From February to March 2024, we were fortunate enough to spend four weeks in Chile before continuing on to Argentina. The following pros and cons are based on the route we took, starting from the north and visiting Antofagasta and the Atacama Desert, then proceeding to Santiago de Chile before flying to Patagonia.
Reasons why a trip to Chile is worthwhile:
Paradise for outdoor enthusiasts: Mountain Biking in the Atacama Desert, Hiking in the Andes, surfing along the Pacific coast, camping in the wilderness areas in Patagonia - Chile has much to offer for everyone who is active and enjoys nature.
VERY diverse landscapes, Incredibly diverse landscapes, ranging from the Atacama Desert to the Patagonian fjords and the extensive coastline in between, offer a wealth of natural beauty.
Safe travel destination: Alongside Argentina, Chile was the South American country where we always felt secure. Even in Santiago, which has a somewhat negative reputation, we felt relatively safe compared to other major South American cities. Additionally, the country's surprising level of wealth often made us feel more like we were in Europe than in South America
Good touristic infrastructure: While the Atacama Desert and Patagonia are no longer hidden gems, the locals have adapted to the needs of tourists, making travel relatively hassle-free with good bus networks and easily bookable tours in the Atacama Desert.
Warm and welcoming people: Though not as outgoing as Brazilians or Colombians, Chileans are very open and welcoming to tourists.
San Pedro & The Atacama Desert: One of the highlights of our entire two-and-a-half-month journey in South America, the Atacama Desert felt like its own world within Chile, offering numerous amazing and unique landscapes.
Some neutral points
Costs: This was a complex issue, as some items were very expensive while others were cheaper than expected. Patagonia, in particular, proved to be quite costly. For example, one night in a regular tent in Torres Del Paine National Park for two persons could amount to €150, and expenses for buses, rental cars, and park entrances were also high. It's worth noting that despite inflation, the Argentinian side of Patagonia was not any cheaper at the beginning of 2024. Additionally, restaurants were expensive, too, with prices around €20 for a non-fancy dish. However, tours in the Atacama Desert were priced reasonably, with a full-day tour costing around €50 per person. Supermarket prices were comparable to those in European supermarkets. Flights (e.g., Atacama-Santiago one-way for €55), buses, and accommodations (ranging from €30-60 for normal private bedrooms) were relatively affordable, with prices similar to those in other South American countries.
Crowds: Some daytours from San Pedro were very touristy, but still enjoyable. Same for Torres Del Paine National Park in Patagonia. But apart from those, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy absolute peace.
Weather: While we were able to enjoy a day at the beach and even go swimming in mid-February, Chile is not a typical year-round beach destination. Also note that Patagonia especially experiences windy, rainy, and sometimes snowy weather, even in the summer months.
Beaches: We only stayed by the sea in the Antofagasta region. Despite hearing that Chile doesn't offer particularly nice beaches and without high expectations, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the beaches there. While they may not rival the beauty of those in the Caribbean, we still enjoyed a few relaxing days by the sea.
Reasons against travelling to Chile:
Language Barrier: Besides hotels and travel agencies, Chileans rarely speak English; their Spanish often carries a strong accent. We suggest learning at least some basics of Spanish if you plan to interact with the locals.
Long Distances: Chile's geography means travel within the country requires a lot of time, and flying is often necessary due to vast distances. Some destinations in Patagonia are only accessible by air.
The South is a seasonal travel destination: Patagonia is best visited during the warm months from November to March. If you're not keen on cold weather or outdoor survival, plan your trip accordingly.
Vegetarian Diet/Food in general: Apart from Santiago de Chile, we rarely had great food-related experiences and mostly cooked for ourselves. Most of the restaurants had no vegetarian options, even in many Pizza places. In conclusion, Chile is an unbelievably beautiful country, with some of the most spectacular landscapes we have ever seen. We would recommend it to anyone who has plenty of time, is looking for an adventures outdoor destination and enjoys hiking and nature.
