Road Trips in Chile

Most inexperienced travellers associate Chile with its vibrant capital, Santiago. That comes as no surprise; Santiago can boast one of the most breathtaking backdrops among the South America’s capitals. Here, you’ll be dazzled by many contrasts not only in its architecture, but also in its cuisine and entertainment venues. While in the capital, it’s definitely worth pursuing the following options: Plaza de Armas, Palacio de la Moneda, Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, and Museo Colonial. However, there are lot more to discover.

Among the most developed regions in the country ranks the Chilean coastline. The Litoral Central offers plenty of water sports opportunities and picturesque views. Start with the resort towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso and spend some hours in the sweltering sun. For the best nightclubs and cultural venues, you should travel to Reñaca, and if you are searching for more stark and pristine landscapes, you should head north to such places as Concón, Horcon, Maitencillo, and Zapallar.

Norte Chico, known as the Little North, is like a picture from a rural paradise with sunny hillsides and scenic valleys. Here, you’ll find one of the most fashionable seaside resorts, namely La Serena. It will be also a great starting point to explore the amazing Elqui Valley, the pristine forests of Parque Nacional Bosque de Fray Jorge, and the idyllic village of Vicuña offering you a perfectly clear night sky for the observation of stars.

For a little bit of trekking around breathtaking Chilean areas, beautiful lakes, and dense forests, you should consider a trip to the Lake District. The region stretches from Puerto Montt in the south to Temuco in the north. Both cities are perfect examples of local architecture. This part of Chile is known for its lush national parks that will bring you closer to the country’s flora and fauna and take you on a trekking trip along one of their colorful paths. Be sure to take some time to explore Pucón and Puerto Varas – both paradises for the fans of cannoning, kayaking, volcano-climbing, and cycling. Nearby, you can also try bathing in thermal springs.

Suggested Road Trips in Chile

• The Pan-American Highway: The Pan-American Highway is one of the world's longest roads, stretching from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina. In Chile, it provides access to some of the country's most stunning destinations, including the Atacama Desert, the Lakes District, and Patagonia. The highway is well-maintained and offers a range of experiences, from scenic drives to breathtaking mountain passes.

• The Carretera Austral: The Carretera Austral is a scenic road that winds its way through the rugged beauty of Chilean Patagonia. This road trip offers breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes, and forests, as well as access to some of the region's top outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

• The Atacama Desert: The Atacama Desert, located in northern Chile, is one of the world's driest and most unique landscapes. This road trip offers a chance to explore the desert's otherworldly terrain, including the Valle de la Luna and the El Tatio Geysers, as well as the nearby Andes mountain range. The Atacama Desert is also a prime destination for stargazing, with some of the clearest night skies in the world.

Both residents and travellers tend to choose the bus system as their main means of transport. Chile offers a wide choice of long-distance buses that are very comfortable and air-conditioned. By choosing the bus system, you’ll easily reach major cities; however, you won’t get to all of the country’s remote recesses.

Chile’s rail system dates back to the 19th century, but most routes are now defunct. You can only travel through Middle Chile by train.

Although buses in Chile come in different forms and all holidaymakers may find something that will suit their needs, many decide to opt for a rental car. You will find multiple car rental companies in larger cities, in the capital, and at international airports. 

Chile follows right-hand traffic so you’ll be always overtaking on the left. Even though many travellers will be happy to drive in a similar road environment (apart from those who come from countries following left-hand traffic), there are a number of nuisances that you’ll encounter in Chile. These are hectic native motorists as well as poorly maintained roads that have plenty of holes, unpaved sections, and bumps. Fortunately, urban areas are in good shape in Chile.

You need to be 18 in order to drive a car in Chile, and some of the car rental companies require motorists to be 21 to rent a vehicle. Remember that sometimes you’ll be asked to pay an additional insurance fee for being an inexperienced driver.

Most traffic regulations comply with what you may encounter in Europe. You need to drive with your seatbelts fastened (even though many native motorists treat this rule with a pinch of salt), observe the speed limits, and avoid drinking and driving. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.03%. Due to the fact that the blood alcohol level is extremely low, you should avoid drinking anything alcoholic before getting behind the wheel as even a small amount of alcohol can take you above the limit. 

In Chile, on-the-spot fines were removed a few years ago. Therefore, if a police officer asks you to pay for your traffic offence in cash, you should be aware that this might be simply a bribe. Unfortunately, Chile has plenty of toll roads. Yet, these are extremely helpful in reducing traffic jams and congested parts of the city. You can either pay in cash or electronically.

While travelling around Chile, you’re required to carry along the following documents: driver’s licence, insurance documents, registration documents, and your passport. Chile requires motorists to have a minimum of third party insurance.

The lowest speed limits prevail in residential areas as well as on roads that run adjacent to schools. You can drive as fast as 40-60 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h in rural areas, and 100-120 km/h on motorways.

Speed cameras in Chile come in two forms – fixed and radar traps. During a police check, you’ll be required to show your documents. Safety camera devices aren’t qualified as illegal so you shouldn’t face any problems when such a device is spotted in your car by a police officer.

Santiago has introduced a restriction policy which limits the number of vehicles entering the city based on their plates. These are precautions taken to reduce the overall pollution.

Here are some things to keep in mind when taking a road trip in Chile:

• Chile has strict driving laws and it's important to be aware of the rules of the road.

• Chile's roads can be quite windy and mountainous, so it's important to drive carefully and be aware of the conditions.

• Gas stations can be far apart in rural areas, so plan ahead and make sure your vehicle has enough fuel.

• Be aware of the local weather conditions, as some roads can be impacted by snow and ice in the winter.

• Watch out for wildlife, especially in rural areas, as they can pose a danger to drivers.

• Keep in mind that the emergency services in rural areas may not be as easily accessible as they are in cities.

• Chile has a high level of car theft, so be sure to keep your vehicle locked and valuables out of sight.

• Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and has proper insurance coverage.

• Remember to take breaks and stay hydrated during long drives.

The best time of the year for taking a road trip in Chile depends on your personal preferences and the areas you plan to visit. Here are a few things to consider:

• Summer (December to February): This is the warmest time of year, with high temperatures and long daylight hours, making it a great time for beach and outdoor activities. However, it can also be peak tourist season, leading to crowded roads and destinations.

• Autumn (March to May): This is a comfortable time of year, with mild temperatures and changing foliage in some regions. It's also a good time for wine tasting and visiting the vineyards in the central valleys.

• Winter (June to August): Winter can bring snow and cold weather to some regions, making it a great time for winter sports. However, it can also make some roads impassable and limit access to certain destinations.

• Spring (September to November): This is a transitional period, with pleasant weather and blooming flowers in some regions. It's a good time for outdoor activities and scenic drives.

Ultimately, the best time of year for a road trip in Chile depends on your personal preferences, the areas you plan to visit, and the types of activities you want to do.

The cost of a road trip in Chile will depend on several factors, such as the length of your trip, your accommodation preferences, the type of vehicle you rent, and the activities you plan to do. Here is a rough estimate of the average daily cost per person for a road trip in Chile:

Accommodation: The cost of accommodation in Chile varies depending on your preferences. Budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses can cost around $15-30 per night, while mid-range hotels can cost around $50-100 per night.

Food: Chile offers a variety of affordable dining options. You can expect to spend around $10-20 per meal at a mid-range restaurant. Local markets and street vendors offer cheaper options, with meals costing around $5-10 per person.

Transportation: Renting a car in Chile is relatively affordable. On average, a compact car can cost around $25-50 per day, while larger vehicles like SUVs or vans can cost around $60-100 per day. Gas prices in Chile are also relatively low compared to other countries.

Activities: Chile offers a wide range of activities, from exploring national parks and hiking trails to visiting museums and cultural sites. Admission fees can vary, but on average, you can expect to spend around $10-20 per attraction.

Overall, a daily budget of around $50-100 per person is reasonable for a road trip in Chile, depending on your accommodation and dining preferences. However, this is just a rough estimate, and your actual expenses may vary depending on your specific travel plans. It's always a good idea to research and budget accordingly before embarking on a road trip.

Here are some recommended guidebooks and road maps for a road trip in Chile:

• Lonely Planet Chile & Easter Island: This guidebook by Lonely Planet is a comprehensive resource for planning a road trip in Chile. It includes detailed information on attractions, accommodations, and activities, as well as suggested itineraries and insider tips.

• Insight Guides Chile & Easter Island: This guidebook by Insight Guides provides in-depth information on Chile's history, culture, and attractions. It includes detailed maps, practical information, and suggested itineraries for road trips of varying lengths.

• Michelin Chile Map: This detailed road map by Michelin is a great resource for navigating Chile's highways and backroads. It includes clear and detailed maps of major cities and attractions, as well as recommendations for scenic routes and attractions.

• Chile: National Geographic Adventure Map: This waterproof and tear-resistant map by National Geographic is a great resource for outdoor enthusiasts planning a road trip in Chile. It includes detailed topographic information, as well as suggested hiking and biking trails.

• Frommer's Chile: This guidebook by Frommer's provides practical information on planning a road trip in Chile. It includes details on accommodations, dining, transportation, and attractions, as well as suggested itineraries for different types of travelers.

These guidebooks and road maps provide valuable information and resources for planning a road trip in Chile. Whether you're interested in exploring the country's natural wonders, cultural attractions, or outdoor activities, these resources will help you plan a memorable and rewarding road trip.