Welcome to Chile

Chile is for the outdoor enthusiasts, the culture seekers and the adventurers among us. And if you love a good glass of vino, you’re even more in luck. Within this colossal natural playground, you can wander through fertile valleys, scale massive glaciers and the Andes mountains, hike through ancient forests and gape at fantastic fjords.

Set out on a photo safari in the Lake District, explore the Atacama Desert and trek the classic circuits of Torres del Paine National Park. Visit isolated, uninhabited Easter Island and wonder about its mystifying moai statues. Go fly fishing in Patagonia. Shop and dine in colorful, eclectic Valparaiso and partake of the region’s wine culture – a celebration of reds, white and rosés for every taste and occasion.

Savor a pisco sour in Santiago’s boho neighborhoods and stroll through the renowned Central Market. Striking in every way, Chile offers limitless adventure.

Unique Facts

• Swim in the world’s largest swimming pool. It’s in Algarrobo, Chile and is the length of 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools. It holds 66 million gallons of water.
• Chile is home to the oldest mummies in the world. These Chinchoor mummified remains were from the ancient Chinchorro tribe of the Atacama Desert between 5050 and 3000 BC.
• The Atacama Desert is the highest and driest desert on Earth. It averages only 0.6 inches of rainfall annually. Additionally, its conditions are believed to be similar to those found on Mars, so scientists have used the desert to test Mars rovers. What’s more, it’s one of the best places in the world for observing the Milky Way.
• There are two permanent civilian bases on the continent of Antarctica and one of them belongs to Chile – Villa Las Estrellas.

Language

Chile’s official language is Spanish.

When To Go

With its size and number of latitudes, Chile can be visited year-round. The South American summer is from November to March and offers warm temperatures. Spring and fall are also delightful, with minimal rainfall and plenty of sun. The rainy season is the winter, but this also means skiing and other snow sports in the Andes.

The Mediterranean climate of central Chile makes for four distinct seasons.

In the northern desert, expect sunny days and cold nights.

“Bolivian” winter refers to the area of the far north where there is sporadic rainfall from December through February.

The best time to go to Patagonia is from October to April. The windiest months in the remote areas, near Torres del Paine, are December through February.

Airports

Santiago International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for duration of stay.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None required for stays of 90 days or less

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Chile: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and L. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Chilean Peso

Getting Around

Driving in Chile is relatively safe and the road conditions are very good.

Taxis and public transportation are generally safe and relatively inexpensive. To use the public bus system in Santiago, obtain the prepaid “Bip” card; this can also be used on the Santiago subway.

Long-distance buses offer inter-regional trips. Flying is often the quickest and easiest way to travel between distant points within the country.

Driver’s License

Valid US driver’s license required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Santiago
Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes
Santiago, Chile
Telephone: +(56)(2) 2330-3000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(56)(2) 2330-3000
Emergency Working-Hours Telephone: +(56)(2) 2330-3716
Fax: +(56)(2) 2330-3710
SantiagoUSA@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Center
Avenida Providencia 1550
Santiago de Chile
Tel: 600-600-60-66
turismoatiende@sernatur.cl

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 131
Fire: 132
Police: 133

Safety and Security

The crime rate is moderate in Chile. Street crime and car jackings are common, especially in Santiago, Valparaiso, Viña del Mar, Antofagasta, Calama and Iquique.
Pickpocking and muggings occur frequently in Santiago’s popular tourist sites.

Keep all valuables on you when taking buses, especially to or from Calama and San Pedro de Atacama.

Credit card fraud is a concern. Never allow your credit card to be charged outside of your view.