Chile

Key facts

• Region: South America — Sovereign states
• Capital: Santiago
• Currency: Chilean peso (CLP)
• Languages: Spanish
• Main airport: SCL — Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, serving Santiago
• Best time to visit: October to March for central Chile and Patagonia; the Atacama and the far north are workable year-round

Overview

Chile is a long, narrow country running some 4,300 km from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia, with the Andes on one side and the Pacific on the other. That range gives it more distinct environments than its size suggests, from the driest desert on earth to temperate rainforest and glaciers. It is generally the most orderly and expensive country in the region, which makes travel easy for first-time visitors.

Airports

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago is the main international gateway and the hub for domestic flights south. Cerro Moreno International Airport (ANF) serves Antofagasta in the north, and Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) serves Iquique. El Tepual International Airport (PMC) serves Puerto Montt in the Lake District, and Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) serves Punta Arenas in Patagonia. Easter Island is served by Mataveri International Airport (IPC).

Main cities

Santiago is the capital and the practical base for most trips, with the Andes visible from the city. Valparaíso, an hour away, is a port city of steep hills, funiculars and street art. Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt are the main towns of the Lake District. In the north, San Pedro de Atacama is the base for desert excursions, and Punta Arenas is the southern hub for Patagonia.

Places to go

Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia is the country's best-known trekking destination, with the W and O circuits. The Atacama Desert offers the Valle de la Luna, the El Tatio geysers and high-altitude salt flats. Easter Island's moai statues are a five-hour flight from Santiago. The Marble Caves on Lake General Carrera and the Carretera Austral give access to remote southern scenery, and Chiloé Island is known for its wooden churches and palafitos. The wine valleys around Santiago, including Casablanca and Colchagua, are easy day trips.

Getting there

Cheapest cached round-trip fare into Chile, refreshed every 6 hours:

Where to stay

Practical information

Frequently asked