The distance between Punta Arenas in the south and Arica in the north is 5000 km. The distance between New York and San Francisco is similar. Getting around this fascinating country is a challenge.
Finding transportation between the north and south is easier than finding transportation between the east and west. The spine of the country is home to the majority of long-distance bus routes.
It is important to keep in mind that it takes time to navigate. The reward of spectacular scenery as you navigate between the islands is what makes boats an essential part of the travel mix. Whether you want to explore by bus, boat, train, or airplane, here is a list of the best ways to do so.
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For locals and travelers on a budget, buses are the most popular mode of transportation. The biggest companies in the market are Pullman and Turbus. Smaller companies are more likely to be a better bet for niche destinations.
The English-language website recorrido is a good place to compare fares and book without an ID number. Buses are usually comfortable, air-conditioned and have wi-fi andusb outlets. An attendant on a long-distance bus will serve snacks and a light breakfast.
Unlike elsewhere in Latin America, buses usually leave at the scheduled time in Chile, though arrival times will depend on traffic conditions, particularly if you are travelling to or from Santiago. Premium seats are sold as semi cama or saln cama and are usually wider, more spread out and have a deeper recline; they tend to be in a small downstairs section of a double-decker bus. If you spend the extra pesos on a long-haul trip, you won't regret it.
The best part of town is not always the best part of the bus terminal. If you can, travel in groups or in pairs. It is important to confirm the arrival station because different bus companies use different stations in different cities.
Taxis are available to and from airports in most of the cities in the country. The prices are inexpensive. You can summon a ride with ride-sharing apps such as Cabify.
If you don't speak Spanish, apps are an easy way to find your way. If you want to get around after dark in a large city, you can use a licensed taxi.
The Santiago Metro is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel around the capital. The network is growing fast and trains will take you to most places you would want to visit. Cash can be used for multiple trips on both the metro and city buses.
The only other city in the country that has a metro system is Valparaiso. The EFE service from Santiago to Chilln is the only way to travel outside of the Central Valley anymore.
Santiago has a lot of bike lanes that you can use to get around the city. Bike Ita is the most popular bike share option. There are many cities with strong bike cultures.
There are many multi-day cycling trips that visitors can take in the Lake District or down the Carretera Austral. Hire a mountain bike or a touring bike with big tires. Water can be hard to come by north of Santiago, so you need to be prepared for the weather. It's a good idea to carry food and drinking water.
On narrow two-lane highways with no shoulders, cars can be a real danger. If you want to avoid long rides, you can take your bike by bus or ferries. There are bike-repair shops in most towns, but spare inner tubes and a repair kit are a must. It's not likely that there will be much support infrastructure in remote areas.
Renting a car will allow you to exploreChile's wildest corners. Most highways and byways are well-maintained, but unpaved roads are common in rural areas. Carrying a drum of extra gas on the Altiplano is a must, while flat tires on the Carretera Austral are not bad.
If you want an automatic car, it's more expensive to rent one in Chile than in North America or Europe. The toll on the Pan-American Highway can add up quickly and are at the higher end of the scale. Some companies will allow you to drive from your home country, while others will not.
Renting a car on arrival is the best way to explore areas away from the capital. Most rental companies don't allow you to cross the border into other countries.
It is possible to avoid flying for environmental reasons, but flights can save you a lot of time on long-distance trips. LATAM has the widest network of domestic flights and the best quality of service. Sky Airline and JetSmart are newer low cost carriers that cover much of the country and can have slightly cheaper fares than a bus ticket.
The cheapest tickets usually only include one personal item of luggage such as a small backpack, so it's a good idea to read the fare details. timetables and prices can be used to decide which airline to fly with.
Most regional capitals in the country have an airport with the exception of Santiago, which has a main hub at the Arturo Merino Bentez International Airport. If you have a bit of flexibility, you can fly into busy hubs such as Puerto Montt in the south or Calama in the north.
Traveling in the south of Chile can be done by boat. There are a number of popular ferry routes through the fjords. The mainland and various islands of Chiloé are connected by ferries.
Travelers cross the border to Argentina. You can take the scenic ferry route from Petrohu to San Carlos de Bariloche, or you can take the adventurous route from Villa O'Higgins to Candelario Mancilla.
There are several car ferries along the way at points such as Hornopirén and La Arena, but fares for cars and pedestrians are reasonable.
The country doesn't have the best infrastructure for travelers with disabilities, but a group of activists is trying to change that. The law requires new public buildings to provide disabled access, but access ramps are not common. Lifts are a common feature in large hotels.
The Metro in Santiago has accessible ramps and spaces for wheelchairs, as well as noise-indicated signals for the blind on some streets. Those in wheelchairs will find it hard to negotiate the narrow sidewalks.
One of the largest tour companies for travelers with disabilities, Wheel the World, is based in Chile. There are online resources for accessible travel.
About 9 hours ago, this article was updated.
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