Chile

Spanish is the official language of Chile with over 85% of the population speaking Spanish as their first language. The Spanish spoken in Chile differs from that in neighbouring countries due to it being distinctively accented with the use of local slang. Several indigenous languages are spoken in Chile including Mapudungun, Quechua, Aymara, Huilliche and Rapa Nui.

The official religion of Chile is Roman Catholicism, and the majority of Chileans are Catholic, with an estimated 55-60% of Chileans belonging to the Catholic Church. There are also Protestants in Chile, and some Mapuche Indians who still practice their traditional religion.

• Passport, photocopy of passport & spare passport photos
• Travel Insurance documents  
• Air tickets and itinerary
• Foreign Currency (US$) and/or debit/credit cards, traveller’s cheques
• Money belt 
• Small daypack
• Basic first aid kit 
• High UVA sun block 
• Sunglasses & sunhat
• Mosquito spray & insect repellent
• Comfortable walking shoes/boots
• Sandals 
• Long sleeve tops and trousers 
• Light-weight clothing
• Warm clothing (depending on itinerary and time of year)
• Camera with spare battery and memory cards
• Security code padlock
• Adaptor 
• Small torch

The level of fitness needed will depend on the Chile tour that you choose to take in terms of places to be visited and the types of activities to be included on your itinerary. Chile offers great opportunities for outdoor activities set against spectacular backdrops. They range from hiking ad trekking to climbing, skiing, white-water rafting, kayaking and fishing. Many of the best treks are to be found in the Lake District and National Parks such as the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park where the trails range from easy to difficult, with treks ranging from a few hours to many days.

• do not show any outward signs of wealth or wear expensive jewellery
• keep your valuables in your hotel in safety deposit boxes
• keep any valuables that you must carry with you hidden, as pickpockets can be present in crowded areas and around tourist areas
• use only registered taxis with official identification
• avoid going on your own to remote areas or where tourists would not be expected to go
• always keep your day pack and camera close to you and never leave them unattended

• Australia
• United Kingdom
• The United States
• Ireland
• Canada
• New Zealand
• European Union
• South Africa

You could spend anything from a few days to a few weeks on your Chile travels, depending on whether you plan to explore the entire country or just focus on one experience such as Torres del Paine National Park, the Lake District or a wine tour. Chimu Adventures offers itineraries to suit every time frame.

Our Chile tours include breakfast daily and many other meals may also be included in your itinerary. As a rough guide for additional spending money based on having moderately-priced lunches and dinners and buying a few souvenirs at local markets, we suggest a budget of 30-40 USD per day per person. 

• Yellow Fever - if travelling to Easter Island from an infected area
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Hepatitis - Both A and B (twinrix)
• Typhoid
• Diphtheria
• Cholera
• Rabies
• Tetanus