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Travel to Chile

Chili : When to go ?

It is not really the time that counts, but rather the geographical area you want to visit. The North, between Santiago and Arica, does not pose too many climatic problems, if it is not to the Andes Cordillera (better to get there between April and November, January is very tourist among the Brazilians, and it rains more and more frequently in February, sometimes with the risk of being blocked).In Patagonia, winters are quite rigorous: from April to October, transport is very uncertain, many establishments close their doors and tourist attractions can be inaccessible; the ideal season is between October and April.The spring and autumn are, as in all the countries where the landscapes marvel, the most beautiful seasons.Attention: the months of January and February correspond to school holidays in South America in general and in Chile in particular, which means a significant increase in prices and mandatory reservations at some sites... The high season actually extends from beginning December to mid March and the very high, from January 15 to the end of February.Skiers will ignore these remarks and will be happy to visit Chile in July-August.

Chili : Go with a local agency

A specific cultureThe "chilénité" is a state of affairs: it's the art of living in a somewhat seasoned sauce, which makes the Chilean language, in Spanish theory, an immense field of unusual expressions. But Chile is mainly many indigenous peoples whose traditions persist: Aymara or Atacaméens to the north, Mapuche to the south... These cultures, which have long been stifled, are now forcibly saillent the protective shackles imposed since Spanish colonization. By organizing your trip with a local agency, you are sure to make an authentic immersion in this Chilean culture apart.A simple and attractive gastronomyNot that Chilean cuisine is the finest in the world... But it remains a crossroads of influences, notably French, Italian, Spanish and German. Everywhere, seafood is a delight... and much cheaper than in Europe. Not to mention the famous Chilean wine...Warm hospitalityDig the apparent distance and the inébranlable that characterizes relations between people: in fact, the Chileans are very hospitable and will jump into four to make your stay enjoyable.A beautiful and indomptée natureWhether you like the fierce and desolate landscapes of the Andean altiplano, the impenetrable forests and meadows of glacial valleys, emerald or snowy lakes, large wild beaches or small folâtres valleys, all nature seems inviting you to discover it in Chile. Paradise des des, Chile discovers even better with an experienced guide mandated by a local agency.The cost of living is relatively high in Chile. Relatively... because everything depends on your way of travelling and your tastes.In the market, fruit and vegetables are sold at derisory prices (0,50 € per kilo of carrots, lemons, tomatoes, 1,50 € the 3 kg of oranges, etc., depending on the season, and the centre of the country of course).Transportation is relatively cheap ($ 3 000 a single go bus from Valparaíso to Santiago, 110 km for 5 €). But tourism benefits are generally rather expensive: You have to spend at least 40 or 50 € for a double room with private health, and not always well equipped or modern! For Chileans and residents, gas and electricity are expensive, but it is mainly telecommunications that have biscuit: count at least € 70 for a triple pack with a 20 MB Internet connection!For a rental of apartments, if young students in university exchange, the pure and hard, can find a room at 100 € or less in Valparaíso (one knows whose rent, sharing in seven (!) is 25 € per month), rather between 250 € per month, depending on size, comfort... That remains reasonable.A packet of Marlboro Light cigarettes, not to mention it, costs in 2015, $ 2 800, or just over € 4. When you arrive at the airport, buy your Duty Free packages, the cartridge of 20 packages is at about US $ 28 currently (roughly 1,20 € the package...).FormalitésTo travel to Chile, a valid passport exceeding six months the date of your return is required, as well as a return airline ticket. A visa will only be required if you wish to stay for more than three months. Beware of entry conditions for pets. Check with the nearest consulate before your departure to find out how they can accompany you.

Spoken languages

Spanish, often referred to here as castellano (Castilian), is the official language, both in Chile and on Easter Island, which still continues to deliver Rapa Nui courses to school. Note ?: Chile is a truly separate language, with a lot of singing and neologisms.English is spoken by the majority of tourist service providers (hotels, car rental agencies...)... but don't believe in miracles. German can be an alternative in the south of the country (lakes region...). You don't have to rely too much on French during your journey, even if it is always possible to meet an institution held by a compatriot.Learn Spanish. There are different ways to learn a few basics of language and the offer for self-learning can be done on different media: CD, DVD, exercise books or even directly on the Internet.

Currency

The national currency is the Chilean peso (tagged $ in this guide, not confused with the U.S. dollar, noted US $). It circulates in the form of banknotes (1 000, 2 000, 5 000, 10 000 and 20 000 pesos) and parts (1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 pesos). The peso is stable (or even strong) relative to the dollar and the euro, resulting from the neoliberal economic policies put in place since the 1980 s.

Weather

The country's geography (approximately 4 300 km from north to south) necessarily involves great climatic nuances. In the north, regions are semi-arid, almost desert. The Cordillera of the Andes lives in the rhythm of the Bolivian seasons (dry and cold winter at night, wet but at more homogeneous temperatures), while it is (almost) always good on the coasts... However, the cold current of Humboldt does not make it tropical regions!The far North, from Arica to south of Antofagasta, includes a desert coastline flanked by valleys where cultures are possible, as in Azapa for example. The Andes follow the climate of Bolivia's altiplano, but rains are very rare.The Small North, south of Chañaral to the north of Santiago, offers a transition climate. It rarely rains, the temperatures are fairly stable, and the sun never too far.At the centre, the climate is of temperate Mediterranean-ocean type. Summers are hot, fresh winters but never frozen as in the Jura. The climate is favourable to cultures (wines, fruits, etc.). In winter, snow recovers heights.To the south of Temuco to Puerto Montt, it can make quite hot summer, but it always rains much and snow in winter. It is a bit of Switzerland in Chile, but with coasts... that make the climate more oceanic than continental.Chiloé is characterized by an ocean climate: a lot of rain, almost all the year (a small break in summer), lots of green... A little England in the realm of fées!The Southern Carretera region is characterized by wind, rain, éclaircies, almost impenetrable forests, endless archipelagos and glaciers... A climate of end in the world.Finally, the extreme south of Magallanes and Tierra del Fuego is swept by wind wind (not always), the climate is very unstable, it is cold... but summers can be very pleasant and even hot.

Why choose a local agency ?

  • Each local agent lives in the place and is an expert of the destination.
  • Your trip will be 100% tailor-made and will fit all your wishes.
  • Your local agent will always be available to ensure your trip fulfills your requirements.
  • Enjoy the best prices being constantly in touch with the local organisation.
  • This is a win-win deal without intermediaries, especially for you !

Testimonies from our local experts

  • SURINMENSO VOYAGES

Why travel with a local agency ?

  • Each local agent lives in the place and is an expert of the destination.
  • Your trip will be 100% tailor-made and will fit all your wishes.
  • Your local agent will always be available to ensure your trip fulfills your requirements.
  • Enjoy the best prices being constantly in touch with the local organisation.

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