FAQ's Chile

Chile isn't very wide (110 miles at the widest point) but it is long - roughly 2,600 miles from its northern border with Peru to the tip jutting out into the ocean. Generally getting around is by air simply due to time saving factors, but certain overland trips are popular: from Temuco to Puerto Montt through the Chilean Lake District and across the Lake District from Puerto Montt to Peulla and on into Bariloche, Argentina.

There is a Visit Chile Airpass available - it requires staying on the same carrier for all flights, does not allow back-tracking, has a maximum length of 21 days and must be purchased outside of Chile. Rates vary depending on the version: all of Chile with or without including far distant Easter Island, just the south or just the north. All flights must be confirmed - no open dates or flights allowed. Once the Air Pass is issued, there are penalties for changes and-or cancellations.

Santiago is the main gateway and is a destination in itself. Allow 3 to 4 days to visit the museums, take day excursions to nearby Vina del Mar and the coast and enjoy the excellent seafood and wines.

After Santiago, the most important places to visit and the average stay are:

The Chilean Lake District and Inland Fjords	The Lake District Crossing Chile to Argentina	Punta Arenas and Payne Towers National Park	Easter Island	The North Calama and Atacama Desert	The North Arica and Lauca National Park	The North Iquique and the High Desert Plateau
5days-4nights	4days-3nights	4-days-3nights	4days-3nights	3days-2nights	3 days-2nights	3days-2nights

NOTE: Traditionally the far south has been avoided in their winter but hotel explora en Patagonia, located in Paine Towers national park, is staying open all year and offering a full slate of activities and excursions.

The seasons are reversed from the United States, so when you are freezing up here during our winter, it is their summer. And when it's hot up here, you can ski in Chile! The weather also varies from the north to the south, with severe winters in the far south.

Santiago's summer (December - March) can be hot and somewhat humid but worse, it can be smoggy. Its winter (June-August) can be cold, but not intolerable; the skies can be eternally overcast however.

The North rarely sees rain - the Atacama Desert (reached from Calama) has been called the driest desert on earth. Depending on the season, days can be pleasant to cool and evenings cool to cold.

The south has to be broken into two areas: the Lake District )Puerto Montt is the gateway) and the far south (Punta Arenas is the gateway). You can visit the Lake District all year, though in winter it can be cold and overcast, but the mountains are brilliantly white with snow. Cruises from Puerto Montt into the inland fjords do not operate April - August. The far south is best visited September through April and many places, such as Payne Towers National Park, have limited access during their winter.

For more specific weather information on selected cities, click here.

U.S. citizens need a valid passport and an entry form-tourist card which is provided by your air carrier either at the ticket counter when checking in for your flight to Chile or once on-board. (NOTE: Other nationalities should check with the nearest Chilean Consulate to determine correct entry requirements.)

SPECIAL NOTE: In 1999 Chile imposed a "Reciprocity Tax" - Chileans must pay a fee to enter the USA and now, so do Americans. As of April 2002, that fee was raised to $100. It is paid only once - the first time you enter Chile via the Santiago airport. If you happen to arrive by ship or through the Lake District, you magically do not have to pay the fee.

If you enter via Santiago and you have never been in Chile before, you will have to pay the tax. Have the exact amount in US dollars - change is rare and they do not accept credit cards or travelers checks. They will both stamp your passport and affix a receipt. You will not have to pay this tax again on subsequent entries through the life of your passport.

Chile is generally visited one of three ways:

A) As a single destination - going only to Chile and visiting multiple places within the country

B) As a part of a "southern cone" or Patagonia itinerary, combined with Argentina

C) As a stop-over on Around South America multi-country program - Santiago is a "must" and the Lake District Crossing from Puerto Montt via Peulla to Bariloche is popularly included

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