Chile FAQs

Thinking of travelling to Chile?

Chile’s mix of unique and lively cities, beautiful scenic landscapes, and unmatched natural wonders makes it one of Latin America’s most rewarding destinations.

At Llama Travel, we have sold holidays to Latin America since 2002, and alongside our core ‘Natural Wonders of Chile’ tour, our wider range includes multi-centre holidays combining Chile with Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, and we offer a range of excursions to help you mix and match your dream holiday. The below FAQs hope to answer some of the most common queries relating to travelling to Chile from the UK; if you are ready to book, enquire about our departures here and one our in-house Travel Experts will be in touch.

Before You Go

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Chile from the UK?

A: UK citizens do not need a visa to enter Chile and do not need to pay an immigration entry fee.

Q: What vaccinations do I need for Chile?

A: There are no specific vaccination requirements for UK travellers visiting Chile. It is recommended by TravelHealthPro that most travellers get a Tetanus vaccination before travelling, but specific guidance will vary case by case. You can find the full TravelHealthPro guidance on Chile here. We recommend contacting your GP or a travel health professional between 6 and 8 weeks before your departure to clarify your specific requirements.

Q: What should I pack for a holiday in Chile?

A: In Santiago, daytime temperatures from October to April tend to be around 20°C - 30°C and night-time temperatures around 10°C. Daytime highs in Torres del Paine from October to April are around 12°C – 20°C and night-time temperatures can drop to 2°C or 3°C. Although rain is usually not heavy, it can get very windy, and wind chill can make the temperatures feel 7 or 8 degrees cooler.

In Puerto Varas, daytime highs from October to April tend to be around 15°C - 20°C and night-time temperatures around 6°C - 10°C. Although this is the driest period, rain is common throughout the year.

Daytime highs in the Atacama Desert are around 20°C – 25°C and night-time temperatures are around 12°C. Daytime highs on Easter Island are around 20°C – 25°C and night-time temperatures are around 15°C - 20°C.

Due to the variations in weather, we recommend taking a variety of clothing, suitable for warm and cold weather. Rain is possible throughout the year, so waterproofs are also recommended.

We recommend you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

Q: What plug socket do I need for Chile?

A: Electricity in Chile is 220V, and plugs are of the round two-pin type.

Practical Information

Q: Where is Chile, and which part will I be visiting?

A: Chile covers around half of South America’s west coast, bordered by Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, and Argentina to the east. All of the nation’s western coastline looks out over the Pacific Ocean. From north to south, Chile is the world’s longest country. On Llama Travel’s standalone Chile itinerary, ‘Natural Wonders of Chile’, stays in several destinations throughout the country are included.

Santiago is the cultural, social and economic hub of Chile. The city boasts an incredible backdrop of snow-capped peaks of over 6,000 metres, and the surrounding vineyards produce some excellent wine. Santiago was founded in 1541 by Pedro Valdivia after he was dispatched to look for more territory for the Spanish crown by Francisco Pizarro, who had recently conquered Peru. The centre retains many of the city’s historic buildings, but outside of the centre, Santiago has become a city of gleaming steel-and-glass skyscrapers, with an incredible level of building taking place in recent years. Although this means that the city can feel somewhat sterile, it has excellent facilities, and the historic centre still retains much charm.

Puerto Varas is a small town in the Chilean Lake District located 12 miles from the nearby, larger town of Puerto Montt. It is situated on the shore of Lago Llanquihue and boasts excellent views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. The city was founded in 1854 and was named after Antonio Varas, interior minister at the time. In the mid-19th century there was a large influx of Europeans to Chile, in particular from German-speaking countries. More than 6,000 families (between 30,000 and 40,000 Germans) settled in northern Patagonia. They chose northern Patagonia as the land around Lago Llanquilhue was offered to settle and farm. Puerto Varas was founded as the main port on the lake and is connected to Puerto Montt by road. As a result, many of the houses and churches in Puerto Varas show clear signs of German architecture. Several of the buildings have been declared cultural heritage sights, including the Sacred Heart Church and the Kuschel House.

Puerto Natales is a small town, founded in 1911 as a port for the sheep industry. Although there is little to see in the town itself, its setting on the Last Hope Sound is beautiful, and the sunrises are particularly special. There is also some birdlife here, including black-necked swans and flamingos. The town now mainly serves people travelling to the Torres del Paine National Park, and there are many hotels, restaurants, shops and other facilities.

Torres del Paine is one of the great national parks in South America, covering over 180,000 hectares and including mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. It is home to much wildlife, including pumas (rarely seen), foxes, guanacos (a type of llama), condors and rhea. The Torres del Paine National Park is wonderful for more active pursuits, many of which can be carried out from your hotel. Due to the remoteness and cost of transportation, organised excursions in Torres del Paine are expensive. The trekking is some of the best in South America, and there are many good day hikes in the area. Some of these are very challenging, and as the weather can change quickly, appropriate clothing should be worn. Sturdy walking boots are also recommended. Guided treks are arranged by the hotels. There is also excellent horse-riding arranged through the hotels. Bicycles can be hired from the hotels, and the roads are in good condition.

We also offer several optional extensions to the core ‘Natural Wonders’ itinerary:

San Pedro de Atacama is located beautifully in the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world. The surrounding area consists of barren moonscapes, vast salt flats, strange rock formations, multi-coloured lakes and geysers. Excursions to these areas are the main attractions when visiting San Pedro, although you can also just relax around the hotel swimming pool, enjoying the views of the 5,900-metre high Licancabur volcano. The area is also the most important archaeological site in mainland Chile and was home to several pre-Hispanic cultures, with ruins visible in the surrounding desert. The town has been inhabited since the 15th century.

Easter Island is the most remote inhabited island on Earth, almost 2,200 miles from the coast of Chile - this is almost the same as the distance from London to Timbuktu. This volcanic island, in the South Pacific, is only 15 miles across at its widest point and has a highest point over 500 metres above sea level. However, it is home to a culture which created 800 giant stone Moai statues, making this one of the world’s most enigmatic places. The Moai, weighing up to 86 tonnes, are giant stone heads and bodies, each carved individually, all similar in style, but slightly different. These have been erected on platforms around the island, almost all facing inland, protecting the islanders.

Q: What is the population of Chile?

A: The population of Chile is around 20 million people.

Q: What is the capital city of Chile?

A: Santiago is the capital of Chile.

Q: What is the time difference between Chile and the UK?

A: For most of the UK summer (April to October), Chile is 5 hours behind the UK. For most of the UK winter (November to August), Chile is 4 hours behind.

There are a couple of brief periods (a few weeks a year) where these fluctuate due to the UK and Chile changing their clocks at different times. From early September to late October, Chile is only 3 hours behind the UK, and from late March to early April, Chile is 4 hours behind the UK.

Q: How long does it take to fly from the UK to Chile?

A: Llama Travel’s tours include direct flights from the UK to Santiago. The flight tends to take around 14.5 hours.

If you choose to fly from a regional airport in the UK, your flight time will depend on your layover time and location, but this can generally take between 16 and 20 hours.

Q: What language is spoken in Chile?

A: Spanish is the dominant language throughout much of Chile.

Q: What is the currency in Chile?

A: The currency in Chile is the Peso. Travellers should take local currency or US dollars as other currencies are not widely accepted in any form.

Q: What’s the weather like in Chile?

A: Due to its southern hemisphere location, Chile experiences inverse seasons to the UK. Summer is between November and March, while winter runs from June to August. a

In central Chile (where Santiago and Valparaiso are located), the climate is similar to that in the Mediterranean. Summer (peaking in January and February) is hot and dry, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C. In winter (June to August), temperatures drop to around 10°C-15°C. Spring is mild and transitional.

The far north and the Atacama Desert are one of the driest places on Earth, with temperatures generally between 20°C and 30°C.

The Lake District is warm and pleasant throughout the summer, averaging in the mid-20s°C, but cold and overcast in the winter.

Chilean Patagonia, for Punta Arenas and the Torres del Paine, is unpredictable: cool to mild in the winter, around 15°C on the warmest days, dropping to 0°C or below at the peak of winter.

Q: Do people speak English in Chile?

A: Our guides in Chile or by hotel staff, all of whom are well trained and speak English. Some locals may speak English, but Spanish remains by far and away the dominant language.

Q: What is the tipping culture in Chile?

A: If you receive good service during your holiday in Chile, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. If you want to tip guides, the equivalent of US$2 - $3 per person per day is usual if you are in a group. Approximately US$1 - 2 is usual for drivers or transfer staff. 10% is usual in restaurants. Please give any tips directly to the person you would like to tip to ensure that they get it.

Health & Safety

Q: Is Chile safe to travel to?

A: Overall, yes: Chile is considered one of Latin America’s safest and most stable countries to visit. The same need for common sense applies as it does in any destination; avoid obvious signs of wealth, be aware of the ever-present risk of petty crime, and keep valuables safe either on your person or in your hotel safe.

Q: What happens if I get ill while in Chile?

A: If you have any health problems on holiday, please speak to our local agents or hotel staff. They will arrange for a doctor or hospital if necessary.

Chile has one of the highest standards of healthcare and hospital treatment anywhere in Latin America. Its mixed public-private system may mean you have to cover the cost of care, so we recommend ensuring you have adequate travel insurance prior to your departure to protect you from the potentially high cost of treatment.

Q: Is it safe to explore Santiago?

A: The historic centre and tourist areas throughout Santiago are generally safe and heavily policed. Instances of petty crime are more likely to occur in busier areas, so please bare this in mind.

When taking a taxi, we recommend you stick to official taxis. In many cities, these are usually painted yellow or black and yellow. If you require a taxi, ask for one to be called from your hotel. Taxis have metres in most cities. Our reps or hotel staff will be able to advise you of the approximate cost of any taxi journey.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for Chile?

A: Adequate travel insurance is essential. We do not sell or recommend any specific policy, but good medical insurance should cover medical evacuation and repatriation, especially when travelling to high altitudes. If you are going to be trekking at high altitude during your holiday in Chile, or taking part in any other activity, please ensure your policy covers you for this.

Our booking conditions require guests on Llama Travel holidays to have adequate insurance.

Llama Travel holidays are ATOL-protected, meaning that if your airline or tour operator (Llama Travel) goes bust, you are covered financially.

Connectivity & Communication

Q: What are the options for mobile data and SIM cards in Chile?

A: A physical SIM card is a good option if you are looking for a straightforward pay-as-you-go text, call and data roaming plan after arriving in Chile. You should be able to find prepaid SIM cards from the main operators, like Entel, Movistar, Claro and WOM, at shops or select supermarkets in tourist areas.

If your phone is eSIM compatible, an eSIM is a more convenient option that does not require a physical SIM and will allow you to be connected as soon as you arrive in Chile. Holafly and Maya Mobile are two providers who offer Chile-specific eSIM options, which can cover data roaming, calls and texts. Not all phones are eSIM compatible so it is worth checking this before purchasing an eSIM.

Q: How do I call Chile from the UK?

A: To phone Chile from the UK, dial the international dialling code for Chile (+56) and then the Chilean telephone number, leaving out the ‘0’ in the area code.

Q: How do I call the UK from Chile?

A: To phone the UK from Chile, dial the international dialling code (+44 for the UK) and then the UK telephone number, leaving out the ‘0’ in the area code.

Getting Around

Q: How do I get around in Chile?

A: On Llama Travel’s small group tours of Chile, transport between some cities and to/from excursions is pre-arranged and included in the cost. Most transport is on air-conditioned minibuses.

Due to the sheer scale of Chile, some destinations are not within a driving distance. On the core ‘Natural Wonders of Chile + Atacama Desert’ itinerary, for example, you fly from Santiago to Puerto Varas in the Lake District, and onwards to Puerto Natales, Calama (for San Pedro de Atacama) and back to Santiago. Internal flights are included in the cost of the tour.

Outside of the tour itinerary, you may opt to explore cities or destinations independently. In those instances, we recommend you stick to official taxis. In many cities, these are usually painted yellow or black and yellow. If you require a taxi, ask for one to be called from your hotel. Taxis have metres in most cities. Our reps or hotel staff will be able to advise you of the approximate cost of any taxi journey.

Food & Drink

Q: What’s the food like in Chile?

A: Chileans love meat and there are many restaurants catering for meat lovers.

In Santiago, there are also many good seafood restaurants, and the Central Market has good places to eat at lunchtime. Some of the best restaurants are to be found in the Barrio Lastarria and in the Barrio Bellavista, although they tend to be more expensive. There are many restaurants serving good value set lunches throughout the city.

There is a good selection of restaurants in Puerto Natales, especially for a town of its size, including typical Patagonian barbecued meat places, sea food restaurants and pizzerias.

In Torres del Paine, most travellers generally eat in their hotel. The restaurant at the Hotel Rio Serrano is quite expensive, and another cheaper restaurant close to the hotel Rio Serrano is usually open. Hotels can also prepare packed lunches. There are few places to eat in the park itself.

Good food and Chilean wine is easily found in the centre of Punta Arenas. The local speciality is king crab (centolla). The hearty Chilean cazuela is a stew made from meat, squash, potatoes and other vegetables, and makes for a nourishing, warming meal in the cold Patagonian climate.

Q: Can I drink tap water in Chile?

A: Generally, yes. The water and sanitation standards across Chile are relatively high. In central Chile, tap water is very hard and this can still impact some visitors’ stomachs.

In the Atacama Desert, we recommend sticking to bottled water as chemicals and arsenic from volcanic soil can often render tap water very unpleasant.

Q: Is alcohol available in Chile?

A: Yes, alcohol is widely available throughout Chile. You can purchase it in supermarkets, convenience stores, bars, and restaurants. The country has a legal drinking and purchase age of 18.

Q: What drinks are available in Chile?

Chile is renowned worldwide for its wine, and national wines are available throughout the country. Carménère is among the most famous varieties, alongside the Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Pisco, a grape brandy produced in northern Chile, is incredibly popular. Pisco mixed with cola (known as ‘piscola’) is a great local tipple.

Beers and spirits are also relatively mainstream and available at most bars and restaurants.

What to See

Q: What are the highlights of Chile?

A: As the name of our standalone Chile tour suggests, the ‘Natural Wonders of Chile’ are a highlight for many who visit.

Chile’s cultural, social and economic hub, Santiago, is uniquely surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains. Its story dates back to 1541, upon its foundation by a dispatch from the Spanish crown which had just conquered Peru. Since then, centuries of history have been written by the Spaniards, indigenous Picunche people, and those who fought for its eventual independence in 1818.

Torres del Paine is a beautiful place to explore, either by road or on foot: the trekking is exceptional. Mountain biking, horse riding and boat rides on the lakes are also possible. The centerpiece of the park is the granite massif of the Horns and the Towers of Paine. Visible from throughout the park, there are 15 peaks over 2,000 metres. The highest mountain, Paine Grande, is 3,050 metres high.

Visiting the Chilean Lake District is a wonderful experience; from the town of Puerto Varas, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horse riding or rafting excursions, and a number of small operators offer relaxing boat rides around Lake Llanquihue.

A 5-hour flight from Santiago lies Easter Island, the most remote inhabited island on the planet. You can see the 800 Moai statues that the island is famed for, and unpack the fascinating history of the island, which to this day remains riddled with mystery.

Q: Who built the Easter Island statues? Are they worth visiting?

A: The monolithic statues on Easter Island were built by the Rapa Nui people around 1200 AD. Locally, they remain known as the ‘Rapa Nui’ to this day. Legend says they represent the living faces of the Rapa Nui’s deified ancestors, and the locals at the time believed the statues projected a spiritual power which protected them.

Easter Island’s remoteness and the mystical history of the famous statues make it a fascinating place to visit. While it is an optional extension which can be applied to our core ‘Natural Wonders of Chile’ tour, many of our guests report being taken aback by quite how impressive the Easter Island statues are in-person.

Q: What is Valparaiso like?

A: Valparaíso is one of Chile’s most interesting cities, famous for its chaotic maze of brightly colored houses stacked across steep hills. The surrounding area offers historic funicular rides, vibrant street art tours, fresh seafood markets and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

Q: What is the Chilean Lake District like?

A: The Chilean Lake District is an alpine wonderland, famous for its deep blue glacial lakes and snow-capped volcanoes. The surrounding area offers ancient monkey puzzle tree forest hikes, relaxing natural hot springs, white-water rafting and charming lakeside towns with rich German and Mapuche heritage.

Q: Where is the Atacama Desert? Can I visit?

A: The Atacama Desert is a high-altitude plateau in northern Chile, famous for being the driest non-polar desert in the world.

Ruins from several pre-Columbian cultures are visible in the surrounding desert, and the vast salt flats, strange rock formations and multi-coloured lakes are unlike any other landscape on Earth.

There are a number of quaint and charming hotels in San Pedro de Atacama, a charming town of narrow streets and a pretty main square. The town is inside the desert, and several key landmarks are within a short drive.

Q: Is Puerto Natales worth visiting?

A: Puerto Natales is a rugged waterfront town, famous for being the primary gateway to the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park. The surrounding area offers dramatic fjord boat tours, glacier trekking, traditional Patagonian ranch experiences and spectacular views of the Andes mountains.

A trip to Chile often feels incomplete without a stay in Torres del Paine, and it is one of the country’s most definitive landscapes. We recommend visiting Torres del Paine.

Still have questions about travelling to Chile?

Our team is happy to help. Call us on 020 7263 3000 or explore our Chile holidays to start planning your trip.