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The world's longest country — Atacama desert, Torres del Paine, Easter Island, and 4,000km of Pacific coast.
Chile is South America's safest and most organised country — which also makes it the most expensive. But the Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, and the Lake District justify every peso. The 4,300km length means internal flights are worth it.
Each region has a completely different character. Here is what to expect.
The driest non-polar desert on earth — El Tatio geysers at sunrise (4,500m, bring warm clothes), Valle de la Luna at sunset, salt flats, flamingos. The best stargazing on earth — the ALMA telescope array is here for good reason.
Chile's greatest national park — the W Trek (4-5 days) and the full Circuit (8-10 days) are world-class multi-day hikes. Book hut accommodation 6-12 months ahead. Weather changes within hours.
A modern sophisticated capital with excellent food and wine, the Cerro San Cristobal hill park, the Bellavista neighbourhood, and day-trip access to Valparaiso and the Maipo Valley wine region.
Wooden palafito houses on stilts, distinctive Chilote cuisine (curanto cooked in the ground), and 16 UNESCO-listed wooden Jesuit churches. A completely different world from the rest of Chile.
Chile is South America's most expensive country.
Santiago and Atacama £40-60/day.
Patagonia adds park fees and equipment hire.
Tur-Bus and Pullman buses are comfortable and cover the whole country.
Chilean wine (Carmenere, Sauvignon Blanc) is outstanding at £3-6 from a supermarket..
Torres del Paine has fire damage from historical tourist carelessness — follow all fire regulations strictly. The Atacama's salt flat ecosystems are fragile — drive only on established tracks. Chilean salmon farming in Chiloe's waters is environmentally controversial — choose artisanal fishing communities instead.
Tell us where you want to go and your budget — we'll build a personalised quote with routes, hostels, and transport sorted.
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