Top 10 travel tips for Chile holidays
Andean Trails’ Alan Lyall lived in Chile for almost 20 years, working in tourism, and here he shares, in no particular order, his Top 10 tips for holidays in Chile.
There are five things to do, and the five best times to go.
Things to do
1. Atacama
Watching the sunset in the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) outside San Pedro de Atacama. The play and contrasts of colour and shadow over the desert are inspiring.
2. Wine tasting
Tasting Carménère wine in the winery where it is made, after strolling through the vines guarded by the majestic Andes Mountains.
3. Hiking
Walking trails in the Torres del Paine National Park, seeing if you can spot a fox, pudu (miniature deer) or ñandú (rhea), zip-lining in cold rainforest, floating on emerald-coloured rivers, exploring volcanic caves, picking shellfish and crabs on rocky beaches, spotting shooting stars in immaculate clear desert skies, horse riding and so much more. Great for families.
4. Towers of Paine
Eating your packed lunch at the base of the Towers of Paine shortly after climbing the final moraine. The view of the granite spires towering over you as you eat is the ideal condiment to your meal.
5. Grape harvest
March in the wine country of Central Chile is also a great time to visit, as it coincides with the grape harvest. Local places such as Santa Cruz in the Colchagua Valley host wine festivals.
When to go
1. North
The north of Chile can be visited all year round.
2. South
The south is best from October through April (spring, summer and autumn).
3. Patagonia
The best time of year for Torres del Paine National Park is November. It is springtime, before the peak season when the park becomes very busy. March is also excellent, being autumn.
These months are generally less windy than the high summer season from December through February.
4. Skiing
If you want to ski, June to September is the best time.
5. Santiago
Santiago in January is quieter, as many families leave for their summer holidays. Traffic is lighter and it’s midsummer, perfect for sitting outside bars and cafés, sipping a drink and enjoying the sunshine.
It’s also great for walking around the city, with sculpture parks and outdoor theatre. On Sundays, streets around Parque Forestal are closed to traffic and opened to pedestrians and cyclists.
Bonus!
Another great time to visit is September, around the 18th, during Chilean Independence celebrations, Fiestas Patrias. Expect colourful traditional costumes, plenty of wine, folk dancing and barbecues.
Many parks set up fondas where traditional food and drinks are sold and local folklore is celebrated.
