COVID: Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Chile
Santiago has an approximate population of around 6,269,384 people and you can typically expect to pay around £2.44p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
If you are looking for a vacation where you can relax and enjoy nature at its best, then the place to be is Santiago in Chile. The city has been a top tourist destination for many years now since its discovery as a gold and silver mine in the 16th century by the conquistadors. In fact, it was this discovery which initially made Santiago famous and well-known among the tourists from all over the world. Today, the city of Santiago remains one of the best cities to see while doing a short vacation or an extended vacation because there are a lot of attractions which can be seen and enjoyed there. There are also a lot of wineries in Chile that you can visit and enjoy tasting different varieties of wines which are made right in the vineyards themselves. The history and culture of the place goes way back and if you want to learn more about them, then you will definitely want to do a city tour to see some of these places.
One of the best things about visiting Santiago in Chile is that the weather is perfect almost all year round. This means that the weather is not something which is changed too often so you will always be able to experience a warm and sunny weather. When you are visiting Santiago in Chile, it is always recommended to do a city tour so you can see some of the major sights which the city has to offer. You will be amazed to know about the many different interesting historical places which you will be able to see during your city tour.
City tours and a day trip to see some of the top attractions in Chile would definitely be a great way for you to go when doing a short vacation or a long vacation. A day trip to see santiago would not only allow you to get a full idea about the history and culture of the place but also it will allow you to visit some of its top spots. There are also a lot of historical sites and beautiful sights which you will be able to see on your short vacation or long vacation to this city. So when planning your next vacation, it would be a good idea to include a day trip to Chile to see some of its top attractions.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Chile are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
For up to date information around safety and security in Chile read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Chile.
March and April, can be just fine. Winter (June to August) is best avoided as temperatures dip to as much as -15C/5F and some parts see snowfalls. The summer attracts the biggest crowds although visiting in Spring and Autumn is alsoideal.
While you're in Chile, you'll want to check out the country's festivals and celebrate local culture. A weeklong national holiday, the Independence Day, is celebrated with many regional celebrations and festivities. Enjoy traditional food and music, and dance with the locals in huaso rodeos and cueca dance competitions. And if you're looking for a festival that's a bit different, consider the Festivals in Santiago.
New Year's celebrations are a time for rejoicing. The Chilean wine region celebrates its harvest with mini fests that include traditional music and dance. Wine regions also transform their towns into markets where local products and crafts are sold. Some locals even hold a grape stomping competition, or Vendimias, to honor the ancient method of grape stomping. Thousands of spectators gather to witness this show, which features hundreds of women pounding the fruit with their bare feet.
The Fiesta de la Tirana takes place in the far northeast of the country during July and features over 40 classical concerts. The program will feature music by composers from different periods and features renowned international performers and chamber orchestras. In addition to this, you'll be able to enjoy the lively atmosphere in a picturesque lakeside town like Puerto Varas. The festival is one of Chile's best-kept secrets, so don't miss it.
The Atacama Crossing Chile is a seven-day race through the Atacama Desert. The event's 250-kilometer course will take competitors through lagoons, valleys, and ancient Inca roads. Whether you're looking for a challenge or a fun race, Chile has something for everyone. And with its festivals, you'll never be bored. They'll make your Chilean vacation unforgettable.
On May 21, the Navy Day in Chile celebrates the naval hero Captain Arturo Prat. Residents of coastal towns throw flowers into the sea to commemorate the ancestor's birth. Virgen del Carmen is a spooky nymph festival that takes place in the Atacama Desert. This Halloween-themed festival features creepy costumes, songs, and dances, and is a must-see for the spooky Halloween season.
The country's many festivals and events have something for everyone. The Fiesta de la Tirana, in the far northeast corner of the country, celebrates the patron saint of the country with a gruesome costume. Here, revelers wear a grotesque mask and dance in Andean folk glory. A festival in Temuco is held in May, while another is held in Santiago. A celebration of Independence Day in Chile on September 18 is a national holiday.
Besides the traditional festivals, Chile is home to several unique festivals. The Labor Day and the Navy Day, which commemorate the Chilean military, are a must-attend event. The Easter Island's Tapati Festival, a body painting and dance festival, is a fascinating cultural event to celebrate in February. In addition to carnival, the Tapati Festival of Rapa Nui is a cultural festival in the southern part of the country.
The Pacific Ocean is the most beautiful part of Chile, and its long, narrow land makes for breathtaking landscapes. Santiago, the capital, is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. Visit the neoclassical cathedral on Plaza de Armas, and the National History Museum. Spend the day in the Parque Metropolitano, with its botanical garden and zoo. Then head to the country's countless historical sites.
The Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, which employed thousands of people from around the world, are one of the most popular destinations in Chile. The vast saltpeter mines created a distinct culture and built-in homes for the ancestors. Though the works are derelict today, they provide a fascinating look at the tough working conditions. Visitors should make use of a professional guide to tour the massive structures.
There are many cultural and historical sites to visit in Chile. There are over 200 saltpeter works in the region, which created a unique communal culture. The pampinos, who are known for their innovative spirit, were highly skilled and proud of their cultural identity. They cultivated a rich social justice system and thrived despite the hostile environment. Another fascinating relic of the industry is the Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, which was added to the UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2005.
Another interesting historical site in Chile is the Amolanas Aqueduct. Built in 1890, the Amolanas Aqueduct is the highest bridge in the world. It was built in five sections and assembled by hydraulic systems. The railway station, which is one of the most important ports in Chile, is also located near this historic district. The Amolanas Viaduct is a great place to visit.
If you are a British passport holder visiting Chile for less than 90 days, you do not need a visa. If you wish to stay longer, you should consult the nearest Chilean Embassy. On arrival in Chile the immigration authorities will issue you with a 'Tarjeta de Turismo - Tourist Card', an A5 sized white form.
See which forms you may need for entry into Chile.
The official currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Chile you can grab amazing Chilean Peso deals via Wise.com (GBP to CLP).
Animals that can be found in Chile's diverse landscapes include guanacos, vicunas, alpacas, armadillos, foxes, opossums, pudu (deer) and Patagonian pumas. The national animal of Chile is the North Andean huemul or taruca.
Spanish food? The national dish is curanto, a stew that combines seafood, meat and vegetables. It consists of every meat and seafood ingredient imaginable, and it's very popular at parties.
Nearly all Chileans speak and understand Spanish. However, Chile has a strong native South American heritage, and many indigenous languages are still used by small groups of the population. Mapudungun – Spoken by the Mapuche people who inhabit Southern Chile and some parts of Argentina. You can learn some basic Spanish before you travel to Chile and really impress the locals!
The currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (In Chile, tipping etiquette dictates you leave a gratuity of at least 10% of your restaurant bill. Some establishments will include 10%, in which case you should still give at least 5% directly to your server.).