Why visit
Chile stretches 4,300 km. From Atacama's driest desert to Patagonia's Torres del Paine, Easter Island's moai, and Valparaíso's hillside murals. Wine country wraps around Santiago.
Country - South America
Chile
natureadventurefoodculture
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Chile works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Santiago as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Chile.
At a glance
Location
-30.0°, -71.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
756,102 km²
291,932 mi²
Country population
19.6 million
26/km²
Subregion
South America
Currency
Chilean peso ($)
CLP
Dial
+56
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Chilean
Internet
.cl
UN
Member state
ISO code
CL / CHL
Where in the world
-30.0° - -71.0°
Chile
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Chile is 4,300 km long but only ~180 km wide on average: the world's most elongated country.
- The Atacama Desert is the driest place on earth: some weather stations have never recorded rain.
- Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is Chilean: one of the most isolated inhabited places on earth.
- Chile produces 30% of the world's copper.
Bordering Chile
Traveler notes
- Visa-free for most Western passports for 90 days
- Torres del Paine W-trek is 4–5 days
- Atacama stargazing is world-elite
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Santiago, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Signature travel cities in Chile
Valparaiso
Valparaíso is a UNESCO-listed port city on 42 hills. Pablo Neruda's La Sebastiana house, ascensor funiculars, street art on every wall, and a poetic, chaotic energy.
San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro is the Atacama Desert's base. Valle de la Luna, El Tatio geysers at dawn, the world's clearest skies for stargazing, and Bolivian salt-flat crossings nearby.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Chile
What is the capital of Chile?
Santiago is the capital of Chile.
What currency does Chile use?
Chile uses the Chilean peso ($), ISO code CLP.
What languages are spoken in Chile?
The primary language is Spanish.
Is Chile landlocked?
No, Chile has a coastline.
What countries border Chile?
Chile borders Argentina, Bolivia, Peru.
What is the international calling code for Chile?
The calling code is +56.
When is the best time to visit Chile?
Oct–Apr. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other South America destinations
Cusco
Cusco is the former Inca capital at 3,400 m. San Blas artisan district, Sacsayhuamán ruins above the city, Sacred Valley below, and the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Arequipa
Arequipa is the White City carved from volcanic stone, Santa Catalina Monastery (a city within a city), and the Colca Canyon condor viewpoints two hours out.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio is Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado, Sugarloaf cable car, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Santa Teresa's hillside streets, and Lapa's nightlife.
La Paz
La Paz is Bolivia's seat of government at 3,640 m, where the Mi Teleférico cable-car network doubles as public transit and sightseeing. Witches' Market stalls, cholita wrestling, and Valle de la Luna sit inside city limits.
Salvador
Salvador is Brazil's Afro-Brazilian heart. Pelourinho's colorful colonial core (UNESCO), capoeira and samba reggae, and Bahian food like moqueca and acarajé.
Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls span the Argentina-Brazil border. 275 individual falls, the Devil's Throat at 80 m, catwalks from both sides, and jungle you can stay inside.