoes or a pair of sandals for walking; the same as folding sticks for longer or harder tours.
Healthcare
Altitude Sickness
It is not unusual in the Andes.
Take it easy when you land in Atacama and try not to do anything too strenuous.
Check with your doctor before coming if in doubt.
Packing
Chilean flights allow, as their restrictions are limited to 50 pounds (23 kg) per person.
Currency
Peso Chileno.
Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity
Chile: 220 V – 60 Hz.
Plugs Type C / I
Local Taxes
Foodie
Chilean gastronomy has become one of the most acclaimed in all of Latin America.
The mix between indigenous tradition and Spanish colonial contribution has created a rich culinary culture, with traces of the best European cuisines, such as German, Italian and French.
These elements have shaped what is known today as “Chilean Creole cuisine,” which stands out for its flavor, ingredients, and the color of its dishes, as well as a great regional variety, which make up a rich and internationally acclaimed cuisine. Chile’s geographical diversity has led to the emergence of different types of cuisine, with very varied recipes.
In all varieties, the dishes have been influenced by indigenous cultures, mixing poultry, meat, seafood and fish with different seasonings typical of each region.
Some of the typical dishes of the country are:
Chumbeque: A typical sweet from northern Chile, made from butter, flour and layers of fruit honeys, such as lemon or mango.
Choriqueso: is a small piece of bread filled with chorizo paste and melted cheese. The traditional thing is to eat it with a glass of milk with banana.
Curanto: Traditional indigenous preparation typical of Chiloé The original one is called “curanto en hoyo”, since it has a very particular cooking method: a hole is dug, stones are introduced and a fire is made until they are red-hot. Then the ingredients are introduced, which are usually potatoes, sausages, pork, beef, clams and mussels. Then it is covered with nalca leaves and a layer of earth, and it is left to cook.
Chorrillana: Some say that this dish has its origin in Valparaiso, others in the Peruvian port of Chorrillos. The truth is that the only place to eat it is in Chile, and it is already a national emblem. Its ingredients are simple: a good source of chips, fried onion, sausage, chopped beef and fried eggs on top. This dish is obviously too much for one person, so it is always shared among friends, usually with a cold lager beer. The best places to try it, which have even won prizes, are the restaurants El Pimentón and Bar Victoria, both located in Valparaíso.
Pastel de Jaiba: Prepared from the meat of the legs of crabs caught off the coast of
Chile, this dish is the emblem of many restaurants on the coast, which compete to have the best cake in the area. In addition to crab, the preparation includes bread, milk, garlic, onion and cheese. This delicacy will bring all the flavor of the sea to your mouth.
Sopaipillas: Very popular and widespread preparation from north to south. It is very
common to eat them when it rains, and these fried doughs are made of wheat flour,
butter, and cooked pumpkin. In southern Chile, Sopaipillas are a little different, as they don’t contain pumpkin and are more like fried bread.
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Activities
Crossing the Atacama Desert
Cross the dunes of the Atacama, the driest desert in the world, with its salt flats, hot springs and geysers, by four–wheel drive vehicle.
Contemplate the cosmopolitan life of Santiago de Chile
Santiago is a box of surprises. There is much to discover in its streets and neighborhoods, where modernity coexists with the most deeply rooted local traditions. You’ll find everything from small cafés, designer shops, good bookshops and fine craft shops to large shopping centers and long blocks of luxury brand shops.
Skiing on the hillsides of the Andes
When Santiago is covered in white, skiers and lovers of this sport know that it is time to climb the mountains in Farellones, El Colorado, La Parva, Valle Nevado and Portillo, among others.
Each one has different characteristics and has different approaches according to the needs of the visitor and his or her level or skill in skiing.
Torres del Paine National Park
This national park is located in the extreme south of Chilean Patagonia, 147 kilometers from the city of Puerto Natales. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978 and is the third largest Chilean national park in terms of visitors. It is a protected space of 242,000 hectares with a moving network of ecosystems that includes lakes, glaciers, rivers, extensive prairies, waterfalls, forests and its particular granite towers that have positioned Chile as one of the best natural destinations on the planet.