Hi all,
My husband and I are considering a trip to Chile, 3 weeks, starting in either mid-November or at the very end of February into March. We are at the very beginning of planning, but so far we would like to see La Serena, Santiago, Valparaiso, Puerto Montt. We do not hike or do any strenuous physical activities, but enjoy sightseeing, history, art, and look forward to the different landscapes/regions in Chile. We like to have a combination of "must see" and "oh, look, let's go there" but I have been confused by what I have read so far about getting around this geographically strange country.

We were in Argentina in 2008, seeing BA, Iguazu Falls, Salta and Bariloche, and had to fly into and out of BA to reach the different places. Is this how it works in Chile? Do we have to go into Santiago in order to get anywhere else? I know there are some trains, but I have not been able to decipher schedules and prices. Same with Sky Airlines. I put in various dates, say to go from Puerto Montt to La Serena, and get "no flights."

We are thinking to fly into Santiago and then go either all the way south (or north depending on when we go) and work our way back, but the transportation has me stumped. We also could rent a car for portions of the trip. Any thoughts on that?

I have many more questions, but first things first!

Thanks to all for your help.

Cila...here's a start for you. Driving in Chile is pleasurable and quite trouble-free. We were there in an April/May which is tantamount to fall in the USA...sparkling fall foliage. We drove everywhere and wouldn't suggest any other way.

Complete independence. For example, we spent some adequate time in Santiago, drove to Vina and Valpo, after a few days we went south through wine and horse country, dropping into the Hacienda Los Linques horse ranch for a few days...illuminating experience.

Continued on south through the gorgeous Chilean lake district (see pics)...taking our time as we were in Chile almost a month, before going on to BA, the falls, and the Amazon. Gave up the car in Puerto Montt, took the fabulous boat-bus over night tour through the Andes lakes, ending in Bariloche. Flew the rest of the trip...ending with a highlight-reel Amazon venture by motor-launch. Highly recommend this type of SA visit.
https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...ocheArgentina# STU

(see below for BA and Falls, and then RIO and Amazon.)

Cila...for you. Have an enjoyable trip. Hasta la vista!
https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...oBrazilAmazon#
https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...ESIguacuFalls# It will all work out well for you.

Tower - I think I have just planned our trip, thanks to your photos. My husband will be delighted with the driving suggestion, it is his preference always. Looks like you were a little chilly towards Puerto Montt, looks like we should plan south to north.

Tower - you said you had a month, but also went to Argentina. How much time did you have in Chile?

November around Puerto Montt might be still quite cold and wet. That area has the highest rainfall in the country. But it will vary from year to year. You will not find flights from Puerto Montt to La Serena because that is a route that virtually no local would fly. You would need to fly into Santiago and change plane. Airlines base routes on steady local traffic and not summer surges of tourists, local or foreign.

February is still high season and everything can get very crowded, especially the last fortnight. But March is our best kept secret. So you might be able to choose either of your choices of date but tailor where you are at the start and end.

Long distance buses are excellent in the top 2 classes of service and go everywhere. An overnight bus to Puerto Montt would take 12 hours. Puerto Varas, 20 minutes away, is more attractive and has tourist activities. If you prefer to drive, then driving to somewhere like Valparaiso is very quick, 1.5 hrs, but parking can be a real issue, especially in summer. A hotel with parking is advisable. You can get there easily by bus and they leave every 15-20 minutes from Santiago.

If you prefer to drive, then I highly recommend staying a day or two in the Colchagua valley with its many vineyards and pleasant countryside. It should take about 2.5-3 hours south from Santiago. That whole area is fun to explore.

If any part of February is in your itinerary then you must book any lodging well in advance.

Huentetu,
So we could initially fly into Santiago at the beginning of March, then take a connecting flight to Puerto Montt, drive north thru the lakes region, then up to Colchagua valley. In Santiago, we have the option of taking a bus to Valparaiso and La Serena, or keeping the car. We could totally bypass Santiago until the end of the trip, flying there from La Serena before heading home.

Do you recommend buses over trains if we don't use a car?

How many days would you suggest in each area?

There are no trains to speak of. None going north and very limited to the south. The furthest they go is Chillan. Buses is how Chileans get around and they go everywhere.

How you divide up the days is really up to you but in March you have more freedom to choose where you stop. With your own car you can be much more flexible. La Serena is about 6 hours on the road but a good road. The Elqui valley is the big draw in the area.

Cila.....we were close to a full 30 days in Chile..and three weeks for the rest of the trip (Arg and Brazil). Our house in California was totalled by the January '94 quake...so we hightailed to SA a few weeks after the quake...even when we got back in June, nothing had been finalized by the Insurance company. We loved Chile, Arg and Brazil...especially the Amazon..see pix

Huentetu,
No wonder I couldn't find any info on trains! Now I don't feel so stupid.

Tower,
Well at least some great memories came out of a terrible situation.

Thanks to you both. Serious planning can now begin.