Why travel to
- Incredible Natural Wonders – Chile is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. From the glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks in the Andes, to the spectacular wildlife in the Patagonian region, visitors will be naturally awestruck at the beauty of Chile’s landscape.
- Warm, Beautiful Climate – Chile has a warm and dry climate in many areas and is blessed with much milder temperatures than many of its South American neighbours. In addition, the ultraviolet index is lower than in countries such as New Zealand and Australia, so visitors can comfortably enjoy the sunshine.
- Rich Cultural Heritage – Chile is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, making it a fascinating and engaging travel destination. From the Mapuche culture in the south to the pre-Inca history of the north, there is no shortage of fascinating cultural attractions.
- Delicious Cuisine – Chile's cuisine is a delicious blend of ingredients, colours, flavour and aromas that will tantalize the taste buds. From mouth-watering seafood dishes to delicious pastries, this country is a paradise for foodies.
- World-Class Ski Resorts – Visitors wanting to hit the slopes can enjoy some of South America’s best ski resorts. With a combination of world-class facilities, stunning mountain views and plenty of local hospitality, a winter ski holiday in the Andes will be an unforgettable experience.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Chile depends on one's lifestyle and needs. In general, living costs typically include housing, transportation, food, entertainment, bills, taxes and insurance. Generally, a reasonable amount for a basic living (in 2021) costs in Chile is about US$1,000 to US$1,400 per month.
Safety
Yes, it is generally safe to travel to Chile. The country has generally low crime rates and is generally safe to visit. However, travellers should be aware of their surroundings, especially in larger cities like Santiago and Valparaiso, as petty crimes such as pick pocketing might occur.
Places to visit
1. San Pedro de Atacama: This beautiful small town located in the desert of the Antofagasta region is the perfect base for exploring the fascinating Atacama Desert. It's the ultimate destination for trekking and adventure activities, such as sandboarding or visiting desert oases.
2. Valparaiso: A vibrant and colorful port city near Santiago. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known as the cultural capital of Chile, with must visit attractions including a myriad of eclectic street-art, crazy funiculars and delicious seafood.
3. Torres del Paine National Park: This magnificent reserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers who want to appreciate Chile's pristine natural beauty. From snow-capped mountains and cascading glaciers, to green lagoons and abundant wildlife, the park offers a wealth of wonders to explore in awe.
4. Chiloe island: This stunning hilly and lushly forested island located in southern Chile is very picturesque. Here you can spot an array of fascinating wildlife species, such as the endangered Chiloe Magellanic Woodpecker, punucapa deers and wild horses. Plus, its colorful and quirky towns are great for exploring and indulging in delicious seafood.
5. Valdivia: Located in the lake region and home to the oldest university in Chile, this pretty and laid-back city is surrounded by stunning nature and is a popular destination for outdoor activities. Its excellent eateries and cafes are full of traditional comidas and delights, as well as seafood dishes to sample.
Food to try
- Pastel de Choclo: An iconic Chilean dish made with a corn-based crust and filled with a mixture of beef and chicken, corn, raisins, olives, and boiled eggs.
- Curanto: A traditional seafood and meat dish made by steaming seafood, potatoes, and meats in a hole dug in the ground and filled with hot stones.
- Empanadas: Chile’s most popular street food, these hand-held pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, olives, and pork.
- Cazuela: This hearty stew is made with beef, lamb, or poultry and is simmered with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions.
- Chilean Sea Bass Ceviche: An indulgent dish featuring thinly sliced sea bass marinated in citrus juices, herbs, and spices.
Souvenirs
- Alpaca Wool Scarf – These light, warm scarves make great souvenirs to bring home from Chile with their bright colours, intricate designs, and soft alpaca wool material.
- Chilean empanadas – Snack on authentic Chilean empanadas, delicious pastries usually filled with beef, onion, garlic, and various other ingredients.
- Chilean wines – Explore the country’s diverse range of wines, from robust reds to crisp whites, each with its own unique flavour profile.
- Criadillas de res – Pick up some of this traditional dried beef sausage, perfect for adding to a cheese or charcuterie board.
- Araucania Yarn – Choose from colourful hues of hand-dyed wool yarn produced with sustainable practices and inspired by Chilean folk art.
- Lapis lazuli jewellery – Bring home a piece of this precious stone, usually cut into the shape of a cabochon and used to craft beautiful jewellery.
- Chilean hierbas – Enjoy a taste of this traditional liqueur made with lemon verbena, menthe, thyme, and other herbs and spices.
- Churros – Pick up a bag of these classic snacktime treats, with a crunchy outside and a warm, doughy interior.
- Mapuche carvings – Buy a unique piece of craftsmanship, such as a wooden bird figurine or whistle, crafted by local artisans in the Mapuche communities.
- Chilean souvenir stickers – Decorate any item you like with one of these bright and colourful souvenir stickers depicting some of the country's most iconic symbols.