Due to the incredible natural diversity, Chile is one of the most interesting countries in the world. In addition, as of 2017 this is the most developed country in South America: - 1st rank by Human Development Index - 2nd rank by GDP per capita (after Uruguay) - 1st rank by security rating
This is also the longest country from north to south, so traveling through it is associated with certain difficulties.
If you are a tourist and come for 1-2 weeks, then airplane is only option. Santiago is located in the heart of the country and has a good hub airport. The flight to anywhere in the country lasts no more than 3 hours (5 hours on Easter Island). There are three major airlines: LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline and Principal Airlines. There are several flights a day to touristic destinations. Tickets are quite inexpensive, for example we flew to Atacama for $110 and to Patagonia for $160.
The security check at the airport is a very simple. Seems, there are no terroristic danger in Chile, so you can freely carry on board things that are prohibited in Europe or in the USA.
It is quite difficult to move around the country by car. For example, the longest road in Chile - number 5 - has a length of 3364 km, and this is only half the country! The best option is to fly by plane to the destination and rent a car on site.
Mobile Communications and the Internet in Chile
Since 2017 you need to register your phone if you are planning to buy a local sim-card in Chile. This can be done online, although it is not easy. Registration is not needed if you use roaming. Find here information about registering and about available sim-cards. We bought Claro sim-card card in Santiago.
Weather in Chile
It is quite difficult to foresee the weather in Patagonia, while at Atacama or on Easter Island it is more predictable.
There are three main destinations for tourists - Patagonia, Atacama and Easter Island. There are other interesting places, but these three are one of the most interesting places in the world.
Our itinerary
Day 1 - arrival Day 2 - Santiago Days 3-6 - Patagonia Day 7 - Santiago / Valparaiso Days 8-11 - Atacama Day 12 - Santiago Days 13-16 - Easter Island Day 17 - Santiago
Between the flights we each time stayed in Santiago, just in case. Everywhere we rented a car. 2 full days on Easter Island or Patagonia was enough, but not enough for Atacama.
Quantum of Solace (2008) - events occur in Bolivia, but the shooting took place in the Atacama Desert. You can see the unique ESO Hotel.
The Colony (2015) - the film partially covers the military coup in 1973. Events take place in Chile, but there were no filming there (video)
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) - a film about a young Che Guevara, who travels with his friend in South America on a motorcycle. They visit quite a few places in Chile - Patagonia, Valparaiso, Atacama Desert (video)
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