Queer rights are progressing in this once socially conservative but still Catholic country. Same-sex couples have had legal protection since 2015 and have been able to marry since 2022. They can also apply to adopt. There are no service bans for the military, and transgender people can change their sex and name.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
The gay scene and most of the country’s LGBTQ+ nightlife is thriving in the capital of Santiago, especially in Barrio Bellavista. To make the most of it, bear in mind things don’t get rolling until late in the night (the Latin way).
Gay Villages in Chile
Santiago: Barrio Bellavista
Pride Festivals in Chile
Santiago Pride (Marcha del Orgullo): Annually on the last Saturday in June.
Open Mind Fest (A gay electronic street party): Annually in November.
Best Gay Bars in Chile
Santiago: Station Bar
Santiago: Bar 105
Santiago: Il Divino
Santiago: Club Soda
Best Lesbian Bars in Chile
Santiago: Máscara Pub
Santiago: Realidad Paralela
5. Easter Island
Few of the ancient world’s remains are as famous as Easter Island’s Moai statues.
4. Atacama Desert
As the driest place on Earth, the Atacama Desert boasts the world’s best stargazing. During the day, bike or hike the desert’s other-worldly terrain, visit the salt lagoons or discover a half-buried hand statue.
3. Santiago
Top-notch museums, cultural sights, incredible gay nightlife and indulgent restaurants await travellers in Santiago. Oh, and the mountain view isn’t so bad, either.
2. Colchagua Valley
Oenophiles have long proclaimed Chile a dominant presence among the New World wineries. Taste why on a biking tour of Colchagua Valley.
1. Torres del Paine National Park
Patagonia is so famous the world’s best outdoor clothing company is named after it. Endless stretches of the countryside are broken up by soaring mountains only the bravest travellers would dare surmount. Endemic flora and fauna thrive in the remote, relatively untouched terrain.
Best Time to Visit: The weather is best during the shoulder seasons: October to November & March to May.
Electricity: C- and L-type sockets
Time Zone: UTC-03:00, Santiago
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Chile, there are no other vaccinations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: US, Canadian and Australian citizens don’t require a tourist visa. Contact a Chilean embassy for more info.
Last updated on August 21, 2023. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.
