Chile Tours & Vacations

Chile is narrow and long, shaped by the mountains to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and Patagonia to the south. With the variety of temperatures, weather, and geography, the best time to visit Chile is in the Southern Hemisphere’s fall from March to April or the Southern Hemisphere’s spring from September to November.

The weather in cities like Santiago and Valparaiso is consistently comfortable in fall and spring, even into early winter, but the most dramatic temperature changes in Chile take place along the Andes Mountains and in the Subantarctic south at Pagatonia.

The arid desert landscape of the Atacama Desert can drop to around 40°F during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter nights, while Patagonia sees temperatures as low as 32°F in the Southern Hemisphere’s winter months from May to August.

While spring and fall is our favorite time of the year, Chile is a year-round destination with plenty to explore and experience in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer and winter.

Whether visiting the Dark Sky Reserve in June, touring Torres del Paine in December, or eager to view the flamingos in October, our guide on the best time to visit Chile can help you find the right month for your trip.

From the artistic neighborhoods of Santiago to the wines of the Casablanca Valley, the bohemian coastal ambiance of Valparaiso to the penguins and colonial churches of Chiloé Island, there is so much to explore in Chile. Here are a few of our best places to visit in Chile:

• Atacama Desert: The rugged and expansive landscape of the Atacama Desert couples with the sparkling salt lake where flamingos graze. Volcanic peaks, sand dunes, star gazing, and the world’s oldest mummies add to the majestic atmosphere.
• Torres del Paine National Park: Known for extreme weather and dramatic mountain scenery, Torres del Paine epitomizes Patagonia with granite pillars, a stunning massif, and a combination of wild guanacos grazing beneath the hanging glaciers.

Easter Island: Majestic and mysterious, Easter Island is one of the most remote destinations in the world and captures your imagination with the famous moai statues, remarkable snorkeling, great surf, and timeless panoramic views of extinct volcanoes.

From hiking the Torres del Paine massif to witnessing the starlight in one of the world’s few Dark Sky reserves, here are some of the top things to do in Chile:

• Trek through nature in different ways across Chile, from hiking in Patagonia to strolling around the glistening glacial lakes on single-day or multi-day hikes
• Witness the rare beauty of the night sky away from light pollution
• Experience cultural diversity in the museum galleries, sharing the heritage and histories of local communities from Cape Horn to Easter Island
• Cycle through the remarkable scenery at your pace for an introduction to landscapes shifting from lunar to mountainous, glacial to coastal
• Indulge in mouthwatering wines at celebrated vineyards in popular Chilean wine regions

Whether eager to explore the country’s natural beauty or interested in the poetry of Pablo Neruda, you can find unique landmarks and attractions on your Chile trip:

• Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island
• Torres del Paine Towers, Patagonia
• San Rafael Glacier, Patagonia
• Hand of the Desert, Atacama Desert
• Geysers del Tatio, Atacama Desert
• La Sebastiana, Valparaiso
• Neptune Fountain, Santiago

Chile is known for its breathtaking landscapes, stretching from the high-altitude geysers and salt flats of the Atacama Desert to the hanging glaciers and granite cliffs of Patagonia. Travelers from around the world arrive to visit the wine regions of the Maipo and Casablanca valleys. Visitors can enjoy the contemporary culture of coastal cities like Valparaiso and Viña del Mar when traveling to Chile.

Patagonia is a region inside Chile and Argentina.

The stunning landscape features dramatic mountains capped with snow, winding rivers, and volcanic peaks that cross the border between Chile and Argentina. Both countries have their own unique characteristics, with the W Trail acting as a walking bridge between the two nations.

Patagonia in Chile is home to Torres del Paine National Park, Corcovado Bay, and Queulat National Park, home to Queulat Hanging Glacier.

Easter Island is part of the nation of Chile and is considered one of the most remote populated islands in the world. The only flight connecting to Easter Island is from Chile’s capital city of Santiago. No matter where you are traveling from, you must stop in Santiago to catch a connecting flight to continue to Easter Island.

Chile is a safe country to visit.

Like in any large city, petty crime can happen in popular metropolitan destinations, but it is rare. Pay attention to your surroundings and keep your belongings close in crowded areas. Pack appropriate clothing for the season’s weather conditions when traveling to remote places for outdoor activities.

Your travel specialist can guide you on the best ways to stay safe and comfortable during your trip to Chile.

The best Chile itinerary for you will combine the dramatic landscapes with local culture, the urban charm with the rural beauty. Below are some of our most popular Chile itineraries you can personalize:

• With a focus on the idyllic scenery and local culture, our 10-Day Best of Chile Tour: Patagonia, Atacama, Santiago, and More, reveals the diversity of Chile’s landscape, skies, and culture that makes it unlike anywhere else in the world.
• Whether a nature enthusiast or lover of natural history, our Wonders of Chile: City, Desert, Mountain Tour uncovers a colorful combination of urban beauty, unspoiled desert grandeur, and the breathtaking drama of Patagonia.

Adventure to reach the remote corners of the world on our Highlights of Chile: North, South and Easter Island in 2-Weeks to visit the edges of Patagonia at Grey Glacier, the marvels of Atacama Desert’s lunar landscape, and the secluded wonders of Easter Island.

Explore more inspiration and information in our Chile travel guide.