Backpacking Chile: our best travel guide

After backpacking through Chile from north to south for over 2 months, we've created this comprehensive guide to help fellow travelers explore this incredible country on a budget! Whether you're planning a quick 3-week adventure or a long-term backpacking trip, we've got you covered. Let's dive in! :)

Map of our articles in Chile

Here are all our articles written about our backpacking trip to Chile, but also about the magnificent and exotic Easter Island!

Show the map

When to travel to Chile?

Chile's unique geography - stretching 4,300 km from north to south (that's 4 times the length of France!) - means you'll encounter multiple climate zones during your backpacking adventure. Remember, being in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to what you might be used to! Generally speaking, winter is great for backpacking through most of Chile, but let's break it down by region.

Northern Chile

In northern Chile, the entire region above San Pedro de Atacama is pure desert territory - we're talking about one of the driest places on Earth! Pro backpacker tip: pack for extreme temperature swings between day and night. We hit this region in September and it was perfect - fewer tourists and great weather conditions. The best time to explore northern Chile is during austral winter (June-August).

Central Chile

The central region of Chile includes Santiago and Valparaíso and stretches down to Concepción. Weather-wise, it's pretty straightforward: wet and cool during austral winter (May-September), dry and pleasant during summer (October-April). For the best backpacking experience with good weather, aim for the summer months between October and April.

Easter Island

Ah, Easter Island! We absolutely loved exploring this mysterious corner of the Pacific! We went in April and scored perfect weather. The climate here is quite different from mainland South America. The best time to visit Easter Island is between November and April. While it's not the cheapest destination for backpackers, it's definitely worth saving up for!

Patagonia

Patagonia is a backpacker's paradise, but be prepared for wild weather! We experienced all four seasons in one December day - no joke! Strong winds and sudden rainfall are par for the course here. Roughly speaking, the best time to visit Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine Park is during the austral summer, between October and March. If you want to enjoy the park with fewer travelers, autumn is the best time, between March and May.

Backpacking itineraries for Chile

Starting from the north, we kicked off our backpacking adventure with an incredible climb up Parinacota volcano (6000m!), then headed to the Atacama Desert. From there, we made our way down to Santiago and Valparaíso before finishing with the crown jewel: Chilean Patagonia! Here are several proposed itineraries: 15 days, 1 month and 2 months (ours!).

Backpacking Chile in 15 days

Let's be honest - two weeks is tight for a country as massive as Chile! In just two weeks, you'll need to take multiple flights to cover the two extremes of the Chilean territory and Easter Island. Traveling by bus, even with overnight routes, might be too tight. We recommend taking more time to fully experience the many facets of this magnificent country. Otherwise, here’s what a 15-day itinerary could look like:

• 2 days in Santiago + 3 days in Valparaíso: Visit the Chilean capital and then explore the colorful city of Valparaíso, climbing its famous cerros (hills).
• 4 days in the Atacama Desert: Discover unique landscapes sculpted by the climate, such as the Valley of the Moon, Valley of Death, and Laguna Cejar.
• 4 days on the fascinating Easter Island: Uncover the mysteries of the moai, the island’s iconic statues!

This itinerary is quite busy when you consider transportation (buses and flights). You could swap one of these stops for 4 days in Torres del Paine National Park to take on the W trek or enjoy shorter hikes to marvel at landmarks like the three Torres, Grey Glacier, and Lake Nordenskjöld.

Backpacking Chile in 1 month

A month gives you much more flexibility to explore Chile properly! This is our recommended minimum for backpackers. Here’s an itinerary that builds on the 15-day version:

• 3 days in Santiago
• 4 days in Valparaíso
• 4 days in San Pedro de Atacama
• 5 days on Easter Island
• 3 days in Pucón: Begin your Patagonian adventure with an ascent of Villarrica Volcano, hike the trails of Huerquehue National Park, and relax in nearby hot springs.
• 3 days in Puerto Varas: Wander through Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park in the Lake District and tackle treks like Travesía Valle el Callao or other trails around Osorno Volcano.
• 5 days in Torres del Paine National Park: Whether you’re up for the W trek or the O trek, or prefer shorter day hikes, this park offers countless opportunities to explore one of Patagonia’s most iconic landscapes.

Backpacking Chile in 2 months

Now we’re talking! Two months get you the chance to see almost everything. Here’s an enhanced version of our itinerary:

• 3 days in Santiago
• 5 days on Easter Island
• 4 days in the Atacama Desert
• 3 days in Valparaíso
• 4 days in Pucón
• 4 days in Puerto Varas

• 4 days on Chiloé Island: Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit Chiloé, but it looks stunning. It would have been a perfect spot to unwind before diving into the most active part of the trip. Check out this article for tips on planning your visit.
• 5 days in Patagonia National Park (near Cochrane): This recently established park (2015) boasts breathtaking landscapes and trails that remain relatively unknown. Whether you prefer day hikes or multi-day treks, this park offers endless opportunities for adventure. To plan your trip to this part of Patagonia, we recommend Karen and Eric's article.
• 5–9 days in Torres del Paine National Park: Choose the W trek, the O trek, or explore lesser-known trails for a different perspective on this world-renowned park.

Itinerary for a backpacking trip through Chile and Argentina

If you’re on a round-the-world trip, we recommend alternating between Chile and Argentina! Border crossings are straightforward, and this approach will save you time and energy. Here’s a 2-month itinerary combining the best of both countries:

• 5 days in Lauca and Sajama National Parks: Straddling the border between Chile and Bolivia, these lesser-known parks are a must-see! Whether you’re climbing the Parinacota Volcano, enjoying the breathtaking scenery, or admiring herds of alpacas, this region will leave you in awe.
• 4 days in Mendoza: Relax in this charming Argentine city—stroll through downtown and San Martín Park, enjoy the local wine and cool off with some ice cream. We spent a month here and can’t recommend it enough!
• 7 days on a road trip around Salta: Northern Argentina boasts colorful mountains, charming towns like Humahuaca, the stunning Salinas Grandes, and desert landscapes in Quebrada de las Flechas and Garganta del Diablo in the magnificent Quebrada de las Conchas canyon... There's so much to offer in northern Argentina for an unforgettable road trip!

• 4 days in Valparaíso
• 3 days in Santiago
• 5 days on Easter Island
• 3 days in Puerto Varas
• 5 days on Chiloé Island

• 5 days in Bariloche: Often called the Little Switzerland of Argentina, this destination offers the stunning Llao Llao Park, Cerro Campanario peak, and the Seven Lakes Route—best explored by car!
• 3 days in El Chaltén: It's impossible to think of Argentina without mentioning the legendary Fitz Roy (one of the most breathtaking sunrises of my life!). This iconic peak is part of the renowned Los Glaciares National Park, which also features the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier. In short, there's no shortage of activities from this charming village, including hikes to Lago de Los Tres, Laguna Torre, and Laguna Capri. If you're a hiking enthusiast, this is an unmissable destination!
• 2 days in El Calafate: The Perito Moreno Glacier is undoubtedly THE glacier of Patagonia. This icy giant leaves no one indifferent with its impressive size and dazzling colors.
• 5-9 days in Torres del Paine National Park
  

How to get to Chile: flights and tickets

Coming from Bolivia, we simply crossed the border by land to begin our exploration of the country in the north, starting with Lauca National Park.

By air, if you're traveling from France, you'll land in Santiago, Chile's capital, at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport. Round-trip flights from Paris typically cost between €1,000 and €1,200.

Compare flights

Backpacker's budget for Chile

In Chile, the currency is the Chilean peso, abbreviated as CLP and symbolized by $. The peso’s value has dropped significantly in recent years, and the current exchange rate is 1 euro = 1,020 pesos.

Card payments are widely accepted across the country, but always carry some cash, especially when venturing outside major cities. Tip: to minimize bank fees, ensure your bank doesn’t charge for foreign withdrawals, or consider using an online bank like N26.

Chile is one of the most expensive countries in South America, along with Argentina! Activities are costly, long-distance travel is expensive, a trip to Easter Island isn’t cheap, and accommodation prices have risen significantly. If you’re a fan of outdoor adventures, you’ll need to budget accordingly!

During our two-month backpacking trip to Chile, our daily budget was €50 for two people, partly because we were hosted several times by Fabienne’s father and prices were lower back then. Today, you should plan for an average daily budget of around €40 per person.

Visa requirements to travel to Chile

Entering and traveling in Chile is straightforward when it comes to administrative formalities. For stays of less than three months, citizens of France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada are exempt from needing a visa! Once in Chile, you will be issued a Tarjeta de Turismo or Tarjeta Única Migratoria—a personalized tourist card. Keep it safe, as it serves as proof of your visa exemption and will be required when leaving Chile at the end of your trip.

For Easter Island, however, stays are limited to a maximum of 30 days. For detailed information, we’ve dedicated an entire section to the administrative requirements for visiting Easter Island.

Planning to stay in Chile for more than 90 days? In that case, you’ll need to apply for a visa exemption extension. You can find all the necessary steps on the government’s official website. The process costs USD 100.

Health and vaccinations to travel to Chile

Vaccines

No vaccines are mandatory for traveling through Chile. However, the Pasteur Institute recommends getting a few vaccines as a precaution:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Rabies
• Typhoid fever

For more details on health-related guidelines for travelers in Chile, consult the recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health in Chile

If you experience any health issues, Santiago boasts excellent hospitals with highly qualified staff. To prepare for any eventuality and avoid exorbitant expenses, we strongly recommend traveling with good travel insurance.

As for general health precautions, tap water is not drinkable in Chile. Make sure to filter it before consuming.

Culture, festivals, and celebrations in Chile

Before planning your itinerary, check out the various festivals held throughout the year. These events offer a unique chance to experience local culture alongside Chileans!

• January: Valparaíso is undoubtedly the city to celebrate New Year’s Eve, thanks to its spectacular fireworks display over the bay.
• February: The Tapati Festival on Easter Island takes place during the first two weeks of February. It celebrates indigenous culture and ancestral arts through dances, music, singing, sculpture contests, and more.

• June: Head to Valparaíso or San Pedro de Atacama in late June for the Fiestas de San Pedro y San Pablo, which honor Saints Peter and Paul. These celebrations blend religion and culture, featuring processions, dances, and concerts.
• September: On September 18th, Chile celebrates its Fiestas Patrias, the country’s Independence Day. Celebrations occur nationwide, including military parades and concerts.

Traditional Chilean dishes

While less refined than Peruvian cuisine, Chilean food is rich in delicious and hearty dishes. Here are some must-tries:

Completo

The completo is a must-try Chilean street food! Let me tell you - you might not want to count calories in this Chilean version of the hot dog, but it's perfect for a quick and super affordable bite to eat. And the best part? It's actually delicious! ;) A completo consists of a bun filled with sausage, topped with avocado, tomato, lettuce, and several sauces.

Empanadas

You absolutely can't leave South America without trying empanadas! These little pastry pockets filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese make for a perfect snack any time of day, and they won't break the bank! The most popular ones in Chile are empanadas de pino, stuffed with meat and olives.

Caldillo de congrio

Don't miss out on caldillo de congrio, prepared throughout the country! This popular dish consists of white fish typically served in a broth made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, and cilantro.

Parrillada

The Chilean parrillada is the equivalent of the Argentinian asado - yes, I'm talking about barbecue! A true South American institution, in Chile it's usually prepared with lamb or beef.

Pastel de choclo

The Chilean twist on shepherd’s pie, pastel de choclo, replaces mashed potatoes with creamy corn. Sometimes, it’s topped with hard-boiled eggs or chicken. You've got to try it!

Manjar

Also known as dulce de leche in Argentina, manjar is a creamy milk jam that can be enjoyed any time of day, either by the spoonful or as a dessert topping, like with flan. You'll also find it in alfajores, two cookies stuck together with manjar.

Mote con huesillos

For drinks, you must try mote con huesillos, a truly Chilean beverage. It's made with dried peaches that are rehydrated and cooked in sweet water, with cooked wheat added. It's a refreshing drink that Chileans love in summer!

Pisco sour

The pisco sour is an iconic drink in both Chile and Peru. This cocktail is made with pisco (a local grape-based alcohol), lime juice, sugar syrup, and egg whites.

Practical information for backpacking in Chile

Time difference

The time difference in Chile is 4 to 6 hours behind France. This variation is due to different daylight saving schedules compared to France. Note that Easter Island is 2 hours behind mainland Chile.

Official language

The official language of Chile is Spanish. Try to learn some basic phrases - locals always appreciate the effort! Besides Spanish, several indigenous languages are still spoken throughout the country, like Quechua, Rapanui, and Mapuche.

Power outlets

For power outlets, Chile uses type C and L sockets. European chargers work in type C outlets, but you'll need a universal adapter for type L ones.

Internet

Regarding Internet access, you'll have no trouble finding network coverage and Wi-Fi with pretty good speeds in most cities. However, the network is non-existent in remote places like Easter Island and Torres del Paine National Park.

Recommended reads before traveling

Lonely Planet Chile: a must-have for travel tips!