Exploring Chile

We haven’t logged a full Team USA training trip to Chile yet, but we wanted this page live with genuinely useful information while our destination guides are still in progress. Chile is one of the longest countries on earth, stretching from the driest desert in the world in the north to glaciers and fjords in Patagonia in the south. That range means two trips to Chile can look completely different depending on which region you choose. Most itineraries pick one or two regions rather than trying to cover the whole country in a single visit.

Chile uses the Chilean peso, and cards are widely accepted in cities, though it’s smart to carry cash for smaller towns, markets, and rural areas, especially in the north and in Patagonia. Spanish is the official language, and English is less common outside tourist hubs like Santiago and the main national parks, so a few basic phrases go a long way. Tipping around 10% is customary at sit-down restaurants, and it’s often added automatically to the bill as a suggested amount you can decline if you prefer. Chile is also generally considered one of the safer countries to travel in South America, though standard city precautions still apply in Santiago’s busier neighborhoods.

Santiago is the capital and most travelers’ entry point, with easy access to the Andes and nearby wine valleys like Casablanca and Colchagua. The Atacama Desert in the north offers otherworldly landscapes, salt flats, and some of the clearest night skies on the planet for stargazing. In the south, Chilean Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park draw hikers with dramatic granite peaks and glacial lakes, though the region requires more time and planning to reach than the central part of the country.

Easter Island, officially part of Chile despite sitting far out in the Pacific, is home to the famous moai statues and requires a separate flight from Santiago — most visitors treat it as its own multi-day trip rather than a quick add-on. The Lake District, roughly in the middle of the country, offers volcanoes, lakes, and a strong German immigrant influence in towns like Puerto Varas, making it a good stop if you want scenery without the logistics of far southern Patagonia.

Domestic flights are the most practical way to cover Chile’s length, since driving from the Atacama to Patagonia would take days. Weather varies enormously by region and season — remember that Chile’s seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere, so December through February is summer and the best time for Patagonia, while the northern desert is comfortable year-round. Tap water is safe to drink in most of Chile’s cities. Altitude can be a factor in parts of the Atacama and the Andes, so give yourself a day to adjust before any strenuous hiking if you’re arriving from sea level.

Chilean cuisine includes plenty of fresh seafood along the long coastline, along with hearty dishes like cazuela and pastel de choclo. Before you travel, check the U.S. State Department’s country-specific guidance at travel.state.gov for up-to-date entry requirements and safety information.

Have you traveled to Chile, or are you planning a trip soon? We’d love to hear your recommendations and questions in the comments below — this page will keep growing as our own Chile stories come in.

Local Guides

Guides & Stories

Everything we’ve published about this destination, updated as new stories go live.

More to Explore

More Travel Inspiration

Fresh from the blog — recent stories and guides from around the world.