Chile Fact Sheet
Wednesday, October 15th, 2008Current time in Chile (Santiago):
Stretching down alongside Argentina, and wedged between the Andes mountains and the Pacific ocean, Chile offers over 6,000 miles of coastline, crystaline lakes, and towering mountain ranges. The unusually long shape of the country results in a large range of climates, from the world’s driest desert in the north, Mediterranean weather in the centre, to a snowy Alpine climate in the south, with glaciers, fjords and lakes.
Currently, Chile is one of South America’s most stable and prosperous nations and makes for a wonderful holiday - be it a self-drive, skiing package, or a fishing trip through the beautiful lake district.
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When to go
Starting at the top of Chile the rainy season is in summer (December through March). Santiago and the middle of Chile are best seen in Spring (September to November) or autumn (March and April). Traveling further south the lake district is lovely in summer, and the Atacama Desert is great year-round (although temperatures are extreme, as with most deserts!). Winter is a snowy wonderland for skiers and the resorts are buzzing from July to September.
Notable events in Chile for 2009
| February | Iquiqui Carnival (annual - Playa Brava beach) Feast of the Virgin of 40 hours (annual - Limache) |
| April | 19th: Fiesta de Cuasimodo |
| June | 29th: Fiesta de San Pedro de Atacama |
| July | Festival of the Virgin of the Song (annual - La Tirana) |
| September | FIS Snowboarding World Cup (annual - Valle Nevado) Fiestas Patrias (annual - Santiago de Chile) |
| October | Columbus Day (annual - Santiago de Chile) |
| December | Virgen de lo Vasquez Pilgrimage (annual - pilgrimage to Valparaiso) La Fiesta Grande (annual - Andacollo’s big festival) |
Visa and Health Requirements for Chile
Visa - none required for South African and British passport holders for holidays up to 3 months long. However, you must be in possession of a 6-month valid passport and onward ticket.
Vaccination - none required
Updated January 2009
