UK
From Desert Skies to Glacial Peaks
Stretching over 4,300 km from the driest desert on Earth to the icy fjords of Patagonia, Chile is a land of extremes. For UK travellers, it offers a rare blend of cosmopolitan cities, surreal landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
Air Travel
Flights from London to Santiago take around 14–16 hours with stopovers, often via Madrid, Paris, or São Paulo. Domestic flights are essential for exploring Chile’s vast geography.
Airlines
British Airways (codeshare), LATAM, Iberia, Air France, and KLM serve international routes. Domestic travel is covered by LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSmart.
Cheap flights to Chile
Chile
From Desert Skies to Glacial Peaks
Landmark
Travel Season
- October–March: Best for Patagonia and outdoor adventures
- April–September: Ideal for northern Chile and wine country
- Year-round: Santiago and central regions
Currency & Money Tips
- Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
- Cards widely accepted in cities; cash preferred in rural areas
- ATMs are reliable; notify your bank before travel
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants is customary
Connectivity
- Good Wi-Fi in urban areas
- Local SIMs: Entel, Movistar, WOM
- Coverage varies in remote regions like Patagonia
Getting Around
- Domestic flights for long distances
- Buses are comfortable and extensive (TurBus, Pullman)
- Metro and Uber in Santiago
- Car hire recommended for Lake District and Patagonia (international licence needed)
Time Zone
- Chile Standard Time (CLT) – GMT-4 Chile Summer Time (CLST) – GMT-3 (Sep–Apr)
Etiquette & Culture
- Spanish is the official language; Chilean Spanish is fast and idiomatic
- Greet with a handshake or cheek kiss
- Respect for indigenous cultures (Mapuche, Rapa Nui) is important
- Avoid political discussions unless invited
Top Destinations
- Santiago: Cultural hub and gateway to wine country
- San Pedro de Atacama: Desert adventures and stargazing
- Valparaíso: Street art and coastal vibes
- Pucón: Volcano hikes and hot springs
- Puerto Natales: Base for Torres del Paine
- Easter Island: Remote mystery and oceanic beauty
fastfood Food & Drink
- Must-try: Empanadas, Cazuela, Curanto, Completo (Chilean hot dog)
- Wine: Carménère and Cabernet Sauvignon are local stars
- Drinks: Pisco Sour, mote con huesillo, and mate tea
- Tap water is generally safe in cities
personal_bag What to Pack
- Layers for varied climates
- Waterproof gear for Patagonia
- Power adapter (Type C/L – 220V)
- Sunscreen, hiking boots, and binoculars for stargazing
Best Time to Visit
- Patagonia: Nov–Mar for trekking and wildlife
- Atacama: Mar–May or Sep–Nov for mild weather
- Central Chile: Year-round, with wine harvest in March
health_and_safety Safety & Health
- Chile is one of South America’s safest countries for tourists
- Emergency number: 131 (ambulance), 132 (fire), 133 (police)
- Travel insurance recommended
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid; altitude precautions for Atacama
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Santiago
Book cheap flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham & more UK airports to Santiago. Compare airlines, find direct flights, and discover the best time to travel from the UK to Santiago.