Chile
South America - Self-drive
Itinerary idea: Calama, San Pedro de Atacama, Valle de la Luna, Tatio geysers, altiplano lagoons
Strengths: Atacama Desert, starry skies, altiplano lagoons
Weaknesses: Altitude up to 4,300 m, freezing nights
Children and safety: Risk of altitude sickness, very cold nights
Weather: Dry, days 18-24 °C, sub-zero nights at altitude
Book ahead: 4-6 months
Key facts
- Best time to go: April and May, September to November
- Flight from Milan: about 15 hours
- Rain days in August: 1
- Daylight hours in August: 11
- Driving: on the right
- Malaria: none
- Visa (EU citizens): No
- International licence: Yes
- Currency: Chilean peso (CLP)
- Language: Spanish
- Roads: Paved and dirt, altitude up to 4,300 m
- Vaccinations: None specific
Ratings (1 to 5)
- Ease of getting around: 3
- Child friendly: 3
- Scenery and wildlife: 5
- August weather: 3
- Logistics ease: 3