The best accommodations Chile

Budget & Tips

From camping to luxury hotels, ecolodges to homestays, there's no shortage of accommodation options in Chile! In recent years, the hotel offer has diversified and is sure to satisfy your every desire. If you're traveling alone, it's best to opt for youth hostels with dormitory beds; for families and groups of friends, prefer cabañas, a kind of basic but often comfortable and well-equipped bungalow. Long-haul travellers in vans or camper vans can save money on accommodation: however, don't just set up camp anywhere for the night, preferring pitches, campsites or even private plots in exchange for a small fee. You'll also find boutique-hotels that take advantage of former English- or German-inspired mansions, both in the cities and in areas closer to nature. Santiago also boasts a number of hotels belonging to major international chains.

In terms of rates, expect to pay between €30 and €60 a night in the "good and cheap" category, €70 to €130 in the "comfort and charm" category and over €150 in the "luxury" category.

To be booked

Although there is a wide range of accommodation options, capacity is quickly limited in the high season: between November and March is the peak tourist season, and many travellers are surprised by their lack of forethought. For major tourist hubs such as Santiago, Valparaíso, Pucón, San Pedro de Atacama, Easter Island and Puerto Natales, try to book several weeks in advance. On the Carretera Austral, in Patagonia, where accommodation options are rarer, you'll need to book several months in advance: tour operators tend to snatch up the availability of the few good facilities. As far as Torres del Paine National Park is concerned: it's never too early! Book as soon as possible. Finally, don't forget to specify whether you want half-board or full-board accommodation. When you venture off the beaten track, hotels often offer a catering service with breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's best to opt for a package that complements your overnight stay, or risk going to sleep on an empty stomach: in some areas, restaurants are a dime a dozen!

For food lovers

Most hotels offer breakfast included in the price of accommodation. Served buffet-style, these include sweet and savoury treats. Croissants, bread, butter and jam are available alongside ham, cheese and eggs. There's also bread and manjar, a Chilean version of milk jam!