Chile

Chilehttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/south-america/chileChilehttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/south-america/chile/atacama-desert-experienceWhat kind of idiot cycles into the driest desert in the world without a first-aid kit? Me, obviously. 2018-12-05T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/south-america/chile/atacama-desert-experiencehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><em><strong>Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Chile: <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/chile/travel-alerts-and-advice">Read the latest travel alerts to find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you</a>.</strong></em></p> <p>My husband, Mark, and I had just turned our bikes around after riding 10mi (16km) from our hostel, in the town of San Pedro de Atacama, to the final stop in Valle de la Luna. We were walking beside our bikes pushing them up a hill while enjoying far northern <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/chile">Chile</a>’s arid desert landscapes – just quietly, wishing we’d packed more water.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/chile/riding-on-my-bicycle-in-chile.jpg" /> <figcaption>Happily riding through the desert. Photo credit: <a href="https://wheresmildo.com/" title="Where's Mildo?">Milly Brady</a></figcaption></figure> <p>Suddenly, the shoe lace on my right hiking boot got caught up on the lace hook of my left shoe, sending me crashing down onto my hands and knees, my bike falling beside me.</p> <p>I slowly tried to stand, wincing in <g class="gr_ gr_46 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="46" data-gr-id="46">pain,</g> and looked down to see my left hand sliced open, and my knees bloodied, with gravel sitting inside the cuts.</p> <p>Mark quickly looked through our backpacks, trying to find band-aids or tissues to wipe the wounds. I didn’t want to pour our (limited) supply of water over my cuts, so was hoping he’d find my antiseptic wipes. Of course, I left them in my backpack at the hostel – 10mi away.</p> <p>With no tissues available, zero chance of any passing cars, and no travelers around to help, I was feeling hopelessly helpless.</p> <p>Alas, all was not lost. I remembered the secret pocket in my backpack, the one where I kept the most obscure items, including a panty liner. I snatched my bag off the ground, ripped open the zipper, and held the pink packaged panty liner in the sun.</p> <p>This liner helped remove the excess mess from my hand, and, stuck to the handlebars, protected my open wound from the foam handles.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/chile/cycling-atacama-desert-milly-mcgrath.jpg" /> <figcaption>Stopping to catch our breath. Photo credit: <a href="https://wheresmildo.com/" title="Where's Mildo">Milly Brady</a></figcaption></figure> <p>Moral of the story: think outside the box if you get stuck in the desert without a <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/travel-first-aid-kit">first-aid kit</a>.</p> <p>I’ve always been clumsy. I never leave the house – let alone the country – without at least four band-aids. To top it off, I’m a hopeless bike rider.</p> <p>To this day, I still wonder why I didn’t pack any first-aid items in my bag that sunny day, but thank goodness I always have at least one sanitary item in my bag – whether or not it’s that time of the month.<br /><br /><strong>What backpacking blunders have you made while traveling and how did you "Macgyver" your way out of the situation? Let us know in the comments below.</strong></p>Milly Brady, wheresmildo.com 1 Milly Brady/Wheresmildo.com Cycling in the Atacama Desert

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/south-america/chile/travel-alerts-and-adviceWhat are the issues affecting travelers in Chile? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.2020-12-31T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/south-america/chile/travel-alerts-and-advicehttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Listen to the World Nomads Podcast: Chile</h2> <iframe width="100%" height="200" style="width: 100%; height: 200px;" src="https://player.whooshkaa.com/player/episode/id/254230?visual=true&sharing=true" frameborder="0"></iframe> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Previous travel alerts</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Riots in Chile over income inequality – October 2019</h2> <p>The Chilean government declared a state of emergency in October 2019, which lasted for 15 days. Violent riots broke out in Santiago and other major cities, as protests against income inequality and a rise in transport fees got out of control.</p> <p>A supermarket was set on fire, transport hubs have been severely damaged, and flights have been disrupted due to civil unrest at Santiago airport. Transport delays may continue throughout the week. Contact your airline if you are unsure about scheduled flights in or out of Chile.</p> <p>It was the worst civil unrest in Chile since the end of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet in 1990.</p> <p>Travelers who are in Chile should stay up to date with local news reports and avoid large crowds of protestors. It is unclear how long the civil unrest will last, despite the state of emergency ending in late October.</p> <p>We suggest you check your government’s travel advisory for their latest advice on travel to Chile, and <a href="https://helpdesk.worldnomads.com/customer/en_au/portal/articles/2404691-what-countries-are-covered-by-world-nomads-travel-insurance-?b_id=12919" target="_blank" title="Which countries does World Nomads cover">read about which countries World Nomads travel insurance includes coverage for</a>.</p> <h2>8.3 magnitude earthquake in Chile – 16 September 2015</h2> <p>An 8.3 magnitude earthquake has hit central Chile, with the Chilean national emergency agency issuing a tsunami alert for its entire coast. In some regions, waves of more than four meters have been reported.</p> <p>Government officials have confirmed five people have died, and over a million people have been evacuated.</p> <p>The quake struck at 19:54 local time (16/09/2015), with the epicenter about 55km west of the city of Illapel, and a depth of around 10km, according to the US Geological Survey. Strong aftershocks were reported shortly afterward, and buildings swayed in the capital of Santiago, located around 230km from the quake’s epicenter.</p> <p>Tremors were also felt as far as the Argentinian capital - Buenos Aires - located 1,110 kilometers away. The quake struck in the lead up to the Chilean Independence Day on September 18, which sees a large portion of the country on vacation and headed to the coastal regions.</p> <p>Officials have also issued evacuations in shallow areas along Chile's Pacific shore, from Puerto Aysen in the south to Arica in the north. Emergency indicators in some of these low-lying regions state that people need to be 30-40 kilometers away from the shore to reach a minimum safe distance. This alone has the potential to create transport and pedestrian chaos.</p> <p>“I was right at one of the biggest surf breaks in Chile, a national holiday is in two days, the entire country is on vacation starting today, so beaches are packed,” Jonathan Franklin, <em>The Guardian</em>’s Chile correspondent, said.</p> <p>“The wine glasses started to shake and the kids started to scream, it was a very long quake, it must have been about two minutes long.”</p> <p>“People are terrified ... Already, we’re hearing reports of buildings collapsing, and also of rock slides, there’s a lot of really arid, mountainous zones here, and electricity out.</p> <p>The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre also says “widespread hazardous tsunami waves” are possible along the coasts of Peru and Hawaii. Chile - which sites on an arc of volcanoes and fault lines called the ‘Ring Of Fire’ - is one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world - with more than a dozen quakes of magnitude 7.0 or higher since 1970.</p> <p><a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/How-To-Survive-A-Tsunami-Tsunami-Tips" target="_blank">Find out how to survive a tsunami here</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><em>Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.</em></p>Getty Images/Jorisvo 1116589265 Getty Images Chilean flag

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/south-america/chile/chile-natural-disasters-and-other-concernsFrom active volcanoes to earthquakes, find out how to stay safe while exploring the deserts and geyser fields in Chile.2018-07-17T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/south-america/chile/chile-natural-disasters-and-other-concernshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>The northern two thirds of Chile is located on The Nazca Plate, an oceanic tectonic plate that shares a subduction line with the continental South American Plate, creating a very geologically active region. From geysers and volcanoes to high mountain peaks and glaciers, Chile is a naturally diverse country to explore.</p> <p>But, active volcanoes and earthquake tremors are very real risks for locals and travelers in Chile. While predicting them isn't always easy, here are a few natural disaster threats to be aware of, how to to stay safe when visiting geologically active locations.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#earthquakes">Earthquakes</a></li> <li><a href="#volcanoes">Volcanoes</a></li> <li><a href="#geysers">Geysers</a></li> <li><a href="#other-hazards">Other Hazards in Chile</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="earthquakes">Earthquakes</h2> <p>Like many countries located on the famed Pacific Ring of Fire, Chile has a long history of shake, rattle and roll. In recent years, the country has seen an increase in high magnitude quakes and the subsequent damage and destruction that inevitably follows. </p> <p>In 2017, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Valparaiso, causing widespread damage to buildings and roads, and triggered tsunami alerts. Fortunately, no one was killed. </p> <p>Earthquakes can happen anytime and anywhere, so it's good to keep an eye on local news and government alerts before and while traveling in Chile. Check out <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-survive-an-earthquake-travel-safety-tips">our article</a> on what to do should you, unfortunately, find yourself in an earthquake situation.</p> <h2 id="volcanoes">Volcanoes</h2> <p>Chile is home to several active volcanoes, some of which threaten to erupt at any time. For instance, the Chaiten volcano, located in the Los Lagos region south of Santiago, remains under close watch for the threat of volcanic activity and several areas have been restricted as a result.</p> <p>That same volcano erupted in 2008 and resulted in the evacuation of Chaiten and the surrounding areas due to dangerous ash fall. Another recent flare-up involving the Llaima volcano, located in the Conguillo National Park caused the government to restrict access to the park and surrounding areas as a precaution.</p> <p>Anyone traveling within an active volcano zone should exercise caution and pay close attention to current news reports and government issued warnings.</p> <h2 id="geysers">Geysers</h2> <p>Some of the most incredible natural wonders found in Chile are the many geysers and thermal sources that are located throughout the country. El Tatio, a major tourist attraction located in the Andes in northern Chile, is one of the most active geothermal areas in the country featuring a mix of geysers, fumeroles and other geological structures.</p> <p>Under pressure, geysers erupt large amounts of hot corrosive water into the air. The effect is like taking the lid off a pressure cooker. Fumeroles, on the other hand are vents which emit steam and volcanic gases such as hydrogen sulfide (hence the rotten egg smell), carbon dioxide and hydrogen chloride. </p> <p>But as fascinating as they are, these are dangerous and should be treated with caution. The ground between geysers or fumeroles can be thin and unstable which can break when stepped on.</p> <p>Even worse, falling into a geyser can have devastating results. In 2015, a Belgian traveler fell into a scoldingly hot geyser in El Tatio while trying to take a photo, sustaining burns to 80% of her body. Sadly, she didn't survive the incident despite making it to hospital. Her husband also sustained burns trying to rescue her.</p> <p>The steam and gases from fumaroles can cause a thick fog making it difficult to see where you are stepping. An unfortunate Spanish traveler learned this lesson the hard way when his glasses fogged up from the steam and he continued walking blindly, stepping directly into the open hole of a geyser. Sun glare is also another hazard which can make it difficult to see where you are going.</p> <p>Adding to the danger of the unstable ground and hot plumes of hazardous vapor <g class="gr_ gr_93 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="93" data-gr-id="93">is</g> the fact that the closest hospital is approximately five hours away in Calama. If you are fortunate enough to survive a fall into one of the geysers, chances are you may not survive the long trip to get medical treatment. Exercise caution at all times around these geological formations.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Travel-Safety/chile/naturalhazards-Dmitry%20Chulov.jpg" /> <figcaption> El Tatio Geyser field in Northern Chile. Photo credit: Dmitry Chulov/Getty Images</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="other-hazards">Other Hazards in Chile</h2> <p>The weather in Chile can also pose a possible threat to unsuspecting and ill-prepared visitors.</p> <p>The Atacama Desert is an area that can be enjoyed year-round, but visitors should be adequately prepared for the extreme temperatures that can occur there.</p> <p>Days are long and brutally hot during the summer and can easily cause conditions such as heat exhaustion or sunstroke if not properly prepared for. Conversely, temperatures in the higher altitude areas can drop severely when the sun goes down.<br /><br />Fall and winter are the rainy seasons in Chile and flooding <g class="gr_ gr_90 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="90" data-gr-id="90">is</g> common throughout the country. Flash flooding, which occurs quickly and with <g class="gr_ gr_88 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="88" data-gr-id="88">little</g> warning can be particularly hazardous and can cause injury and damage to property.</p> <p>Smog can also be a problem during winter months because of the health risks associated with it. Santiago is especially susceptible to the issue, often declaring pre-emergency and emergency states when the degree of smog reaches a dangerous level. Anyone <a href="/travel-safety/sickness-and-travel" target="_blank">suffering from ill health</a>, or traveling with children or the elderly should avoid visiting the city during these periods.</p> <p>But these natural wonders should also inspire a certain level of respect because of the potential dangers they present. As long as you exercise caution, monitor news reports and heed government warnings while there, you should be able to experience the amazing Chilean environment safely.</p>Getty Images/gadaian 1472312286 Getty Images Calbuco Volcano woke up and erupted in Chile

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/south-america/chile/threat-of-crime-in-chilePickpocketing, bag snatching and protests. Here's everything you need to know about crime in Chile.2024-10-03T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/south-america/chile/threat-of-crime-in-chilehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Chile is normally a very safe destination for travelers, a well-developed country with plenty of nature and open spaces. However, navigating through its cities can be another story. Here are a few things to be aware of and tips on how to avoid a spoiled vacation.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#santiago">Is Santiago safe?</a></li> <li><a href="#santiago">Is Valparaiso safe?</a></li> <li><a href="#luggage-theft-in-chile">Luggage theft in Chile</a></li> <li><a href="#calama">Is Calama safe?</a></li> <li><a href="#protests-and-demonstrations">Protests and demonstration</a></li> <li><a href="#conclusion">So, is Chile safe?</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="santiago">Is Santiago safe?</h2> <p>While Santiago is far safer than some of its neighboring Latin capitals (<a href="/travel-safety/south-america/peru/crime-in-peru">Lima</a>, <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/argentina/argentina-crime">Buenos Aires</a>, <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/bolivia/crime-and-safety">La Paz</a>), it pays to be vigilant. By day, Santiago is crowded, full of shoppers, and outside of some of the park areas up on Cerro San Cristobal or Cerro Manquehue (where it’s best not to walk on empty paths if others aren’t around), your main concern is <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/baggage">pickpockets or bag snatchers</a>, who may target obvious tourists flashing expensive cameras, jewelry, or phones. Women might want to consider carrying everything in their pockets rather than a purse, or else wear a day pack that can also be turned around and worn on your front if in crowded market or shopping areas.</p> <p>Like most big <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/south-america">South American cities</a>, nighttime is a different story. If you must walk, do so only on streets with other people, or better yet, take taxis. While the advent of internet-taxi services like Uber, Didi, Lyft, and Cabify have made taxi crime somewhat less relevant, it still pays to use the ride services or call radio taxis as opposed to just hailing cabs from the street, especially if you can’t speak Spanish. The bar and club areas in Bellavista and Barrio Brasil are popular nightlife hangouts, but if you go out drinking, like anywhere else, don’t overdo it. It’s preferable to go with a friend, as there have been issues with “friendly” strangers <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/drink-spiking">spiking drinks</a>. As a rule of thumb, always take taxis at night, and only carry the money you need, along with a photocopy of your passport as opposed to the real thing.</p> <h2 id="santiago">Is <strong>Valparaiso</strong> safe?</h2> <p>Most articles you read on Chile safety focus on the big city, and thus Santiago gets all the bad press. However, by far, Valparaiso is the one city in Chile where you will need to be extra-vigilant. Though it’s perhaps Chile’s most beautiful city, receives tons of tourists, and is easily accessed on day trips from Santiago (only 90 minutes by bus from the capital), it has some serious no-go areas and high crime.</p> <p>As the city is comprised of dozens of hills, many of which are only accessed by funicular “elevators” or narrow winding alleys and steep staircases, there are plenty of spots where you can be watched from above and where there isn’t much police presence nor automobile traffic. The photogenic tourist areas around Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre are safe and tend to have more security presence, but the higher hills without elevators are best avoided. Other than wanting panoramic viewpoints, you don’t have much reason to go to these other spots, but you will certainly be passing through the flat area between Plaza Sotomayor and the Ascensor Artilleria near the harbor, which is a very rough neighborhood even by day. Do not flash any valuables here, keep your phone in your pocket, and better yet, take a taxi to travel through this part of town. The area around the main bus station and anywhere along the port are also not places to linger. Really be alert in this part of Valparaiso, call an Uber, and get to your destination.</p> <h2 id="luggage-theft-in-chile">Luggage theft in Chile</h2> <p>While bus stations in Chile usually have a security presence, this doesn’t stop thieves from <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/baggage">stealing your luggage</a> should you leave your pack unattended or turn your back to it while buying a bus ticket. The old scam of someone spraying or dropping a sticky substance on you and having an accomplice point it out and offer to help, diverting your attention long enough for your bags to be snatched, isn’t as common as it once was, but still does happen.</p> <h2 id="calama">Is Calama safe?</h2> <p>The northern city of Calama, where almost every traveler will pause to transfer on the way to San Pedro de Atacama, is notorious for bag theft. Keep your bag attached to you at all times in bus stations, and it also pays to ask locals which areas are safe. While my wife and I were waiting for our bus in Calama, I hadn’t gone more than 5ft (1.5m) from my pack to toss out some garbage when a policewoman yelled at me to keep an eye on our bags.</p> <p>Other cities requiring vigilance include Antofagasta, La Serena, Puerto Montt, Villarica, Valparaiso, Iquique, and Viña del Mar.</p> <h2 id="mugging-and-other-crime">Protests and demonstrations in Chile</h2> <p>From 2019-2021 Chile saw massive street protests called the <em>Estallido Social</em> (social outburst), beginning with a protest against raising the Santiago metro fare, which boiled over into <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/safety-advice-civil-unrest">riots and violent protests</a> against corruption, cost of living increases, and general inequality. However, the COVID-19 pandemic lessened the mass gatherings, and at the end of 2021, Gabriel Boric, one of the former student protest leaders, won the national election. His presidency has brought some concessions in response to the protestors' demands, and Chile has since entered a period of relative calm. However, economic challenges persist, and the possibility of renewed demonstrations remains.</p> <p>While protests did take place in all cities across Chile, Santiago was the site of most of the violence, mainly around Plaza Baquedano. As a visitor, it’s never a wise idea to meddle in local politics, and should you find yourself caught up in a protest or demonstration, it’s best just move on as quick as you can, and not try to play local journalist and start shooting videos or filming the event.</p> <h2 id="conclusion">So, is Chile safe?</h2> <p>While petty theft, pickpocketing, and muggings can occur in Chile, if you keep your street smarts and don’t flash your valuables, you ought to be fine. Perhaps of more concern might be Chile’s position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis.</p> <p>Make sure to familiarize yourself with general <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-survive-an-earthquake-travel-safety-tips">earthquake</a> or <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-survive-a-tsunami">tsunami</a> safety procedures if you haven’t already.</p> <p>A prepared traveler is a safer traveler.</p>iStock/wastesoul 0838249546 iStock Plaza de Armas in Santiago, Chile

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/south-america/chile/a-healthy-visit-to-chileWhat vaccinations do you need for Chile, and can you drink the tap water? Plus, tips on safety at high altitudes and volcanic dangers.2020-03-10T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/south-america/chile/a-healthy-visit-to-chilehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>From the desert landscapes in the north to the ice of Patagonia in the south, plus delicious food and welcoming locals, Chile is one of my favorite destinations in <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/travel-immunizations-what-you-really-need-in-south-america" target="_blank" title="The Essential Guide to Travel Vaccinations for South America">South America</a>. I felt <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/chile/threat-of-crime-in-chile" target="_blank" title="Is Chile safe?">mostly safe in the cities</a>, and am very proud to say I didn't get sick on my trip (like I usually do when I travel).</p> <p>Travelers' chances of falling ill in Chile are low due to good levels of hygiene and food safety. However, there are health risks at high altitudes, and while hiking or taking part in adventure activities.</p> <p>Here are a few tips to avoid any potential risks to your wellness while traveling in Chile.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#volcano"> Volcanic eruption health risks </a></li> <li><a href="#altitude"> Altitude sickness in Chile </a></li> <li><a href="#pollution"> Pollution and other health issues </a></li> <li><a href="#disease"> What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Chile?</a></li> <li><a href="#water"> Tap water in Chile</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="volcano">Volcanic eruption health risks</h2> <p>One of the most dangerous things travelers can encounter in Chile is the hazardous ash, dust, and fumes that are emitted from the <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/chile/chile-natural-disasters-and-other-concerns" target="_blank">various active volcanoes</a> throughout the country. During and following a <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/chile/travel-alerts-and-advice" target="_blank" title="Chile Travel Alerts and Warnings">volcanic eruption</a>, these toxic materials can be much more widespread than many people realize.</p> <p>Exposure can cause a variety of health conditions, particularly those involving the respiratory system, and can severely affect breathing. It is especially dangerous to anyone who already suffers from a respiratory condition.</p> <p>If you are traveling in Chile while ash and other volcanic elements are falling, take appropriate precautions to avoid exposure. Remain indoors whenever possible, with doors and windows shut.</p> <p>Place damp towels at door thresholds and any place where contaminated air may get in.</p> <p>If you must go outside, use a face mask for protection. Clothing that covers exposed skin and goggles to protect eyes are also recommended.</p> <h2 id="altitude">Altitude sickness risk in Chile</h2> <p>Chile has several areas that are at <a href="/travel-safety/how-to-deal-with-altitude-sickness" target="_blank">high altitudes</a>, such as the town of San Pedro de Atacama in the north which is at 7,900ft (2,408m).</p> <p>These high-altitude destinations are popular among adventure travelers, but it's important to remember that <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-deal-with-altitude-sickness" target="_blank" title="Altitude Sickness: What Every Traveler Needs to Know">rapid ascent into higher altitudes can cause a number of health concerns</a>.</p> <p>Traveling to areas greater than 8,200ft (2,500m) can cause altitude sickness, a dangerous condition that can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level, and which can be fatal.</p> <p>A few tips to reduce your risk of altitude sickness include: drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, limiting your physical activity (don't rush or run up stairs, walk slowly) and if you begin to feel short of breath speak to your guide and take a rest.</p> <p>Be aware of the symptoms of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a life-threatening condition where fluid builds up in the lungs. <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-deal-with-altitude-sickness#stage" target="_blank" title="Stages of altitude sickness">Read more about the various stages of altitude sickness</a>.</p> <p>Anyone who has suffered altitude sickness before has an increased risk of experiencing it again, and people who have existing breathing conditions should also be extra prepared.</p> <p>If you are traveling to Chile from Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, you will already be acclimatized due to the higher altitudes on the salt flats (which reaches a height of 11,995ft/3,656m).</p> <p>The consumption of alcohol prior to acclimatizing to the change in altitude can also be a contributing factor and should be avoided.</p> <h2 id="pollution">Pollution and other health considerations</h2> <p>If you are planning to go hiking or partake in other outdoor activities during the winter months in Chile (June to September), pack good quality winter clothing to protect yourself from <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/frostbite-snow-safety">frostbite</a> and hypothermia. Find out if national parks are open during the winter in Patagonia, as<a href="https://www.swoop-patagonia.com/chile/torres-del-paine/winter" target="_blank"> some trekking huts and companies close at the end of the trekking season</a>, and come prepared with camping equipment and sufficient food for the duration of your hike.</p> <p><a href="https://www.efe.com/efe/english/technology/pollution-worsens-in-chilean-capital/50000267-3687218" target="_blank">Smog and air pollution can be an issue</a>, particularly in downtown Santiago, and can cause a variety of breathing issues for children, the elderly and anyone who suffers from existing respiratory problems. The government issues regular alerts, declaring either a pre-emergency or emergency state, so be sure to keep up with local news reports while you are there. The months of December through March see a significant increase in air contamination, so consider traveling outside of this period if this is a concern for you.</p> <h2 id="disease">What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Chile?</h2> <p>Transmissible diseases, like cholera, are reported throughout Chile, and <a href="/travel-safety/travel-immunizations-what-you-really-need-in-south-america" target="_blank">Hepatitis B and typhoid</a> are not uncommon during the warmer months. <span>See a travel doctor to get the most accurate advice on which vaccinations you need prior to traveling, and ask if you require any updated booster shots</span> to lessen your chances of catching a dangerous illness.</p> <p><a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/what-you-need-to-know-about-dengue-fever" target="_blank">Dengue fever</a> and other insect-borne diseases are also present in Chile, with occasional <a href="https://www.who.int/csr/don/22-february-2020-dengue-chile/en/" target="_blank">outbreaks reported on Easter Island</a>. If you're planning a visit there, take appropriate precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.</p> <p>The World Health Organization recommends the following vaccinations for Chile:</p> <ul> <li>Hepatitis A and B</li> <li>Typhoid</li> <li>Rabies</li> <li>Meningitis</li> <li>Polio</li> <li>Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)</li> <li>Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)</li> <li>Chickenpox</li> <li>Shingles</li> <li>Pneumonia</li> <li>Seasonal influenza shot.</li> </ul> <p>While a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not required for travelers entering Chile, it is required for various other destinations in South America. If you are traveling to more than one South American country, ask your doctor if you need a Yellow Fever vaccination for your next destination.</p> <h2 id="water">Can I drink tap water in Chile?</h2> <p>Yes. And no. The tap water in the cities is clean and safe to drink in Chile, but should be avoided in rural areas. Just be aware there is a high level of minerals in the tap water, which can cause stomach pains or make you feel sick. As a rule of thumb, it's always a good idea to stick to boiled or treated water while traveling through South America.<br /><br />Unpleasant <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/travelers-diarrhoea-health-tips" title="How to Avoid Traveler's Diarrhea">traveler's diarrhea</a> can also occur from the <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/bottled-vs-filtered-water" target="_blank">consumption of unfiltered water</a>.</p>iStock/jacynthroode 0179311058 iStock Three people hiking on a glacier in Chilean Patagonia