Pass The Passport

Places / South America

Chile

Visited

At a glance

Region
South America
Capital
Santiago
Population
19.9 million (2025)
Area
756,102 km²
Languages
Spanish
Currency
Chilean peso (CLP)
Drives on the
right
Calling code
+56
Visited: Chile

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Before you go

Overview

Chile is a long, narrow country along the Pacific coast, more than 4,000 kilometres from north to south. It runs from the Atacama Desert to the glaciers of Patagonia.

History

The Mapuche resisted both the Incas and the Spanish. Chile became independent in 1818, and Augusto Pinochet ruled as a military dictator from 1973 to 1990.

Food & culture

Empanadas de pino, pastel de choclo, cazuela and seafood such as ceviche are favourites, along with Chilean wine.

Wildlife

Torres del Paine has guanacos and pumas, and the Humboldt penguin lives along the coast.

Festivals & events

Fiestas Patrias on 18 and 19 September celebrate independence with fondas, food and dancing.

Things to see

Torres del Paine, the Atacama Desert, Easter Island, Valparaíso and the lakes and volcanoes around Pucón.

Interesting facts

The Atacama is one of the driest places on Earth. Easter Island, with its moai statues, is part of Chile.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Famous hikes in Chile

W Trek

Distance
About 80 km
Time
4 to 5 days
Best time
October to April

How to do it: Hike between refugios or campsites, which must be booked in advance for the park to let you on the trail. Book months ahead for December to February.

See it on my bucket list

Run a marathon in Chile

Santiago Marathon

Santiago · usually April

The Andes tower over the city on a clear day. The Patagonian International Marathon in Torres del Paine (September) is the scenic one.

Dates move from year to year, so check the race website before you book.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Chile

1 of 7 visited. See every site I've been to.

My videos from Chile

  • White-water rafting in Chile
    Chile

My photos from Chile

2015–2016 Overlanding South America - Tucan

Torres del Paine, Valle de la Luna, Turismo Politur Pucón Chile, Santiago, Chilean coast, Patagonia

Whole trip gallery
  • A man in sunglasses sitting on a sandy ridge above the Moon Valley rock formations.
  • Chile
  • The neoclassical facade of Santiago's Metropolitan Cathedral next to a glass tower.
  • Magellanic penguins hopping over wave-washed rocks on the Chilean coast
  • Glacier-draped granite peaks rising above the forests of Patagonia
  • A smiling man with sunglasses on his head beside a rocky glacial river in Patagonia.
  • A man in a green top taking a selfie in front of snowy mountains in Torres del Paine.
  • A man in a green T-shirt on a trail with the granite spires of Torres del Paine behind.

Plan your trip to Chile

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Neighbours

Bucket List goals in Chile