The ultimate solo travel guide to Chile: Everything you need to know

Solo travel in Chile offers unforgettable experiences. It’s hard to overstate the extremes contained within the country’s long, narrow land: there aren’t many places on Earth where you’ll find pristine beaches, unspoilt rainforest, otherworldly desert, mirror-perfect lakes and volcanic mountains. Oh, and a frozen Antarctic south boasting glaciers, fjords and wildlife-filled islands.

Solo travellers have their pick of intriguing cities: the snowy peaks of the Andes mountains frame the skyscrapers of vibrant capital Santiago, while out on the coast the heritage city of Valparaíso sprawls over steep hillsides, conveying visitors through its lofty, colourful neighbourhoods via funicular elevator.

But out in the diverse wilderness is where full-hearted Chilean adventure comes into its own: Rapa Nui with its renowned statues; the salt flats and geysers of the dry Atacama Desert (described as an “alien landscape” by none other than Nasa for its Mars-like terrain); Patagonia’s wilds, spilling crystalline glaciers, forests and gaucho culture. Rivers to raft, ancient forest to trek, dream waves to surf, skiing, stargazing and wine-tasting too: you can do it all with group solo trips to Chile, while breathing in unreal vistas of dramatic natural beauty.

Below, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know about group solo travel to Chile. Ao grab a pisco and settle in, or learn more about solo travel with Flash Pack.

Chile travel facts

With more than 6,000km of Pacific coastline ribboning down South America, Chile is among the longest countries on earth. Bordering Argentina, Peru and Bolivia, the tricontinental country also boasts volcanic islands in Oceania (including Rapa Nui with its huge statues) and down south, the Chilean Antarctic Territory, home to Deception Island. It’s a place of contrasts and extremes, with the Atacama Desert in the north – one of the driest regions on Earth – ancient rainforests thriving and green in the southwest, and the majesty of the Antarctic south, with fjords, glaciers and islands roamed by penguins. Not to mention the Unesco treats, such as bohemian Valparaíso and its quirky hills.

Is Chile good for solo travel?

Salt flats to verdant forest, arid desert to glacial lakes, volcanoes, cities and everything between, Chile’s slender stretch is a land full of contrasts and adventure – and, as a solo traveller, it’s well worth taking your time to explore its diverse landscapes and culture. Whether you want to hit the buzzy capital Santiago for cocktails and street food, chase the adrenaline high on the Petrohué River rapids, traverse intense Patagonian wilderness or just breathe it all in while sampling top-notch Chilean wine – a Flash Pack escape does the hard work for you. Hotels waiting, transfers in hand, barbecue feast booked: solo group travel serves up all the best bits without the legwork.

Best places to visit in Chile

What should you do on a solo trip to Chile? Given the colourful cities, boatload of history and culture, and extraordinary extremes of landscapes, you’re spoilt for choice. You could always sample lively Santiago, bike the Casablanca hills, boat the serene Laguna Sofía and spot wildlife while trekking the rainforest of Alerce Andino National Park. A spot of Petrohué River rafting, a taste of Patagonian ranch life on horseback, or a hike to one of Chile’s most awe-inspiring vistas in Torres del Paine, perhaps? Fuel up on pisco and barbecue, and recharge in the comfy lodgings ready and waiting each evening: just one of the many bonuses of a solo group trip curated by travel experts, eh?

Where to stay as a solo traveller in Chile

Given the country’s wide-ranging climes, you might wonder what accommodation is like in Chile, and the answer is that hotels and lodgings are as varied as the scenery. Cities such as the capital Santiago host avant-garde boutique hotels close to all the action, while it’s all lake views and relaxation with heated pools and saunas in Puerto Varas, and you’ll find gaucho-run lodges in Patagonia making the most of the wild vistas. Flash Pack pre-books all your stays, while room shares with your like-minded solo travel companions mean first-rate overnighters aren’t out of budget (though paying the single supplement is always an option).

How to get to Chile

Most international travellers come into Santiago International Airport (SCL), a convenient hub for breaks around the capital and for further exploration. Those travelling from neighbouring countries Peru, Bolivia and Argentina can soak up the scenic route and road trip via bus or car (some crossings are more remote than others, so research where you need to be and pack supplies accordingly if driving). There are ports for ferries and cruise ships, too. You don’t need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days if you hail from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada. If you’re coming from elsewhere, do check local requirements.

How to get around Chile

When you could easily clear 5,000 kilometres north to south, travelling within Chile has options. Regular domestic flights connect the major destinations, or you can drink in the diverse scenery journeying by road with a hire car (make sure your vehicle and supplies are up to scratch for remote areas and a range of driving conditions) or via the reliable long-distance buses. Taxis and buses get you around Chilean cities, and Santiago has its own Metro. Private, comfortable transfers and internal flights are arranged in advance and priced in at Flash Pack, so all you have to do is rock up and enjoy the ride.

Best time to visit Chile

Given the length and hugely varied geography of Chile, it’s a jigsaw of climates, from alpine tundra to dry desert to vivid, temperate rainforest. Generally, the warmest months are between December and March, with peak summer season seeing plenty of city festivities and busy beaches in January and February, while winter sets in from June to August. Average summer temperatures reach 28ºC (82ºF) and winter 10ºC (50ºF).

Chile travel itineraries

Your 10-day getaway awaits with Flash Pack’s group solo trip to Chile. Fill yer boots with alfresco action, wine and traversing the kind of landscapes you’ll never stop talking about, including whitewater rafting the mighty Petrohué River against a backdrop of green forest and snow-topped mountains, and horseback riding across the Patagonian wilderness with a local rancher. Adventuring the length of the country, you’ll take in city highlights such as lively capital Santiago and pretty Punta Arenas on the coast. Chuck in some epic trekking through the rainforest of Alerce Andino National Park, biking to wineries in the Casablanca hills and all the barbecue you can handle, and it’s a solo travel homerun.

What to pack for solo travel in Chile

Bring cards and cash (Chilean pesos) in small bills for some shops and rural areas, and your usual essentials, such as passport and insurance documents. You’ll need plug adaptors for socket types C and L. Clothes-wise, packing for Chile very much depends on your journey, as the country varies so much geographically and seasonally, but clothes you can layer are always useful. With a Flash Pack escape there’s plenty of hiking, biking and even horseback riding, so you’ll need suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy, comfortable footwear to make the most of some incredible treks and beautiful tours.

Solo travel advice for Chile

Its unique long, narrow shape certainly marks it out from the crowd, but there’s plenty more drawing visitors to Chile. This is a land of extremes, contrasts and really good wine: there aren’t many countries boasting dense rainforest, pristine beaches, busy cities, the driest desert in the world and the frozen Antarctic, all within its borders. Group solo travel is a great way to see the best bits; Flash Pack curates your getaway with local experts, while taking transport and accommodation off your hands too so you can really kick back – and if you fall for the South American way of life, you can always extend your solo trip afterwards.

Is it safe to travel solo in Chile?

Most trips to Chile are trouble-free for the thousands who visit each year, however it’s always a good idea to check out the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UK), the Department of State Travel Advisories (US) or your country’s local government guidelines for the latest advice before travelling. As with many countries, there’s a risk of pickpocketing and theft in popular tourist sites, including airports. Take sensible precautions you would anywhere: keeping valuables secure, not walking alone at night and avoiding unlicensed taxis. Flash Pack arranges all your travel and accommodation in advance, and you have the security of adventuring with a group.

Ready for your next adventure? Try group solo travel to Chile with Flash Pack – designed exclusively for people in their 30s and 40s, seeking the independence of solo travel within the safety of a group.

A cool 98% of Flashpackers arrive solo to join our group adventures. So, you’ll be in good company – whether a first-time solo traveller or a seasoned pro looking for like-minded new friends.