Chile, Summer
A curated packing list for your trip from Santiago wine country to the Atacama high desert and the wind of Patagonian Torres del Paine. Built for staggering north-south climate range, high-altitude UV, and glacial nights at the end of the world.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
Visa-free, 90 days
US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens enter visa-free with a Tourist Card issued on arrival. Onward ticket may be requested. Passport must be valid 6+ months with one blank page. Some nationalities (e.g. Australia) historically paid a reciprocity fee; check before flying.
Cards everywhere, cash for tipping
Chilean peso (CLP). Cards (Visa, Mastercard) work in cities and tourist areas. ATMs (BancoEstado, Santander, BCI) are reliable; some charge $5-7 USD per foreign-card withdrawal. Cash for taxis, small vendors, tipping. Atacama and Patagonia accept USD at some lodges.
Tipping is 10% standard
10% propina sugerida is often added to the bill at restaurants; you can confirm or remove. Round up taxis. CLP 1,000-2,000 per bag for porters, CLP 5,000-10,000 per night for housekeeping, CLP 20,000-30,000 per day for guides. Cash beats card.
Atacama and Patagonia weather flips fast
Atacama at 2,400m+ has 20°C day-night swings. San Pedro nights can hit 0°C even in summer. Patagonia winds regularly hit 80-100 km/h; rain, snow, and sun can all happen in an afternoon. Pack a real wind shell and warm layers regardless of the forecast.
High UV at altitude
Santiago and the central valley have intense sun (UV 11+ in summer). Atacama at altitude is worse. SPF 50+ is mandatory. Polarized sunglasses prevent altitude headaches and salt-flat glare. Lip balm with SPF saves your face.
Type C and L plugs at 220V
Type C (European two round pins) and Type L (Italian-style three round pins) at 220V/50Hz. US, Canadian, UK travelers all need an adapter. Most modern phone, laptop, camera chargers handle 220V; check single-voltage hair tools.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Layered for the desert-to-Patagonia climate range. Real warmth for cold dawns and Patagonian wind.
Shoes
Trail shoes for Atacama and Torres del Paine. Comfortable for Santiago.
Toiletries & Personal Care
High-altitude UV and dry desert air punish skin. Pack heavy moisturizers and SPF.
Health & Medications
Altitude in north, big temperature swings everywhere, remote Patagonia.
Documents & Money
Cards in cities, USD as remote-lodge backup, CLP for daily life.
Tech & Electronics
Type C/L at 220V. Universal adapter is the safe play.
Luggage & Organization
Soft-sided bags travel domestic flights better. Internal weight limits matter.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long-haul to Santiago, then long internal flights to Patagonia/Atacama.
Weather & Climate Gear
Wind in the south, sun everywhere, cold dawns at altitude.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Stargazing, hiking, wine tasting, glacier trekking each ask for something.
Safety & Precautions
Chile is the safest country in South America. Pickpocketing in Santiago tourist areas is the main risk.