For the north of Chile, October/November and March/April/May are the ideal months. August and September are known to be very windy; between December and February the "Bolivian winter" can easily lead to snowfall and rain in the mountains, while in June and July it gets very cold at high altitude.

South of Copiapó, the summer months from December to February are of course the best time. Personally, we prefer spring and fall. In Central Chile, it is possible to do trekking from September until June.

What is the best region to do trekking tours?

The north of Chile with its open countryside, aridness, and immense altitudes does not necessarily constitute a trekking paradise, although it does offer a variety of choices. The arid north offers a wealth of easy volcano ascents far above the elevation of 5000 m (16,400 ft.).

Central Chile, from Santiago to Los Angeles, offers everything to the heart's delight in relatively compact areas. With the exception of a few well-known tours, this region offers solitary trails without any infrastructure whatsoever. Those who prefer high altitudes will find the best destinations around Santiago.

The Lake District awaits trekkers with its breathtaking volcano landscape. However, the weather in this region can easily thwart your plans. And some of the trails around Pucón get very many visitors.

Patagonia is the trekking Mecca per se. Unfortunately, trekking tourism focuses on the Torres del Paine National Park, neglecting the beautiful sceneries and great tours along the Carretera Austral.

Is Chile dangerous?

Chile is one of the safest destinations in America. However, we recommend caution in large cities, especially at bus terminals and in markets: do not let your bags out of your sight and close zippers or pockets well.

While trekking, it is very rare to meet anybody apart from the few mountain farmers and herders who welcome a chat and are particularly trustworthy because they live in the mountains all year round. Even female trekkers touring on their own should not have to worry about their safety. Hunters, especially those who prefer night outings for rabbits or hares, should be advised of your presence with a shout.

There are hardly any aggressive or even dangerous animals in Chile. In all these years and on a countless number of hikes we have never been lucky enough to see a puma even from afar, much less exposed to a dangerous encounter with the wildcat. There are no poisonous snakes, but there are a few small animals that are more likely to require some precautions. Two types of spiders can mean trouble and even real danger, but they tend to live in shelters (the fleshy brown “araña de rincon” that favors corners) or low, grassy fields (the red-and-black widow spider).

The Hanta virus, passed on by field mice found almost all over America, can be fatal if an infection is not diagnosed and treated in time. (Symptoms begin like a bad cold some days after exposure.) Hanging your food from trees can minimize exposure to the virus by safeguarding it from rodents.

What temperatures do I have to expect?

In the north of Chile, the winter temperatures can drop far below 0°C (32°F). In summer it can be very hot during the day, particularly on lower ground. The climate of Central Chile is mild and resembles that of California or the Mediterranean, but a jacket is usually needed for cool evenings, and it is also agreeably cool above 2000 m (6500 ft.). Further south, be prepared for chilling rains and cold wind. During spring and fall it is not rare to be caught in snow at higher altitudes. Layered clothing is best.

Can I get equipment on the spot?

Outside the capital Santiago it is hard to find good trekking and mountain equipment. With the exception of a few places such as Pucón or Puerto Natales, it is even more difficult to rent gear. It is best to bring everything you might need. Should you nevertheless need to buy or rent equipment, here are our recommendations.

Do I need a guide?

This, of course, depends a lot on your trekking experience. However, Chile is not North America or Europe. Apart from a few exceptions, the trails are not marked, there are no signs or information of any kind and no trailside shops for food supplies. However, much-used paths are easy to find, while trekking in true wilderness does require experience. If necessary, it might be recommendable to do a short preparatory tour with a guide. Local guides provide contact with local people. They charge about US$ 25 per day for group outings. A good list with local tour, trekking and mountain guides you´ll find at the national guide register, recocnized by the goverment. If you are looking for set excursiones, here you´ll find many options online - from different tour operators and without any comision.

How much gear do I need to pack?
OR: How big a pack do I need?

The golden rule is to keep it light. On 3 to 4-day tours weight will not be much of a problem, but longer tours with a pack of 30 kg or more can be sheer agony. High-tech equipment makes life easier, but also more expensive.

Pack animals are a great alternative. They are not expensive (about US$ 20 per day), especially since one animal can carry up to 4 hikers’ gear. Remember to also consider the cost of the arriero's horse. Advantage: not only will you have contact with locals, but they will also make the trekking much easier, enabling you to enjoy nature. This alternative also allows you to easily transform your hiking tour into one on horseback.

What should not be missing in my luggage?

South of Los Angeles, be prepared for rain. We recommend taking a rain poncho in addition to Gore-Tex clothing. Personally, we almost always use hiking sticks. We also recommend carrying a water filter or germicidal tablets. For the rest, you will need the same gear as for any trekking tour between Nepal and New Zealand.

What vaccination do I need?

The vaccinations required for Chile are the same as in Europe or North America. In any case, it is important to renew vaccinations against tetanus, polio, typhus, jaundice (hepatitis A), if necessary.

Can I manage without Spanish?

Chileans are usually very friendly, especially towards foreigners. You can get along without Spanish, but no communication with locals could make you miss an important part of your journey. Chile offers cheap language courses at reasonable prices and good knowledge of Spanish will be one of the nicest and longest-lasting souvenirs to take back home.

Are there reliable trails maps?

The available trails maps are generally nothing to write home about. The Instituto Geográfico Militar, under the armed forces, is responsible for cartography. Unfortunately, some of the maps date from the 50s and even the more recent editions contain very few trails. Furthermore, with its price of about US$ 10, the maps on a scale of 1:50 000 are rather expensive.

Maps of much-visited areas are available from the publisher Matassi in specialized shops, bookstores and information bureaus. These maps offer a good overall view, but are strewn with mistakes and their quality does not compare to those published by hiking clubs back home.

The foundation Trekkingchile is constantly publishing hiking maps with a quiet good quality. There are not only maps about the most known aereas but also new hiking destinitons available. You can order them online.

How do I get to the starting point of the trek?

Public buses provide easy, inexpensive transportation around Chile. The frequency of buses is particularly high on the north-south-route Panamericana. On the other hand, connections on local roads leading up to the Andes are less frequent and usually operate at inconvenient hours. Hitchhiking on these routes can be recommended as an alternative, especially since Chileans like to give rides to tourists. Prices of hired cars have gone down a lot over the past years and cars can be rented for about US$ 20 per day, which makes it much easier to get to the starting point of the trails. Some accommodations have specialized services for trekkers and offer transfers at reasonable prices.

Is there a rescue system?

Several cities offer mountain rescue services. Otherwise the police (phone number: 133) are responsible for any rescue operations. Admittedly, the main problem lies in informing the rescue team, since cell phones rarely work in the mountains and most of the Andes areas are uninhabited. For your own safety, we recommend registering your name, route, and expected return date with the park rangers, police, or at the place you are staying before undertaking any tour into the wilderness.

Can I drink the river water?

On tours in the wilderness far from civilization it is safe to drink water from mountain brooks. However, grazing areas are often contaminated by cows. Green, slimy algae grow in oxygen-deficient and too-warm water, which should not be consumed.

Criminality in Chile

Unfortunately Chile goes into line with other South American countries with regard to the crime rate. A stay in Chile can become a disaster especially because of con artists. It is advisable to be carful in big cities like Santiago , Valparaiso or Temuco and at bus terminals or markets.

Don't show your valuables, f.e. camera!

Don't leave valuables in a parked car!

The most secure place for valuables is the hotel, if possible the safe and not only your girdle!

It's the best to take a taxi at night!

It's better to abdicate city bags, don't put them on your back if there are many people around you!

Leave your valuables at your body during the time in intercity buses and don't put them in the store room!

Landmines in Chile

During the military regime the border area to Peru , Bolivia and Argentina was secured with thousands of landmines. These were moved over higher distances by eruption and rainfall. These areas are normally surrounded by fence and marked with red death's heads. Nevertheless passengers should go only on secured paths.

To get more information just click here: http://www.icbl.org/lm/country/chile/
An interesting interview you can find on: http://maic.jmu.edu/journal/5.2/focus/elizabethadams.htm

Credit cards or money in Chile

Meanwhile credit cards are accepted in the most parts of Chile . But many restaurants are still out of their depth with individual payments within groups. When many people pay individual with their credit card you should expect longer waiting periods. You can withdraw money with your credit card or your Eurocheque card (Maestro) at almost all ATM's and it will be the best to preserve the document. In the most areas you can change Euro's and US-Dollars so it is not necessary to change Euros into USD before. You won't get a good exchange rate at the airport like worldwide common.

Rent a car in Chile

Tourist should own an international driver license. Journeys to Argentina are possible against payment in the most cases whereas rides to Bolivia and Peru without an own car aren't often possible.
It's important to have an international insurance when you want to go to another country. Because of the length of Chile there are charges all over the country for handing in a car. Therefore the most reasonably way for a tour with a rented car is a round trip.

You can find offers f.e. here: www.Trekkerchile.com

Natural catastrophes in Chile

The last big earthquake was in 1985. But one of the most heaviest earthquakes worldwide with disastrous effects was in 1960 and destroyed Valdivia and Pto. Montt with an intensity of 9.5 on the Richter scale.
In city areas there are mainly worries about injuries caused by glass or other falling objects.
It is advised to search for protection under door frames or tables.
Don't look in direction of windows and protect your head with blankets or similar materials.
Don't stay near by big buildings, bridges or trees at the outside but try to find protection in free areas.
If possible don't go by car or do calls after an earthquake because rescue services can be obstructed in doing their job.
Proof if all gas and water taps are closed and unplug all electrical appliances.

Entry requirements

Documents and visa for Chile

Europeans need a passport with a validity of 6 months. Germans and Austrians need no visa to enter to Chile . By entry they have to fill out the “Tarjeta de Turismo” which allows to stay for 3 months in the country. After 3 month you have to leave the country to get a new Tarjeta. Another possibility is to get a residence permit for 90 days. Therefore you need to pay €70,00/US$90,00 at a regional authority for foreigners (extranjeria). The “Tarjeta de Turismo” needs to be given back by leaving the country. You can get a replacement at the regional Extranjerias or at the airport in Santiago . This residence permit doesn't entitle to do an internship or other commercial activities. You can find further information here: http://www.extranjeria.gov.cl/ingles/ .

To enter the name of the children into the passport of the parents isn't sufficient as document for children.

Duty regulations for entering Chile

By entering to Chile you can have an amount of €7.000/US$9000 in cash with you. Higher values need to be declared. The ban on imports for fresh food is putted into effect strictly. Almost small offences are punished with € 150,00/US$170.

Tip: Don't take food to Chile !

In supermarkets you can find everything like in Europe or in the US . With entering the visitor confirms with his signature that he doesn't bring food or currency over €7.000/US$9.000,- to Chile . Nearly every bag will be controlled by the SAG. Some information about this you can find here: http://www.sag.gob.cl

Necessary immunization protection for Chile

One of the biggest advantages of the country is the small risk of infection of epidemic or heavy illness. There are only a few regulations for immunization which are less controlled. You need to be immunized against yellow fever by entering the Easter Island when you are coming from an endangered area and also with a stopover in a dangerous area.

Before going to Chile the immunizations which are necessary in Europe should be refreshed (Tetanus, Hepatitis, Polio, etc.). Malaria was destroyed completely in Chile during the 50's. Persons who combine their stay in Chile with borderlands need to know the regulations of immunization for every country. Therefore you can get information here: www.travelmed.de . During the last years new illnesses like Dengue-Fever ( Easter Island ), Chagas and Hanta-Virus were born. You can't get immunized against it, but you can avoid contact with the source of germ.

For further questions, please visit our hiker's café.

Frequently Asked Questions

about Trekking and Travelling in Chile

What is the best time to do trekking in Chile?