Things to do in Chile

Chile is about 4,300 km long and on average less than 200 km wide, squeezed between the Andes and the Pacific. That shape decides everything. The desert, the capital, the lakes and Patagonia are separate trips, not one route.

Where to go

• Atacama. The north. San Pedro de Atacama, at about 2,400 m, is the base for the salt flat, the flamingos of Laguna Chaxa and lagoons above 4,000 m. Santiago to Calama is about two hours by air, then a drive of roughly 100 km.
• Santiago. The capital and main gateway, in a valley under the Andes. Valparaíso, a port city of steep hills with a historic quarter on the UNESCO list, is about 120 km west.
• Lakes and volcanoes. South of Santiago, around Puerto Varas and Pucón.
• Patagonia. The far south. Punta Arenas sits on the Strait of Magellan. Puerto Natales, some 250 km north, is the base for Torres del Paine, a national park and biosphere reserve. Santiago to Punta Arenas is about three and a half hours by air.
• Easter Island. About 3,500 km out in the Pacific, five hours by air from Santiago.

What people book

• San Pedro de Atacama. A half day to Laguna Chaxa, Toconao and Socaire, or a full day to the altiplanic lagoons and Piedras Rojas.
• Torres del Paine. A day of about fifteen hours from Puerto Natales, with the Milodón cave, the Salto Grande falls and a viewpoint over Lago Grey and its icebergs.
• Cities. Half-day tours of Santiago and Punta Arenas, and a three-hour phone-led group quest in Valparaíso.

The lakes and Easter Island are not part of these trips.

Practical

• Weather. Santiago reaches about 30C in January and about 14C by day in July, with most rain in winter. San Pedro has days of 20 to 28C, and nights fall below freezing in winter. Patagonian summer days stay near 15C, in strong wind.
• Season. Patagonia works from October to April. The north can be visited all year.
• Altitude. Take the first day in San Pedro slowly. The lagoons sit above 4,000 m.
• Park fees. The Torres del Paine entrance fee is charged on top of the day trip.
• Money. The peso. Cards work in cities, but carry cash for villages and park stops.
• Tipping. About ten per cent in restaurants, often suggested on the bill.