Bela Dalton
Member
The Country at a Glance
Chile is long and narrow about 4,300 km from top to bottom. That means the north (Atacama Desert) and the south (Patagonia) are almost different planets. The central region has a Mediterranean-like climate, the Atacama is one of the driest places on earth, and Patagonia is cold, wet, and windy. Pack for all three if you're doing a longer trip.
Best Time to Go
December to February is summer warm, sunny, and crowded. Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer mild weather and fewer tourists, which makes them good for hiking and wine touring. Atacama is good year-round.
One Thing Most Guides Skip
Chile experiences earthquakes regularly. Locals are completely unfazed by the regular tremors the country has strict building codes and long experience with seismic activity. It's startling the first time, but don't panic.
For flights and fares to get there, this page covers options for travel to Chile from major US cities, with routes from New York, Miami, LA, and more.
Chile is one of those places that looks incredible in photos and somehow still exceeds expectations in person. Go prepared, go curious, and don't rush it.
Chile is long and narrow about 4,300 km from top to bottom. That means the north (Atacama Desert) and the south (Patagonia) are almost different planets. The central region has a Mediterranean-like climate, the Atacama is one of the driest places on earth, and Patagonia is cold, wet, and windy. Pack for all three if you're doing a longer trip.
Best Time to Go
December to February is summer warm, sunny, and crowded. Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer mild weather and fewer tourists, which makes them good for hiking and wine touring. Atacama is good year-round.
One Thing Most Guides Skip
Chile experiences earthquakes regularly. Locals are completely unfazed by the regular tremors the country has strict building codes and long experience with seismic activity. It's startling the first time, but don't panic.
For flights and fares to get there, this page covers options for travel to Chile from major US cities, with routes from New York, Miami, LA, and more.
Chile is one of those places that looks incredible in photos and somehow still exceeds expectations in person. Go prepared, go curious, and don't rush it.