Destinations
Chile
Rugged, remote, and breathtaking—Chile’s Patagonia is pure wilderness.
Patagonia’s Chilean side is a land of extremes, where towering granite peaks, ancient glaciers, and labyrinthine fjords create some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is the crown jewel—home to turquoise lakes, windswept steppes, and the legendary Paine Massif. In the far south, Tierra del Fuego offers remote wildlife encounters, while the glacier-filled fjords of the Southern Ice Field invite exploration by boat.
Far to the north, the Atacama Desert—one of the driest places on Earth—offers an entirely different kind of wonder: salt flats, crimson valleys, and some of the clearest night skies in the world. Volcanoes, geysers, and flamingo-filled lagoons rise from stark plateaus, creating a dreamlike contrast to Patagonia’s icy wilderness.
Whether trekking among snow-capped mountains, paddling through untouched waterways, stargazing in the Atacama, or spotting pumas in the wild, Chile is a sanctuary for adventure and solitude alike.
Best Times to Visit
November to March: The best season for hiking, wildlife spotting, and warmer temperatures.
March to April: Offers fewer crowds and incredible fall colors but can bring harsh winds and colder conditions.
iconic wildlife
Pumas
Guanacos
Chilean Flamingos
Andean Condors
Magellanic Penguins
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Reflecting On Flamingos
Laguna Chaxa, Chile
23° 19′ 41″ S / 68° 10′ 02″ W
— Gregory Maguire
“Animals are born who they are, accept it, and that is that. They live with greater peace than people do.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Chile
When is the best time to visit Chile?
Chile’s seasons are opposite those in the Northern Hemisphere. Patagonia is best from October to March, while the Atacama and central regions are great year-round. For skiing in the Andes, plan for June through August.
Do I need a visa to enter Chile?
Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, the EU, Australia, and many other countries can enter Chile visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Is it safe to travel in Chile?
Chile is one of the safest countries in South America. Exercise normal travel precautions, especially in larger cities, and take care in remote wilderness areas.
Do I need special permits for Patagonia or the Atacama?
National parks like Torres del Paine require entry fees and, for certain treks, advance reservations. Some remote Atacama sites may require local guides or permits.
How do I get around?
Domestic flights connect Santiago to Patagonia, Atacama, and Lake District regions. Buses and rental cars are common for exploring rural areas, but distances are vast.
Can I drink the tap water in Chile?
In most urban areas, tap water is safe, though it may have a different taste due to mineral content. Many travelers prefer bottled or filtered water.