Cheap flights to Chile

Often dubbed “the thin country”, Chile’s appearance on a map might be gaunt but everything else about it is robust and thriving with natural beauty. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andean highlands and bordered by Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, its contrasting topography of desert, rainforests, peaks and glaciers makes it the one of the most visually distinct countries in South America. But because of its length – a staggering 4,000 kilometres – it’s important to decide what kind of trip you’re after when booking a flight to Chile.

Santiago, the capital, is a good base and provides easy access to other areas in Chile. From there, wine lovers can visit the colonial towns of the Central Valley and tour the lush vineyards surrounding them. While adventure seekers should head up north to the Andes where the gurgling geysers of El Tatio live, and avid skiers can get their adrenaline going on the slopes of Farellones, La Parva, and Valle Nevado.

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Chile climate

Much of Chile is covered with mountains and snow. The deserts in the north are warm in the day and cool in the night. The centre of the country has a more Mediterranean climate, with rains from May to August. The south is very cold, especially in the winter, and rainy.

Getting around Chile

Domestic flights are available throughout the country with airline LAN. If you’re planning on making lots of flights, consider getting the LAN “Visit South America Air Pass” which will give discounted tickets within Chile and also to Peru and Ecuador. There are other regional airlines flying to different destinations.

The bus system in Chile is very good. The network covers much of the country and service is cheap and efficient. In comparison, trains are poor; many lines are used only for freight.

How long is the flight to Chile?

There are several daily flights to Chile from Singapore with an average of two stopovers before reaching Chile. The average flight time depends on the stopover duration, at airports like Doha Hamad International Airport, Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport, Madrid Barajas and Panama City Tocumen International. The shortest journey on this route stops in Doha and Madrid. Chile has two major airports receiving flights from Singapore, Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez and Calama El Loa. Cheap flights to Chile with two stopovers can take around 34h 40min to 52h, operated by multiple airlines like Iberia, Air France and Copa Airlines. For travellers who prefer connecting on one carrier, Latam Airlines, Qatar Airways and KLM offer this service from departure to arrival airport.

Where can you get direct flights to Chile from?

There are currently no direct flights from Singapore to Chile Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez and Calama El Loa. Instead, Chile flight deals have two stopovers, predominantly in Qatar, Doha or Madrid. Leading airlines like Qatar Airways and Latam Airlines service flights from Singapore to Chile via the fast route, Doha and Madrid, whereas airlines such as KLM and Air France operate the route via Amsterdam and Panama City.

What is the best way to travel around Chile?

Stretching along the South American coastline, the Republic of Chile sits long and narrow. Chile has an affordable, comfortable and easy way of getting around; Chilean locals prefer travelling on their reliable and cheap bus system, with domestic flights also available to cover long distances generally within an hour. Air travel in the country is dominated by LAN and Sky Airline, with a limited number of cheap flights. Micros are local buses connecting city centres, nearby villages and suburbs. Taxis are available in Chile and are normally identified as black with yellow rooftops, with varying fares depending on the desired destination. Throughout Chile, there are both local and international car hire agencies in abundance, with local hires being relatively cheaper than international franchises. The road network is an efficient and convenient way of moving around quickly.

What are some things to do in Chile?

Chile is a unique country filled with culture and mountainous scenery and palm trees, along with neoclassical architecture and historic museums in the capital city, Santiago. If you have a thing for penguins, on the coast of Punta Arenas you can visit the Isla Magdalena to enjoy the company of penguin flocks up close and personal. Hiking trails aren’t scarce around the country; ensure the Torres del Paine is on your bucket list to take in the open views from the towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes and forested valleys. Located in Chico, visit the hidden and spectacular Marble Caves, with turquoise, clear waters. A few thousand kilometres offshore in the Valparaiso region, Easter Island is the home to the mysterious Moai statues, reflecting the country's indigenous culture. No trip to Chile would be complete without a visit to the capital city, enjoy some of the best dining, drinks and museums the country has to offer.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Chile?

When travelling to Chile from Singapore, you may stay in the country for only 30 days without a visa; however, a valid passport is a requirement for the duration of your stay. For an extended stay, it is recommended to check with the embassy for specific requirements.

What is good to know if travelling to Chile?

• Santiago, the country’s capital is a bustling metropolis. With the snow-topped Andes as a backdrop, the city can serve as a starting point to a skiing holiday in the mountains. However, there is also much to see in the city itself. The square in the middle of the city, Plaza de Armas is a good place to start a sightseeing tour. Almost all tourists find their way to the lively plaza, which contains many artists and their painters and is surrounded by popular tourist destinations such as the National Museum and the 18th-century cathedral.
• Easter Island, located off the Chilean coast, is a popular destination in its own right, and definitely worth visiting when traveling in Chile. The symbol of the islands is its huge stone heads, called moai. There are lots of different spots to see the moai. For 15 lined up together, with a backdrop of the sea, head to Ahu Tongariki.
• Pucon is a popular tourist spot for its lake and volcano. There are also innumerable sports to take part in from horse riding to water-skiing. For a more relaxed time you could just spend the day at one of the beaches around Lake Villarrica. The sand on these beaches is black, formed from old lava flow from the volcano. The beaches are well-developed, with bars, restaurants and places to change.
• A UNESCO World Heritage site, Valparaiso has been named the country’s “cultural capital” and after a few days in the city it’s not hard to see why. Overlooking the bay is one of the most popular cultural buildings, the house and gardens of poet Pablo Neruda’s, open Tuesday to Sunday. First opened to the public in 1992, the house has been restored to its condition when Neruda lived and worked in it.
• Sampling the local cuisine is a must. Try empanadas, turnovers filled with meat or cheese, seafood, especially from coastal towns and asados, barbecued meat.