FAQs: Travelling to Chile

What are the top luxury destinations in Chile?

Chile is the longest and narrowest country in the world, stretching over 4,300 kilometres from north to south. Flanked by the Andes mountain range and the Pacific Ocean, its landscapes are some of the most diverse in the world. From the colours of the Andes, to the windy trails of Patagonia and further down towards the last frontier which is Antarctica, Chile is truly a long and narrow strip of life. For first timers to Chile, we highly recommend visiting Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, as well as the Atacama Desert in the north. For travellers who enjoy more off the beaten path destinations and can dedicate more time in Chile, the Lake District and Northern Patagonia are still unknown to most travellers and are home to a network of jaw-dropping national parks.

What is the best time of the year to visit Chile for a luxury travel experience?

Each season offers something exceptional in different parts of the county. We personally enjoy the periods between November and mid-December (spring) or between late March and April (autumn). These are the shoulder seasons where there are less tourists, and the colours are the most vibrant in Patagonia. The weather in the Atacama Desert and Easter Island does not vary greatly throughout the year, and are suitable for year-round travel. The desert is one of the best places in the world for stargazing due to its high altitude and near zero humidity; July and August are the best months for seeing the Milky Way.

Does Pudu Puda Travel have readily available itineraries for Chile? How does a Pudu Puda Travel trip consultation session work?

Every exploration is entirely bespoke, each planned with thoughtfulness and expertly crafted with your travel preferences in mind. For trips to South America of 14 days or more, we require travellers to book a 30-minute online consultation with one of our Travel Designers to ensure that your questions will be adequately answered. We charge a planning fee of USD500 which includes this online consultation session, as well as two iterations of a detailed day-to-day itinerary, customised for your travel party. You can book the session here.

What exclusive experiences can be arranged in Chile?

We specialise in experiences that go beyond the expected: private wine tastings with renowned vintners, scenic helicopter flights over glaciers, expert-led expeditions, access to private ranches, and immersive encounters with Chile's landscapes and traditions. We combine these personal and rare experiences with the must-see highlights to create a deep exploration of the country.

How do I get to Chile? How can Pudu Puda Travel assist with transportation within Chile?

Most travellers would need to first arrive internationally into Santiago, the Chilean capital. From here, there are multiple daily flights to key destinations such as Calama and Puerto Natales to access the Atacama Desert and Torres del Paine National Park respectively. Our Travel Designers are able to recommend viable flight connections during your consultation session. In country, we are able to assist with VIP meet & greet services at the airport, private ground transfers, and if desired, private aviation. Our goal is to make travel seamless for you, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience.

Which other South American countries can I combine with a trip to Chile?

Chile pairs seamlessly with destinations such as Argentina, Peru and Antarctica. We design multi-country explorations that flow effortlessly, maintaining the same level of care, detail, and exclusivity throughout. By the end of such a trip, you would not feel like landscapes or experiences were repetitive, as we seek to highlight the uniqueness of each destination and approach trip planning holistically. Depending on your interests, preferred length of travel as well as the time of year, our Travel Designers will be able to advise on the best combinations during your consultation session.

How much time do I need to visit Chile?

For an itinerary dedicated solely to Chile, we recommend at least 10 days, considering that Chile is far from most of the countries where our clients reside. This would be sufficient to cover two destinations within the country. However, as there are many worthwhile places for immersive travel in Chile, 15 days to three weeks would be an ideal length of time.

Is Chile a safe travel destination?

Yes, Chile is widely regarded as one of South America's safest and most stable countries. That said, our team provides real-time guidance, vetted partners and 24/7 support throughout your journey to ensure complete peace of mind.

Will there be a dedicated host travelling with me from the start to the end of my trip?

Most, if not all, of your activities in the itinerary are accompanied by a qualified English-speaking guide. The guides will be different as you move from destination to destination, but all arrangements are centrally coordinated by your dedicated Travel Designer. If required, we are able to provide dedicated host services upon request, at an additional cost. This host will receive you in Santiago when you arrive from your international flight and will accompany you on your entire trip until you depart on your international flight from Santiago. If your trip is not accompanied by a dedicated host, you will still receive 24/7 assistance via our customer service WhatsApp number, which is made available to all guests travelling with Pudu Puda Travel.

What are the visa and entry requirements for Chile?

Entry requirements vary by nationality, but most travellers can enter Chile visa-free for tourism. We will provide up-to-date personalised guidance on documentation, entry protocols, and any additional requirements well in advance of your departure.

How physically demanding are excursions in destinations like Patagonia or the Atacama Desert?

All itineraries with Pudu Puda Travel are customisable to include a variety of treks from scenic overland drives and easy half-day hikes, to mountain climbing expeditions. Luxury in Chile is not about exertion - it is about choice and access. If you are unsure about your suitability for any of the treks listed in your itinerary, please get in touch with us.

What is the highest altitude I will be travelling to? Do I need to take Diamox for the high altitude?

In Chile, you will only encounter high altitude in the Atacama Desert, sleeping at 2,500m above sea level in San Pedro de Atacama and going on excursions of possibly up to 5,000m, depending on your itinerary. Your need to take Diamox depends on your prior experience at high altitude, your body’s condition and whether you are taking the precautions to avoid altitude sickness (e.g. walking at a leisurely pace, constant hydration). You should consult your travel clinic if you are not sure. Our pre-departure dossiers include tips for acclimatising to the high altitude. Some of our Travel Designers are also experienced mountaineers, so feel free to reach out to us if you have any doubts and require further advice. If your itinerary includes high mountain ascents in the Atacama Desert, you will likely cross 5,000 metres above sea level.

What should we pack for a trip which covers different regions of Chile?

We will provide a suggested packing list as part of your pre-departure dossier, which will be made available 2-3 weeks before your trip.

How much luggage can I bring?

Most domestic airlines allow you to check in one checked luggage of up to 23kg with an Economy / Premium Economy Class ticket, depending on the type of ticket which you purchase. Please note that Business Class is not available on domestic flights.

Is there data connectivity or WiFi during my trip?

Reliable data connectivity is available when you are in cities like Santiago, downtown San Pedro de Atacama, Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas. However, when you are out on hikes in Torres del Paine National Park or in the Atacama Desert, there usually is no network connectivity until you return to the lodges. We can provide Starlink services at an additional cost, where feasible, upon request.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover any extra, unforeseen costs such as trip delay, trip cancellation, lost baggage, sickness, accident or emergency evacuation. The onus is on you to check through all policy details to ensure that you are adequately covered.