Hi:

I'm leaving April 4th for Chile. Spending two days/nights in Santiago (Carrera Hotel) and 5 days/nights in Patagonia (Explora Hotel). I know that I'll need to pay $100US on arrival for a visa, but any other airport info (ATMs, departure lounge use for AA EXP, duty free, etc.) would be appreciated - as would any other suggestions of what to see, what to avoid and the like. I'm taking this particular trip to celebrate my upcoming 50th birthday, so I'd like it to be memorable.

Thanks for your consideration.

DKM

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"What's your favorite place to visit?" "Wherever I'm going next."

I only go for business, but I can help with a few things. The reciprocal fee booth is before the customs window on the right. Do use the ATM at the airport. Check the exchange rate before you leave to get the right amount. Try to ignore the dozens of men who are shouting "Taxi!" to you. Either go to a official transport booth, or arrange something with your hotel. It's a fairly long drive into the city, so it's worth $20 or so to be comfortable.

My favorite neighborhood is Barrio Suicia, near Avenida Richard Lyon. The Park Place hotel there is tops for me. Plenty of good nightlife and shopping in that area.

I was in SCL a couple of times last year and stayed at the Hotel Carrera. During my first visit, I asked for a guide to introduce me to the city. Fortunately, the Carrera recommended Alwin Schuler Espindola. Alwin is an outstanding guide, speaks perfect English and has an excellent grasp of Chilean history. He never tried to hustle me into shops; indeed, he acquainted me with areas well off the beaten tourist path. When I returned for my second visit, I arranged for Alwin to meet my flight. His rates are quite reasonable. You won't be in a luxury car; but the car will be clean and you will find that Alwin is a terrific driver. You may want to contact the hotel and ask if he can meet your flight. If you want to contact him directly, please e-mail me and I will give you his e-mail address and cell-phone number.

[This message has been edited by obscure2k (edited 03-26-2003).]

There is an Admirals Club by the departure gates. It's nice. A few gates down is the Lan Chile lounge. It's fantastic. Visit both, but I think you'll end up spending more time at the Lan Chile lounge. Duty free is just after immigration/security. Prices were decent for Chilean wine, but I didn't look at much else.

I have been to Santiago 4 times in the past 14 months, and through that airport even more times. I have always pre-negotiated a taxi with one of the people yelling "taxi" (they are almost all airport authorized). Last month, I paid CL$11.000 - (exchange has been fluctuating from $1=700 to $1=750 over the past several months).

Duty free is limited but adequate - but if you see that special bottle of wine or pisco in town, just buy it there - you probably won't do any better at the airport. The AA lounge is adequate. If you have access to the LA lounge, its excellent.

I don't know if you are flying to Punta Arenas (or have some other air transport, etc)... If so, note the following. Lan Chile carry on can be STRICTLY ENFORCED and is not very generous. Lan is a very good airline. No other airports (nor the national side of SCL) has an airline lounge, but there is a chain called "Pacific Club" at 4 or 5 airports in Chile. Although their relationships with certain credit cards (primarily types of Citibank cards) has been in a state of flux, there are times when a Diners Club International will get you in. They are also Priority Pass-affiliated, but its cheaper (CL$10.000) for a single entry than dealing with Priority Pass unless you have the top P.P. package. I have been in the SCL (national) and PMC lounges. Adequate, complimentary drinks, slow (but included) internet, and really no snackiecakes.

How much do I like Chile? I am burning miles to go to a concert next month. I just booked my 3d annual December trip.

Disfrutelo.

I have only been to Chile once, but I enjoyed it very much. Virtualtourist.com has some commentary from previous visitors. Some are informative and some are superficial.

I didn't stay at the Hotel Carrera, but I think it was part of history during the 1973 era, I think. Maybe you shouldn't ask about it because politics in those days are still controversial.

You may want to read the section about Chile in the trip report
LH F-class & Bolivia / Peru / Chile (+ pictures)

There's also a section about Patagonia. I had no time to go to the Grey glacier (boat + walking = 1 day trip). I think that's worth while to do. I think staying 2 days/nights in SCL and 5 days/nights in Patagonia is perfectly planned.

Thank you all. Your comments are really helpful - and the link to the trip report with pictures was especially interesting.

DKM