Transportation & Getting Around Chile

Nearly all travelers arrive to Santiago's Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, just 20 minutes from downtown. Distances traveled going north and south in Chile are extensive and domestic flights on LATAM (formerly LANChile) and Sky Airline fly into smaller airports throughout the country such as these:

• Punta Arenas is the largest city in the Patagonia region and the gateway for both trips to Torres del Paine and flight/cruises to Antarctica.
• Lake District is frequently accessed via Puerto Montt, the the major port in this region.
• Atacama Desert is accessed via the Calama Airport and a one hour land transfer.
• Easter Island's Mataveri International Airport flies direct from Santiago to this isolated island far off Chile's Pacific coast.

Once you arrive to a regional airport, you'll be transported to your destination in private vans, buses and cars. Note, that flights between Chile and neighboring Argentina only go between the capitals of Santiago and Buenos Aires.

Chile Wilderness Lodges

Chile has an excellent reputation among luxury-class travelers due to combining breathtaking landscapes and natural settings with classy lodges and accommodations serving fine cuisine and Chilean wines. Here are our favorite Chilean lodges and luxury experiences:

• Awasi Patagonia - The lodge is inside a private reserve with expansive views of the Torres del Paine peaks and Lake Sarmiento. Days are spent exploring Patagonia by horseback, on foot or kayaking nearby lakes. In the evening, relax in luxury as you retreat to your ranch style outpost.
• Awasi Atacama - in San Pedro de Atacama lets you explore the mystical beauty and inspiring geology of the Atacama Desert in style and comfort. 
• Vira Vira Hacienda - A riverfront luxurious lodge in Chile's Lake District with breathtaking vistas of glaciated volcanoes and pristine forests. 

See all Chile luxury tours & cruises.
See our recommended Patagonia Lodges

Best Chile Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2024-2025

• Silversea Cruises - has expedition cruises hand-picked by expedition experts that take you through the magnificent Chilean Fjords and Antarctica on a number of cruises, starting in Buenos Aires, Valparaiso, or Ushuaia. On the way to Punta Arenas, guests of the Silver Cloud and Silver Wind stop in Santiago, Chile, for an overnight hotel stay. Except for those taking advantage of Silversea's Antarctica Bridge, the first ultra-luxury fly-cruise service to Antarctica, guests board the Silver Explorer at Puerto Williams, Chile.
• Ponant - offers luxury cruises with French crew, expertise, attentive service, fine dining, and more to distant lands at the far side of the world such as the Chilean Fjords and Patagonia aboard the prestigious sister ships Le Lyrial and Le Boreal.
• Aurora Expeditions - is an award-winning, Australian-owned expedition company that takes guests on perspective-altering voyages in some of the most remote and incredible off-the-beaten-path destinations like the Chilean Fjords. Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle feature the use of the new ULSTEIN X-BOW® to cross oceans more comfortably.
• Lindblad Expeditions - feature carefully curated expedition that lets you discover the fjords, glaciers, and panoramic vistas that make Chilean Patagonia one of the most lauded nature destinations on Earth. Because National Geographic Resolution has both Zodiacs and kayaks, the entire expedition community can leave at the same time—no waiting around for returning parties. 
• Antarctica 21 - is the world's premier provider of Antarctic Air-Cruises, which combine a flight from Chile to Antarctica with an expedition cruise around the Antarctic Peninsula aboard Ocean Nova Air Cruises and Magellan Explorer. 
• Quark Expeditions - focuses its explorations on the Andes Mountains that form the natural divide between Argentine Patagonia and Chilean Patagonia. Located in Chile, the western half of Patagonia is home to glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, lush forests, and an abundance of wildlife. The 172-guest World Explorer is an all-balcony, all-suite expedition ship perfect for polar exploration.
• Hurtigruten - provides expedition cruises to Chile with an expedition team to help you discover the history and wildlife of the area. Each cruise mixes nature with culture, learning with active exploration, and offers hikes and other activities to explore South America’s Pacific coastline aboard exploration ships MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fram. 

 

Chile Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to travel to Chile?

Most travelers can enter Chile with just a current passport. However, if you are traveling from Australia or Mexico and flying through the international airport in Santiago, there is a Reciprocity tax that must be paid before you enter Interpol. For Australia it is $117; for Mexico, it is $23. If you are not flying in, this tax does not apply.

Is tipping customary in Chile?

Tipping is never required on an Adventure Life trip, however it is always appreciated. It is common to leave an additional 10% on restaurant bills for excellent service and $2-$10/day for your guide and $3/day for your driver. If and how you choose to tip is entirely up to you.

Do I need power adapters?

Plugs are two round prongs and run on 220-volt, 50 cycle electricity. You will need a power converter for 110-volt devices.

What is the internet access like in Chile?

Most hotels have wireless internet, and you won’t have trouble finding a cyber café in the major cities. However, as you get into the more rural areas, it can be harder to find cyber cafes, and some more remote hotels may not have internet access. Check with us while planning your trip and we’ll let you know.

Can I use my cell phone while in Chile?

It’s possible. You will need a GSM phone with a SIM chip that is either unlocked or has a plan that allows for roaming. Check your phone's compatibility here. Then once you arrive in Chile, you can purchase a pre-paid chip from the major carriers, which are Claro, Movistar, and Entel. In some of the more isolated parts of the country, especially in the southern provinces like Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park, it can be impossible to get a signal.

What are the toilets like in Chile?

Chile is a very modern country and toilets are standard flushing units in hotels, restaurants, and nearly all bathroom facilities. If you are camping or trekking in the backcountry, it is possible that you will only have access to squat toilets.

What will it cost for a… ?

Local Bus fare: $0.50
Cup of coffee: $0.50
Beer: $1.50
Simple lunch: $4.00/ person
Dinner in a decent restaurant: $15/ person

Can I drink the water in Chile?

You can drink the water in most of Chile’s major cities and provinces, however it is very mineral rich and can cause upset stomachs if you’re not used to that. We make sure that there is always bottled water available to you if you prefer. In some of the more remote parts of Chile, especially in the northern and southern regions, you should not drink the tap water, and we advise against brushing your teeth with it either.

Are credit cards accepted in Chile?

Credit cards are accepted in most businesses like hotels, restaurants, and bigger stores in the major cities. However, small stores, stalls, and places in the rural parts of Chile might not accept credit cards. It’s always a good idea to have some cash in US dollars and some pocket money in Chilean Pesos on hand.

What is ATM access like in Chile?

In the big cities and tourist destinations like Santiago or Punta Arenas, you will find ATMs from which you can withdraw money. Rural areas tend not to have ATMs, so it’s best to be prepared.
 

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before heading to Chile?

You definitely should! We highly recommend buying travel insurance before heading out on your vacation, and we work with TravelGuard Insurance company to provide you with the best deals. They offer fair prices for comprehensive insurance packages. Our Once You’re Booked page has more info.