If you live in Singapore and you're looking for a destination that’s truly different from Southeast Asia, why not visit Chile? This country is a truly underrated travel destination, even though it boasts incredible natural beauty. 

In fact, if you visit during the best time to vacation in Chile, you can witness an extraordinary starry sky. Interested in visiting Chile? Let’s dive deeper into this country and explore a travel guide for visiting Chile.

Read More: Craving Something Spicy? Try These 11 Mexican Food Dishes

Because of Chile’s long, narrow landscape stretching from north to south, the country has a variety of different climate zones. The best time to visit depends largely on which destination you want to explore!

In general, November through March is considered the best time to visit Chile, especially if you want to explore Patagonia, Torres del Paine, and the southern regions. This period marks summer in the Southern Hemisphere, with warmer weather and longer days.

Check the destinations you want to explore to determine the best time to visit them.

Best time: September–November and March–May

As Chile’s capital, this city is a favorite destination. It’s most comfortable to visit during spring and fall because the temperatures aren’t too hot or too cold. Additionally, it’s the only city in the world that offers skiing in the majestic Andes Mountains, just a 45 minute drive from strolling along the beach.

Best time to visit: November–March

Patagonia, Chile, is famous for its breathtaking scenery. Much of the natural landscape here remains untouched. When visiting, travelers can take in natural sights such as blue glaciers, towering granite peaks, and clear lakes that reflect the sky.

On the other hand, located at the end of the world in stunning Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and recognized as the 8th Natural Wonder, is a world of unique contrasts. Its magnificent mountains hide turquoise lakes, evergreen forests, and vast ice fields.

To visit these two pristine destinations, the recommended time is November through March. This is the best hiking season, when trails are generally open and the weather is more stable.

Best time to visit: April–November

After exploring the pristine landscapes of Patagonia and Torres del Paine, it’s time to visit another natural wonder in Chile: the Atacama Desert. The Atacama Desert is an arid high plateau in northern Chile, South America, renowned as the driest nonpolar place on Earth and often hailed as the world’s center for astronomy. The exceptionally clear skies make the Atacama one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Of course, the best time to visit is during the rain free months of April through November.

Best time to visit: March–May

This region is primarily an agricultural area and is renowned for its massive production of high-quality wines, which have come to be regarded internationally as iconic representatives of the Chilean wine industry.

The grape harvest takes place during this period, making it the perfect time for wine tasting and visiting vineyards.

Good news! Singaporean passport holders are eligible for a visa-free stay of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Before traveling, always ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your departure date.

Unfortunately, there are currently no direct flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Santiago. The most common flight options involve a layover in Europe, the United States, or Australia. 

A quick tip: if you’re taking a route with a layover in the United States, make sure you have a U.S. visa or have applied for an ESTA before you leave.

Don’t let your vacation turn out to be a waste of time and a frustrating experience. Let’s follow these travel tips.

Flights from Singapore to Santiago usually involve a layover, and the total travel time can reach 25–35 hours. Prepare yourself mentally and physically to stay in good shape. You can also bring a book or download movies on your tablet to pass the time during the trip.

Since Chile is so long, avoid trying to visit too many regions in a single trip. That’s why you’ll need at least 1–2 weeks to vacation in Chile.

Cashless payments are quite common in major cities, but be sure to bring cash for remote areas. Chile uses the Chilean Peso (CLP). Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most major cities, but carrying CLP cash is essential when visiting remote areas like the Atacama or Patagonia.

Make your vacation in Chile enjoyable by staying at high-quality accommodations that suit your taste.

Hotel José Nogueira is a legendary 4-star boutique heritage hotel. It is located in downtown Punta Arenas, in southern Chile. Occupying the site of the former grand Palacio Sara Braun, its location is exceptionally strategic. It’s just a few steps from Plaza Muñoz Gamero and offers easy access to the port for the Isla Magdalena penguin tour. The hotel blends elegant 19th-century architecture with modern comforts, making it perfect for history buffs.

There are various room types available, ranging from Standard and Superior to Suites. Rates start at SGD194 per night, depending on availability and the holiday season. 

Located in the premier business district of El Golf, Santiago, Pullman Santiago El Bosque is a modern 4-star hotel. Its location is highly strategic, as it is close to the upscale Costanera Center shopping mall, the Tobalaba/El Golf metro station, and a variety of fine-dining restaurants. From the hotel, the historic downtown area and the Andes Mountains are both easily accessible.

Room options range from Superior Rooms and Executive Rooms to Suites. Room rates start at SGD154 per night. The hotel offers a full range of facilities, including a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant and bar, a fitness center, and even a well-stocked gift shop.

Holiday Inn Express Santiago Las Condes, an IHG Hotel offers practical and efficient accommodations in the Las Condes financial district of Santiago. Located along the main Vitacura Avenue, this hotel is ideally situated for business travelers. Tourists can also enjoy quick access to the Parque Arauco Mall, Costanera Center, and the Isidora Goyenechea dining district. The El Golf metro station is also just a short walk away.

Rates start at SGD336 per night. The hotel features modern rooms equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a work desk, and a coffee or tea maker for guests’ comfort. 

If you’re a Singaporean looking to enjoy outdoor adventures and hiking in Patagonia, be sure to book your tickets well in advance. 

To guarantee a smoother trip, plan everything with Traveloka. With Traveloka, you can get the best flight ticket prices and choose hotel accommodations that fit your budget. Don’t forget that you can also purchase a variety of activity vouchers at your destination through the app.