Felipe Morales
Journalist · Viajando Chile
Articles by Felipe Morales (68)
Chile fuel prices rise CLP 41.3 per litre: how much more a road trip now costs
From Thursday 22 October 2026, 93 and 97 octane petrol rose CLP 41.3 per litre and diesel CLP 91.5, the fifth increase in a row according to ENAP. How much more it costs to fill the tank and drive the most common road trips from Santiago.
Bahía Inglesa: Chile's government will tender 420 hectares of state land for hotels and homes by the beach
Chile's Ministry of National Assets is preparing a tender for 420.39 hectares of state land in Bahía Inglesa, Caldera, for tourism, hotel and real-estate projects. The stages, the timetable and what is known about the plan.
Chiloé cruise season 2026-2027: Castro will receive 15 port calls and about 4,500 passengers
Empormontt launched the 2026-2027 cruise season in Castro, Chiloé: 15 international port calls, 4,497 passengers and 2,417 crew, three ships fewer than the previous year. How it compares with Magallanes and Valparaíso.
Chile's 2026-2027 wildfire season: Conaf expects "very complex" months and what travellers should know
Conaf warns that the 2026-2027 wildfire season in Chile will be difficult because of El Niño, dry grass and heat. What is banned, how to check before visiting a park and which number to call if you see smoke.
Foreign tourist arrivals in Chile by year (2008-2026): the official series and the 2017 record
How many foreign tourists arrive in Chile each year, according to the official series of Sernatur and the Undersecretariat of Tourism: the record was 6.45 million in 2017, 2025 closed at 6.0 million and 2026 is down 19.1% through August.
Chile weekend weather for October 24 and 25: storms on Saturday, heat on Sunday in central and southern Chile
Senapred lifted the red alert in the Santiago Metropolitan Region but kept a yellow alert in 10 foothill districts. What weather to expect on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October in Santiago and south-central Chile, and what to check before setting off.
Hotel occupancy over Chile's 12 October holiday: San Pedro de Atacama led with 82.2%
Hotel occupancy over the 12 October 2026 long weekend reached 52.2% across the 54 destinations measured by Sernatur. San Pedro de Atacama, Colchagua and Bahía Inglesa topped the ranking; Valparaíso stood at 40.8%.
Visa Waiver: Chileans' overstay rate in the United States falls to 1.5%, the lowest in six years
According to the Chilean government, only 1.5% of Chileans who entered the United States under the Visa Waiver stayed longer than allowed, 35% less than the year before. What it means for the program, how ESTA works and which rules travellers must follow.
Disruptive passengers in Chile: bill proposes fines of up to 500 UTM and flying bans of up to five years
Five Chilean senators have filed a bill to punish disruptive passengers on planes and at airports: fines of 10 to 500 UTM, prison in serious cases and a ban on boarding of one to five years. Which behaviour it covers and where it stands.
Santiago prepares a tourism plan and a stopover program to keep transit passengers in the city
The Municipality of Santiago will present its Tourism Development Plan in November and the Undersecretariat of Tourism is working on a stopover program. The Metropolitan Region had 76.4% hotel occupancy in August, the highest in Chile. What they want and what is missing.
Hotel occupancy in Chile by region: the INE ranking for August 2026
Hotel occupancy in Chile was 39.6% in August 2026, according to the INE. The Santiago Metropolitan Region led with 76.4% and Maule came last with 13.3%. Ranking of the 16 regions with overnight stays, average daily rate and RevPAR.
Chile's 2027 tourism budget: the government keeps international promotion at CLP 5,805 million
Chile's acting Economy Minister confirmed to Congress that the 2027 Budget keeps international tourism promotion at about CLP 5,805 million, without the promised increase. The figures, what the industry wants and what comes next.
VYVA 2026 travel fair moves to new dates: October 30 to November 1 because of the rain
Santiago's VYVA 2026 travel fair has been rescheduled for October 30 and 31 and November 1 at Parque Ciudad Empresarial because of the rain. Tickets remain valid and refunds are available. What changes and what stays the same.
Ezeiza airport runway works: which flights change between October 25 and November 11
From October 25 to November 11, 2026, Buenos Aires' Ezeiza airport operates with a single 1,850-metre runway. Airlines are cancelling or rerouting long-haul flights and Santiago becomes an alternative hub. What changes for travellers flying from Chile.
Lightning strikes a LATAM plane between Antofagasta and Santiago: what happens when lightning hits an aircraft
LATAM flight LA341, from Antofagasta to Santiago, was struck by lightning on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 and landed normally. Why aircraft withstand lightning, how often it happens and what is checked afterwards, according to Airbus.
How much foreign tourists spend in Chile by country: Sernatur's official ranking (2026 edition)
A British tourist spends an average of US$1,360 per trip in Chile and an Argentine one US$270. Official ranking of foreign tourist spending by country of residence, with daily spending, nights and foreign-exchange income, from Sernatur's inbound tourism tables.
Air traffic in Chile grows again in September 2026, driven by domestic flights
Chile's airports handled 2.23 million passengers in September 2026, 0.2% more than a year earlier, the first increase after months of declines. Domestic flights rose 1.6% and international flights fell 1.6%. Figures from Chile's Civil Aviation Board (JAC) by airline.
Regional tourism GDP: Magallanes is the region where tourism weighs most in the economy
Tourism contributed CLP 9.511 trillion to Chile's economy in 2025, 2.8% of GDP. The Undersecretariat of Tourism's new regional measurement shows the Santiago Metropolitan Region generates 38.5% of tourism GDP and that in Magallanes tourism equals 7.3% of the regional economy.
Chile's busiest border crossings for tourists in 2026: the official ranking by point of entry
Where foreign tourists enter Chile: Santiago airport received 2,368,213 in 2025, followed by the Cristo Redentor pass (1,119,198) and Cardenal Samoré (397,994). Ranking of the 15 border crossings and airports with the most arrivals in 2025 and 2026, with data from Sernatur and the PDI.
Valle de la Luna in San Pedro de Atacama: tickets, opening hours and how to explore it
Guide to the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) in San Pedro de Atacama: 2026 ticket price (CLP 10,800), opening hours, how to buy tickets, what to see (Duna Mayor, Tres Marías, the Amphitheatre, Mina Victoria and the Kari viewpoint), rules and sunset tips.
What foreign tourists search for to travel to Chile, and what AI recommends to them
A study of 100 searches in Brazil, Argentina, the UK, Germany and France shows what each country looks for when planning a trip to Chile. On Google, Chilean sites hold 14.7% of the top 3; in AI answers, 44% of the companies recommended are Chilean.
Tourist arrivals in Chile in August 2026: Brazil overtakes Argentina for a second month
Chile received 344,937 foreign tourists in August 2026, 19.5% fewer than a year earlier. Brazil was the top market with 116,709 visitors and outpaced Argentina for the second month in a row. Official Sernatur and PDI figures by country.
VYVA 2026 travel fair in Santiago: dates, program and deals
The VYVA 2026 International Travel and Holiday Fair runs from October 23 to 25 at Ciudad Empresarial, Santiago, with Chilean regions from Tarapacá to Chiloé and Rapa Nui, travel deals and a Sernatur business roundtable. Program and practical details.
Public holidays left in Chile in 2026: no long weekend until Christmas
Four public holidays remain in Chile in 2026 and only Christmas creates a long weekend: October 31 falls on a Saturday, November 1 on a Sunday and December 8 on a Tuesday. Official calendar, 2027 long weekends and how to plan your trips.
Sernatur's Turismo Mujer 2026-2027: destinations, prices and requirements
Sernatur's Turismo Mujer program opens a new season with about 5,000 spots for women aged 18 to 64, with all-inclusive packages from CLP 180,000. The first group arrived in Valle Las Trancas. Destinations, prices and how to book.
Busiest air routes in Chile in 2026: Santiago-Calama leads
2026 ranking of Chile's busiest air routes according to the Civil Aviation Board (JAC): Santiago-Calama carried 1,691,679 passengers from January to September, followed by Antofagasta and Concepción. Domestic and international routes, with year-on-year change.
Things to do in Concepción: 12 ideas in the capital of Biobío
Things to do in Concepción, Chile: the Presence of Latin America mural, the University of Concepción bell tower, Cerro Caracol, the Huáscar in Talcahuano, the Chiflón del Diablo mine in Lota and nearby beaches. How to get there and how long to stay.
Things to do in Temuco: a guide to the capital of La Araucanía
Things to do in Temuco: Cerro Ñielol and its copihue flowers, the Pablo Neruda National Railway Museum, the Pinto market, Mapuche food and trips to Conguillío and Pucón. Status of the Municipal Market, how to get there and how long to stay.
Things to do in Chillán: murals, markets and the gateway to Nevados
Things to do in Chillán: the Siqueiros and Guerrero murals at the Escuela México, the cathedral, the market, Chillán Viejo and trips to Valle Las Trancas, the hot springs and Nevados de Chillán. How to get there by train, bus or car.
Travelling around Chile costs more: airfares up 29% and domestic tour packages up 49.8% in a year
Chile's Tourism Barometer shows travel prices rising: domestic packages +49.8%, airfares +29% and intercity buses +19.8% as of August 2026. Hotel occupancy, rates by region and what it means for the summer.
Puerto Natales airport: the no-flight days from January to March 2027 and how to reach Torres del Paine
Puerto Natales airport will have runway works from January to March 2027 and will only handle commercial flights on certain days. Calendar, share of flights kept, alternatives via Punta Arenas and what to do if you already have a ticket.
LATAM ends Santiago-Neuquén flights from October 25: what happens to tickets
LATAM suspends the direct Santiago-Neuquén route from October 25, 2026 due to low demand, seven months after relaunching it. Affected flights, rebooking via Buenos Aires, refunds and alternatives to reach Argentine Patagonia.
Foreign tourists in Chile by country in 2026: the monthly arrivals ranking
2026 ranking of foreign tourist arrivals in Chile by country, from Sernatur and PDI data: 2,963,936 from January to July (-19.1%). Argentina leads despite a 39.7% drop, and in July Brazil overtook it. Tables by country, month and continent.
Busiest airports in South America in 2025: Santiago ranks third
2025 ranking of South America's busiest airports by passengers, according to ACI-LAC: Guarulhos leads with 47.2 million, El Dorado is second and Santiago third with 25.9 million, just ahead of Lima. Tables of total and international passengers.
Things to do in Puerto Montt: Angelmó, Tenglo Island, the waterfront and the best day trips
Guide to things to do in Puerto Montt: Angelmó cove and market, Tenglo Island, the waterfront, Pelluco, museums, Alerce Andino National Park and day trips to Puerto Varas, Chiloé and the Carretera Austral. How many days to stay and how to get around.
Things to do in Puerto Natales: Milodón Cave, glaciers, the waterfront and the gateway to Torres del Paine
Guide to things to do in Puerto Natales: waterfront and Monument to the Wind, historic pier, museum, Cerro Dorotea, Milodón Cave, boat trips to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers and how to reach Torres del Paine. Conaf data and 2027 tips.
Things to do in Coyhaique: national reserve, Piedra del Indio, the Simpson River and the gateway to the Carretera Austral
Guide to things to do in Coyhaique, capital of Aysén: Coyhaique National Reserve and its lagoons, Piedra del Indio, the Simpson River promenade, the Regional Museum, the pentagonal square and day trips to Cerro Castillo and the Carretera Austral.
Valparaíso cruise season 2026-2027: 30 port calls, 25% more than last year
Valparaíso opened its 2026-2027 cruise season with the Fridtjof Nansen. There are 30 calls until April 15, 2027, nine with overnight stays. Schedule, ships and what to do ashore.
Chile weather front on October 19 and 20: alert for up to 35 mm of rain in central Chile
Chile's weather service issued an alert for moderate to heavy rain on Tuesday, October 20, in five regions, with up to 35 mm in Santiago and Valparaíso. What to expect and what to check if you are traveling.
JetSMART cleared to link Santiago with Rio and Florianópolis via Buenos Aires: what it means for travelers
Argentina authorized JetSMART Chile to operate up to ninth-freedom flights. The airline plans Santiago-Rio de Janeiro and Santiago-Florianópolis flights with a stop at Aeroparque. What we know and what is missing.
Things to do in Pichilemu: surfing Punta de Lobos, the Cáhuil salt flats and Agustín Ross's legacy
Things to do in Pichilemu: Punta de Lobos and its World Surfing Reserve, the Cáhuil salt pans, the Ross park and former casino, beaches and how to get there from Santiago in 3 to 4 hours.
Things to do in Frutillar: Teatro del Lago, the German colonial museum and the Llanquihue waterfront
Things to do in Frutillar, a UNESCO Creative City of Music: Teatro del Lago, the Semanas Musicales, the German Colonial Museum, kuchen, the beach and views of Osorno volcano across Lake Llanquihue.
Things to do in Arica: the Morro, the Chinchorro mummies and the beaches of eternal spring
Things to do in Arica: climb the Morro, see the Chinchorro mummies, a UNESCO World Heritage site, San Marcos Cathedral, the Anzota caves, surf beaches and trips to the Azapa Valley and Lauca.
Chile wins four World Travel Awards 2026 and competes in eight world categories
Chile won four World Travel Awards 2026 in South America, including best adventure tourism destination for the twelfth time. World voting closes on October 30.
Chile's 2027 tourism budget: international promotion does not rise and the industry wants it fixed
Chile's draft 2027 budget leaves Sernatur's tourism promotion at 6,995.9 million pesos, 0.4% less in real terms. Fedetur objects and Congress debates it on October 20 and 22.
Chile weather front in October: storms from Atacama to Los Lagos and what travelers should check
Senapred issued a preventive early alert from Atacama to Los Lagos for a weather front with storms, hail and a high freezing level between October 18 and 21. Roads, parks and tips.
Things to do in Iquique: beaches, the Humberstone nitrate works and Paseo Baquedano
Guide to things to do in Iquique: Cavancha beach, Paseo Baquedano, the Zofri free zone, paragliding from Alto Hospicio and trips to Humberstone, Pica and La Tirana.
Things to do in Santiago, Chile: neighborhoods, hills, museums and day trips
Guide to things to do in Santiago, Chile: Plaza de Armas, La Moneda, Santa Lucía hill, Lastarria, Bellavista, free museums, Sky Costanera and day trips to wineries, Valparaíso and the Andes.
Things to do in Valdivia: rivers, Spanish forts, beer and nature
Guide to things to do in Valdivia: the river market and sea lions, Isla Teja, the Niebla and Corral forts, river cruises, the Carlos Anwandter sanctuary and the beer route.
Things to do in La Serena and Coquimbo: beaches, lighthouse, cross and Elqui Valley
Guide to things to do in La Serena and Coquimbo: Avenida del Mar and the Monumental Lighthouse, the historic center, the Third Millennium Cross, Barrio Inglés, beaches, Humboldt penguins and the Elqui Valley.
Things to do in Punta Arenas: penguins, the Strait of Magellan and museums
Guide to things to do in Punta Arenas: Plaza Muñoz Gamero, the municipal cemetery, museums, Cerro de la Cruz, Magdalena Island, Fuerte Bulnes and how to continue to Torres del Paine.
Foreign tourists in Chile 2026: Argentines drop off and long-haul arrivals hit a record
Chile welcomed 2.55 million foreign tourists in the first half of 2026, down 19.4% due to the drop in Argentine visitors. Long-haul markets set a record.
New flight routes to Chile for summer 2026-2027
Air Canada returns to Santiago from Toronto and Montreal, United adds daily flights from Houston and JetSMART got approval to fly to Rio and Florianópolis. Dates, frequencies and aircraft.
BTS in Santiago: the effect of the concerts on tourism
BTS's three concerts at the Estadio Nacional sent searches for lodging in Santiago up 200%. Dates, figures and tips for anyone traveling to see the Arirang tour.
Things to do in Puerto Varas: Lake Llanquihue, Osorno volcano and Frutillar
Guide to Puerto Varas: Lake Llanquihue, the Sacred Heart church, Osorno volcano, Petrohué Falls and Frutillar with the Teatro del Lago. How to get there and when to go.
Things to do in Viña del Mar: Flower Clock, Wulff Castle, Quinta Vergara and beaches
Guide to Viña del Mar: the Flower Clock, Wulff Castle, Quinta Vergara, Rioja Palace, the beaches and Reñaca. How to get there from Santiago and how to combine it with Valparaíso.
Valparaíso: a one-day guide to Chile's most colorful port city
Hillside neighborhoods, funiculars, street art and the sea: how to make the most of a full day in Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage site an hour and a half from Santiago.
When to visit Chile by region: a season-by-season guide
Chile has very different climates from north to south. A practical guide to which season works best depending on whether you're headed to the desert, the central zone, or Patagonia.
The moai of Rapa Nui: what they mean and where to see them
What the moai of Easter Island represent, where the main archaeological sites are, and what sets Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki apart.
Chiloé: mythology, stilt houses and food in the archipelago
Heritage churches, houses built on stilts, and a mythology all its own: what makes Chiloé so different from the rest of Chile.
What to see in Chilean Patagonia: a guide for first-timers
Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales and the southern fjords: an introductory itinerary through Chilean Patagonia for those visiting for the first time.
How much does it cost to travel to Chile: a budget guide by traveler type
A general budget guide for traveling to Chile depending on your travel style: backpacker, mid-range traveler, or a more comfortable trip.
Elqui Valley: astrotourism and observatories
Why the Elqui Valley is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, and which observatories you can visit.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui): what to know before you travel
How to get to Easter Island, how many days you should plan for, and practical information to know before traveling to Rapa Nui.
Getting around Chile: buses, domestic flights and trains
How to get around within Chile depending on distance: when a long-distance bus makes sense, when to fly, and where trains still exist.
Valparaíso's historic quarter, a World Heritage site
Why UNESCO declared Valparaíso's historic port area a World Heritage site, and what makes it architecturally unique.
Safety for tourists in Chile: what to know before you travel
General safety recommendations for traveling around Chile: which areas call for extra caution, and basic good practices.
Indigenous peoples of Chile: a basic guide for travelers
Mapuche, Aymara, Rapa Nui and other indigenous peoples of Chile: where their culture is still alive, and how to experience it respectfully while traveling.