Chile offers diverse landscapes, from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to glaciers and mountains in Patagonia in the south, with popular spots like Santiago, Valparaíso, and Torres del Paine National Park. The currency is the Chilean peso (CLP), and credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas. Prices are moderate—more expensive than some Latin American countries but generally cheaper than Western Europe. Weather varies sharply by region: the north is dry and hot, the central region has a Mediterranean climate, and the south is cool and rainy, especially in winter.
Chile’s transport infrastructure is generally functional, though not always convenient. In cities like Santiago, public transport is fairly efficient, with a modern metro and bus network, but traffic congestion is common. Smaller cities have fewer options and often rely on colectivos (shared taxis) or buses. For intercity travel, long-distance buses are the main option and are generally comfortable and punctual. Domestic flights are useful for covering the country’s long north-south distance, especially when heading to remote areas like Patagonia or the Atacama Desert.
