Chile Trips & Tours

Most travellers arrive in Chile via the Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago. International flights There are direct flights to Santiago departing from a number of major destinations. In the USA, direct flights depart from Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Miami and New York; and Toronto in Canada. There are direct flights available from Europe, flying out of London Heathrow, Paris and Madrid, as well as Australia and New Zealand. We would recommend booking your flights online in order to get the best rates. If you need any help or advice please let us know. Domestic travel Getting around Chile is simple and fairly inexpensive. While in Chile, it’s common for visitors to do as the locals do and use the bus system. However, a private transfer will be the most comfortable and makes your route more flexible (handy for photo stops). Chile is a long, spindly country, but luckily it has a well-maintained network of roads, including the Pan-American Highway, making a self-driving trip favourable. Renting your own car is also helpful for reaching the more remote areas like Patagonia or the Atacama Desert. It’s recommended that you have an international driver’s licence and be sure to rent a vehicle suitable to the terrain. Before departing, confirm that you have two spare tyres, sufficient petrol and water supplies, and study the directions carefully. Although they are the more expensive option, if you’re short on time or don’t want to make the long drive, domestic flights are available and especially useful when travelling between the Atacama Desert and Patagonia. South of Puerto Montt, there is also a network of ferries in operation, which is the scenic alternative to certain routes.

Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, typhoid and rabies, while Hepatitis B may be wise if you’re planning a longer trip. However, please consult your personal physician and/or a travel clinic preferably 6 weeks prior to your departure. Vaccine requirements vary based on your country of origin and your travel itinerary, as well as your previous vaccination history. It is best to consult with your physician or the CDC website for guidelines. Certain mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Chile and can be avoided with consistent use of insect repellent (50% DEET) and wearing layers. Travellers planning on spending time in high altitude areas should take preventative remedies to assist with acclimation. Between May and October, Santiago experiences a bad smog, which may be challenging for anyone with a respiratory condition. While most hotels have a first aid kit, we advise taking a basic one of your own as well as any prescriptions / medication you may need.

Money The currency in Chile is the Chilean peso (CLP) and it’s easy to draw money from ATMs in a bank or post office. You won’t have any problem exchanging money in Chile’s larger cities and there are plenty of official casa de cambios (exchangers) at the airport, shopping centres and major tourist attractions. Gratuities Gratuities are not compulsory or expected; rather it is a reward for excellent service. If you are pleased with the service you receive, you are more than welcome to tip your guide or the staff. Tipping is usually done at the end of your stay. You may tip the staff individually, give the tip to the manager to distribute, or do both. Gratuities suggestions: Private guide: $10 per person per full day; $7.5 per half-day Private driver: $10 per person per full day; $7.5 per half day Porters: $1 per bag Hotel staff: $20 - $50 per room per night (this can be distributed by the manager) Restaurants: In most upscale/tourist restaurants, 12% VAT and a 10% service charge is already included. For local restaurants, the service charge may not be included so a 10% tip is appreciated/appropriate (12% VAT is included).

Insurance It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: Compulsory Insurance: a. Emergency evacuation expenses b. Medical expenses c. Repatriation expenses Recommended Insurance: a. Cancellation or curtailment of trip b. Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

As a general precaution, we recommend you make several copies of your travel-related documents (passport, credit cards, itinerary, airline tickets, insurance cover, visas, etc). Leave one set at home, and bring another set with you, and place it in a location separate from your originals. You may need to present any relevant travel-related documents at any time on the trip. Travellers from certain countries don’t require a visa if their stay doesn’t exceed 90 days, and will receive a Tourist Card on arrival. This includes the USA, Canada, EU members and Australia, and a number of other countries. The Chile Tourist Visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days (this can be extended) and the application can be made online. Following this, a meeting at the Chilean Consulate is required and the payable fee ranges from $50 to $150, depending on the traveller’s nationality. Please do contact the embassy in your home country to reconfirm visa requirements, as they change often. Visa Central is also a good resource for further information.

Climate Chile’s layout means its various regions experience a wide variety of weather, where the coast is fairly cool year-round, the inland valleys are warmer and the Andes are permanently covered in snow. The north remains dry and warm all year round, reaching up to 30°C during the day (although the temperatures can plummet at night). Central Chile enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and cool, wet winters, which makes for a reliable weather forecast. The south experiences more rain, particularly in northern Patagonia, where winter temperatures plunge below 0°C. What to pack The time of year influences what you pack to a certain extent but the weather can vary dramatically within a single day, so it’s best to be prepared for all occasions. Below is a rough guide on what to pack: - Layers: long and short-sleeved shirts, sweaters, fleece / thermal jacket and heavy duty windbreaker / raincoat. If you’re visiting Patagonia, thermal underwear, trekking pants, gloves, a hat and earmuffs may also be needed. - Walking shoes / sandals - Sturdy, water-resistant hiking shoes - Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm - Binoculars - Backpack - Swimsuit (for the spa, pool or the beach) - Toiletries including insect repellent, hand sanitizer and wipes - A first aid kit and any prescription or required medication - Electronics, chargers, batteries and adapters. Chile uses Type C and L plugs and operates on a 220V and 50Hz supply voltage. - Reusable water bottle - Trekking poles, if applicable Luggage Please check with your airlines for the specific luggage restrictions relevant to your flight schedule. Many international airlines have a baggage allowance of 20kgs or more per person and commercial airlines generally permit two (2) pieces of checked luggage. The carry-on bag must be of such dimensions and weight as set by the airlines.