Traveling through Chile: desert, cities and extreme landscapes
Chile is a long and diverse country, where in just a few kilometers you can go from the driest desert in the world to volcanoes, glaciers and endless 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 can go from the driest desert in the world to volcanoes, glaciers and endless coastlines. Its extreme geography is combined with active cities, a strong cultural identity and landscapes that invite constant adventure and exploration.
Chile is a long and diverse country, with deserts, volcanoes, coasts, glaciers and a very strong cultural identity. These are some of the most outstanding destinations:
-
Santiago – Modern capital, urban hills and gateway to vineyards and the Andes.
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Valparaíso – Bohemian, colorful city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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San Pedro de Atacama – Desert, geysers, high-altitude lagoons and unique landscapes.
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Arica – Beaches, history and gateway to the far north.
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Iquique – Coastal city, beaches and nitrate mining heritage.
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La Serena – Beaches, clear skies and astronomical observatories.
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Puerto Varas – Lakes, volcanoes and German-influenced architecture.
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Chiloé – Wooden churches, traditions and nature.
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Torres del Paine – One of the most impressive national parks in the world.
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Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Ancestral culture and unique moai statues.
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Carretera Austral – Scenic route between fjords, forests and glaciers.
Chilean cuisine is simple, tasty and strongly based on seafood and local products:
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Empanadas de pino – Meat, onion, egg and olives.
-
Pastel de choclo – Corn-based bake with meat and chicken.
-
Cazuela – Traditional meat and vegetable soup.
-
Seafood – King crab, razor clams, “locos” and scallops.
-
Curanto – Traditional dish from Chiloé, cooked underground.
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Completo – Chilean hot dog with avocado, tomato and mayonnaise.
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Chilean wines – Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
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Pisco sour – Classic drink shared with Peru.
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Currency: Chilean peso (CLP).
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Language: Spanish.
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Plugs: type C and L, 220V.
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Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants.
-
Connectivity: very good in cities and tourist destinations.
-
Payments: cards widely accepted; cash useful in rural areas.
Due to its length, planning transportation is key:
-
Flight – Ideal for long distances (north–south).
-
Long-distance bus – Comfortable and well equipped.
-
Car – Excellent for scenic routes, desert and Patagonia.
-
Urban transport – Metro and buses in Santiago; local buses in cities.
-
Ferries – Required in the south and the Carretera Austral.
-
October to April – Best overall season.
-
Summer – Ideal for Patagonia, beaches and the south.
-
Winter – Good for the north and ski resorts.
-
Spring and autumn – Fewer tourists and pleasant weather.
The climate varies greatly between the northern desert, central region and Patagonia.
-
Book in advance for Patagonia and high season.
-
Bring clothing for different temperatures, even in the north.
-
Do not underestimate distances or travel times.
-
Try wines in vineyards near Santiago.
-
Use cash in small towns.
-
Respect national parks and environmental rules.
-
Explore local markets for good and affordable food.
We spent several weeks traveling through northern Chile: we stayed in Arica, Iquique, a few days in Santiago and crossed the Atacama Desert. The contrast is immediate: coastal cities with their own rhythm, the immense emptiness of the desert and the Andes always present on the horizon.
Chile feels organized, intense and deeply connected to its geography. The north, in particular, conveys a sense of vastness and silence that is hard to find elsewhere, where the landscape becomes the true protagonist of the journey.
Must-visit destinations in Chile
Chile is a long and diverse country, with deserts, volcanoes, coasts, glaciers and a very strong cultural identity. These are some of the most outstanding destinations:
-
Santiago – Modern capital, urban hills and gateway to vineyards and the Andes.
-
Valparaíso – Bohemian, colorful city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-
San Pedro de Atacama – Desert, geysers, high-altitude lagoons and unique landscapes.
-
Arica – Beaches, history and gateway to the far north.
-
Iquique – Coastal city, beaches and nitrate mining heritage.
-
La Serena – Beaches, clear skies and astronomical observatories.
-
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 between fjords, forests and glaciers.
What to eat in Chile (must-try)
Chilean cuisine is simple, tasty and strongly based on seafood and local products:
-
Empanadas de pino – Meat, onion, egg and olives.
-
Pastel de choclo – Corn-based bake with meat and chicken.
-
Cazuela – Traditional meat and vegetable soup.
-
Seafood – King crab, razor clams, “locos” and scallops.
-
Curanto – Traditional dish from Chiloé, cooked underground.
-
Completo – Chilean hot dog with avocado, tomato and mayonnaise.
-
Chilean wines – Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
-
Pisco sour – Classic drink shared with Peru.
Practical travel info for Chile
-
Currency: Chilean peso (CLP).
-
Language: Spanish.
-
Plugs: type C and L, 220V.
-
Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants.
-
Connectivity: very good in cities and tourist destinations.
-
Payments: cards widely accepted; cash useful in rural areas.
How to get around Chile
Due to its length, planning transportation is key:
-
Flight – Ideal for long distances (north–south).
-
Long-distance bus – Comfortable and well equipped.
-
Car – Excellent for scenic routes, desert and Patagonia.
-
Urban transport – Metro and buses in Santiago; local buses in cities.
-
Ferries – Required in the south and the Carretera Austral.
Best time to visit
-
October to April – Best overall season.
-
Summer – Ideal for Patagonia, beaches and the south.
-
Winter – Good for the north and ski resorts.
-
Spring and autumn – Fewer tourists and pleasant weather.
The climate varies greatly between the northern desert, central region and Patagonia.
Useful travel tips for Chile
-
Book in advance for Patagonia and high season.
-
Bring clothing for different temperatures, even in the north.
-
Do not underestimate distances or travel times.
-
Try wines in vineyards near Santiago.
-
Use cash in small towns.
-
Respect national parks and environmental rules.
-
Explore local markets for good and affordable food.
