Chile holidays
Chile holidays at a glance
The landscape changes with almost every degree of latitude. In the north, San Pedro de Atacama is the base for exploring Valle de la Luna and some of the finest stargazing anywhere. Further south, the Lake District’s snow-capped volcanoes give way to the wild wilderness of Torres del Paine. Out in the Pacific Ocean, two time zones from the mainland, Easter Island holds its giant moai and a Polynesian culture all its own.
Our Chile holidays take you through one of the world’s longest, narrowest countries, from the driest desert on Earth to the glaciers of the deep south. It would take weeks to see it all, but in a single trip you can go from the salt flats and geysers of the Atacama Desert to the fjords and granite peaks of Chilean Patagonia, by way of vineyards, volcanoes and lakes.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Chile
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
“If you can, add the lake crossing from Puerto Varas to Bariloche. It’s one of the great South American journeys. And don’t underestimate the Atacama at night. The stargazing alone is worth the flight north.”
When to visit Chile
Wondering when is the best time to visit Chile? Explore our in-depth guide to the weather in Chile by seasons, as well as wildlife spectacles and cultural events throughout the year.
All across the country, temperatures are at their warmest and you’ll enjoy glorious sunny skies in many regions. This is the busiest time for visitors, so expect a buzzing atmosphere and lively crowds in popular destinations. Clear weather conditions make these months ideal for marvelling at Patagonia’s towering massifs or stargazing in the vast Atacama desert. This is a good time to visit Santiago, as the city empties out considerably and temperatures soar to 30°C. Out on Easter Island, the Tapati Rapa Nui festival in Feb draws crowds to watch the traditional challenges of horseback riding and tree climbing among local families.
The Chilean autumn sets landscapes aglow with crimson, orange and golden foliage. Temperatures begin to cool but remain pleasant in many areas, with chillier night and slightly increased rainfall. With fewer visitors you stand better chances of spotting Chile’s more elusive wildlife, like the graceful puma found predominantly in Torres del Paine, Aisen and Tierra del Fuego. In the vineyards, the Vendimias harvest festivals are in full swing. This is the perfect time to take a tour of the lush, fertile valleys and partake in grape stomping and, naturally, wine tasting.
The winter ushers in colder temperatures with increased rainfall and snow in some parts of the country. Nights often plunge below freezing, and some hotels and hiking trails will be closed though many national parks remain open. This is an ideal time to visit for winter sports enthusiasts, as the snow-drenched Andes provide an unrivalled playground for snowboarding and skiing. Try the Valle Nevado ski resorts outside Santiago or the glacial wilderness of southern Patagonia for smooth slopes and staggering views.
Bursts of rain, beaming sun and rising temperatures characterise spring in Chile. Areas of astounding natural beauty burst into bloom, with wildflowers carpeting the meadows and mountainsides of many national parks. The Lake District is particularly beautiful at this time of year, both for its endemic flowers and the nesting colonies of Magellanic and Humboldt penguins found in Chiloé. Patagonia has fewer visitors and more visible wildlife during these months.
Places to visit in Chile
Chile’s length means the landscapes change completely as you move from north to south, so it pays to focus your trip rather than try to cover everything at once. Most holidays link a region or two by short domestic flights. Here’s where we recommend spending your time.
Atacama Desert
Vast salt flats, steaming geysers, flamingo-filled lagoons and volcanic peaks create a world that feels more like another planet than the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. As the driest non-polar desert on Earth, this is one of South America’s most spectacular destinations for adventure, wildlife and stargazing.
Easter Island
Discover one of the world’s most remote and enigmatic destinations, where giant stone statues stand watch over volcanic landscapes, windswept grasslands and Pacific Ocean horizons. Our Easter Island holidays combine Rapa Nui’s archaeology, Polynesian culture and dramatic natural scenery unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Spiralling granite towers, serrated massifs and turquoise lakes define one of the most spectacular national parks, where grasslands give way to glacial valleys, rivers and glassy lagoons. Torres del Paine is Chile’s flagship natural destination, and Torres del Paine holidays remain one of South America’s finest options for hiking, wildlife watching and immersive wilderness experiences.
Top Things to do in Chile
Chile is a country built for the outdoors, so you’ll never be short of things to do, whether you’re stargazing in the Atacama, cruising to a glacier or riding across the Patagonian steppe. Here’s what we recommend.
Be starstruck by the Ahlarkapin Observatory, one of the best places on earth for stargazing.
An iconic trek in Torres del Paine National Park, taking in the best of the scenery and exploring the Paine massif from a variety of angles.
Sail the crystalline waters of the Chilean lake district and visit glaciers and rural communities on this 6-day cruise from Puerto Montt.
Accommodation in Chile
We hand-pick every property for character, location and quality. In the Atacama, the best lodges put the Milky Way on your doorstep. In Torres del Paine, we book you inside or just outside the park, so you’re on the trail before the day visitors arrive. In the lake district, lakeside hotels look out to the volcanoes, and in wine country, small guesthouses within the vineyards are hard to beat, especially at harvest time.
This exceptional experience-driven hotel in one of South America’s most spellbinding locations has its own brand of adventurous, unpretentious luxury.
Small, exclusive boutique hotel offering luxury and privacy, built in harmony with the stunning setting of the Atacama Desert.
Casa Real offers luxurious accommodation in the elegant setting of Santa Rita Vineyards in Chile’s Maipo Valley.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Chile
From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays to Chile.
Group Chile Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Andean Flamingo: Andes laid bare
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Lake Titicaca – Bolivian side · La Paz and the altiplano · Uyuni salt flats · Atacama Desert · Santiago and the vineyards
17 days from £5,636
Charito: Pure Patagonia
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Chilean Lake District (south) · Torres del Paine National Park · El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park · Buenos Aires
12 days from £3,685
Penguin: Extremes of Chile
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Atacama Desert · Chilean Lake District (south) · Torres del Paine National Park
14 days from £5,022
Tailor-Made Chile Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Active Chile: Trek in Torres Del Paine
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Chilean Lake District (south) · Torres del Paine National Park
13 days from £4,070
Food and wine: Vineyards of Argentina and Chile
Places visited: Buenos Aires · Mendoza and the vineyards · Salta · Santiago and the vineyards
13 days from £7,300
Signature Chile: Atacama Desert to Patagonian glaciers
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Atacama Desert · Chilean Lake District (south) · Torres del Paine National Park
12 days from £6,050
FAQs about visiting Chile
Chile is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- Do I need a visa to visit Chile?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Chile from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Santiago, taking around 14.5 hours. There are also connecting routes via Madrid, Paris and other European hubs. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What's the best way to travel around Chile?
The country’s length makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, with most routes connecting through Santiago. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions. For scenic stretches like the Lake District or the Carretera Austral, overland travel is part of the experience.
- What currency does Chile use?
The official currency is the Chilean peso. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and ATMs are available in most towns. Carry some cash for tips, smaller purchases and rural areas. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- What's the altitude like in Chile?
Most of Chile sits at low to moderate altitude, but parts of the Atacama, including Lauca National Park and areas around San Pedro, reach over 3,000m. Altitude can cause headaches, dizziness and breathlessness, so it’s important to acclimatise gradually, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on arrival. We plan all itineraries with altitude in mind.
- How long should I spend in Chile?
Two weeks works well for a single focus, such as the Atacama with a few days in Santiago, or Torres del Paine with time in the lake district. To cover Chile’s full range, from desert to Patagonia, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- Do I need vaccinations for Chile?
There are currently no mandatory vaccines for UK travellers visiting Chile, but we always recommend checking the most up-to-date requirements well before travelling. You can do this by visiting TravelHealthPro and FCDO travel pages. Alternatively, you can contact us and speak to one of our experts who can advise on any current considerations for the areas you’re visiting.
- What countries can I combine with Chile?
Chile pairs naturally with Argentina, crossing the Andes from Santiago to Mendoza, or the lakes from Puerto Varas to Bariloche. Bolivia is an easy add-on from the Atacama, with routes through the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
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Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
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