Pack your bags! All you need to know for your trip to Chile

From the driest desert in the world to Patagonia, traveling to Chile will amaze you for its natural diversity, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences.

If you’re planning your trip, you will find all the necessary information here to explore Chile, including entry requirements, transportation options, currency, must-see destinations, and tips to make the most of your stay.

What are the entry requirements to travel to Chile?

Photo: Sernatur

Most travelers from South America, North America, Europe, and Oceania can travel without a visa for up to 90 days. To determine if your country requires prior authorization, please visit the official  Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

The basic documents and requirements you must meet are:

• Valid passport or ID card, according to your country of origin.
• Verifiable accommodation reservation. We recommend that you choose an accommodation registered with Sernatur.
• Provide proof of sufficient funds for your stay equivalent to 46 USD per day.
• SAG-Customs Affidavit (SAG), which you can fill out online before arrival. You need to declare any plant or animal origin product that you are carrying.
• Travel insurance is highly recommended but not mandatory.

If you are traveling to Rapa Nui, please note the special requirements, including completing the Single-Entry Form for Easter Island (FUI, in Spanish), having a round-trip ticket, and presenting an accommodation reservation or invitation letter.

How do I get to Chile from major cities around the world?

Chile has flights from major destinations around the world direct to Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, our main point of entry.

• South America: direct flights from Buenos Aires, Lima, Bogota, and Sao Paulo (flights lasting between 2 and 5 hours)
• North America: direct flights from Miami (8 hours and 30 minutes), New York (10 hours and 30 minutes), Toronto (10 hours and 45 minutes), Mexico City (8 hours and 20 minutes), and Los Angeles (11 hours).
• Europe: direct flights from Madrid, Paris, and Barcelona (flights lasting 13 hours), in addition to options with a stopover in London and Berlin.
• Oceania: direct flights from Sydney last approximately 14 hours and 45 minutes.

How can I move around Chile?

Photo: Sernatur

Getting around Chile is easy thanks to its excellent air and land connections.

• Domestic flights connect Santiago with the main cities in the country, such as Antofagasta, Calama, La Serena, Concepción, Temuco, Coyhaique, and Punta Arenas, in less than 4 hours.
• Intercity buses are comfortable and reliable for traveling from north to south. You can easily purchase tickets online in advance or on the same day of your trip.
• Ferries and boats allow you to explore fjords and islands in the extreme south.
• Car rental: available at airports and in main cities. You must have a driving license, a credit card as a guarantee, and be at least 21 years old.
• Public transport in Santiago: the Mobility Network combines subway and city buses. To use it, you need the Tarjeta Bip!,an exclusive payment method that you can buy and recharge at subway stations or authorized locations.

Currency and language

The official currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Payments with credit and debit cards are accepted in most places. Nevertheless, we recommend you carry cash for purchases at street markets, to leave tips, or in rural areas. Additionally, ATMs are available at most tourist destinations.

The official language is Spanish, but in tourist areas, you can also find services in English and Portuguese.

Main tourist attractions in Chile

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From north to south, Chile surprises with its diverse landscapes, offering unique experiences ranging from the dryest desert in the world to the glaciers in the far south.

In the north, you will find the Atacama Desert, which amazes with its salt flats and starry skies ideal for astronomic observation. You can arrive on a 2-hour flight from Santiago to Calama, followed by a 1-hour and 30-minute land transfer to San Pedro de Atacama.

Santiago, the capital of Chile, combines modernity, history, and rich urban life. Here you can enjoy museums, bohemian neighborhoods, and internationally recognized cuisine. In winter, the nearest ski centers complete the experience.

Less than two hours by road from Santiago is Valparaiso, a port that delights with its colorful hills, elevators, and Pacific Ocean views. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is renowned for its unique identity.

If you are looking for an adventure and breathtaking landscapes, the south of Chile awaits you. The Carretera Austral (Austral Highway) and the Torres del Paine National Park are must-see destinations during your stay.

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean lies Rapa Nui, a magical island that preserves its Moai and ancestral culture. The flight from Santiago lasts approximately 5 and a half hours.

Check the Chile Travel blog and discover more helpful information, itineraries, and tips to plan your next adventure around Chile.

Which is the best season to travel to Chile?

You can enjoy Chile throughout the year, but the best season depends on the type of experience that you are looking for.

• From December to February: the summer months are ideal to enjoy the northern beaches, the central coast, and the lakes in the south of Chile. The long, sunny days are perfect for outdoor activities.
• From February to March: the grape harvest season begins. You can tour the wine-producing valleys, enjoy the local cuisine, and taste the best Chilean wines.
• From July to August: in winter, Chile transforms into a paradise for snow, ski, and snowboard lovers. You will find mountain resorts about 2 hours from Santiago.
• From September to November: the landscapes in the country bloom in spring. In the north lies the astounding Desierto Florido (Flowering Desert), while in the south the perfect season for trekking begins on the Carretera Austral.