Chile vacations

Best Chile Vacations Packages by Voyagers Travel for 2024 - 2025

Fjords of Tierra de Fuego
From USD 1980,00 pp
Patagonia
5 Days
Fjords Of Tierra De Fuego
Set sail from the Chilean city of Punta Arenas, on the shores of the historic Strait of Magellan, on an unforgettable voyage of discovery through the fjords and channels of Tierra del Fuego. Discover Cape Horn and the historic Wulaia Bay, among other attractions along the route.
Torres del Paine Trekking Tour
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Patagonia
8 Days
Torres Del Paine Trekking Tour
Explore the majestic landscapes of Patagonia in 8 days. Trek Torres del Paine, visit glaciers, and enjoy scenic boat rides through Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.

Chile: A Destination Summary, Top Attractions And Best Things To Do

Deciding where to travel can often leave you scratching your head, but if diverse landscapes and rich culture are what you seek, Chile is the answer. This sliver of South America offers a haven for adventurers with its astonishing variety from deserts to glaciers.

Our guide dives into Chile's top spots and must-dos, ensuring your itinerary will be packed with unforgettable experiences. "Let's discover why Chile should top your travel list!".

Overview of Chile

Nestled along the western edge of South America, Chile captivates with its extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural tapestry; from arid deserts to icy Patagonian fields, it's a land where history is as diverse as the geography itself.

This sliver of a nation invites globetrotters to traverse through time-honored traditions and natural wonders that promise an unforgettable journey at every turn.

Location and geography

   

Chile stretches down the edge of South America, a long ribbon of land that covers deserts, a vast lake district with majestic mountains, and thousands of miles of coastline. It's nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains.

This slim country has some of the most diverse landscapes in the world. You can find dry deserts in the north like Atacama, which is one of Earth's oldest and driest spots. In Patagonia to the south, you'll see huge glaciers and wild forests.

This place is also famous for its shaky ground with lots of earthquakes because it sits on two tectonic plates. But don't worry; Chile is still one of South America’s safest countries for travelers! Visitors love coming here to see amazing sights—like Torres del Paine National Park where over 300,000 people go each year to hike or just enjoy nature’s beauty.

Cultural diversity and history

Chile is a land where many different people and stories come together. Long ago, native tribes like the Mapuche lived here. Then the Spanish came and changed everything. Now, you can see their mix in food, music, and festivals.

Old buildings stand next to new ones in cities like Santiago.

Lots of places show Chile's rich past. Museums display ancient things found nearby - even mummies older than Egypt's! People visit these spots to learn and feel amazed by how long ago it all started.

The country holds onto its history while still moving forward with the times.

Cultural Immersion
Cultural Immersion

Unique destinations and attractions

Chile surprises you with its long, skinny shape, stretching from the world's driest desert to massive ice fields. You'll find places that don't look like anywhere else on Earth

Tips for Traveling in Chile

Navigating the land of contrasts requires insider know-how — from timing your visit to perfection, embracing the ease of local transit options, to blending in with cultural nuances.

Delve into essential travel tips that promise to elevate your Chilean escapade; an adventure awaits, well-equipped and savvy.

Best time to visit

Chile's weather changes with its long shape from top to bottom. You might want to choose the right time based on what you like to do. Summer months, from December to February, are perfect for a beach vacation or exploring the vibrant city life in Santiago.

This is when Chile’s warm water beaches come alive and places like Pichilemu buzz with surfers.

For wine lovers, March is great as grapes get picked for making that famous Chilean wine. If hiking through Patagonia's breath-taking landscapes tops your list, go between September and November.

That's springtime there and everything looks fresh and green! Moving on, let’s look at how you can move around this amazing country smoothly.

Transportation options

Getting around Chile is easy and fun. You can fly to different cities if you're short on time. Buses in Chile are comfortable and go almost everywhere, even to remote places like Patagonia.

For a cool adventure, rent a car and drive along scenic routes with mountains and oceans by your side. In towns, taxis and local buses are cheap ways to move around. Don't miss the chance to ride the metro in Santiago; it's fast and takes you close to many top spots.

Exploring by foot can be great too! In smaller cities like Valparaíso, walking lets you see all the colorful buildings up close. And out in nature, hiking trails lead you through amazing landscapes that cars can't reach.

If you want something really special, take a boat trip along fjords or hop on ferries that connect islands off the coast for an unforgettable view of Chilean coastline.

Cultural customs and etiquette

In Chile, respecting local ways is important. Say "hello" with a handshake and "goodbye" with a kiss on the cheek—it's how friends greet each other. People dress well, especially in cities, so pack some nice clothes for dinners out or shows.

It’s also polite to be on time, but don’t worry if your hosts are a little late; that’s common.

Be ready to enjoy lots of talks at meals; Chileans love sharing stories and laughing over food. Always use both hands when giving something to someone else; it shows respect. And remember, tipping is usual here – it's good manners to leave 10% at restaurants for good service.

Enjoying your trip means understanding these details—they'll help you connect better with the locals!

Cultural Immersion
Cultural Immersion

Must-try dishes and drinks

Chilean food is as diverse as its landscapes, blending native flavors with European influences. Seafood lovers should savor the ceviche, fresh fish marinated in citrus juice and spiced to perfection.

Try pastel de choclo too, a sweet corn pie filled with meat and onions that's baked until golden. Don't miss out on empanadas; these tasty pastries stuffed with beef, cheese or seafood are perfect for a quick bite.

For drinks, pisco sour is the national cocktail you have to taste. It’s a mix of pisco brandy with lemon juice and egg white, shaken up into a frothy delight. Also explore Chile's wine culture by sipping on a glass of Carménère or Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the many vineyards in the Central Valley.

After enjoying these rich dishes and fine drinks, get ready to experience more adventures around this breathtaking country. Next up: tips for traveling in Chile!

Ready for an adventure? Head to Chile! Here, you'll find bright stars overhead and ancient stories in stone. Taste world-class wines and hike breathtaking trails. So, pack your bags, dive into diverse cultures, and let the wonders of Chile make memories that last a lifetime.

Culinary Experiences
Culinary Experiences

Wildlife Encounters

The unique nature and wildlife found in the different areas of Chile is one of the country's many attractions. Track Pumas in the wild or look for the graceful Guanaco as you watch a Condors soar in the Andes above.

Wildlife Encounters
Wildlife Encounters

Client Testimonials

Personal stories from travelers who explored Chile with Voyagers

@AMsays
The Atacama Desert is one of the world’s truly phenomenal natural wonders that stretches over 1,600 km providing stunning landscapes. It is among other things the driest non-polar desert, the only hot desert to receive less rainfall than polar deserts and the world’s largest fog desert. It is very arid, and sits between 2 mountain chains that include volcanoes, 4,000m high lakes and unique flora and fauna like the vicuna, llama, grey fox, alpaca, flamingo and more. There are gigantic rock forms, rainbow rocks, glistening lakes, salt flats, hot springs, geysers and still more. It has been shaped over a millennia by adverse weather and our own galaxy which has caused earthquakes. meteor showers and lava eruptions. Temperatures here are extreme from 2C to 35C, sometimes even on the same day between day and night. It is known for its starlit skies that are world renowned. It really is a remarkable place.
@Sammyj436
Wow. What a stunning place to visit. We did not know what to expect when we booked to stay at Atacama desert. The scenery was stunning. Allow at least 3 night stay to acclimatise to the altitude to go experience the geysers. It is well worth it.
@christopherhT9645PT
The Atacama Desert plays host to some of the most stunning landscapes anywhere in the world. If you are into scenery on an epic scale you won’t be disappointed. I based myself in San Pedro which was ideal for getting to all of the major attractions, and with planning you can easily do two sites in a day. San Pedro is also a lovely little town ideally set up for tourists with good facilities, places to eat and loads of great little shops. I stayed at the Hostal Katari which at 195,000 pesos (about $220) for 5 nights was very good value (lovely room, clean and friendly staff). I chose to self-drive which was fine, Chilean drivers being respectful and accommodating. This gave me the chance to get out early to the sites and avoid the crowds. It also gave me a chance to drive some of the most spectacular roads in the world. The route east to the Argentine border is utterly otherworldly and south through the Atacama salt flats and up into the mountains was magical (go see the Salar de Agunas Calientes and Laguna Miscanti whilst you’re there) Most sites are ticket only admission but with a bit of patience you can arrange this yourself online. The major sites are also staffed (who were very helpful and patient as I don’t speak Spanish), and have toilets. Prices are reasonable around the $10-$15 mark and very good value. The El Tatio geyser fields are well worth a visit as long as you can tolerate the atrocious roads! And the ruins at Pukara de Quitor about 5km out of town should not be missed. I’d also recommend a swim in the Laguna Cejar which is also home to flamingoes and Valle de la Luna is a must see. San Pedro also offers a huge array of organised tours on minibuses. These range from a couple of hours to full days out. If you don’t want to drive or want the benefit of the knowledgeable guide these are well worth it. I did the Valle de la Luna tour with Whipala which was excellent. A truly incredible place!
@bornthatway_traveler
The Atacama “Dessert,” a.k.a the Atacama Desert, is a magical part of Chile. I really had no clear picture of what I’d be seeing, but after simply flying into Iquique, I knew I’d be in for a treat. I can’t recall the last time I’d visited an area with such dramatic mountainside bordering bright, blue ocean. Once inside the heart of the desert, though, it’s fascinating just how vast it is. The bus ride I took through the desert (Iquique to Arica) was filled with cliff-side ascents and descents, stretches of valley, and pale green vegetation here and there. I took all my pictures on the bus, so they aren’t the greatest, but I hope they can offer a glimpse of this region.
@marcelopontivero
Unforgettable! Astonishing landscapes, wild nature, and a place to visit over and over! An unique environment! Must go!
@AndyF430
This is a massive area of land and features a lot of unspoilt landscapes - mountains, lakes, forest etc. There's plenty of wildlife too - birds, guanaco. Miles and miles of tracks to drive - not sealed, but in very good order with no potholes. It's a vast area, so even though there are lots of visitors, the place just swallows them up and you don't see any crowds anywhere. There are camping areas and toilet stops. The scenery is simply stunning.
@980pharrella
i think it was really great but there we a few crackheads staring at me from the beach so I think we might just need some seguridad
@478WilliamS
This most amazing national park had our heads swimming. We stayed at a lodge with modern yurts and each day toured the park, with opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Some headed to the W to hike and climb, while others took hikes to some of the most spectacular hills and colorful lakes. Great opportunity to see wild cormorants and condors, guanaco, and much more. There is also excellent opportunities to kayak or canoe in pristine lakes. At every turn, i was taking photos of amazing scenery--took hours to sort because I was so captivated at every turn.
@Z6566GClilyb
Torres del Paine National Park provided an epic trekking experience for our group. From stunning peaks to diverse landscapes, every moment was unforgettable. Camping under the stars made it a perfect adventure. Highly recommended for friends seeking outdoor thrills and natural beauty!

Why Choose Voyagers for Your Chile Vacation?

When considering your Chilean adventure, Voyagers Travel stands out as the premier choice for several compelling reasons. Our commitment to providing an unparalleled travel experience begins with our expert local knowledge. Our team, deeply rooted in Chile, possesses an intricate understanding of the country's diverse landscapes, cultures, and hidden gems, ensuring that your journey is not merely a visit but an immersive exploration. What sets Voyagers apart is our dedication to personalized service. We recognize that each traveler is unique, and so are their preferences. Our expert team meticulously tailors every aspect of your trip to align with your desires, making your vacation truly one-of-a-kind.

Moreover, Voyagers takes pride in championing sustainable and responsible travel. We are passionate about preserving Chile's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Our itineraries prioritize eco-friendly accommodations, local partnerships, and activities that contribute positively to the communities you visit. With Voyagers, your Chilean vacation becomes an unforgettable and conscientious adventure.

Explore Chile your way! 🌍✨ Fill out our form for a tailor-made tour and let us make your travel dreams come true!