Discover Tailor-Made Chile Vacations

Summer (from December to February) is perfect for exploring Patagonia, where trails are open, wildlife is active, and coastal towns bask in warm sunshine. 

Autumn (from March to May) is harvest season in the wine valleys, with vineyard tours framed by golden hillsides and vibrant foliage. 

Winter (from June to August) brings crisp desert days in the Atacama and excellent skiing in the Andes near Santiago, while spring (from September to November) transforms the central valleys and Lake District into a lush, flower-filled landscape with fewer visitors and mild, comfortable temperatures. 

“November through March is summer in Chile, ideal for exploring its diverse regions,” says Destination Specialist Melissa Matheson. 

For more seasonal insights and tips, see the best time to visit Chile.

From the vibrant street art of Valparaíso to the enduring Andean folklore of the north, traditions are alive in music, dance, and storytelling. 

Rapa Nui holds a unique spiritual legacy, where the mysterious Moai statues and Polynesian rituals connect visitors to an ancient past. Festivals like Fiestas Patrias, celebrated each September, fill the air with cueca dancing, rodeos, and the aroma of sizzling empanadas. 

You might find yourself enjoying pastel de choclo, a sweet corn pie layered over savoury meat, or sipping a bold Carménère wine as locals gather to toast their heritage. 

Discover more about Chile’s culture and traditions and explore the country’s rich food and drink.

Fresh seafood, from delicate ceviche to grilled congrio fish, shares the table with hearty Andean stews and Mapuche-inspired dishes. 

The country’s cuisine blends Spanish influence with Indigenous flavours, resulting in comforting classics like empanadas, pastel de choclo, and cazuela. Chile is also one of the world’s great wine producers, with its signature Carménère, crisp Sauvignon Blancs, and full-bodied reds earning global acclaim. 

A pisco sour remains the national cocktail, perfect for toasting a day’s adventures. 

“Pastel de choclo, sweet corn baked over savoury meat, olives, and eggs, is a must-try,” notes Destination Specialist Samy Koussa. “Pair it with a pisco sour or a glass of Carménère or Sauvignon Blanc.” 

Learn more about Chile’s food and drink and experience Chile’s coastal flavours and award-winning wines.

In smaller towns and rural areas, carrying cash is essential, as card payments may not always be accepted. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases goes a long way in connecting with locals, even in cosmopolitan Santiago. 

If your itinerary includes Patagonia, secure your accommodations well in advance, as lodges and guided treks book quickly during peak months. For high-altitude destinations like the Atacama Desert, plan a gradual ascent and allow time to acclimatize so you can enjoy every moment without discomfort. 

Get more practical advice with our things to know before you go.