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Chile travel

Indie Travel » South America » Chile travel

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Chile stretches from its northern border with Peru, through the arid, desolate Atacama Desert, down to the frozen tip of Patagonia encompassing mountains, lakes and a friendly, generous spirit along the way. The “New Zealand of South America” offers adventure sports, wonderful outdoor opportunities and the most majestic night sky you might ever see.

Chile runs in a thin sliver down the west coast of South America. Starting around half-way down the continent, it borders Peru in the north, then drops down by Bolivia and Argentina, mainly bordered by the Andes mountain range. Its proximity to the Pacific tectonic plate makes for some shaky times, with small earthquakes being a regular occurrence in most of the country.

There is an amazingly diverse set of ecosystems to be found in Chile, although travelling hours through the desert might make you think that’s not quite the case. However, the deserts and oases, forests, mountains, estuaries and coastland, plus the icy tundra and permafrost of Patagonia all add up!

Adventure sports are plentiful, with climbing, skiing and kayaking available plus amazing hiking, especially in the south. The “W” trail through Patagonia is one of the world’s most popular hikes. The wine regions surrounding Santiago are well worth visiting, with malbec, torrontes and cab sauv being amongst our favourite local drops.

Getting to and from Chile

There are numerous flights into many parts of Chile from other South American nations, especially nearby Argentina, Peru and Bolivia.

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Most of these flights are controlled by LAN Chile, the national monopoly, so don’t expect cheap flights, although cheaper Sky Airline flies to a limited number of international destinations in Peru, Bolivia and Argentina as well as running national flights. Flights from North America are most likely to land in the capital Santiago, as are those from the Pacific — routes from Australia normally involve a stop-over in Auckland, New Zealand. European flights are likely to depart from London, England or from Spain.

If you are already in South America, crossing a border by bus is easy and safe. There are daily trips from many bordering cities in Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. You will have to disembark from the bus to handle your paperwork and clear your baggage with customs. See how to catch a bus in Chile.

Many South Pacific and South American cruises include a stop or more in Chile.

Chile travel resources

Book accommodation in Chile and travel insurance for Chile through us — we love it when you do that!

Browse the articles about Chile below.

Top 10 things to do in Chile

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Chile is an incredible country, stuffed full of experience all the way down its considerable length. While there’s plenty to do in the capital of Santiago, if you’re looking for the best things to do in Chile it’s definitely worth venturing further afield. 1. Star-gaze in the Atacama Desert. With one of the clearest night…

A brief guide to Valdivia, Chile

Reading Time: 3 minutes
Although Valdivia doesn’t immediately come to most travellers’ minds when thinking about Chile, this small southern city has plenty to offer visitors.
La Moneda, Santiago de Chile with flags

Solo female travel in Santiago, Chile

Reading Time: 4 minutes
As a solo female traveller visiting South America for the first time, Santiago, Chile is a very good place to start.
La Moneda, Santiago de Chile with flags

Best places in South America podcast

Reading Time: 5 minutes
The best places to visit in South America, as chosen by Indie Travel Podcast hosts, Craig and Linda. Our favourite places and places we still want to visit in South America.

How to take a taxi in South America

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Taxi culture varies from country to country – learn how to catch a taxi in the South American countries of Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Uruguay.
chile bus travel - flores bus terminal

How to catch a bus in Chile and Peru podcast

Reading Time: 4 minutes
You’ll probably spend a fair amount of time on buses in Peru and Chile – follow these tips to make it easier.

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