A ‘moon valley’, granite peaks, and frozen glaciers - Chile is the ultimate geographic marvel

Chile is the ultimate geographic marvel, offering everything from desert to vibrant coastal art cities and epic frozen glaciers.

In this South American wonderland, travellers can go from drinking world-class wine in sun-drenched valleys to standing face-to-face with prehistoric vistas and wild pumas.

If you, like many of us, marvelled at Nine’s Travel Guides exploring this stunning part of the world recently, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about travelling to Chile.

Best time to visit Chile

The “best time” to visit changes completely depending on whether you want to trek through Patagonia or stargaze in the Atacama Desert.

Patagonia, of course, is a geographical region that stretches across both Chile and Argentina. If a visit to the famous Torres del Paine National Park in the south and the Lake District further to the north are on your agenda then the summer months December to February and March would be a great time to visit. The long southern days mean you can hike until 9:30pm.

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While it’s freezing in Melbourne or Sydney, June to August is prime time to head to northern Chile’s Atacama Desert.

It’s dry, sunny during the day, making it a year-round destination.

But during winter, it offers crisp, cloudless night skies that are world-renowned for stargazing, though night temperatures drop below freezing.

March to May is the best time to visit if you’re a wine lover. A trip to Santiago and The Winelands of Central Valley during the autumn Vendimia (grape harvest) is a winner.

It feels a bit like the Yarra Valley or Margaret River, but with the massive, snow-capped Andes mountains towering in the background.

Is it safe to travel to Chile right now?

Chile is widely considered one of the safest countries for travellers in Latin America, but there are still things visitors need to be aware of.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) rates Chile as “Exercise a high degree of caution”. This is standard for much of South America and doesn’t mean “don’t go,” but it serves as a reminder to stay alert.

The primary issue travellers face is opportunistic petty theft, including pickpocketing, phone-snatching, and bag-slitting, which are common in crowded tourist hubs.

Smarttraveller also advises of the risk of protests, so travellers should steer clear of large crowds in places like the Plaza Baquedano (Plaza Italia) in Santiago.

In the wilder parts of Chile, the biggest hazard isn’t people – it’s the weather.

Patagonia’s weather can change from sunshine to a freezing rainstorm in 15 minutes. Hikers must pack strict layers and respect trail markers.

The best things to do in Chile

Hike in Torres del Paine

Chile is best known for its wilderness with the Torres del Paine (Patagonia) the number one attraction for visitors. For outdoor enthusiasts in particular, trekking the granite peaks is considered the crown jewel of things to do in South America.

Located in Chile’s deep south, marvel over the electric-blue icebergs breaking off grey glaciers, and sweeping windswept pampas (grasslands).

Getting out in nature also gives travellers the chance to get up close and personal with Chile’s most famous “cat” – the native Patagonian Puma.

Cruise Patagonia

If hiking isn’t your thing, why not try a cruise like the Travel Guides? The group boarded an expedition catamaran cruise through the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers.

Often operated by local lines like Turismo 21 de Mayo or Agunsa departing from Puerto Natales, the cruise sails through the stunning Última Esperanza Sound.

Sunset in the Atacama Desert

It is definitely worth visiting the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) in the Atacama Desert at dusk. The wind-carved salt and stone formations look eerily similar to the surface of the moon.

Explore Valparaíso

Located just a 90-minute drive from the capital of Santiago, Valparaíso is a chaotic, UNESCO-listed port city built across dozens of steep hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The best thing to do here is ride the century-old ascensores (wooden funicular elevators) up into hills like Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción, and spend the afternoon wandering past brightly painted houses and world-class street murals.

Drink wine in Casablanca Valley

If you are keen to explore the vineyards visit Viña Casas del Bosque, located in the stunning Casablanca Valley, about halfway between Santiago and Valparaíso.

These days Chile is the fifth-largest exporter of wine globally and the seventh-largest producer.

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Do Australians need a visa to Chile?

Australians do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days in Chile. There used to be a reciprocity fee to pay at the border, but that was scrapped in 2025.

To enter Chile, you simply need a passport that is valid for the duration of your trip, and you must complete a digital customs declaration either before you travel or when you arrive.

Getting there is also very straightforward compared to Europe, for example.

LATAM operates direct flights from Melbourne and Sydney to Santiago, taking roughly 12 to 14 hours. Qantas also regularly runs flights on the Sydney–Santiago route.