Chile

Hike among the spectacular mountains, forests, glaciers, lakes and rolling Pampas in magical Patagonia

Explore the mountains, valleys, salt flats and geysers of northern Chile’s dramatic Atacama Desert

Soak up culture, history, architecture and entertainment in Chile’s capital and oldest city, Santiago

Experience the colourful Chilean culture first hand by taking part in one of the country’s many festivals

Try your hand at watersports or just relax on one of Chile’s stunning beaches

Get your heart racing in Pucón, Chile’s year-round adventure sports mecca

Shop for traditional handicrafts at Chile’s most colourful market, La Feria de Chillán

Visit the mysterious Easter Island, the most isolated inhabited place on Earth, and home to the intriguing monumental sculptures of the early Rapa Nui people

Chile’s geography spans over 4,000km from north to south, resulting in dramatic regional climate contrasts. In the north, the Atacama Desert—the driest non-polar desert on Earth—experiences warm, dry conditions year-round. Daytime temperatures typically range between 22–28°C (72–82°F), while nights can be cool, dropping to 5–10°C (41–50°F), especially at altitude. Rainfall is rare, but occasional summer showers may occur in higher regions. In central Chile, including Santiago and the Lake District, spring to autumn (October to April) brings warm, dry days with temperatures reaching 25–30°C (77–86°F). Winter months (June to August) are cooler and wetter. In Patagonia and Torres del Paine, expect highly changeable weather. During the main trekking season (November to March), daytime temperatures average 10–18°C (50–64°F), with nights between 0–5°C (32–41°F). Strong winds, rain, and sudden cold snaps are common year-round, and snow is possible at higher elevations, even in summer. Layered clothing and good-quality waterproofs are essential.

Chile is -4 hours behind UTC/GMT time

Spanish (99.5% - official); English (10.2%); indigenous languages (1% - includes Mapudungun, Aymara, Quechua, Rapa Nui); other

Peso

US dollars are easily changed.

Credit card facilities and ATM’s are available in most major cities, however it is not recommended to rely on these solely.

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Electricity in Chile is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C (2 round prong, also known as the standard ‘Euro’ plug). Type L is also widely spread (3 round prong).

Electricity in Chile is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C (2 round prong, also known as the standard ‘Euro’ plug). Type L is also widely spread (3 round prong).

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.