Chile: Getting there & around

Chile is linked by air to North America, Europe and Australasia with most international flights arriving in Santiago. Chilean departure tax for international flights is about US$20.00 .

Chile's border-crossing points with Peru and Bolivia are few and far between. The crossing between Arica in Chile and Tacna in Peru provides the only land access to Peru; road and rail connections link Chile with Bolivia, passing through Arica, Visviri, Tambo Quemado or Calama. Except in Patagonia, every crossing into Argentina involves crossing the Andes. Routes include Calama-Salta, Copiapó-Tucumán via Catamarca; La Serena-San Juan; and Santiago-Mendoza. More interesting are the many Lakes District and southern Patagonian routes, with buses and ferries servicing the crossing points between Chile and Argentina.

Travel within Chile is easy. Fast, punctual and comfortable buses travel the main highways, and flights are frequent; the long-neglected railways have improved in recent years. Competition has lowered expensive domestic air fares somewhat, and regional airlines and air taxis traverse the country's long extent.

Cycling can be a great way to see Chile; Chilean drivers are usually courteous; ferries and buses, as well as some airlines, can accommodate bikes if you're bringing your own.

With all that coastline you'd think there'd be boats galore, but sea travel opportunities for travelers exist mainly in the south. Traveling by boat around the many islands, coves and bays is almost a necessity for making the most of a visit to Chile.