Chile Travel Guide
Did you know?
The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is one of the driest areas in the world. The annual rainfall does not exceed 2″, and the vegetation usually blooms once every 5-10 years.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Santiago de Chile (CL) and Washington D.C. (US) is 5014 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Santiago de Chile click here
Country Comparison
Compare Chile to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Chile
| Miles | Santiago de Chile | Valparaíso | Viña del Mar | Valdivia | Iquique | Punta Arenas | La Serena | Rapa Nui National Park |
| Santiago de Chile | - | 63 | 60 | 464 | 913 | 1363 | 247 | 2335 |
| Valparaíso | 63 | - | 5 | 476 | 890 | 1390 | 218 | 2278 |
| Viña del Mar | 60 | 5 | - | 479 | 888 | 1392 | 215 | 2283 |
| Valdivia | 464 | 476 | 479 | - | 1366 | 929 | 693 | 2238 |
| Iquique | 913 | 890 | 888 | 1366 | - | 2276 | 672 | 2514 |
| Punta Arenas | 1363 | 1390 | 1392 | 929 | 2276 | - | 1607 | 2658 |
| La Serena | 247 | 218 | 215 | 693 | 672 | 1607 | - | 2308 |
| Rapa Nui National Park | 2335 | 2278 | 2283 | 2238 | 2514 | 2658 | 2308 | - |
A Brief History of Chile
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
313,000 B.C. - 10,000 B.C.
The beginnings of settlementNomadic hunters settle along what is now South America's west coast.
1450
Incas conquer ChileIncas from Peru conquer northern Chile.
1520
Ferdinand MagellanPortuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan becomes the first European to sight Chile as he sails through the strait now named for him.
1541
Spanish conquestPedro de Valdivia begins the Spanish conquest of Chile. He founds Santiago, the capital of Chile.
1818
Independence from SpainChile wins its independence from Spain after Jose de San Martin and Bernardo O'Higgins lead an army to defeat the Spanish at the battles of Chacabuco and Maipu.
1879 - 1883
War against Peru and BoliviaChile goes to war against Peru and Bolivia. Chile wins Antofagasta, Bolivia's only outlet to the sea, along with mineral-rich areas of Peru.
1925
New constitutionA new constitution grants workers extensive rights and calls for the president and congress to be popularly elected.
1973
Military dictatorshipGeneral Augusto Pinochet leads the armed forces in the overthrow of Allende. Pinochet establishes a brutal dictatorship.
1989
Patricio Aylwin's presidencyPatricio Aylwin is elected president.
2005
Pinochet under house arrestIn January, Pinochet is put under house arrest for human-rights offenses.
2006
First woman as presidentMichele Bachelet becomes Chile's first woman President.
2008
Volcano eruptionThe Chaiten volcano erupts. The volcano had not erupted in 9,000 years.
2010
An earthquakeAn earthquake with an 8.8 magnitude hits central Chile. It is the biggest earthquake in 50 years, and causes widespread damage.
2010
The miners' tragedyThirty-three miners, trapped underground for 69 days, are brought to safety. The world watches the televised rescue.
Best Ways to Experience Chile
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreChilean Peso (CLP)
- CLP
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- CLP
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Chile.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Chile for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
Electricity
220V (50 Hz)
In Chile the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, L sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type C
Type LFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 41 / 231 Ranking | 19 116 201 white and non-indigenous 88.9%, Mapuche 9.1%, Aymara 0.7% |
Area | 42 / 232 Ranking | 291.9 thous. mi² It is approximately 8% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 40 / 221 Ranking | 79.6 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 76.6women 82.7 |
Median age | 41 / 222 Ranking | 35.5 Average age of population expressed in years.men 34.3women 36.7 |
Population growth | 40 / 224 Ranking | 0.68% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 39 / 210 Ranking | 96.4% Ability to read, write and count.men 96.3%women 96.3% |
GDP | 36 / 194 Ranking | 25 068 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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