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Plan Your Trip to Chile: Best of Chile Tourism

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Popular Regions

According to forum posts, popular travel destinations in Chile extend from north to south, covering diverse landscapes and climates. Some travelers mentioned the arid beauty of San Pedro de Atacama, the coastal charm of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, and the lush Lake District with locations like Puerto Varas and Chiloé Island.

Natural Attractions

For many users, Chile's natural attractions are a significant draw. The Chilean Patagonia, including Torres del Paine National Park, is frequently highlighted for its dramatic landscapes and hiking opportunities. Additionally, the Elqui Valley and the Atacama Desert are noted for their unique geological features like salt flats and geysers.

Urban and Cultural Sites

Travelers have called out Santiago and Valparaíso as key urban centers that offer a mix of cultural experiences, historical architecture, and modern amenities. These cities are particularly appreciated for their vibrant cultural scenes and accessibility to other tourist attractions in the region.

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Initial Transport Requirements

According to forum posts, initial transportation from Santiago Airport requires a private transfer while waiting for PCR results. Once the negative result is received and the mobility pass is activated, public transportation becomes available.

Private Transport Options

Some travelers mentioned that official airport taxis and private transfers are available immediately after exiting customs. These taxis can be booked at desks inside the airport, offering a flat rate, such as 21,000 CLP to Providencia. This option is highlighted as convenient because it avoids the hassle of finding a ride-share vehicle in the parking lot.

Public Transport Accessibility

For those with an activated mobility pass, public transportation options become viable. However, specific bus numbers or metro lines were not detailed in the posts.

Alternative Options and Considerations

Travelers have also discussed the possibility of taking an onward flight as an alternative immediately upon arrival. This option is suggested for those needing to reach destinations beyond Santiago promptly.

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Popular Attractions

According to forum posts, some must-see attractions in Santiago include Cerro Santa Lucia, Palacio de la Moneda, Plaza de Armas, Mercado Central, Parque Forestal, and Barrio Bellavista. Travelers have highlighted these sites for their cultural and historic significance.

Outdoor Activities

For those interested in outdoor activities, travelers suggest visiting Cerro San Cristobal and exploring nearby hiking areas such as Yerba Loca and Aguas de Ramón. These spots offer scenic views and nature trails suitable for day hikes.

Neighborhood Exploration

Forum users recommend exploring the neighborhoods of Lastarria and Bellavista for their vibrant atmosphere, dining, and nightlife options, making them perfect for leisurely strolls and experiencing local life.

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Visa Exemptions

According to forum posts, some Indian passport holders who possess a valid US Visa or Green Card do not require a Chilean tourist visa. This exemption applies if the US Visa or Green Card is valid for more than six months upon arrival in Chile. This allows for a tourist stay of up to 90 days.

Application Process for Australian Tourists

Travelers have noted that while applying for a Chilean tourist visa online, they are required to provide contact details of someone in Chile. Many users have resolved this by listing their hotel details along with a reservation confirmation in the later sections of the application form.

Special Considerations

It's important for tourists to be aware of additional entry requirements due to health concerns, such as validating vaccinations to obtain a mobility pass as part of the COVID-19 precautions. Additionally, some forum contributors mentioned that the visa application process involves uploading various documents, and sometimes additional information like parent details is requested via email during the process.

Multiple Entry Visa

For tourists looking to obtain a multiple entry visa, some users have shared that previously having a single entry visa might facilitate the process, although this is based on individual experiences and may vary.

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Itinerary Suggestions for Young Families

According to forum posts, families traveling with young children to Chile have found Santiago to be a central point for various activities. From Santiago, day trips to Valparaíso and Cajón del Maipo are recommended. Additionally, attractions within the city such as KidZania, the MIM Museum, and Buin Zoo cater to children’s interests, providing both educational and leisure activities suitable for families.

Patagonia and Lake District

For those venturing outside of Santiago, some travelers suggest incorporating the Lake District into the itinerary. This area is known for its stunning natural landscapes and offers opportunities for family-friendly outdoor activities. However, given the travel constraints with young children, it is advised to focus on one region or split time between Santiago and a nearby area like the Lake District.

Accommodation Tips

In terms of accommodation, families have discussed options like staying in central apartments in Santiago for ease of access to local amenities and transport. For trips to Patagonia, budget-friendly options such as Hostería Pehoé have been mentioned, providing beautiful locations without the high cost of luxury resorts.

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Short Tours and Activities

During a layover in Santiago de Chile, travelers have recommended exploring the city with a private driver or through city tours, which can be arranged via various local tour companies. These tours allow visitors to see major attractions in a short amount of time.

Self-Guided Exploration

For those preferring a self-guided experience, spending time in neighborhoods like Lastarria and visiting historical sites such as the government palace, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and Santa Lucia Hill are suggested. These areas offer a mix of cultural experiences and scenic views.

Dining and Local Flavors

Sampling local Chilean cuisine at notable markets like Mercado Central, known for its seafood, provides a culinary insight into the region's flavors, making it a worthwhile stop during a layover.

Outdoor and Scenic Spots

If time allows, venturing to nearby natural attractions such as Cerro San Cristóbal or Cerro Santa Lucia can offer breathtaking views of Santiago and the Andes, enhancing the layover experience with picturesque landscapes.

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Processing Times

According to forum posts, the processing time for a Chilean visa varies significantly, with many users experiencing delays. Some travelers mentioned waiting for months without updates, while others noted that the process could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Embassy Feedback

Travelers have called out that reaching out to embassies for updates often yields little to no additional information. Some users suggested that follow-ups with consulates might not speed up the process, as the decision and processing are primarily handled in Santiago, Chile.

General Advice

For many users, the experience of getting a Chilean visa has been unpredictable and sometimes frustrating due to lengthy processing times and lack of communication. It's advisable for applicants to apply well in advance of their intended travel dates to accommodate potential delays.

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Wine Regions and Activities

According to forum posts, the Maipo and Colchagua valleys are popular for wine tourism near Santiago. Travelers have recommended visiting these regions for wine tasting and vineyard tours. Some vineyards in these areas also offer additional activities like biking and hiking, particularly in Santa Cruz in the Colchagua valley.

Accommodation and Travel Tips

Travelers have suggested staying in vineyard accommodations to enhance the wine tourism experience. For those without a car, public transportation options like shuttles are available, and some accommodations offer tours that include transportation.

Specific Recommendations

For a more active experience, the Maule region, about 150-200 km south of Santiago, combines wineries with hiking opportunities in the Andes. Travelers have mentioned that while many of the best hikes are long and involve camping, there are also shorter day hikes and scenic trips available.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.