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Our Tour Experts Atacama Desert
The driest desert in the world, the Atacama Desert is a largely desolate landscape freckled with lagoons, hot springs, geysers and salt…
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
Chile Holidays
There’s something to capture the imagination in any direction. For those looking to discover the extraordinary, we can immerse you in windswept Patagonia or take you to the mysterious Easter Island.
It is a joy to travel from the Atacama Desert in the north to Torres del Paine National Park in the south and admire the vast diversity of the country’s wild landscapes.
Accommodation and food are far from wild, there are some fantastic options even in isolated areas. From the moment you step off the plane, Chile has a warm European feel which is instantly reassuring and a great start to your holiday in Chile. The streets of Santiago have a familiar atmosphere until you look up and see the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. Travel outside Santiago and you are transported into a world of stark contrasts which cannot fail to stimulate the senses, the scenery is incredible.
Chilean Lake District
The Chilean Lake District is a land of beautiful glacial lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, hot springs and national parks stretching from Temuco in…
Chilean Patagonia
Patagonia covers the tip of the South American continent, shared by both Argentina and Chile. The area is about the same size…
Chilean Winelands
The green and rugged Maipo Valley southeast of Santiago is considered by many experts to be the best wine-producing area in Chile…
Easter Island
Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is merely a dot in the vast Pacific Ocean, located some 3,700 kilometres off the…
Santiago
Sandwiched between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, South America’s fifth-largest city commands a striking setting with a Mediterranean climate for much…
Landscapes of Chile
At 2,670 miles long Chile is the longest country in the world, stretching from the harsh environment of the Atacama Desert at the top, some parts of which have not seen rain for years, to the dramatic peaks, fjords and windswept wilderness of Patagonia at the bottom.
In between, you can find dense forests, crystal clear lakes, superb fishing and vineyards – a trip to Chile offers nothing if not variety.
Explore Chile
- Atacama Desert
- Chilean Winelands
- Easter Island
- Chilean Patagonia
Experiences
Choose from our collection of curated experiences that will help us to create a bespoke and memorable journey for you.
Places to stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
What clothing should I take to Chile?
It is always best to pack light and while casual dress has become more acceptable in recent years, Latin Americans tend to devote great care to their clothes and appearance. A laundry service is available at most if not all hotels but when you are on the move quickly there is not always the time for laundry and you pay a premium for same-day delivery. Depending upon where you are travelling to in Chile this will dictate what is best to wear and you may find you need to pack for all eventualities weather-wise.
We find that a good fleece, waterproof jacket, layers and zip-off trousers work well for the chilly south and warm north. Shoes with ankle support such as hiking boots or cross trainers are also good for trekking. Aside from clothing a high factor suncream, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, photocopy of your passport and swimming costume are good things to include.
What is the typical food and drink in Chile?
Seafood is very much on the menu in Chile due to its enormous coastline. Stew, mashed corn (humitas) and chicken pie also feature highly on the specials board. As with Peru, Pisco Sour is the national drink along with some fine Chilean wines.
When is the rainy season in Chile?
Generally May to October sees the rainy season and during this time it is possible to ski in The Andes outside Santiago. The south is generally cold with high rainfall throughout the year. The far north has a slightly different climate receiving some rain from December to March.
Is it easy to self-drive in Chile?
Self-drive is a great option in many parts of Chile and we can suggest some fantastic routes to explore the lesser-known parts of the Central Valleys, the Lakes or the Aisen region. Most of the roads are in fairly good condition and it’s difficult to get lost in such a long thin country.
Is it possible to travel over the Andes?
Yes, cross between Chile & Argentina, it’s a great way to get close to some incredible mountain scenery. There are several different parts of the country where this is possible including from the Atacama Desert over to the North West of Argentina, from Santiago to Mendoza in the wine region of Argentina, across the lakes in the Lake District and from Torres del Paine National Park to El Calafate in Patagonia.
Any tips for handling the altitude in Chile?
Most of Chile is at sea level but in San Pedro de Atacama you will find high altiplano varying from 2,000 – 4,500 metres and a visit to the El Tatio Geysers should not be attempted on your first full day of arrival. Some people experience symptoms, whilst others have none at all and we advise visiting or contacting your GP before travel if you have any concerns.
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When to travel
Chile in January
January and February is the peak season in Chile as it is the height of the summer. Weather can be ideal throughout the country, although the Atacama Desert can occasionally experience unusual rainfall at this time.
Chile in February
January and February is the peak season in Chile as it is the height of the summer. Weather can be ideal throughout the country, although the Atacama Desert can occasionally experience unusual rainfall at this time.
Chile in March
Heading into the autumn, this is a shoulder season for most of the country. This can make for a lovely time to visit as peak prices come down and the crowds ease slightly.
Chile in April
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
Chile in May
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
Chile in June
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
Chile in July
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
Chile in August
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
Chile in September
As the snow begins to melt and days get warmer, this can be a delightful time to visit the central valleys and north of the country.
Chile in October
October marks the start of spring in the lake district. Although you can expect rain, the flowers begin to bloom across the stunning landscapes and temperatures begin to rise.
Chile in November
November is a good time to visit, as spring is in full bloom across the country. Just before the peak season begins in December, there are fewer crowds.
Chile in December
December begins the peak season for travel to Chile, with the climate in its prime for visiting most of the popular destinations. We advise that you begin planning well in advance for travel during this time as many hotels can book up.
Recommended reads
TRAVELOGUE
Against the Wall
HISTORY
The Motorcycle Diaries
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
James Armitage
James has travelled down the length and breadth of this extraordinary country, but has found that his heart lies in the quiet and remote Carretera Austral, a stunningly wild and beautiful frontier part of the nation. Talk with our experts
- 1 855 2037885
Paul Bird
Combining the arid Atacama Desert and iconic Torres Del Paine National Park in Patagonia, the dramatic contrasts of its landscapes make Chile one of Paul’s most treasured travel destinations. Talk with our experts
- 1 855 2037885
Let’s chat
Speak to our experts
Our team is waiting to help you tailor a trip that will leave you with stories for a lifetime. Call us on
01285 601 784
The Steppes Fund For Change
BirdLife International - Albatross Task Force
We support projects right across the planet. Explore below to see where and how we’re making a difference – in some cases, we can even arrange a visit as part of your tailor-made itinerary.
The objective of the Albatross Task Force is to reduce the bycatch of albatross and petrels in targeted fisheries, and ultimately improve the conservation status of threatened seabirds. The Steppes Fund for Change donation will fund the training of a bycatch mitigation expert, who will show fishing crews simple ways to protect the birds.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise sets us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary?
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