Accomodation & Transportation
Hotels and hostels of various categories may be encountered in
all major cities, varying from five-star hotels to rooms in
private homes. In recent years, a growing number of modern hotels
and cabin complexes (cabanas) have sprouted in many rural areas.
Credit cards are widely accepted. Foreign travelers paying in
dollars (either cash or traveler checks) are exempt from VAT
(18%).
Air Travel
Six modern national airlines (Lan, Ladeco, National, Alta,
Avant, Dap) serve all the principal cities; service is first-class
and very safe. Fares compare favorably with those in Europe, less
so with those in the United States. Lan Chile offers a
multiple-flight ticket called the Visit Chile pass, only available
abroad and in conjunction with a plane ticket to Chile (with any
airline). This pass allows visitors to fly to all the country's
principal destinations within a period of 21 days, for a single
fare. Each flight may be arranged individually and with relative
freedom. Partial North or South passes are also available.
Travel by Bus
Comfortable, modem buses serve all major cities and
intermediate towns, including trips as long as the Arica-Santiago
marathon. There are three classes: Salon Cama, Semi-Cama, and
Tourist. The former, by far the most comfortable, is recommended
for long trips, which often include meals.
Urban Transportation
- City buses (micros): Require a basic knowledge of the
city.
- Subway (metro): Santiago only, 3 lines, very clean
and fast.
- Colectivos (shared taxis): Follow fixed routes in
Santiago and many other cities, even between neighboring
towns; much faster than micros.
- Taxis (black with yellow roofs): Relatively cheap;
tipping not expected.
- Tourist taxis (blue): Parked in front of hotels, more
expensive than normal taxis.
- Radio taxis: May be ordered by telephone, useful when
you need to be picked up at a certain time. Fares similar to
normal taxis.
- Airport transportation: Both city buses and vans; the
latter will take you straight to your hotel.
Train
Passenger service exists between Arica and La Paz, Bolivia,
Calama and Oruro, Bolivia, and from Santiago as far south as
Puerto Montt. A journey in one of the historic German sleeper cars
- brought to Chile in the 20s - is a (leisurely) trip back in
time. Departures are form Estaci6n Central.
Car Rental
Though not cheap, renting a car is a more comfortable option
for independent travelers wanting a little more autonomy.
(Requirements: minimum 25 years of age, international driver's
license, credit card). In addition to large companies such as
Hertz, Budget, and Avis, there are many smaller companies. When
checking prices, be sure to check whether (the value-added tax (IVA),
mileage, and insurance are included. Also check out local road
conditions: many are gravel. Gas (bencina) costs about US$0.65/Iiter
(US$ 2.46/US gallon). Speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h; 100
km/h on highways, unless otherwise indicated. Police controls are
frequent and quite strict. Be attentive when driving in town, as
Chileans aren't the most orderly drivers, changing lanes
frequently and signaling rarely. Important: always carry vehicle
documents and your driver's license. For advice or to resolve
problems, the Carabineros (Chile's police force) are helpful,
friendly, and easy to find. In the event that you are stopped by
the Carabineros, do not under any circumstances offer a bribe;
this will land you in deep trouble.
Bicycles and Motorcycles
Two-wheeled travel is excellent in Chile, with roads for all
preferences leading to places of incomparable beauty. Heavy
traffic and lack of bike lanes make Santiago somewhat less than
ideal for cycling, but in the rest of the country, though bike
lanes are still extremely rare, there are many lightly traveled
roads.
Hitchhiking
Though generally feasible, in rural areas a good supply of
patience may be necessary. |
