How much does a trip to Chile cost? - 2026 Guide

How much does it cost to go to Chile?

On average, tourists spend approximately $126 per person daily. Budget travelers can lower this to around $47 a day by using hostels and public transport. Luxury experiences with private tours and high-end lodging average $356 daily, while a comfortable, organized trip usually costs about $185 per day.

Region matters, too. Remote areas like Patagonia are more expensive than central cities. You'll also pay more depending on when you visit, as peak summer months drive up rates for accommodation and flights.

Is Chile expensive to visit compared to other South American countries?

Chile ranks in the top 10% for travel costs in South America. It's noticeably more expensive than neighbors like Bolivia and Peru. A stable economy and higher living standards keep vacation costs above the continental average. Think of Chile's pricing less like budget-friendly Bolivia and more like Spain or Portugal—you get high quality, but you pay European prices for it.

What is the price of international flights to Santiago?

Your flight will likely be your biggest single expense. Most flights land at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, the country's main entry point. Round-trip tickets from major North American hubs like Miami average between $700 and $900. Prices vary by airline, though LATAM offers the most frequent connections.

Traveling during the southern summer raises costs compared to shoulder months. If you're from the US, you no longer have to pay the $160 reciprocity fee previously charged upon entry. You'll typically get a free 90-day visa when you land.

How much do domestic flights cost with airlines like LATAM and Sky?

Flying internally saves time compared to long bus rides across the country's extensive length. Domestic one-way tickets generally cost between $45 and $105 USD when booked in advance. Three primary carriers—LATAM, Sky Airline, and Jetsmart—battle for customers on these routes, keeping fares low for a standard budget.

Flights from Santiago to distant southern hubs like Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales are frequent. Travelers visiting the northern deserts also can fly into Calama cheaply. If you can snag a window seat, the view of the Andes stretching into the desert is absolutely unforgettable.

Why should you use an eSIM for your trip to Chile?

You're going to need data to navigate everything from Santiago's busy avenues to the remote valleys of San Pedro de Atacama. Traditional roaming plans often come with huge daily fees that drain a travel budget. Digital eSIM cards are usually the cheapest way to stay connected without swapping physical chips. Travelers can easily obtain a dedicated eSIM card for Chile that activates immediately upon landing.

An eSIM provides instant access to maps and real-time reservation management. Digital profiles mean you don't have to hunt for local kiosks or overcome language barriers. Staying connected also keeps you safer and eases communication throughout the journey.

What are the accommodation costs in Chile?

Chile has everything from cheap backpacker hostels to high-end luxury hotels. Central cities are often significantly cheaper than remote eco-lodges. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

How much do hostels and hotels cost per night?

Nightly rates depend on the chosen comfort level, though hostels are obviously much cheaper. In big cities like Santiago and Valparaiso, dormitory beds cost as little as $12 USD. Private rooms in mid-range hotels typically range between $50 and $100 USD.

But costs rise in remote tourist hubs due to high demand. In destinations such as San Pedro de Atacama and Puerto Natales, luxury double rooms can easily cost over $350 USD per night.

How can foreigners save 19% on lodging with the VAT exemption?

Foreign tourists can lower accommodation costs by claiming the 19% value-added tax (IVA) exemption at registered hotels, as outlined by VAT Update. Here is how you do it:

• Pay the bill in US dollars using cash or an international credit card.
• Present a valid foreign passport.
• Present the PDI tourist card issued upon entry to Chile.

Presenting these documents slashes your lodging budget by nearly one-fifth for every night spent in the country.

How much should you budget for food and dining?

Plan to spend approximately $35 to $50 USD per day for meals. Visitors can easily stay on the lower end of this range by buying groceries or sampling inexpensive local snacks. You'll need Chilean Pesos for most daily purchases.

What are the prices for restaurants and cafes?

Eating out doesn't have to be expensive. Numbeo data shows that a standard dinner in major cities like Santiago and Valparaiso typically costs around $18.50 USD per person. Lunch specials are cheaper, while cafes charge between $5 and $8 USD for light snacks.

Restaurant prices don't usually include the customary 10% service charge, or "propina," which diners add to the final bill. Most venues accept credit cards, but it's a good idea to carry Chilean Pesos for smaller cafes.

How much does street food like empanadas and sopaipillas cost?

Street food is your best bet for saving money while eating well. Empanadas and sopaipillas are the cheapest local options in Santiago and Valparaiso. A traditional empanada, filled with "pino" (meat and onions) or cheese, costs between 1,500 and 5,000 Chilean Peso ($1.50 to $5.50 USD). Prices depend on whether you buy from a street stall or a bakery. Personally, I think grabbing a hot empanada is the single best way to refuel after a morning of sightseeing.

Sopaipillas, fried disks of pumpkin dough, are even cheaper. These snacks are a cheap, delicious way to taste real Chilean food without breaking the bank.

What is the cost of groceries at supermarkets like Lider?

If your hostel or Airbnb has a kitchen, shopping at supermarkets can cut your food bill in half. Lider, a Walmart subsidiary, is usually the cheapest option. Travelers typically spend between 25,000 and 40,000 Chilean Peso ($25 to $40 USD) for a week's worth of basic supplies. Cooking your own meals can slash daily food expenses by nearly 50% compared to eating exclusively at restaurants.

Bread, pasta, and seasonal fruits are cheap and easy to find in Santiago. Plus, tap water is safe to drink in central and southern Chile. Refilling a reusable bottle is another easy way to trim daily expenses.

What are the transportation expenses within Chile?

The bus network is the cheapest way to travel between cities, while car rentals offer independence for a premium. Marine travel is vital in the south; ferries cost from $3 USD for short trips to over $1,500 USD for multi-day cruises. Planning a budget means you need to compare these ground and marine options alongside domestic flights.

How much does long-distance bus travel cost?

Buses are the main way locals and backpackers get around the country. Ticket prices range from $12 to $50 USD depending on distance and class. Passengers choose between "semi-cama" seats and "salón cama" options, which offer fully reclining seats similar to business class. Speaking from experience, the extra cost for a fully reclining seat is worth every penny on those 12-hour journeys.

Major companies like TurBus run between cities like Santiago and Valparaiso frequently. Overnight buses are a smart way to save money—you cover a long distance while sleeping, skipping the cost of a hotel for the night on the way to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas.

What are the costs of car rentals and fuel for road trips?

Renting a vehicle is often necessary for the Atacama Desert or the Carretera Austral, though it costs more than public transport. Compact cars for city driving start at approximately $45 USD per day. But road trips in Patagonia often require tough 4x4s or large vans, costing up to $112 USD daily.

Fuel expenses also add up, with gasoline averaging between $1.30 and $1.50 USD per liter according to Trading Economics. Don't forget to budget for frequent tolls on major highways.

How much is public transportation in Santiago?

Getting around Santiago is cheap and easy. The Metro and buses work together using the rechargeable Bip! card. Fares range from 700 to 830 Chilean Peso ($0.75 to $0.90 USD) depending on the schedule. Transfers between buses and the subway within two hours are usually included.

These minor expenses fit easily into the estimated average daily spend of $126 per person, making getting around Santiago inexpensive and reliable.

How much do tours and activities cost by region?

While urban sightseeing is affordable, remote regions like Patagonia and the Atacama Desert are much more expensive. On average, tourists spend approximately $28 USD per person, per day on general activities.

However, that estimate excludes high-ticket adventure items. National park entrance fees are additional costs. If combining Patagonia with the Atacama, add a 20% buffer to your total budget to account for the high cost of domestic transfers and distinct gear requirements.

What is the budget for San Pedro de Atacama excursions?

Exploring the Atacama Desert usually means booking organized tours due to the difficult terrain. Half-day trips to sites like the Valley of the Moon range from $25 to $45 USD. Full-day expeditions to the El Tatio Geysers or Altiplanic Lagoons cost between $60 and $100 USD per person. You'll also have to pay separate entrance fees at each attraction, usually adding an extra $5 to $15 USD per site.

How much does a trip to Patagonia and Torres del Paine cost?

Patagonia is the most expensive region because it's hard to get to and very popular. The entrance fee for Torres del Paine National Park is approximately $35 USD for international visitors. Specialized excursions, such as glacier navigation or ice hiking on Grey Glacier, often cost more than $150 USD. Hikers on the W Trek must budget for campsites or shelters, which can cost over $100 USD per night including meals and equipment.

Is it expensive to visit Easter Island?

Rapa Nui is one of Chile's priciest destinations due to isolation and conservation regulations. Flights will be your biggest cost, as LATAM holds a monopoly on the route. Hotels are expensive, and food prices are roughly 30% higher because most goods are imported.

Foreign tourists must purchase a mandatory Rapa Nui National Park ticket, costing $80 USD for adults and valid for 10 days. Recent rules require certified local guides for most archaeological sites. Because of this, daily costs for tours often go over $100 USD per person.

How much money do I need for a one-week trip?

To calculate the cost of a one-week trip, just add your daily spending to the price of your flight.

• Moderate Traveler: Average daily spend is approximately $126 USD, totaling roughly $882 USD for ground costs.
• Backpacker: Sticking to a strict $47 limit brings your cost down to around $329 USD.
• Comfortable Budget: A $185 USD daily average brings the week's total to $1,295 USD.

Adding round-trip tickets ($700 to $900 USD) to these sub-totals, a standard one-week holiday generally will cost you between $1,600 to $1,800 USD.

How can you manage money and currency in Chile?

The official currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Bills come in 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 pesos, while coins range from 10 to 500 pesos. Credit and debit cards work in major hubs like Santiago and Valparaiso. But you'll need cash for street food and rural destinations where digital payment infrastructure is limited. It’s a smart move to keep small bills on you, as many smaller shops struggle to break a 20,000 peso note.

Authorized "Casas de Cambio" often offer better exchange rates than airports. ATMs, known as "Redbanc," are plentiful but typically charge withdrawal fees for foreign cards. While some hotels accept US dollars to waive the 19% VAT, you'll need pesos for everything else.

How can you save money while traveling in Chile?

The most effective budget strategy for Chile involves timing and tactical booking rather than just cutting corners. Visiting during the shoulder seasons (October-November or March-April) yields the best balance of weather and pricing, avoiding the heavy summer premiums. Combine this timing with the VAT exemption on lodging and overnight buses for long hauls, and you can effectively upgrade your trip quality without increasing your total spend. Prioritize your budget for unique experiences like a Patagonia trek or Atacama stargazing tour, while saving on daily staples through local markets and street food.

Sources

• https://www.vatupdate.com/2025/08/08/vat-exemption-for-services-provided-by-a-hotel-to-foreign-tourists/
• https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Santiago
• https://tradingeconomics.com/chile/gasoline-prices