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Short TripsClose to HomeRound The WorldPerfect for...
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Download Chile Key FactsFamed for its ring of volcanoes, its high-altitude desert and spectacular icy landscapes, Chile is South America’s own “Land of Fire and Ice”. This long, thin country stretches an extraordinary distance along the edge of South America. In the heart of Chile is Santiago - the capital city nestled between the Andes mountains and the South Pacific Ocean. Travel further south and you’ll encounter scenic vineyards and the legendary “End of the World” in Patagonia - including the exceptional Torres del Paine National Park. Or stay north and discover the otherworldly landscapes found inside San Pedro de Atacama, which is like Mars on Earth. Choose Chile for your gap year, and you won’t be disappointed!
Read more in our Chile Travel Guide.
Chile Trips and Tours
Found 5 trips
South America Journey
65 days from
£7,149£5,7197 countries, 9 epic weeks
The ULTIMATE South American Adventure with 65 days of non-stop adventure from Quito to Rio.
Bolivia to Brazil Adventure
31 days from
£4,359£3,4875 amazing countries over 31 unforgettable days
Epic group trip through 5 of South America's most exciting countries: Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. Includes the Iguazú Falls, Salar de Uyuni, Buenos Aires, Rio and more!
Rio de Janeiro to Santiago
17 days from
£1,499£1,424Explore Brazil, Argentina and Chile your way
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime inside South America's most iconic destinations? Discover Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and even more bucket list places, on your terms as part of this independent adventure - accommodation, transport and activities included!
Patagonia Explorer
14 days from
£4,099£3,279A journey to the end of the earth!
See breath-taking natural landscapes and perfect glaciers on this 14-day off-the-beaten track adventure!
Chile Facts
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C and LChile Highlights
Atacama Desert
Welcome to Mars, or at least the closest you can get until we go extraterrestrial. Discover amber deserts and sunset-coloured canyons, backed by volcanoes so high up in the sky that their peaks have frozen over. Stargazing, sandboarding, floating in salt lakes, and off-road adventures make it unmissable on your backpacking journey.
Torres del Paine
Only the most stunning national park you’ve ever seen before! Torres del Paine is Patagonia’s most famous landmark, famed for its bright turquoise lakes, rugged silver cliffs and wilderness that transforms with each season. Maybe you’ll get lucky and spot a puma in the park. Chase a few waterfalls and glaciers as you go hiking!
W Trek
There’s no question about it, really. The W Trek is the greatest way to experience Torres del Paine to the fullest. Get ready for the most magical 5 days of your life as you tick highlights like the French Valley, Base of the Towers and Grey Glacier off your Patagonia bucket list. We’ll see you there!
Santiago
Santiago is one of South America’s most exciting cities. From vibrant arts and culture to leafy boulevards and electric nightlife, not to mention those stunning mountain views, you’re spoilt for choice here. Buzzing local markets, cocktail bars, street art… Chile’s capital city is full of life and surprises.
Chile Travel Advice
Climate & Weather
Chile is South America’s very own ‘Land of Fire and Ice,’ famed for its stunning contrasts in nature. You can discover everything here from volcanoes to deserts, glaciers and snowy mountain peaks!
This South American country enjoys a wildly diverse climate as a result. Chile can be divided into three main zones: desert in the north, a Mediterranean-style centre, and a frozen south. Temperatures can vary greatly depending on where you go.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Chile comes down to preference. Summer (December to February) is especially popular for its warm weather across most of the country, with daily temperatures averaging 25 to 30℃.
Meanwhile, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) can be fantastic for shoulder-season travel, plus beautiful foliage for hiking in Patagonia. Winter (June to August) can be very popular for stargazing in the Atacama Desert.
Customs & Culture
Experiencing the local culture is a real highlight on our Chile tours. From horseback riding with Gauchos (South American cowboys) to exploring ancient rock art in Chile’s Atacama Desert, there is so much for you to see and do here.
A little bit of Spanish goes a long way here. Punctuality is generally relaxed, and late-night dining is a big part of Chilean culture. Similar to the UK, queuing is also customary here. Your group leader on our Chile trips can best advise you regarding cultural customs.
Passports & Visas
Entry requirements and visa regulations are different for every destination and your purpose of travel. We recommend staying updated on the latest official information before you go travelling. Your passport should be undamaged and have enough blank pages for stamps and visas. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months of validity beyond the date of entry.
For more information and resources regarding entry requirements, check out our Visa Advice page.
Health & Safety
At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.
We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for Chile, as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information, and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.Frequently Asked Questions
Hiking in Patagonia generally requires a high level of fitness; however, it also depends on which hiking trails you pick. The W Trek is a famous route which can be moderately challenging due to the long days and steady elevation gain. Our friendly travel experts are here to answer any questions you may have regarding our Chile tours.
Chile is one of South America’s best hiking destinations, home to iconic national parks like Torres del Paine. This country is also famous for unique landscapes like the Atacama Desert, plus its vineyards and culturally rich cities.
Yes! Chile is a great backpacking destination, whether you’re looking to go trekking in Patagonia or stopping in the Atacama Desert as part of a longer journey around South America.
Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, one of the UK’s largest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a Travel Telephone Consultation, an in-person Consultation, and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.
Flights to Chile from the UK take around 16 to 19 hours, plus 1 layover as part of the journey. Some direct options may be available.
Chile Trip Reviews
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