International air transport prices in Chile rose 13.0% in October 2026 and are up 19.4% so far this year, while domestic air transport fell 11.8% in the month and is down 15.0% year to date, according to the October CPI bulletin from the National Statistics Institute (INE), published on 6 November. The headline index rose 0.5% in the month and inflation stood at 4.5% both year to date and over twelve months.
The rise was driven by transport (2.0% in the month) and food (1.0%), according to the INE press release-de-octubre-present%C3%B3-una-variaci%C3%B3n-mensual-de-0-5). For travellers in Chile the month sends a mixed signal: flying within the country is cheaper than at the start of the year, but getting around by car costs considerably more.
View the data as a table
| International air transport | +13.0% |
| Domestic air transport | -11.8% |
| Headline CPI, month | +0.5% |
Airfares in Chile's October CPI
INE tracks airfares through two products: domestic and international air transport. In October they moved in opposite directions. The overall passenger air transport class rose 4.2% and added 0.036 points to the month's CPI.
| Product or division | October change | 2026 year to date | Contribution to monthly CPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| International air transport | +13.0% | +19.4% | +0.071 pp |
| Domestic air transport | -11.8% | -15.0% | -0.035 pp |
| Passenger air transport (class) | +4.2% | Not stated | +0.036 pp |
| Petrol | +4.5% | +26.2% | +0.157 pp |
| Diesel | +12.3% | +53.5% | +0.068 pp |
| Headline CPI | +0.5% | +4.5% | — |
Source: INE, CPI bulletin no. 336, October 2026.
For a foreign visitor already in Chile, cheaper domestic flights are good news: routes such as Santiago-Calama, Santiago-Puerto Montt or Santiago-Punta Arenas cost less than in January. For Chileans thinking about a trip abroad, on the other hand, international fares are almost a fifth more expensive than ten months ago.
How much petrol and diesel rose for a road trip
Petrol rose 4.5% in October and is up 26.2% this year; diesel rose 12.3% in the month and 53.5% this year, according to INE. That is the main reason transport is up 9.7% year to date and 10.0% over twelve months. We already looked at the effect of the 22 October fuel price rise on a road trip. If you plan to rent a car, our guide to car rental in Chile for foreigners covers requirements and insurance.
Restaurants, accommodation and recreation in Chile's October CPI
The restaurants and accommodation division rose 0.8% in the month, 4.4% year to date and 5.8% over twelve months, above headline inflation. Recreation, sport and culture fell 0.2% in October but is up 5.5% this year. These are the 13 CPI divisions:
| Division | October | 2026 year to date | 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | 2.0% | 9.7% | 10.0% |
| Alcoholic beverages and tobacco | 1.0% | 6.4% | 3.4% |
| Food and non-alcoholic beverages | 1.0% | 5.0% | 4.9% |
| Restaurants and accommodation | 0.8% | 4.4% | 5.8% |
| Housing and utilities | 0.6% | 3.8% | 3.8% |
| Miscellaneous goods and services | 0.1% | 1.5% | 1.0% |
| Education | 0.0% | 5.8% | 5.8% |
| Insurance and financial services | -0.1% | -8.5% | -9.7% |
| Health | -0.2% | 3.9% | 5.1% |
| Recreation, sport and culture | -0.2% | 5.5% | 4.6% |
| Household equipment and maintenance | -0.6% | 1.0% | 1.7% |
| Information and communication | -1.0% | 1.9% | 2.1% |
| Clothing and footwear | -4.1% | -3.4% | -4.1% |
Source: INE, October 2026 CPI bulletin, divisions table.
What to expect from travel prices in summer 2026-2027
After the figure, economists consulted by La Tercera expect inflation to end 2026 at around 5%. For foreign tourists the exchange rate matters as much as the CPI: in October the dollar averaged its highest level of the year, as we detailed in our story on the October dollar. With a strong dollar, peso increases at hotels and restaurants are partly offset for those paying in foreign currency.
To build your budget, see our guides to how much a trip to Chile costs, transport in Chile: buses, flights and trains and the Santiago airport transfer to the city centre.
Does your airline, agency or car rental want to reach travellers comparing prices for the summer?
See advertising optionsFrequently asked questions
How much did Chile's CPI rise in October 2026?
0.5% in the month. Year-to-date and twelve-month inflation both stood at 4.5%, according to INE.
Did airfares go up or down in October?
It depends on the destination: international air transport rose 13.0% and domestic fell 11.8%. So far this year, international is up 19.4% and domestic down 15.0%.
How much has petrol risen in Chile in 2026?
Petrol is up 26.2% between January and October 2026 and diesel 53.5%, according to the October CPI bulletin.
Are hotels more expensive in Chile?
The restaurants and accommodation division is up 5.8% over twelve months, more than headline CPI (4.5%). INE's summary does not publish hotel prices separately.
