Tips for Traveling Chile with Kids

Ensure a Fun, Safe and Smooth Family Vacation in Chile

© Kate Rodriguez

Apr 4, 2009

Chile is a great destination for families looking for a holiday off the beaten track, but it's always best to go prepared. The following hints on accommodations, safety, local traditions and weather should help make the trip a success.

Accommodations and Safety

• Accommodations in Chile range from fancy hotels to basic backpacker hostels and campgrounds, with options to suit all tastes and budgets. One of the best bets for families are cabañas, self-catering cottages located nearly everywhere and available for rent on a daily or weekly basis. In addition to a basic kitchen, many cabañas also have a private patio/garden with a grill.
• Chile is one of the safest countries in Latin America for tourists, but petty crimes, such as pickpocketing are, unfortunately, common. The best insurance is to follow the general safety guidelines that are listed in most travel guides.
• Chilean security standards are not what they are in North America or Europe. Watch out for unfenced swimming pools, dodgy playground equipment, stray dogs, and staircases without railings.

Local Customs

• Chileans love children and are a family-oriented culture. That means that children are more than welcome in restaurants (even fancy ones!), museums and all historical attractions. It is common for children to be given candy in shops and restaurants.
• English is not widely spoken in Chile, sometimes even in touristy areas. For visitors without a basic command of Spanish, it's best to travel the country with a Latin American Spanish phrase book.
• Note that Chileans liberally use the term "gringo" to mean any light-skinned foreigner. It is not meant as an insult.
• As in many Latin countries, Chileans tend to dine later in the evening. Most restaurants do not open until 8:00pm at the earliest, which can be a challenge for parents whose children are used to an early bedtime. The answer is to look for onces, a kind of Chilean high tea served between 5:00pm and 7:00pm in many cafes. The menu includes hot and cold sandwiches and desserts and makes the perfect light supper.

Prepare for the Weather

• Depending on where you plan to travel in Chile, you’ll need to pack everything from a bikini to a down parka. Expect large temperature shifts between day and night, even in summer. Bring clothes to layer (and un-layer) wherever you go.
• If traveling in central and northern Chile, prepare to be dusty. In such a dry climate, the fine, clay-like soil tends to cover everything. Avoid dressing kids in light-colored trousers and white shoes and socks. The dirt stains do not wash out!
• The sun is especially strong everywhere in Chile. Use high factor sunscreen, wear hats and sunglasses outdoors, even in cool weather.

For some advice on family-friendly travel spots in Chile, see the following articles:

Traveling with Children in Santiago

Family Travel in Southern Chile

Torres del Paine National Park

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