If writing a Nobel prize winning Gabriela Mistral style poem sounds easier than getting all of the information you need on Chile, you’ve hit "trip planning'' burnout. I can’t blame you. After all, the country of poets is as complex as it is beautiful. As the world’s longest country (4,300km long to be exact), Chile is a nation that shatters expectations. If you're here, you’re already excited about the vibrant sounds of cueca music flowing through your ears as the rhythmic clapping accompanies your peach filled Mote con Huesillo drink.
What you’re not excited about is the research it’ll take to get you to that blissful state. This is where we come in. Welcome to the ultimate Chile tourism statistics guide, where do’s & don’ts, transport, when to get a Chile tour guide, weather and safety blend seamlessly. So let's get the tough stuff out of the way. As the Chilean Nobel Laureate Pablo Neruda once said, “If you don’t climb the mountain, you’ll never enjoy the view”.
Home to 19.6 million people, and known globally to have one of the most diverse climates in the world, where Patagonia’s icy glaciers meet the world’s driest desert, The Atacama, Chile is a land steeped in immovable tradition, resilience and potential.
The nation’s harrowing yet resilient past, and innovative future combine to create one of the safest, most economically savvy countries in South America, drawing in business enthusiasts and travelers alike. So how many tourists visit Chile annually? In 2019, over 4.5 million visitors touched down in the land of heart clenching linguists, fluffy llamas and rain free deserts.
Though tourism fell by 75.2% in 2020, it bounced back up to over 2 million in 2022. So where does that rank Chile in terms of tourism? Well, Chile was the 8th most toured country in the Americas in 2019, and there’s no shortage of reasons why.
Chile’s magnetic pull features lush greenery, vibrant dances and a lot of interwoven culture. So let’s check out who visits Chile the most.
Celebrating Chile #1: Chile isn’t only fascinating for foreign travelers. The nation has a passionate domestic tourism crowd with over 49 million domestic overnight tourists taking advantage of having Chile as their home country in 2021.
When you come across a nation that hosts sun scorched iguanas, icy cold penguins, Inca ancestry and 43,471 islands, you’ve got no choice but to explore! What is Chile widely known for? You asked the right question.
Rustic Natural Landscapes
Looking to step into “otherworldly scenery”? Chile’s natural corners tell a tale of wild flora, unmatched fauna and breathtaking beauty. What are some major tourist attractions in Chile? These top 5 most visited natural wonders are a great place to start.
Travel treat: Can’t wait to see Chile’s breathtaking landscapes? Dream about your future trip with a relaxing video highlighting sweeping Chilean scenery.
Celebrating Chile #2: What is Chile Widely Known For?
When it comes to travel experiences, Chile has several UNESCO World heritage sites, but the poet state is synonymous with Easter Island, Patagonia, and the Atacama Desert, and these sites put the country on the map.
Travel Gem: Parque Nacional Lauca - Nestled in the Altiplano Plateau in the eastern border region with Bolivia lies one of the purest nature reserves. Get ready for Llamas, Condors and Alpacas grazing freely.
To get the best of wild Chile, check out our local private tours and see which custom itinerary speaks to you.
Traditional Tastes
When Mestizo, Western, Mapuche and other cultures crashed together, the unexpected yet delightful tastes of modern day Chilean cuisine was born. Let’s dive into what foods you’ll have dancing across your taste buds!
Deep History
Chile has fought long and hard to be an American success story, so diving into its rich, sometimes painful and always triumphant history is a great way to get a grasp of the nation that’s given us Michelle Bachelet, Bernardo O’Higgins, and of course, Pedro Pascal.
Travel Tip: Though Chileans are proud of their current democratic state, the subject of the Pinochet regime and its brutal dictatorship is still sore, as is indigenous rights, so be careful to listen instead of giving strong opinions if the topics are brought up.
Cultural Celebration
Welcome to a country that perfectly reflects its rustic, humble past and prosperous future. Chile is home to a loud, penetrating cultural story that features the pain of the past with the beauty of roots that date back to the Incan & Mapuche empire. From cowgirls to rhythmic clapping, here’s an ode to Chile’s everlasting culture.
I can sense your excitement through the screen, and you should be excited! Chile is a land of magical experiences and life-changing adventure. So let’s make sure that travel high continues with some practical tips about Chilean life.
Transport Talk : Getting Around Chile’s Terrain
Depending on where you are, getting around Chile can either be a beautiful breeze, or a big headache. These are the most popular transportation methods in the country, and I’ve added some pointers to make your transit a bit simpler in the land of volcanoes.
Travel Tip: Though metro areas like Santiago and Valparaiso have advanced and modern forms of transport, many towns in the north and south still lack transportation infrastructure beyond the long distance buses which can stretch your transit time by up to 40 hours. It’s best to check area accessibility with your local guide.
Travel Q&A: Is English widely spoken in Chile?
Though it’s more popular in metro areas like Santiago, English is still only spoken by around 10% of the Chilean population, so it’s always best to ask first, learn some Spanish phrases, or get some language help from a local Spanish speaking guide.
When I say Chile is a planet within a country, I’m not exaggerating. By having one of the largest coastlines in the world, Chile covers several sub-climates, so you could be fishing for sunscreen in one town, or rushing to put on thermal gear in another.
Despite its varying climates, Chile is the ideal travel spot all year round, so here’s how to tackle the nation’s regions and its many climatic faces, no matter the season.
Northern Chile: Dry Deserts & Arid Land
Arica, Parinacota, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, Atacama, Coquimbo
Welcome to the driest place on earth, where some parts haven’t seen rain since humans started recording rainfall! Overall, the Atacama region has an average temperature of 24°C (75°F) but at night, temperatures drop to as low as 4°C (39°F). The Atacama is as dry as it gets, so if you're planning to visit Toconao, or Cellar de Atacama, carry a lot of sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Central Chile: Mild & Mediterranean
Santiago, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Quilpué, Villa Alemana, Quillota, Puente Alto, San Antonio, Melipilla
Central Chile follows a laid back, cool Mediterranean climate, with warm summers, and cool, wet winters. Santiago’s summer highs fall between 20°C (68°F) with January being the hottest month where averages of 20.5°C (69°F) are sure to keep you toasty. For cooler temperatures, travel during the winter months (June through August) where daily averages dance around 9°C (48°F).
Southern Chile: Chilly & Cold
Temuco, Valdivia, La Unión, Rio Bueno. Osorno, Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt.
When you’re traveling through Southern Chile, be prepared for anything! Temperatures here follow an oceanic climate, with some regions experiencing a sub-polar climate thanks to the Andes Mountains. Temperatures here dance around 17°C (62°F) for the summer, with winter months dipping to 7°C (45°F). As one of the closest points to the Antarctic, expect a lot of snowfall and rain from April to September.
What To Do & What Not To Do: The Chile Edition
Okay, so you want to savor completos & soak in the warm waves of Easter island, but you don’t want to offend your local guide or make hurtful historical comments, right? These cultural etiquette tips should help you out.
Travel Tip: Learn more about the Leave No Trace method when exploring natural habitats and landscapes.
Okay, now that you’ve got an idea of what your Chile journey will look like, it’s time to get down to brass, or should I say copper tacks about Chile’s safety. On the positive side, according to the Global Safety Index, Chile is the second safest country in South America, after Uruguay.
Chile has achieved a high standard of living as South America’s wealthiest nation, but there are still some safety concerns to keep in mind. Suggestions from the US State department and UK Government should be taken into consideration.
Natural Safety Note: Chile’s Earthquakes & Volcanoes
Since Chile is part of the highly volatile Ring of Fire, the country experiences several earthquakes and has several active volcanoes. Chileans are used to earthquakes, so there are several “what to do” instructions in hotels, business establishments and offices, but to ensure your safety, follow the guidelines from the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service.
With a strong introduction to safety, etiquette, culture and terrain behind you, it’s time to take on Chile with the confidence of a straw hat wearing huaso going head to head with some rowdy cattle! Still feel like you might need some guidance? No worries.
That’s where we come in.
By touring Chile with a local private guide, you get to see the nation through a rare perspective. With an instant connection to those who experience Chile’s day to day ups and downs, you'll be able to grasp the authentic nation for what it is. A magical, mysterious, multi-layered gem.
Ready to start your journey? Chat with one of our Chile tour guides today.
Santiago, Chile
Chile
Santiago, Chile
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