Traveling through Chile: Desert, Cities, and Extreme Landscapes
Chile is a long and diverse country, where in just a few kilometers you go from the driest desert in the world to volcanoes, glaciers, and infinite coastlines. Its extreme geography is combined with active cities, a strong cultural identity, and landscapes that invite constant adventure and exploration.
Traveling through Chile: Desert, Cities, and Extreme Landscapes
Chile is a long and diverse country, where in just a few kilometers you go from the driest desert in the world to volcanoes, glaciers, and infinite coastlines. Its extreme geography is combined with active cities, a strong cultural identity, and landscapes that invite constant adventure and exploration.
We spent several weeks traveling through northern Chile: we were in Arica, Iquique, a few days in Santiago, and we crossed the Atacama Desert. The contrast is immediate: coastal cities with their own rhythm, the immense void of the desert, and the mountain range always present on the horizon.
Chile feels orderly, intense, and very connected to its geography. The north, in particular, conveys a sense of breadth and silence difficult to find elsewhere, where the landscape is the true protagonist of the trip.
Must-See Destinations in Chile
Chile is a long and diverse country. To plan better for 2026, you can divide it into three main areas: the Norte Grande (desert and Andean culture), the Central Zone (valleys and cities), and the South/Patagonia (lakes and glaciers).
- Santiago – Modern capital, urban hills, and a base for vineyards and the mountain range.
- Valparaíso – Bohemian, colorful city and a World Heritage site.
- San Pedro de Atacama – Desert, geysers, highland lagoons, and unique landscapes.
- Arica – Beach, history, and the gateway to the far north.
- Iquique – Coastal city, beaches, and saltpeter heritage.
- La Serena – Beaches, clear skies, and astronomical observatories (ideal for astrotourism).
- Puerto Varas – Lakes, volcanoes, and German-influenced architecture.
- Chiloé – Wooden churches, traditions, and nature.
- Torres del Paine – One of the most impressive national parks in the world.
- Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Ancestral culture and unique moai statues.
- Carretera Austral – Scenic route through fjords, forests, and glaciers.
What to Eat in Chile (Must-Try)
Chilean gastronomy is simple, tasty, and closely linked to the sea and local products:
- Empanadas de pino – Meat, onion, egg, and olives.
- Pastel de choclo – Corn-based dish with meat and chicken, baked in the oven.
- Cazuela – Traditional meat and vegetable soup.
- Seafood – King crab (centolla), razor clams (machas - try them "a la parmesana"), Chilean abalone (locos), and scallops.
- Curanto – Typical dish from Chiloé, cooked underground.
- Completo – Chilean hot dog with avocado, tomato, and mayonnaise (the "Italiano" is king).
- Chilean Wines – Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Pisco Sour – A classic drink shared with Peru.
Practical Info for Traveling in Chile
- Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP).
- Language: Spanish.
- Plugs: Types C and L (three pins in a line), 220V.
- Tips: It is customary to leave 10% in restaurants (it usually comes suggested on the bill).
- Connectivity: Very good in cities; it may fail in the Carretera Austral or deep desert.
- Payments: Cards are widely accepted; cash is useful in rural areas and for tips.
- Borders (SAG): Chile is very strict. Do not enter with fresh food (fruit, honey, meat); customs fines are severe.
How to Get Around Chile
Due to its length, planning your transfers well is key:
- Plane – Ideal for long distances (north–south). Low-cost airlines work very well if you buy in advance.
- Long-distance Bus – Comfortable and well-equipped ("Salón Cama" buses are excellent).
- Car – Excellent for scenic routes, the desert, and Patagonia.
- Urban Transport – Metro and buses (Red) in Santiago; local buses in other cities.
- Ferries – Necessary in the south and along the Carretera Austral.
Best Time to Travel
- October to April – Best time in general for almost the entire country.
- Summer (January/February) – Ideal for Patagonia, beaches, and the south, but it is very high season.
- Winter (June to August) – Good for the north and ski centers near Santiago.
- Spring and Autumn – Fewer tourists and pleasant weather in the central zone.
The climate varies greatly between the northern desert, the central zone, and Patagonia.
Useful Reminders for Traveling in Chile
- Book in advance for Patagonia (Torres del Paine) and high season.
- Bring clothes for different temperatures ("onion" layering technique), even in the north due to the thermal amplitude.
- Do not underestimate distances or travel times; the map is deceptive because of how narrow the country is.
- Try wines at vineyards near Santiago (Maipo or Casablanca Valleys).
- Use cash in small towns and to pay for local transport (colectivos).
- Respect national parks and environmental regulations (Chile is very careful with its nature).
- Take advantage of local markets (like La Vega in Santiago) to eat well and at a good price.
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Chile is a long and diverse country. To plan better for 2026, you can divide it into three main areas: the Norte Grande (desert and Andean culture), the Central Zone (valleys and cities), and the South/Patagonia (lakes and glaciers).
- Santiago – Modern capital, urban hills, and a base for vineyards and the mountain range.
- Valparaíso – Bohemian, colorful city and a World Heritage site.
- San Pedro de Atacama – Desert, geysers, highland lagoons, and unique landscapes.
- Arica – Beach, history, and the gateway to the far north.
- Iquique – Coastal city, beaches, and saltpeter heritage.
- La Serena – Beaches, clear skies, and astronomical observatories (ideal for astrotourism).
- Puerto Varas – Lakes, volcanoes, and German-influenced architecture.
- Chiloé – Wooden churches, traditions, and nature.
- Torres del Paine – One of the most impressive national parks in the world.
- Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Ancestral culture and unique moai statues.
- Carretera Austral – Scenic route through fjords, forests, and glaciers.
Chilean gastronomy is simple, tasty, and closely linked to the sea and local products:
- Empanadas de pino – Meat, onion, egg, and olives.
- Pastel de choclo – Corn-based dish with meat and chicken, baked in the oven.
- Cazuela – Traditional meat and vegetable soup.
- Seafood – King crab (centolla), razor clams (machas - try them "a la parmesana"), Chilean abalone (locos), and scallops.
- Curanto – Typical dish from Chiloé, cooked underground.
- Completo – Chilean hot dog with avocado, tomato, and mayonnaise (the "Italiano" is king).
- Chilean Wines – Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Pisco Sour – A classic drink shared with Peru.
- Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP).
- Language: Spanish.
- Plugs: Types C and L (three pins in a line), 220V.
- Tips: It is customary to leave 10% in restaurants (it usually comes suggested on the bill).
- Connectivity: Very good in cities; it may fail in the Carretera Austral or deep desert.
- Payments: Cards are widely accepted; cash is useful in rural areas and for tips.
- Borders (SAG): Chile is very strict. Do not enter with fresh food (fruit, honey, meat); customs fines are severe.
Due to its length, planning your transfers well is key:
- Plane – Ideal for long distances (north–south). Low-cost airlines work very well if you buy in advance.
- Long-distance Bus – Comfortable and well-equipped ("Salón Cama" buses are excellent).
- Car – Excellent for scenic routes, the desert, and Patagonia.
- Urban Transport – Metro and buses (Red) in Santiago; local buses in other cities.
- Ferries – Necessary in the south and along the Carretera Austral.
- October to April – Best time in general for almost the entire country.
- Summer (January/February) – Ideal for Patagonia, beaches, and the south, but it is very high season.
- Winter (June to August) – Good for the north and ski centers near Santiago.
- Spring and Autumn – Fewer tourists and pleasant weather in the central zone.
The climate varies greatly between the northern desert, the central zone, and Patagonia.
- Book in advance for Patagonia (Torres del Paine) and high season.
- Bring clothes for different temperatures ("onion" layering technique), even in the north due to the thermal amplitude.
- Do not underestimate distances or travel times; the map is deceptive because of how narrow the country is.
- Try wines at vineyards near Santiago (Maipo or Casablanca Valleys).
- Use cash in small towns and to pay for local transport (colectivos).
- Respect national parks and environmental regulations (Chile is very careful with its nature).
- Take advantage of local markets (like La Vega in Santiago) to eat well and at a good price.
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