Our guides: Chili

Explore our guides · Chili

Chile stretches more than 4,300 kilometers from north to south, making it one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world. From the Atacama Desert the driest on the planet to the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia, through the vineyards of the Central Valley and the araucaria forests of the Lake District, visiting Chile means traversing a mosaic of extraordinary landscapes.

Backpacking through Chile using ground transportation is comfortable and well-organized. The bus network is one of the best in South America, with reliable companies like Turbus and Pullman Bus. Buses run on schedule and are often equipped with Wi-Fi and semi-reclining seats. For long distances (the trip from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama takes 22 hours), night buses allow you to save on a night’s lodging.

Here are all of our guides:

Vicuña and the Elqui Valley: our guide to making sure you don’t miss a thing Stargazing, bike rides, pisco, and local cuisine: here is our complete guide to exploring Vicuña in the Elqui Valley, just an hour and a half from La Serena. | Our travel guide, specially crafted by De Sacs et d’Eau Pucón: Your Complete Guide to the Chilean Gateway to Patagonia Pucón is a town nestled at the foot of the Andes, and in fact, its name actually means "entrance to the mountain range." When you first arrive in this town, bordered by a lake and watched over by a volcano, you instantly feel the sheer beauty and power of nature in this region. | Our travel guide, specially crafted by De Sacs et d’Eau

About Our Travel Guides

The cost of living in Chile is higher than in neighboring countries such as Bolivia or Peru. Expect to spend between 35 and 50 euros per day for two people traveling on a backpacker budget. Santiago and Patagonia are the most expensive areas. However, local markets and ferias libres (farmers’ markets) make it possible to eat healthy meals at low prices throughout the country.

The best time to travel to Chile depends on your itinerary. For Patagonia and the south, the southern summer (December through February) offers the longest days and the mildest temperatures. For the Atacama Desert, any time of year is suitable, but nights are freezing in winter (June–August). Santiago and central Chile are best visited in spring (September–November) or fall (March–May).

Check out our field guides, tried-and-true itineraries, and budget tips to plan your independent trip to Chile.

Learn more about us and our “De Sacs et d'Eau” project

We're Tristan and Mathilde. A French duo who set off for a year of backpacking across South America, with one conviction: the best memories are made along the way. De Sacs et d'Eau is our travel blog, with complete guides, itineraries tested on the ground, and interactive maps to help you plan your trip with everything you need, right in your pocket. To do that, we favour overland travel over flying, buy local, and choose accommodation and businesses run by local people. Travelling far, yes, but with our impact in mind.

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