Chile is extremely long with many climates — Atacama Desert in the north, Mediterranean central valley around Santiago/Valparaíso, temperate Lake District and rainy Chiloé, and cold Patagonian south. Don’t try to see it all at once; plan for the region you’ll visit and bring layers, sun protection for the north, and warm waterproof gear for the south.
Fly between distant regions
Because distances are huge, fly to save time. Common combos: Santiago⇄San Pedro de Atacama (north), Santiago⇄Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales (Patagonia), or return trips to Easter Island. Use flights instead of driving long cross‑country legs unless you have weeks.
Consider renting a car only when useful
In Santiago you rarely need a car — use metro, buses, Turbus airport coaches, or booked day tours. Outside the capital (Carretera Austral, Lake District, parts of Patagonia) a rental gives freedom. Note cross‑border rental rules and high one‑way fees; book in advance and choose appropriate vehicle for gravel roads.
Book key accommodations and tours ahead
Popular parks (Torres del Paine), cruises, Carretera Austral ferries and some lodges/refugios fill up. For wineries, many require reservations. If traveling in high season (December–February) or heading to remote areas, prebook lodging and essential transport.
Safety and local transport tips
Chile is generally one of the safer South American destinations but exercise normal precautions: avoid risky neighborhoods, watch for pickpockets at bus stops, and agree fares for informal taxis if you must use them. Prefer Metro > Bus/Uber > taxi; don’t accept Uber drivers asking you to cancel official airport rides — use the authorized airport bus when practical.
Tipping customs — bring pesos
Tipping is discretionary but appreciated. Use Chilean pesos. Typical guidance: let taxi drivers keep change; porters CLP 500–1,000; shared tour guides CLP ~2,000 (half that to drivers), full‑day private guides CLP ~10,000–15,000; restaurants often add a suggested 10% but you can adjust if service was poor.
Plan Patagonia and specialty trips carefully
Patagonia and multi‑day treks (W or O circuits) require time, spare parts (if biking), and logistics. If you want Torres del Paine, fly into Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales and allow enough days. Carretera Austral needs time and a capable vehicle. For Atacama, allow morning geyser tours and Valle de la Luna at sunset; consider 3–5 days for a good visit.
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