Travel to Chile

Chile will enchant you with its vast landscapes. Explore the dry silence of the Atacama Desert, taste delicious wines in the Casablanca Valley and discover the mystical islands of Patagonia. Chile is a country that will capture your heart with its variety.

Chile

Chile, the world’s longest country, enchants with diverse landscapes. From the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the vast Patagonia in the south, featuring snow-capped mountains, clear lakes, volcanoes, extensive forests, and stunning coastlines. Chile offers endless opportunities for adventurers, such as hiking in Torres del Paine National Park, skiing in the Andes, surfing in Pichilemu, stargazing in the Atacama Desert, or marveling at the mysterious Moai statues on Easter Island (Rapa Nui) in the Pacific Ocean. Chile is committed to sustainable tourism, allowing you to experience natural beauty with respect for the environment. In short, Chile welcomes travelers with natural splendor, adventure, culture, and hospitality

Location

Chile is a narrow but incredibly long, snake-like country of contrasts, from verdant vineyards to driest desert, deep fjords and towering glaciated volcanoes. Chile’s unusual geography features more than 5,000km of South Pacific Ocean coast. The country is almost 4,400km long but barely more than 160km at its widest.

Language

The official language in Chile is Spanish. English is common in large cities. The staff at hotels, restaurants, and our guides at tourist locations will speak English well.

Time

The official time is 3 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-3). During summer time difference between Amsterdam and Chile is 6 hours (it is 6 hours earlier in Chile). During winter the time difference is 4 hours.

When to Travel

Chile’s geographic and climatic diversity makes it an ideal country to visit throughout the year. The best time to visit Chile is November to March, when it is spring and summer. The temperatures are the most pleasant and there is little rainfall. Depending on where you want to go, some times are better than others. The Atacama Desert in the north is warm year-round, so you can visit the Atacama at any time. The central region has a temperate climate with distinct seasons, so the best time to visit is during the springtime from September to November, and the autumn from March to May. In Patagonia and the Lake District (from Puerto Varas southwards), the best time to visit is during the summer, from October to March, unless you want to hit the ski slopes - the skiing season is from June-August.

Health

Seek for medical advice before travelling to Chile from your local health practitioner and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide tetanus, diphtheria, polio, typhoid, hepatitis A (for stays over 4 weeks) and hepatitis B (for stays over 3 months) are recommended. Although the tap water in Chile's larger cities is generally considered safe to drink it has a high mineral content that can cause stomach upsets so it's safer to drink bottled water. If you're travelling outside of the major cities you definitely should not drink the tap water. Take a small first-aid kit along with you which includes iodine, plasters, sterilon and anti-fever, diarrhea, constipation, insect bites, sunburn and possibly a cure for motion sickness. Consider also a tick, thermometer (unbreakable), ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts, from dehydration) and vitamin tablets. Hygiene traveling including a bottle disinfectant gel (to wash your hands without the need for water and soap) and disinfecting wipes. If you go to a malaria area, think of anti-malaria tablets, an ointment containing DEET and an impregnated mosquito net.

Travel documents

A valid Dutch passport is needed upon entering Chile. Upon return in your home country the passport should be valid for 6 months more. No long stay visa is needed if your stay in Chile is no longer then three months. For all other nationalities, we advise you to contact the embassy or consulate of Chile. All travelers, including kids at any age need to carry their own international passport. Keep a copy of your passport and other documents in your luggage and keep a digital copy, for instance in your mail. In case you lose your original documents you still have the copies.

Security

Chile is a safe travel destination. But in Santiago, pickpocketing is common. Use common sense while traveling in Chile, just as you would in any other location.

Currency and banks

Chile's currency is the Chilean peso. Chile has plentiful banks and ATMs in major cities. In Patagonia, south of Puerto Montt, ATM machines are not as common, and credit cards are not as widely accepted, so bring cash. Easter Island and San Pedro de Atacama have ATMs, but sometimes run out of cash.

Transport

Travelling in Chile is easy, comfortable and, compared with Europe, inexpensive.

Internet

Internet is commonly available throughout Chile, almost all hotels provide good and free wireless internet (WIFI). Internet cafes in major cities are easy to find. Just ask for the "cafe de Internet." These have meanwhile become standard in Chile. Coverage is mainly limited to the big cities and along the Panamericana. If you bring a compatible (GSM only) cell phone to Chile, it will only work if your provider offers roaming. Chili uses GSM 1900 frequency, so check, if your cell phone supports this one (older European phones don't).

Electricity

The voltage in Chile is 220V. Sockets require plugs with three round pins in a line (with the middle one being an earth). Two-pronged European style plugs can also be used. However, we advise you to bring a power plug and/or voltage adapter.

What to expect from us?

Inspiration

On our website you can get acquainted with our selection of the most beautiful travel routes and favourite packages. Had enough inspiration? Then contact us, without obligation, and we will get to work for you!

Personal contact

Personal contact is our top priority. At your home, with us, or online, the choice is yours. Together we will make your dream journey. Our years of experience and local knowledge of your travel destinations guarantee a unique journey that is taken care of down to the last detail.