Round trip Chile

Due to the country’s length, there is no single ‘best’ time to visit the whole of Chile. The ideal time depends on the regions you wish to visit. For Patagonia, the South American spring and summer are usually the most pleasant. The Atacama Desert is a great place to visit almost all year round.

Spring (September to November): Spring is a lovely time to visit central Chile and parts of the south. Temperatures become more pleasant and nature comes back to life. Santiago, Valparaíso, the wine regions and the Lake District are all well worth visiting during this period.

Spring is also an attractive time of year for travellers wishing to avoid the peak tourist season.

Summer (December to February): Summer is the most popular time to visit Chile. Patagonia and the Lake District are particularly accessible during this period. This is an ideal time for hiking, road trips, coastal areas and outdoor activities.

Bear in mind that popular areas tend to be busier and prices may be higher. It’s certainly wise to plan well in advance, particularly for Patagonia.

Autumn (March to May): Autumn is a good time of year for those seeking milder weather and fewer crowds. In the lake district and at the foot of the Andes, the forests take on beautiful colours. The wine regions are also worth visiting, as the harvest takes place during these months.

Autumn is often a lovely time of year for a tour combining nature, cities and wine regions.

Winter (June to August): In winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding in the Andes, for example at Valle Nevado or Portillo. In the south, it is colder and wetter, making some routes less suitable. The Atacama Desert, on the other hand, remains dry and is well worth visiting even in winter.

Anyone travelling in winter would be well advised to tailor their itinerary specifically to the region.

Please note when travelling: Chile has significant regional differences. The weather in the Atacama Desert is nothing like the weather in Patagonia. Distances may also be greater than they appear on the map. Careful route planning ensures the trip does not become too rushed.

Spring and autumn are ideal times for many tours, as it is quieter and temperatures are pleasant in many regions.

Chile has many attractions that can be easily combined within a tour. The choice depends mainly on the regions you wish to visit and the type of trip you are looking for.

Key attractions in Chile include:

• Torres del Paine National Park: a well-known nature reserve in Patagonia featuring mountains, lakes, glaciers and walking trails.
• Santiago: the capital of Chile, with museums, markets, restaurants, viewpoints and a variety of neighbourhoods.
• Valparaíso: a colourful port city with street art, hills, funicular railways and sea views.
• The Atacama Desert: an arid desert region featuring salt flats, geysers, lagoons and remarkable rock formations.
• The Lake District: a lush region featuring lakes, forests, volcanoes and towns such as Puerto Varas and Pucón.
• Patagonia: a rugged region with fjords, glaciers, mountains and plenty of opportunities for hiking.
• The wine region: an area with vineyards, bodegas and excellent opportunities for wine tastings.
• Pucón: a destination for outdoor activities, renowned for its volcanoes, lakes and hot springs.

Chile is therefore ideal for travellers who wish to combine nature, cities, wine and active excursions.

1. Do I need a visa for Chile?
Travellers holding a Dutch or Belgian passport do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least a further 6 months upon your return. Always check the current entry requirements before you set off.

2. What is the recommended length of stay for Chile?
For a comprehensive tour of Chile, 14 to 21 days is a good length of stay. This gives you plenty of time to combine, for example, the Atacama Desert, Santiago, the Lake District and Patagonia. Given the distances involved, it is important to prioritise your choices.

3. What is the best way to travel around Chile?
Due to the long distances involved, a combination of domestic flights and hire cars is often the most practical option. Flying is convenient for long journeys, such as between Santiago and Punta Arenas. A hire car is ideal in regions such as the Lake District, the wine valleys and parts of Patagonia.

4. Can Chile be easily combined with another travel destination?
Yes, Chile can be easily combined with Argentina, Bolivia or Peru. Combinations with Patagonia in Argentina, the salt flats of Bolivia or Peru are particularly popular with travellers who want to see more of South America.

5. Can I get by speaking English whilst travelling in Chile?
Spanish is the official language in Chile. In tourist areas, basic English is often spoken, but outside these areas this is less common. A few Spanish words or phrases are therefore useful.

Our travel specialists are happy to assist you with any enquiries about a trip to Chile. Together, we’ll put together an itinerary that suits your preferences, travel dates and preferred style of travel.