Chile tours amid awe-inspiring mountains, beaches, forests and volcanoes; travelers are drawn to the spectacular Pacific coastline and Andean highlands.

Chile tour prices have recently increased and can double during late December-mid March, but travel just before or after for bargain deals. Allow a minimum of US $25/day for good food and lodging, but for a cheaper daily amount purchase food at markets or eat at local restaurants. On US $60+/day, you’ll dine well and sleep comfortably.

When to visit

Chile tours can be explored in any season. Consider the region when planning your tour to a specific part of the country.

Tours to middle Chile are best in spring (September -November) or fall (February -April). Chile’s south and lakes region are best in summer (December-March). The Atacama Desert is worth touring year-round, although summer days sizzle and nights are extremely cold. In northern altiplano summer is rainy season, usually only a brief afternoon downpour. Winter Chile tours (July-September) are a wonderland for snow goers & resorts attract many. Easter Island & the Juan Fernández archipelago are cheaper and less crowded outside the summer months.

Chile Celebrations

Easter and Christmas are Chile's most significant national celebrations. In the mid-north town of Andacollo, the Fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario is held every December. Other significant holidays: Fiestas Patrias (mid-September); National Independence Day (September 18th); and Armed Forces Day (September 19th). Consider Chile tours in February for the best festivals: Semana Musical, Fiesta de Candelario and Carnaval and the most spectacular, July's Fiesta de la Virgen de Carmen in La Tirana, northern Chile.

Chilean Weather

Chile's mountainous geography makes for strange climatic variation. In Chile's north, temperatures range between 15-25°C (63-77°F) year round with slight seasonal changes. This coast-to-desert landscape is one of the driest in the world and despite heavy cloud cover from April-December; rain is of no concern.

Central  Chile tours have more seasonal change with daily highs averaging 29°C (85°F) from December-February, dropping around 14°C (58°F) in June. Rainfall is heaviest in winter but still moderate. In the south, rainfall increases, peaking in June with mostly wet days. Temperatures are slightly cooler with low 20°C (70°F) summer highs and single digits (42°F) mid year.

Money

Accessing funds through an ATM is a convenient way of handling money while on Chile tours. ATMs accept debit cards, the Plus (Visa) and Cirrus (MasterCard) systems, with instructions in Spanish and English. Often open 24hrs, ATMs give decent exchange rates, though your bank will probably charge a fee for foreign ATM transactions. Peso bills & coins come in a variety of

denominations; carry smaller bills on your Chile tour, as it can be difficult to change bills larger in rural areas. Exchange rates are usually best in Santiago and it has a ready market for European currencies. US cash is acceptable; especially at Chile tour agencies. Many top-end hotels publish exchange rates in US dollars lower than the daily one. Compare rates carefully to determine

whether paying in pesos or US cash is more favorable.

Safety

Chile tours are quite safe. However, always take precautions, especially against pick pocketing; avoid carrying large sums of money. Be aware of students handing out sob story poems. They're rarely students and poems are rarely theirs.

Taking Chile tours is easy. Fast, punctual and comfortable buses travel the main highways, flights are frequent and competition has lowered domestic air fares. Cycling is another way to tour Chile; Chilean drivers are usually courteous; ferries and buses, as well as some airlines, will accommodate bikes if bringing your own. Sea tour opportunities exist mainly in the south, touring by boat around the islands, coves and bays is a must on Chile tours.