Chile

Chile – The Land of Extremes. Spanning a diverse range of latitudes and landscapes, capturing the essence of Chile in a few lines is no easy feat. You can explore vibrant, historic, and modern cities such as Santiago, Valparaíso, Punta Arenas, and La Serena. And not forgetting the awe-inspiring Atacama Desert, often referred to as the driest place on Earth, with its stunning landscapes and unique geological formations. Though not the official capital, for most visitors, you haven't truly experienced Chile until you've walked through the mystical forests and towering peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. There's unique flora and fauna that thrive in Chile's varied landscapes – from the resilient desert plants and cacti to the diverse marine life in the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean. The culture and language of Chile reflect a blend of ancient traditions and contemporary influences. Chile is a mesmerizing mix of history and modernity, of vast deserts and bustling cities, of other cultures and its own rich heritage. It is not to be missed!

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

UK guests please see the UK Government Foreign Office Travel website for the latest entry and exit advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/chile 

US guests please see the Travel State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Chile.html 

Visas:

British, U.S., and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Chile for stays of up to 90 days.

Passports:
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and should have at least 1 blank page. Please be sure to fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport.

N.B. Please note, visa and entry requirements, regulations, and restrictions can vary regularly. Please ensure you check in good time prior to travel for the current requirements applicable to you.

HEALTH, INSURANCE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Travel Insurance

It is company policy that all passengers must have valid travel insurance prior to traveling, to include but not limited to health insurance and cancellation insurance. It is vital that ALL members of the traveling party are fully insured for the dates of travel. All pre-existing medical conditions must be declared to the insurer and the correct cover must be taken in regard to the specific type of holiday you are taking.

The details of your insurance must be advised to The Big Journey Company at least 6 weeks before your departure date. Please make sure to write down important information from your insurance policy, such as the company’s 24hr emergency telephone number (including dial code from abroad) and your policy number and take these with you on tour.

General Health

Please talk to your doctor or travel health clinic in person at least eight weeks before you travel, where a health professional can provide you with the necessary health information for your personal needs. Wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of water, washing your hands properly before eating, and avoiding insect bites should keep you healthy on tour.

We recommend you carry a simple travelers’ first-aid kit containing any basic items that you feel may be required, including remedies for minor stomach complaints. If you do need to see a doctor during the tour, please speak to your Big Journey Company tour escort. Temperatures in Chile can vary greatly depending on the region and season, so be prepared accordingly. Sun hats and sunscreen are advisable.

Passengers with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility
The Chile Tour is an Activity Level 2 tour and will require moderate physical activity and include various forms of transport. Please check our Activity Levels description page to see if this level is suitable for you or contact us if you require further information on the activities involved in the tour.

If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your holiday, please provide us with full details before we confirm your booking, or as soon as possible at the time they occur, so that we can try to advise on the suitability of your chosen arrangements. Please note, we may require you to produce a doctor’s certificate certifying that you are fit to participate in the tour.

Medical Conditions and Personal Medication
Please advise us prior to travel if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. If you have a specific medical condition, it is wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you. Important: Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions, and the telephone/fax numbers of your doctor.

Please note, some countries require that prescription drugs be carried in their original container, with the label clearly visible. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement.

Vaccinations

Please consult your doctor before traveling for the latest immunization information as well as advice according to your unique medical needs.

Traveling with CPAP or other Medical Machines

Inform The Big Journey Company early if you are traveling with medical devices, especially where power supply might be an issue. Ensure you have the correct electrical adapters, check airline policies, carry a letter from your doctor, and have details for repairs or replacements.

Please note, if you require distilled or ionized water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at least two weeks ahead of travel, so we are able to make preparations with our ground agents. There will be an additional charge for this.

Special Dietary Requirements
Please let us know in good time prior to travel if you have any special dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, etc.). We will make every effort to accommodate your request with the resources available to us.

LUGGAGE

What to Pack and Wear
We would recommend comfortable clothes and shoes for this tour. Feel free to include a smart-casual outfit for dinner if you wish, however, there is no pressure to follow a dress code.

The weather can vary greatly in Chile depending on the region and season, so be prepared for a range of conditions. Pack layers, a light jacket, and possibly rain gear. Insect repellent, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sun cream are also essential items. Don't forget your camera, with charger/spare batteries and memory cards, and why not pack your swimming costume too?

Laundry
Laundry services are available in some hotels on the tour.

LANGUAGE
The main language of Chile is Spanish.

TIME ZONE
Chile is 4 hours behind London (GMT-4) during standard time and 3 hours behind (GMT-3) during daylight saving time.

WEATHER
Chile's climate ranges from the driest desert in the world in the north, to a Mediterranean climate in the center, and a rainy temperate climate in the south. Daytime temperatures vary by region and season, so it is advisable to check local conditions before packing.

ELECTRICITY
Chile operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. You will need a power plug travel adapter for sockets type C and L.

MONEY

Currency
The currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is advisable to carry some cash with you as well. ATMs are widely available in cities, but not so in smaller villages.

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards, however many places do not accept cards such as Diners Club or American Express. If you intend to use any of your debit or credit cards whilst away, please make sure that you contact your bank before you leave to inform them that you will be traveling in order not to cause any problems using your cards whilst on the trip.

Important Note - Chile uses chip-and-pin credit cards, so cards with magnetic strips on the back (commonly used in North America) may not work with certain automated machines. You might want to carry some extra cash in your wallet to use in these situations just in case. You may be asked to provide ID if you cannot pay by chip and PIN.

Tipping
After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour. Look out for more information in your pre-tour emails.

FOOD

Chilean cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors featuring dishes like empanadas, pastel de choclo, and seafood, often incorporating beef, chicken, corn, and a variety of vegetables and spices.

WATER

In urban areas and popular tourist destinations, tap water is generally treated and considered safe to drink. However, in more rural or remote areas, it's advisable for visitors to drink bottled or filtered water to avoid potential health issues.

Opening Hours

Retail shops in Chile typically open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, many shops open later in the afternoon and stay open until 7:00 PM.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Chile is generally considered a safe country for travelers and residents. It has a relatively low crime rate, and the government takes significant measures to ensure the safety and security of both locals and tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is always wise to stay informed about the current situation, follow local advice, and take standard safety precautions.

SMOKING

Smoking is banned in most indoor public places, but there are usually designated outdoor areas where people can smoke.

RELIGION

The predominant religion in Chile is Christianity, with the majority of Chileans being Roman Catholics. There are also smaller communities of Protestants, Jews, and other religious groups. Religious tolerance is generally observed, and other religions are practiced by small communities within the country.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Chile offers photo opportunities one after another. You will return with many photos that can never be repeated. Remember to pack your camera, along with the charger, spare batteries, and a spare memory card!

ARRIVAL IN CHILE

Please note, standard hotel check-in is around 3 PM, so should you arrive earlier than this, your room may not be available upon arrival. For those arriving early morning, we will do everything we can to work with the hotel to get you an earlier check-in subject to availability.

TOUR HOTEL INFORMATION

Please check your tour paperwork for hotel information pertaining to your tour departure.

FLYING & TRAVEL HINTS

• Photocopy the personal information pages of your passport; leave one copy at home with a friend or family member, and take a copy with you, but pack it separately from the passport itself.
• It is advisable to carry all your travel documentation as well as valuables and essential items in your hand luggage, such as camera, toiletries, reading material, etc.
• Duty-Free shopping is always tempting, but please check the current Duty-Free limits applicable in the country of your destination.
• Longer flights can be made a little more enjoyable by wearing loose clothing and good, comfortable shoes. Walking in the aisles regularly, eating sensibly, and drinking plenty of fluids (not alcohol) is also advised.
• Where possible, try to get some sleep during the flight and upon arrival at your destination, most people adjust better to the local time if they wait until the evening before sleeping – this should relieve some of the effects of jet lag.

If you have any other questions that we have not covered here, then please send us an e-mail to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com

Please note, the above information is provided as a guideline only. Although every effort has been made to provide complete and accurate information, The Big Journey Company makes no warranties, express or implied, or representations as to the accuracy of content on this website. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions in the information contained in the website.

Updated June 2024