South America

Chile

A ribbon of a country — desert to glaciers, wine, mountains and coast.

mid-rangeChilean peso ($)

Chile is a slender ribbon of extremes running 4,000 km down the edge of South America — from the otherworldly Atacama desert in the north to the glaciers and granite towers of Patagonia in the south, with vineyards, volcanoes, lakes and a long Pacific coast in between. Its capital Santiago sits in a valley beneath the snow-capped Andes, a modern, sophisticated city of leafy barrios, superb wine and food, and world-class skiing and coast within easy reach. Safe, developed and spectacular.

What things cost: Chile is one of South America's pricier countries, though still cheaper than Western Europe — Santiago's dining and wine are good value, but Patagonia and the far-flung nature are costly to reach. Set-lunch menús and the markets keep costs down. When a zone below says 'low', that means low for Chile.

The cities

Santiago — Chile's modern, Andes-backed capital

Santiago

Chile's modern, Andes-backed capital15 must-dos · 5 areas to stay

What’s on in Chile

Sometimes the event picks the city for you.

6 Mar – 5 Apr

The Wine Harvest festivals

Autumn is grape-harvest time in the valleys around Santiago, and the wine towns celebrate with lively 'vendimia' festivals — grape-stomping, tastings, folk music, food and crowning of harvest queens, especially in Colchagua's Santa Cruz. A delicious, festive reason to head to wine country in March; combine a harvest festival with vineyard tours and tastings for a wonderful weekend among the vines and the Andes. A treat for wine lovers.

Santiago · The wine valleys (Colchagua, Maipo)

Mar19–21

Lollapalooza Chile

One of South America's biggest music festivals — three days of huge international and Latin American headliners across rock, pop, hip-hop and electronic music in the vast Parque O'Higgins, drawing hundreds of thousands. A major event on the continent's music calendar and a great time to feel young, buzzing Santiago; the autumn weather is warm and the atmosphere electric. Book tickets and accommodation ahead if you're timing your trip around it.

Santiago · Parque O'Higgins

Sep18–19

Fiestas Patrias

Chile's biggest and most joyful national celebration, marking independence — days of feasting on empanadas and grilled meat, dancing the cueca, and gathering at 'fondas' (party pavilions) in the parks with music, folk games and flowing wine and chicha. A hugely festive, patriotic time when the whole country celebrates; join the fondas in Parque O'Higgins, try the traditional food and dance, and soak up Chilean culture at its most exuberant. Great fun.

Santiago · Parks & fondas across the city