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Chile’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Chile’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Chile’s Background

 

Since at least 3000 BC, Chile was populated by the native settlers until 1540. Northern Chile was under Inca control before the Spanish invasion in the 16th century, while Araucanian Indians occupied central and southern Chile; the latter were not totally subdued until the early 1880s. Although Chile proclaimed independence in 1810, it did not gain a decisive triumph over the Spanish until 1818.

Chile fought Peru and Bolivia in the Pacific War (1879-84), gaining control of its current northern lands. Much have happened in between the years, but we like to keep the historical parts short here in Cruisit, we know you get bored. Anyways, since the 1980s, sound economic policies have led to sustained growth and helped guarantee the country’s commitment to democratic and representative government. Chile has progressively adopted regional and international leadership positions that are proportional with its standing as a stable, democratic country.

The fastest growing economy in South America, and tourism growing yearly, Chile is a safe and great place to explore. Absurdly thin and ridiculously long, Chile stretches from South America’s belly to its foot, from the driest desert on the planet to enormous southern glacier regions. Over a 4300km span, many landscapes ranging from dry dunes, rich valleys, mountains, ancient forests, enormous glaciers, and fjords. 

There’s awe in every aspect and nature on a grand scale. It’s overwhelming for tourists to discover this vast environment left in such pristine condition. Human growth may endanger these riches sooner than anticipated. For the time being, Chile protects some of our planet’s most untouched sites.

Tight borders with its neighbors makes it feel like Chile is in South America’s backyard, where the nation is squeezed between the Andes and the Pacific bordered by Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, as if you’ve arrived at the continent’s sharp end of a blade. One thing that leaps out of this final frontier at the Chile’s apex is hospitality. A welcoming mood accompanies your stay in Chile, but in Patagonia, it feels like Argentina and Chile have mixed into one. Patagonians drink round after round of maté tea. The practice of talking and relaxing is so ingrained in the fabric of local life that it goes unnoticed. But they all agree on one thing: remain and relax your guard.

 

“Chile is nature on an elongated scale, literally, yet getting around the country is surprisingly simple if you don’t rush and take it slow, enjoying everything Chile has to offer from its vast array of wallpaper perfect lanscapes.“

 

Chile attracts visitors because of its natural landscape, which includes geysers, mountains, beaches, forests, and volcanoes, as well as chances for adventure sports. Trekking and hiking are at the forefront of outdoor activities in Chile due to the presence of national parks. Climbing, river rafting, mountain biking, and equestrian riding are all options for adventurous vacationers.

In Chile, adventure is defined as what occurs on the road. Pedal the Carretera Austral’s chunky gravel or take a wrong turn and you’ll discover bliss in a hidden ranch. There’s harmony in unplanned adventures while in Chile, and this coincidence always wins. Plans can be set, but try to remain open to new experiences as well. Locals don’t rush, therefore you shouldn’t either. ‘Those who rush lose their time,’ says a Patagonian proverb that may serve as a travel slogan.

Chile is a country where you’re never more than a stone’s throw from the mountains or the sea, and there’s an incredible variety of sites to trek, view wildlife, and drink up Chilean history and culture. This thin country is beautiful from head to toe; its rich culture and variety have flourished as a result of its isolation, making it an appealing vacation destination. Read ahead for our full guide of what makes Chile worth a visit.

This Chile ultimate travel guide promises a comprehensive introduction to Chile’s stunning landscapes, including the severely arid north of the Atacama Desert and the mountainous, glacier-riddled south of Patagonia. It’s an ambitious plan for a week, and you’ll be covering a lot of land, so prepare to rely on Chile’s network of low-cost airlines to get you around. Alternatively, leave out one or two places to free up time to go further into a few. If you’re still curious, let’s go through how to go to Chile, how to get there, how to move about Chile, the travel budget in Chile, and more.

Top Places in Chile

Parque Nacional Torres del Paine

The granite pillars of Torres del Paine overpower the scenery of what may be South America’s best national park, soaring nearly vertically more than 2000m above the Patagonian plains. The park was part of a huge sheep estancia before its formation in 1959, and it is currently recovering after over a century of overexploitation of its meadows, woodlands, and animals.

Parque Nacional Patagonia

The 690-square-kilometer Parque Nacional Patagonia, known as the Serengeti of the Southern Cone, is home to Patagonian grassland, forests, mountains, lakes, and lagoons. This new national park, located 18 kilometers north of Cochrane, was once an overgrazed estancia. Tompkins Conservation started restoring it in 2004. Flamingo, guanaco, huemul (endangered Andean deer), puma, viscacha, and fox now call it home. The park extends from the Ro Baker to the Argentine border, which can be reached by private car at Paso Roballos.

Rano Raraku

The volcano of Rano Raraku, about 18 kilometers from Hanga Roa, is known as ‘the nursery,’ because it is the quarry for the hard tuff from which the moai were carved. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time, strolling amid hundreds of moai in various states of completion scattered on the volcano’s southern slopes. The 360-degree view from the summit is simply breathtaking. A tiny, gleaming lake and roughly 20 standing moai may be seen within the crater.

Lake District

Chile’s Lake District (Zona Sur) is among the country’s most picturesque landscapes, covering more than 330 kilometers from Temuco to Puerto Montt. Zona Sur, like its alpine twin, has fertile agriculture at the base of its many snowcapped volcanoes and lush woods surrounded by thick forests. Farmers from Austria, Switzerland, and Germany moved in after the forcible displacement of the region’s indigenous inhabitants, the Mapuche, bringing with them elements from their own culture which is seen in the buildings of cities like Osorno and Valdivia.

Anakena

Beachgoers looking for a spot to relax will appreciate this postcard-perfect white-sand beach. It also serves as a wonderful backdrop for Ahu Nau Nau, a group of seven moai, some of whom have topknots. Ahu Ature Huki and its lone moai stand on a rise south of the beach, re-erected in 1956 by Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl with the assistance of a dozen islanders.

8-day Itinerary in Chile

Day 1

 

Arrive in Santiago

Arrive in Santiago’s Arturo Merino Bentez Airport to begin your Chilean trip. Airport shuttle services from the arrivals hall bring you into Santiago’s busy yet exciting modern metropolis. The Chilean capital is a city of five-lane expressways and high-rise buildings controlled by flashy multinational firms. But, if you look a bit deeper under this modern facade, you’ll discover a city rich in history, plenty of parks, and vibrant districts brimming with interesting restaurants and pubs.

The Plaza de Armas, Santiago’s massive main square, is your first destination. From a crowd of people to shoe shiners and dogs roaming freely amid the towering palms, it’s a swarm of activity. The Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino (Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art) lies nearby and has a plethora of Indigenous items, including burial figures used by the Mapuche people.

Afternoon stroll through the fashionable Lastarria neighborhood before climbing the meandering paved roads to the bench-fringed summit of green Cerro Santa Luca. This circular hill rising from the city center provides some of the best views of Santiago. Bring a camera to photograph a skyline of rooftops set against the dizzying background of the snowy Andes Mountains.

Book a table for your dinner at Peumayen to experience mystifying delicacies from Chile’s indigenous people for the last taste of Santiago’s distinct culture.

 

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When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark - there is moderate crime recorded in Santiago to warrant a tiny bit of worry. So always take taxis at night and never leave crowded areas to unlit alleys or streets.

This section will be added shortly. Refer to the transportation block in the top section.

Day 2

 

Head to Valparaíso

A two-hour bus ride west of Santiago is the crumbling seaside city of Valparaso, which is the opposite of Santiago’s metropolitan sophistication. This colorful bohemian city that was once one of the world’s most significant maritime ports is characterized by opulent late-nineteenth-century European architecture and creaky funiculars that moan their way up into the city’s 42 or so hills.

Valparaso may have lost its wealth, but it will never lose its spirit. The globally known graffiti artists who have left their imprint in Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción have made their stamp on most of the important tourist neighborhoods. It’s advisable to take a tour to fully appreciate the rich history of these sites.

Pablo Neruda, Chile’s beloved poet and Nobel Prize winner, is another artist who fell in love with the city. His Valparaso house, La Sebastiana, is a place to dig into his love of whimsy and childlike décor—as well as admiring some of the best views of the city and harbor from his living room. Consider getting the free audio guide to understand the history of the place.

For lunch, relax on the shaded patio of Restaurant El Peral, where razor clams and fresh seafood provide a taste of classic coastal Chilean cuisine direct from the boat.

Return to Santiago for the night and have a dinner at an Argentine steakhouse.

Day 3

 

Off to the Harsh Atacama Desert

An early two-hour flight north to Calama Airport, followed by an easy airport shuttle, gets you to San Pedro de Atacama, the northern adventure capital.

Drop your stuff to your hotel and apply sunscreen: Take precautions at 2,433 meters (7,982 feet) above sea level. The altitude may be brutal, so spend your afternoon acclimating carefully. Spend an hour or two visiting the Museo del Meteorito (Meteorite Museum), which houses over 3,200 meteorites that have landed in the neighboring desert, some of which are 4.5 million years old.

If you want to see the sunset as it fades behind the wind-buffeted sand dunes of the Valle de La Luna (Moon Valley), either rent a bike from a shop along Toconao road and cycle the 45 minutes, or arrange a horseback riding excursion with Atacama Horse Adventure if you’re feeling less active. Bring lots of water for the dry desert air, as well as warm clothing; as the sun goes down, the air soon becomes chilly.

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When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark - low crime is recorded in the Atacama to warrant any worry. But, always remain vigilant at night and never leave crowded areas to unlit alleys or streets.

This section will be added shortly. Refer to the transportation block in the top section.

Day 4

 

Day Trips in the Atacama

An early start (about 4 a.m.) is required for a journey up into the mountains that ring San Pedro de Atacama. The Géiseres del Tatio (Tatio Geysers), the world’s tallest and third biggest geyser field, will greet you as the sky begins to bleed with the morning. You may be battling for air at 4,320 meters (14,173 feet) above sea level, so take things slowly as you watch jets of steam erupting from the earth’s surface. Pack a swimsuit for a morning soak in the blissfully hot Puritama hot springs, a sequence of eight crystal-clear pools fed by geothermal water on the way back.

Take an afternoon snooze at your accommodation before taking a tour to Laguna Chaxa, a saline lake bordered by the gray-white salt plains of the Salar de Atacama. You have a decent chance of seeing Andean, James’, and Chilean flamingos, which flock here to feast on the algae-rich waters. You’ll be taken across to Laguna Tebinquinche just before sunset for a pisco sour and a magnificent show as the light sinks under the surrounding wall of volcanoes, turning the lake pink.

Eat a llama burger and wash it down with a drink. Wrap up up for a stargazing trip with local specialists, who can take you out into the desert to study the night skies using their 15 professional telescopes; the Atacama Desert is one of the world’s greatest areas for astronomy, with more than 300 clear evenings each year. SPACE is a well known local tour operators that will make much of your journey enjoyable.

Day 5

 

Head to Punta Arenas

Another early morning as you return to Calama Airport for a five-hour trip to Punta Arenas, with a stopover in Santiago. This wind-battered village stands on the northern edge of the Magellan Strait, where eagle-eyed visitors may spot squat-nosed Chilean dolphins playing in the seas if they take a stroll down the coastal road.

Between November and March, take an afternoon speedboat cruise with Fiordos del Sur out to Magdalena Island, a 97-hectare reserve with around 120,000 resident Magellanic penguins in that period. Pathways that allow you to travel amongst the nests allow you to get up up and personal with this chattering mass of birds and their newly fledged youngsters.

In the evening, La Yegua Loca offers a local delicacy—king crab—as well as beautiful bayside vistas. After that, you’ll take a three-hour bus journey over the plains to Puerto Natales.

Day 6

 

Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales, a rustic village bordering the depressingly named—yet enchantingly picturesque.

To learn about the Patagonian pursuit of sheep ranching, take a one-day tour of Estancia La Pennsula’s 19,000-hectare family property. You’ll spend the morning riding a criollo horse around the fjords before seeing sheep shearing and devouring the ultimate Patagonian lunch: spit-roasted lamb. If you choose, you can skip this day and add it in Santiago or any of the other destinations in Chile. If you choose to do so, then you will have to find a stay in Torres del Paine since its 6 hours away from Punta Arenas.

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When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is little reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark - there is less crime recorded in Puerto Natales but it's best to remain vigilant and take precautions. So always take taxis at night and never leave crowded areas to unlit alleys or streets.

This section will be added shortly. Refer to the transportation block in the top section.

Day 7

 

Day Trip – Hike Torres del Paine

Your last day begins on the fringes of Torres del Paine, Chile’s most famous national park. It is revered for its three spire-like granite peaks that rise out of a landscape filled with crystal lakes and roaring glaciers. It is a two-hour trip from Puerto Natales and is best explored with a rental car.

The major draw is the eight-hour climb up to the three towers, but you can change things up by going ice trekking on Grey, the park’s 3.7-mile-wide glacier, or paddling out to its snout across the glacier’s eponymous lake for a whole different perspective.

Finish the day at Puerto Natales before flying back to Santiago. You might even extend your trip to explore Argentina’s Patagonia, which is only across the border.

Day 8

 

Adios Chile

After a lovely week in Chile, it’s time to say goodbye. You can take a flight from The Punta Arenas airport to whichever location you’re going to next or head back to Santiago where all the international flights come and go. Prices may vary greatly if you choose to go back to the capital where costs can be much lower.

The Most Popular Food in Chile

Chilean cuisine is highly diversified, primarily influenced by traditional Spanish cuisine, Chilean Mapuche culture, and local products, with subsequent significant influences from other European cuisines, most notably Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. Potatoes, rice, pork, and bread are the mainstays. In the centre of the nation, there are also lots of veggie selections. The coastline is rich in seafood, and you may sample various regional delicacies like as salmon, scallops, and sea bass.

Pastel de Choclo

This is a classic clay pot that has been patiently roasted in the oven. Most people sprinkle sugar on top to give it a crust, and serve it with a fresh tomato salad as a side dish – and a bottle of Chilean red wine, such as a Carménère. This is a hearty dish that will keep you warm. Unfortunately, choclo is only available during the summer.

Lomo a lo Pobre

This classic dish consists of a beef steak topped with an egg and served with fried potatoes and onions. It’s usually seen at Chile’s most upscale restaurants.

 

Porotos Granados

Porotos granados, another traditional home-cooked food, is a stew of white beans, maize, and squash with onion, garlic, and merkén. It is a dish from the indigenous Mapuche people that has become a fundamental element of Chilean food, similar to curanto and charquican (more on this later). Porotos granados is a filling stew cooked with fresh beans, squash, corn, onion, and basil. It occasionally incorporates pumpkin or cranberries, and its roots may be traced back to ancient times.

Empanada de Pino

Chile’s preferred street dish. While empanadas (a pastry loaded with a variety of fillings) are available in numerous South American nations, the recipes vary. Chile’s specialty is the empanada de pino (which, by the way, has nothing to do with a pine tree!). The pino is the empanada filling, which consists of ground beef and sautéed onions, a pair of olives, and a quarter hard-boiled egg. When baked in the oven, it resembles a miniature version of the Italian calzone.

Barros Luco

Chileans, like to eat their late president, not literally of course. Barros Luco consists of small pieces of grilled beef steak covered with cheese and served within a bun or fresh bread roll, similar to an American cheeseburger. It was named after former Chilean president Ramón Barros Luco, who enjoyed this particular sandwich in the 19th century, and it stuck with the people.

What's the Travel Budget for Chile?

Final Thoughts on Chile

Chile has a sophisticated and rich heritage that can be seen across the nation dating back to 3,000 BC, with its old constructions left by its various aboriginal people, colonial history, spectacular and distinct landmarks, amazing hospitality, thrilling festivals and dances, and a breathtaking picture perfect environment. A terrific choice for anybody looking for a perfect place to visit in South America. Chile is stunningly lovely, with magnificent national treasures, fauna, and breathtaking landscape. Would you travel to Chile?

Have you ever visited Chile? Please leave your opinions in the space below.

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