It’s a good thing to do on your first day in the city, in order to get your bearings. A huge, old converted nunnery, Casa Roja is a particularly popular hostel amongst travellers. You can find out more about the tours on the Tours For Tips website and are recommended to book your place! Adventure travel guide to backpacking Chile. Established in 1821, it is estimated that over two million people have been buried here, including all of Chile’s presidents, as well as the military dictator Augusto Pinochet. I put together a universal Packing List especially for Backpacking South America: If you need recommendations for outdoor & camping gear you're able to find it here: San Pedro de Atacama is the destination for if you like to explore the driest desert in the world – it is located in the very north and awaits with an amazing landscape defined by volcanos, salt flats, lagoons and rock formations. Piscola – Like the pisco sour, but using a soft drink base. ... so far my plan is to travel with bus from santiago and south - maybe all the way to tierra del fuego, and then back again - making stops under the journey. Dorm beds start at around $20 USD, privates at $70. … While you can easily get by on less than $40-50 a day in most other South American countries, backpacking in Chile can cost almost as much as in Europe or North America. Puerto Natales, Chile. So sticky and tasty, they’re amazing. Take a look through our photo library, read reviews from real guests and book now with our Price Guarantee. During my time I used the awarded Travel Insurance by WorldNomads which you can easily purchase online for the exact time needed: Flight tickets are pretty expensive compared to Europe, the most budget friendly way to get around are the long-distance buses. Chile Backpacking Guide! and Pullmann. This cool, contemporary hostel is decorated with rock music murals. 1| Climate and visas. One of the most important ingredients in the chilean cuisine is the avocado (‘Palta') which tastes much more intense and is much softer than we used to know it. If you are interested in hiking in Patagonia, read here the best Patagonia trekking companies. Je komt na Santiago langs The Lakes District, Chiloé, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas en Puerto Williams. Only 2 hours south of Chile’s capital Santiago, Santa Cruz is the base for discovering the Colchagua Valley and tasting exceptional wines such as Carménère. Only a 90-minute bus ride away, Valparaiso is a small coastal town which, even if you’re not interested in Pablo Neruda, is sure to win you over with its ramshackle hills, old-fashioned funicular network and amazing street art. How many days/weeks would you recommend to backpack Chile? Need some tips! Zoek de goedkoopste bedden beschikbaar bij Santiago Backpackers in Santiago, Chile. Toffee Apples – Trays of homemade fresh toffee apples sold off the back of carts on Pio Nono, the main street in Bella Vista. This much-loved cocktail has its own day, 8th February is the ‘Day of the Piscola’. This Chile backpacking itinerary focuses on the things to do in Chile north of Chiloé Island ... particularly as they’re starting to offer direct flights between cities in Chile without having to go through Santiago, which can significantly reduce your flight time (you can see their full list of destinations here). Thorn Tree forum Country forums South America Chile. Check out her travel blog ‘Hostels and Haciendas’ here. Looks like you had an amazing time. Pisco Sour – The Chilean pisco sour varies significantly from the Peruvian version. The hostel boasts a fantastic atmosphere, friendly staff, good food, comfy beds and, best of all, a great price, starting at $10 USD. They are just 4-blocks away from the historic neighbourhood of Concha y Toro. One of the most important ingredients in the chilean cuisine is the avocado (‘Palta') which tastes much more intense and is much softer than we used to know it. Santiago Backpackers meest recent beoordeeld op . Leave Santiago behind for a spectacular hiking tour through the Andes Mountains. I’m planning to backpack (tent and necessities only) through chile solo and could use a lot of help on where to start and what to bring. In the summer you can take advantage of the pool and the poolside bar, and in the winter there’s always the indoor bar for enjoying a drop of Santiago’s finest wine. It has a big bohemian feel to it and as you roam around the hilly streets you’ll never be far from something quirky. Support me & spread the word! Moreover the Chileans are very proud people and will ask you a lot about your opinion on their country – don't offend them. “The Lot” consisting of bun, dog, avocado/guac, sauerkraut, tomato salsa, sour cream and sauce. I’d rather recommend taking at least 1 month in each country to enjoy traveling rather than ticking of countries and sights! PTBR Resumo do trecho do meu mochilão em Santiago, Chile. Santiago Backpackers is rated "Good" by our guests. During her time there, she did her best to learn Spanish and although is now able to order a ‘cerveza’, is sticking purely to English when it comes to writing. Grab some extra serviettes, cause it’s super messy but totally worth it. It’s not just because of its vibrant cities – like capital city Santiago – and stunning scenery in the jaw-dropping Patagonia region, but also because you’ll find its trails a little less well-worn than in (relatively) nearby Argentina and Brazil. They say that when God created the world, he (or probably she, let’s be honest) had a little of everything left over – mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, deserts, the whole shebang. Private Day Tour: Waterfalls of Santiago Hike; Maipo Valley Glaciers - 2 day guided hiking tour with camping close to Santiago; Half day Cerro Manquehue guided hiking tour - Iconic mountain of Santiago, Chile; See more hiking trails in Santiago on Tripadvisor It’s one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in the city and it’s where the majority of the good nightlife takes place. Keep an eye out for what the students are up to. During a tour, you’ll pass elaborate tombstones which look more like small luxury apartments than graves, and shrines to saints known as ‘animitas’, where people have left flowers and prayers… What may sound like a very strange tourist attraction is a fascinating insight into an important part of Chile’s heritage. I think it is essential to learn the language to get to know the country and its culture in a proper way: As mentioned above the people are very friendly and patient even if your Spanish isn't perfect. San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Beside the cool stuff you can discover here there is another great spot located nearby: the very beautiful port city of Valparaiso. Chile is a beautiful country with lots to see and do from cycling around the streets of Santiago to seeing the valley of the moon in San Pedro de Atacama, it is a diverse and interesting place to explore. However, it is home to Casa Roja and this makes it worth splashing out a few pesos on the taxi ride. Santiago Backpackers has rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Op naar het zuiden en start in de hoofdstad Santiago en vertrek in de richting van Antartica, langs groene landschappen, helderblauwe meren, witte bergtoppen en gletsjers. The Chileans are mostly very friendly people, speaking for me as a German I always felt very welcome. However, there is a wide variety of recipes which include or emit pisco, sugar and fernet. Just 120 km or so west of Santiago you reach the Pacific Ocean and Valparaiso, a really colourful harbour city and one of the most popular backpacking destinations in Chile. I also highly recommend to get a good travel insurance as in almost every case your current health insurance won't work in most of the countries. Valparaiso (Valpo’) is an old colonial city on the coast just two hours away from Santiago. Salvador Hostal & Café is another backpacker favourite located just outside of Bellavista. Looking for further inspiration? A little further away from the centre of town and a good twenty-minute taxi ride from Barrio Bellavista, Barrio Brasil seems less of an obvious choice for those looking for accommodation. Therefore Backpacking in Chile is very attractive but also time consuming in matters of covering distances – you should plan your journey well and avoid underestimation of distances! Antofagasta - La Portada natural rock formation; Arica - Chile's northern most city; Curepto - Rustic town in the Maule Region with the Camellia Festival. Marvel at the surrounding mountain scenery dotted with glaciers and rivers as you walk, enjoying a leisurely pace while making your way to a secluded spot for lunch. They have a range of sweet and savoury waffle delights. Santiago de Chile is gemaakt voor de zomer. Despite the fact that english is spoken in touristic centers like airports or at tour agencies you easily run into communication problems on the street or even at bus terminals. I agree to receive email updates and promotions. The sprawling city of Santiago de Chile combines the sights, sounds and tastes of South American culture with the European architecture of the conquistadors who founded the city in 1541. This neighbourhood is where the majority of travellers stay. The “W”, Torres del Paine National Park. My favourite was Emporio la Rosa, where I happily treated myself the rose and honey ice cream. However, in recent years, following some major restoration projects, it certainly feels as though Santiago is beginning to experience something of a renaissance with many travellers now hanging around long enough to sample a spot of ceviche at the Central Market. buy it on Amazon >>. It’s not just because of its vibrant cities – like capital city Santiago – and stunning scenery in the jaw-dropping Patagonia region, but also because you’ll find its trails a little less well-worn than in (relatively) nearby Argentina and Brazil. "My wife and I loved the snow shoe hike with Sebastian in the Yerba Loca, The park is only a short scenic drive from Santiago." Santiago. Lovers of the arts will enjoy Valpo. As with most flights, booking a few months in advance can significantly reduce the cost of flying to Patagonia. When backpacking Chile, there’s a trusty tale I guarantee you’ll hear time and again from locals. Further reading: Check out our guide to backpacking Chile! I everyone ! Free Wi-Fi throughout … Backpacking in Chile should be an essential part of any gap year around Latin America. Chileans love sugar, so this version is a lot sweeter, but the Peruvians also use egg whites. With its contrasting climates and diverse environments, Chile is an adventure destination like no other. My 2 Month Backpacking Guide to South America – Taking on the Pan-Am Highway. After three visits to Chile, I've learned the best ways to cut my costs while traveling in this vast country. Santiago is Chile’s capital and largest city, and for many travelers, it is the gateway to this often underrated South American destination. Guests have access to a common kitchen fully equipped with a central island. Chile backpacking route, or must sees - south of Santiago. Go rafting, horseback riding or see a glaciar in the national park. Music: Louis The Child - SoySauce - Broken Record (feat. What’s more, there is a wealth of good hostels. Again, dorm beds start at around $10 USD, private singles are available from $20. Though much smaller than Cerro San Cristobel, Cerro San Lucia is a symbolic landmark in the city’s history as the official spot where the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia conquered the city on December 13th 1541. Cerro Pochoco. Your email address will not be published. My time on the continent was physically demanding, eye-opening, and a series of confirmations and contradictions as I put one foot after the other in search of authenticity. Pino Empanada – The classic Chilean empanada contains an unusual mix of ground beef, onions, raisins, 2 black olives and half a hard boil egg. Boek Santiago Backpackers en alle hostels in Santiago zonder boekingskosten bij HostelBookers. North of Chile where the Atacama Desert is, the driest place on Earth, is obviously hot and dry. As a city that combines so many different elements, it’s a shame that Santiago is perhaps one of South America’s most overlooked capitals. Somebody just teleport me there NOW! Book the Santiago Backpackers - Stay at this hostel in Santiago. Some travelers like to come prepared for everything, while others prefer to go with the bare necessities and figure stuff out on the road. International trekkers fly in from all over the world for this … To get an idea: one night in a dorm is between 10-15€, in a private 17-25€ – a meal in a restaurant will cost you 5-10€, a long-haul bus ticket is 50-60€ (Santiago-San Pedro). It’s a much sweeter alternative, making it easier to drink, but the hangover just as deadly. Chile is a very thin but long country and has many different climates. Check status of travel to South America here. Central Chile, around capital Santiago, has warm (Mediterranean) climate. Actually I’m a guy like you that used to live the ‘normal’ life until September 2012... 10) Patagonia: Torres del Paine & Punta Arenas, 30 Tips and Ways to Stay Safe While Traveling, Patagonia Packing List for Trekking & Camping, Things to do & activities in the atacama desert, Backpacking Chile: Things to do in & around Santiago, Valparaiso and Viña del Mar: Full-Day Guided Tour, Backpacking Chile: Top things to do in Pucon, Trekking Guide: How to prepare for hiking in Torres del Paine, Patagonia (Chile), How to hike the W in Torres del Paine, Chile (Trekking Guide), How to hike the Circuit in Torres del Paine, Patagonia (Chile), 25 photos that will make you want to hike Torres del Paine in Patagonia, Backpacking in South America – All You Need To Know, Hiking Guide Cerro Torre & Mt. (score from 426 reviews) If you want your first experience with a medium intensity trekking Cerro Pochoco is … Backpack reisroute Chili. Watch this spot! As with many other South American cities, the nightlife rarely gets started until after midnight and doesn’t finish until the sun comes up. Hey, my name is Steve. Hiking in Chile is characterized by a wide range of environments and climates for hikers, which largely results from Chile 's unusual, ribbon-like shape, which is 4,300 kilometres (2,700 miles) long and on average 175 kilometres (109 miles) wide. A very comprehensive and detailed museum it describes the junta’s rise to power and the events which led to Pinochet’s eventual decline. Travel guide for this region: Tours you can book in advance via GetYourGuide: The capital Santiago is mostly the starting point for backpacking in Chile. Search the cheapest beds available at the Santiago Backpackers in Santiago, Chile. Get a quote with Safety Wing, our recommended insurer. Where to stay in Santiago de Chile for backpackers For backpackers in Santiago de Chile, there are plenty of accommodation options. In the central region, don’t miss hiking the trails of the La Campana National Park close to Valparaiso. Designated a World Biosphere Reserve, your visit might include a hike of up to 8 hours on the stunning Palm Tree route. My first backpacking trip to Chile has also been my first one to South America and a good reason to learn Spanish beforehand. This itinerary assumes that you’ll be starting in Santiago, Chile, mainly because internal flights in this country are cheaper than in Argentina thanks to competition between LATAM and Sky Airlines, the two main carriers.