Northern Chile
South America - Self-drive
Itinerary idea: Santiago, Calama, San Pedro de Atacama, Tatio, Iquique, Isluga, Surire, Putre, Lauca Park, Arica
Strengths: Atacama, altiplano, oases and Lauca Park in a single trip
Weaknesses: Altitude up to 4,500 m, remote dirt stretches, one-way rental
Children and safety: Risk of altitude sickness, very cold nights
Weather: Dry, days 18-26 °C on the coast and 10-20 °C at altitude, sub-zero nights on the altiplano
Book ahead: 4-6 months
Key facts
- Best time to go: April and May, September to November
- Flight from Milan: about 17 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 4,500 m, many stretches without signal
- Vaccinations: None specific
Ratings (1 to 5)
- Ease of getting around: 3
- Child friendly: 2
- Scenery and wildlife: 5
- August weather: 4
- Logistics ease: 2