Chile A world of deserts, volcanoes, lakes and beaches
You’re spoilt for choice with enticing travel options in this long thin spectacular country. From the dry north to the volcanic south, your Chilean trip can have it all. See cosmopolitan Santiago then admire the colonial urban architecture in La Serena. Maybe ski in the Andes, visit Valparaiso or taste delicious wine in the country’s famed vineyards. Whether you explore the Atacama Desert, Patagonia (yes, it’s part of Chile too), or venture further to mysterious Rapa Nui, we can help you.
Where it is
South America
When to go
September to May
Why go there
Spectacular scenery
Empty deserts
High peaks
What to see
Atacama Desert
Santiago
Torres del Paine
Stay in the Atacama Desert
By day, see the desolate salt flats and lunar landscapes. At night, stargaze into the crystal-clear skies from your lodge’s private observatory.
Santiago, the cool capital
Check out the city’s barrios brimming with restaurants and boutiques. Take the funicular up to Cerro San Cristobal for panoramic views.
The wild land of Patagonia
Trek in the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park and stay on a hacienda (or ranch) to experience the huaso (or cowboy) culture.
Go to the faraway corner of the world
The remote island of Rapa Nui
Travel to this Unesco World Heritage Site (formerly called Easter Island) for the hundreds of moai, enigmatic giant statues looking out over land and sea.
Travel in Chile
With a country as varied in geography, scenery and culture as Chile, fabulous travel opportunities abound. Picture yourself on a ranch in the south or a luxurious hotel in the high desert. If you like trekking, tasting wine or want to soak up city life in a sophisticated capital, Chile has it all. Depending on the time of year you go (remember Chile is in the southern hemisphere), we can customise your trip to make the most of this amazing destination.
Chile facts
Chile was a Spanish colony until independence in 1818 and Spanish is still the official language. Today 10% of the 19 million inhabitants are indigenous peoples, mainly living in the south. Chile is the longest country in the world, at about 4,300km from north to south (roughly the same as the top of Norway to Libya) and is bordered by the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. It has a strong economy built upon mining and agriculture. The national dance is the cueca.
Time zone
UTC -3
Flight time
17 hours from Switzerland
Local currency
Chilean peso
Dialing code
+56
