Chile

[All content and prices updated July 2013]

Why you should add Chile to your Indie/RTW trip

One look at a map tells you that Chile is a unique country. It stretches over 4,630 kilometers (2,880 miles) north to south, but it is only 430 kilometers (265 miles) at its widest point east to west.

  • The geography in this long, stretched out country is as varied as you will find on this planet.
    • The northern Atacama Desert contains some of the driest land in the world.
    • The southern coast is a labyrinth of fjords, inlets, canals, twisting peninsulas, and islands.
    • In between there is rich grazing land, volcanoes, lakes and other splendors. Just about every time you go around a turn you will see something new.
  • For the traveler, Chile offers a friendly, easy to navigate experience.
  • It is one of the most developed countries in South America and also one of the most European in feel.
  • The country’s advanced infrastructure and experience with tourism makes it easy to get around, especially if you take the time to brush up on your Spanish before you visit.

Indie travel tips for Chile

  • Stick around Santiago for some amazing cuisine in a bustling metropolis.
  • Head to Pucon and stand atop an active volcano.
  • Torres del Paine, in Chilean Patagonia, is one of the top trekking meccas in the entire world.
  • You should be forewarned, that unlike many of its South American neighbors Chile is not a super cheap place to travel. There are bargains to be found, but you might want to make sure you have a little extra cash on hand just in case. Plan on spending about $40-50USD per day in Chile.

Transportation

One way to get to Chile is to ride a bicycle. If your legs don’t want to carry you through South America, you can always go the safe route and book a flight. There are cheap flights to Chile from time to time.

Once in Chile, getting around by bus is your best bet. The buses are much nicer than most of the rest of the continent (Argentina aside).

Accommodation

If you’re traveling on a budget, then there are plenty of hostels in Chile. Book now and save some hassles later when you are road weary.

If there was ever a country made for adventure travel it is Chile. It is an adventure traveler’s wet dream. Just take a look at a few of these adventure trips and tours and you will start salivating.