Dave Stamboulis

Dave Stamboulishttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/dave-stamboulisDave Stamboulishttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/chile/exploring-chiles-route-of-parksChile’s Ruta de los Parques features some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery anywhere on the planet. Nomad Dave shares five captivating, lesser-visited, and easy-to-access spots along the route.. 2021-12-06T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/chile/exploring-chiles-route-of-parkshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#patagonia">Patagonia National Park: A memorial to Douglas Tompkins</a></li> <li><a href="#castillo">Cerro Castillo: the successor to Torres del Paine</a></li> <li><a href="#pumalin">Pumalin Douglas Tompkins National Park: all things Patagonia</a></li> <li><a href="#queulat">Queulat National Park: hanging glaciers, evergreen forests, and waterfalls</a></li> <li><a href="#laguna">Laguna San Rafael: glacier exploration and a visit to the Marble Cathedrals</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="patagonia">Patagonia National Park: A memorial to Douglas Tompkins</h2> <p>My wife and I stand in awe, taking a respite from our heavy packs and gazing out at the expansive Chacabuco River Valley. Around us, the only inhabitants are guanacos, herds of them by the hundreds, roaming wild in the restored grasslands of Patagonia National Park. It’s one of the latest natural sanctuaries added to the phenomenal <em>Ruta de los Parques</em>, or Route of Parks, a massive green space for Chile and the world, which comprises 17 national parks covering 1,700mi (2,735km) from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn in <a href="/explore/south-america/chile/cruising-the-southern-patagonia-ice-field">Chilean Patagonia</a>.</p> <p>This environmental project got its start via Douglas Tompkins, the former cofounder of The North Face outdoor equipment and clothing company. Tompkins and his wife Kris called Chile home, and as avid conservationists, they began buying millions of acres of over-grazed and overused ranch land in Patagonia, focusing on wildlife recovery and biodiversity protection. Years later, the Tompkins gave away all the land, which had made a full recovery, to the Chilean government, in what was the largest donation in history by a private person to a country.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/chile/route-of-parks/parque-patagonia.jpg" alt="Wild guanacos stand in the restored grasslands of Patagonia National Park, Chile." /> <figcaption>Wild guanacos in Patagonia National Park. Photo credit: Dave Stamboulis</figcaption></figure> <p>While Doug Tompkins tragically passed away in a kayak accident in 2015, three years later his wife and the Chilean government finalized a deal for the protection of 28 million acres of land, incorporating them into 17 parks with a size about three times that of <a href="/explore/europe/switzerland/affordable-winter-adventures">Switzerland</a> or double the size of <a href="/explore/central-america/costa-rica/outdoor-adventures-in-costa-rica">Costa Rica</a>.</p> <p>Our visit to Parque Patagonia was just one in a series of overnight treks and day <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hikes</a> as we traveled the thin spine of Patagonia from south to north, checking out as many of the parks of “Las Rutas” as our time and the onset of winter would permit. Here are some of the most captivating, easy to access, and lesser-visited spots along this magical route, which took us through the heart of some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery anywhere on the planet.</p> <h2 id="castillo">Cerro Castillo: the successor to Torres del Paine</h2> <p>While Torres del Paine has long been a scenic icon and the best-known of all of Chile’s parks, its stunning spires and famed “W” circuit have seen <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/how-to-avoid-the-masses-when-you-travel">an overload of visitors</a> in recent years. Trekkers now need to have all their campsites, lodges, and permits booked well in advance, and as each campsite or lodge is often run by a different concession, it’s both confusing and cumbersome to successfully navigate the hurdles to hike here.</p> <p>Further north in Patagonia’s Aysen Region, Cerro Castillo offers a fantastic alternative, where a four- to five-day circuit takes you around the breathtaking Cerro Castillo massif, trekking past turquoise lakes, beautiful lengua forests, hanging glaciers, and over dramatic passes, with far fewer crowds than its more famous southern neighbor. We braved an early autumn snowfall here to do the 35mi (56km) trek and were one of just two parties to cross Cerro Castillo Pass after it snowed, making it a far wilder experience than joining the masses in Torres del Paine.</p> <h2 id="pumalin">Pumalin Douglas Tompkins National Park: all things Patagonia</h2> <p>We feel like we’re getting all of Patagonia’s top highlights wrapped up in one at this wildly diverse spot. We spend two days hiking up and back on the Ventisquero Trail, where a stunning campsite sits at the edge of a glacier just under Michinmahuida, a crevasse-riddled snowbound volcano that towers up valley. Here we spot a pair of elusive pudu, the world’s smallest deer, before escaping a spell of bad weather for the nearby El Amarillo hot springs, where 100°F (38°C) pools soothe our weary muscles.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/chile/route-of-parks/pumalin.jpg" alt="The stark landscape of Chalten Volcano in Pumalin Douglas Tompkins National Park, Chile." /> <figcaption>Chalten Volcano in Pumalin. Image credit: Dave Stamboulis</figcaption></figure> <p>The following day we make the trek up the Chalten Volcano, Pumalin’s highlight, as it’s a living geology lesson. The volcano violently blew its top in 2008, causing the mountain to rise, in what was a one-of-a-kind rhyolitic eruption. Not only does Pumalin offer volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs, it’s home to gorgeous fjords and 25% of Chile’s remaining threatened Alerce trees, which live for 3000 years.</p> <h2 id="queulat">Queulat National Park: hanging glaciers, evergreen forests, and waterfalls</h2> <p>Raingear stays at the top of our packs in Queulat National Park, which is no surprise, given that <em>queulat</em> means “sound of waterfalls” in the local Chono people’s language. But the persistent wet doesn’t dampen our spirits – it just makes the day hike up to the Ventisquero Colgante glacier all the more riveting, as this emblematic glacier features crashing waterfalls that pour down from its base.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/chile/route-of-parks/queulat.jpg " alt="The Ventisquero Colgante hanging glacier, with waterfalls flowing from its base, in Queulat National Park, Chile." /> <figcaption>Ventisquero Colgante glacier. Image credit: Dave Stamboulis</figcaption></figure> <p>Here we see the rare <em>nalca</em>, or giant rhubarb flower, in the temperate rainforest, and after trekking close to the glacier, come back down for a boat ride on the Los Témpanos lagoon, which gives a wider view of the impressive glacier above. Queulat also sits right near the Ventisquero Sound, home to the pristine Puyuhuapi fjord, featuring hot springs and stunning, remote lodges to rest up in.</p> <h2 id="laguna">Laguna San Rafael: glacier exploration and a visit to the Marble Cathedrals</h2> <p>Many of the Route’s top draws can be found along the Carretera Austral, an 800mi (1,287km), bumpy often-dirt road that runs the length of Patagonia and might just be the world’s greatest remaining <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/road-trip">road trip</a>. Travelers on the Carretera usually break up their journey in sleepy Puerto Río Tranquilo, set on the edge of Lago General Carrera, the largest lake in Chile, and home to two stunning must-visits.</p> <p>The <em>Capillas de Marmol</em> (Marble Chapels or Marble Cathedrals) are a series of wind-sculpted caves and pillars set on the edge of the lake which feature remarkable patterns and stunning colors, and can be visited by either tour boat or, as we opted for, by paddling ourselves in kayaks. This way, we could access the inner chambers of the grottoes and get intimate with the textured surfaces created by natural geologic process.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/chile/route-of-parks/san-rafael.jpg" alt="Kayakers explore the wind-sculpted Marble Chapels in Lake General Carrera, southern Chile." /> <figcaption>Kayaking through the Capillas de Marmol. Image credit: Dave Stamboulis</figcaption></figure> <p>Río Tranquilo is also the jumping-off point for Laguna San Rafael National Park, which is home to the massive Exploradores Glacier on Patagonia’s vast Northern Icefield, where guides take modern-day explorers walking on the ice, or one can take a boat on the San Rafael Lagoon and watch the glaciers calve from out on the water.</p> <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> <p>Plan your Route of the Parks visit for the austral summer, which is the North American winter. Patagonia lies below the 40th parallel south and sees freezing winters with heavy snowfall and brutal winds from June to September. Additionally, most services shut down then. Even during high season (December to February), getting around can be challenging. You can fly from Santiago to Puerto Montt in the north, Balmaceda in Aysen (central), or Punta Arenas in the south. There’s an array of private bus services all the way from O’Higgins at the southern end of the Carretera Austral to Puerto Montt in the north, but space is limited, and you may need to reserve at least a few days (or more) in advance.</p> <p>It’s become a rite of passage for Chilean students to come to Patagonia in the summer months, so transport is often hard to come by. Note that hitchhiking is both common here and about as safe as anywhere in the world, and it’s normal to see loads of travelers with large backpacks lining up along the Carretera Austral as a viable alternative to buses.</p> <p>Also note that if you go to Torres del Paine, there’s no road linking this part of Chile with the rest of Chilean Patagonia. You’ll either have to go by road through Argentina and then cross back further north, or else cross into El Chalten in Argentina and combine a series of boats and a 14mi (22km) walk in order to reach O’Higgins at the southern end of the Carretera. Being flexible is a must in Patagonia.</p> <p>You’ll see snow, rain, wind, and every weather condition possible in all the parks here, so bring a <a href="/travel-wiser/practical/gear-for-your-next-camping-trip">waterproof tent and rain gear</a>, as well as gear that can stand up to strong winds.</p> <p>Chile’s CONAF (the national forest association) now manages all the national parks and each park has its own entry fees and rules (Torres del Paine and Cerro Castillo both have limits on numbers of visitors each day). For all the links to each park and information on the Route of Parks, check the informative <a href="https://www.rutadelosparques.org/en/ ">Rutas website</a> for the latest information.</p>Dave Stamboulis 0 Dave Stamboulis A hiker stands dwarfed by Cerro Castillo, a snow-covered massif in Patagonian Chile.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/africa/kenya/travel-tips-to-stay-safe-in-nairobiDave Stamboulis shares his tips on avoiding scams, theft, and safety for women and LGBTQ+ travelers in Kenya's capital city.2020-10-05T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/kenya/travel-tips-to-stay-safe-in-nairobihttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>On my first trip to Nairobi in 2005, I spent my first few nights petrified. Expats had not half-jokingly referred to it as ‘Nairobbery’, and my guide book had enough warnings to fill an entire chapter.</p> <p>Even though I was staying in the heart of downtown, I took a cab just half a mile down the road to go out to dinner. On the third night, my hotel receptionist asked me why I was doing this. After I told him, he chuckled and told me I could safely walk to the restaurant, by walking on the right side of the street for 100ft (30m), then on the left for the next 100ft (30m), and so on, so I was walking near where security guards were posted.</p> <p><a href="/travel-safety/africa/kenya/the-realities-of-kenya-crime" target="_blank" title="Crime in Kenya">Safety for visitors to Kenya</a> has drastically improved since that first trip, and Nairobi has become an enjoyable stopover on the safari and beach loop, noted for great cafes, bars, and shopping. Yet there are still steps every first-time visitor to Kenya’s capital should take to ensure their holiday stays safe.</p> <p>Here are six tips to help steer you towards an incident-free vacation. </p> <ul> <li><a href="#neighborhood"> Get to know the neighborhoods in Nairobi </a></li> <li><a href="#crime"> Crime in Nairobi </a></li> <li><a href="#terror"> Terrorism threats in Nairobi </a></li> <li><a href="#safari"> Safari scams in Nairobi </a></li> <li><a href="#scams"> Other common scams in Nairobi </a></li> <li><a href="#women-and-lgbtq"> Safety for LGBTQ+ travelers and women </a></li> <li><a href="#safety"> Top tips to stay safe in Nairobi </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="neighborhood">1. Get to know the neighborhoods in Nairobi</h2> <p>While you are unlikely to visit Africa’s biggest slum, Kibera, <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/ethics-around-slum-tourism">unless on a tour</a> with a local guide, you should be familiar with other parts of the city that are no-go zones. Eastleigh is noted for muggings and armed robberies and should be avoided. The <span><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/kenya-travel-advisory.html" target="_blank">US Department of State</a></span> has given all Eastleigh and Kibera a Level 3 Reconsider Travel warning.</p> <p>Nairobi Central and City Square (as far east as Moi Avenue) are busy and relatively safe by day and even more well-lit and policed at night, but it’s best not to travel alone. Take a taxi called by your hotel if unsure.</p> <p>On my most recent visit in 2018, I went out at night using public transport in Nairobi. However, as the nearest return bus stop to my hotel was not considered safe, the hotel staff told me to get off two stops earlier and walk the extra five minutes down a safe street that had security guards.</p> <p>Ask if in doubt, and know that locals will always help you out.</p> <h2 id="crime">2. Crime in Nairobi</h2> <p>Keep your belongings safe and avoid taking any unnecessary expensive items out of your accommodation. Stash your stuff safely.</p> <p>You’re better off saving your big <a href="/create/learn/photography/tips-for-mastering-wildlife-photography">DSLR camera</a> for the safari. While in Nairobi keep it locked up in your hotel along with excess cash, credit cards, and passports. Only carry the amount of money you need when you head out, especially at night.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/kenya/train-tracks-in-slums-of-nairobi-gettyimages-104115973.jpg" alt="Train tracks running through a shanty town in Nairobi." /> <figcaption>Train tracks running through Kibera, the largest slum in Nairobi. Photo credit: Getty Images/jwebb</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="terror">3. Is terrorism a threat in Nairobi?</h2> <p>The biggest headline-grabbing and continuing concern in both Nairobi, and Kenya in general, are terrorist-related attacks. The Somali militant group Al-Shabaab has attacked military and tourist targets in Kenya several times over the years, including a Jomo Kenyatta Airport restaurant, the Dusit D2 hotel, as well as the 2013 attack in Nairobi on the upscale Westgate Shopping Mall.</p> <p>While Kenyan security has been beefed up in all of these places, it pays to stay alert, ask locals about safety precautions, and check the most recent postings on your country’s Embassy or Government website. American citizens can enroll in the <span><a href="https://step.state.gov/step/" target="_blank">Smart Traveler Enrollment Program</a></span> which sends direct updates on any alerts or situations to monitor.</p> <p>The targets of attacks are often upmarket hotels, the US Embassy, or fine dining restaurants, so you might consider staying in a hostel rather than a smart hotel. Always stay alert and remember that these incidents are unusual occurrences.</p> <h2 id="safari">4. Safari scams in Nairobi</h2> <p>Almost everyone coming to Kenya has a <a href="/travel-safety/africa/kenya/kenya-safari-lions-tigers-and-bears-oh-my" target="_blank" title="Safety on Safari in Kenya">dream safari on their mind</a>. Don’t be one of the few who fall prey to offers that are too good to be true.</p> <p>Cut-price safaris are cheap for a reason (bad accommodation, vehicles, food), and there are even those that will take your hard-earned cash and then disappear into the bush. Before booking:</p> <ul> <li>Do plenty of research and comparison</li> <li>If planning from abroad, make sure that the agency’s website uses https and is professional</li> <li>Read lots of reviews and social media posts</li> <li>Don’t succumb to any requests for advance payment via Western Union.</li> </ul> <p>Note that while touts who approach you on the street with safari offers may be legit, you will pay a bit extra as they are working on commission. It’s best to research, make a list of potential companies, and walk into an agency on your own. </p> <p>On my recent trip to Kenya in 2018, my partner and I went into several tour companies more than once, and got full itineraries to compare, information on types of food included, exactly where we’d be sleeping (in or outside of the parks), and the maximum number of occupants in the jeep, which resulted in a trip we were happy with.</p> <h2 id="scams">5. Other common scams in Nairobi</h2> <p>Known as the “Nairobi Bump,” someone on the street will “accidentally” crash into you, and then profusely apologize, all the while having lifted your wallet or phone while you were distracted.</p> <p>Other “softer” scams include requests for help buying groceries, school money, or other cases of taking advantage of your good Samaritan tendencies. <span><a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/to-give-or-not-to-give-which-donation-is-best" target="_blank">Best to just shake your head and walk away</a></span>.</p> <p>Note that this “sell” might also happen while you are in a local <em>matatu</em> (minivan) waiting to leave if someone spots you as a non-local trapped in a hot van with the window open. Again, politely ignore them and make sure to keep your backpack at your feet or somewhere it can’t be snatched through the open window.</p> <h2 id="women-and-lgbtq">6. Is Nairobi safe for women and LGBTQ+ travelers?</h2> <p>The Kenyan Penal Code criminalizes homosexuality, with a recent ruling upholding a law with a punishment of 14 years in prison for offenders.</p> <p>While Nairobi may look like any other modern city, it’s best to save revealing clothes and displays of intimacy for your hotel’s private spaces. For single women travelers, Nairobi and Kenya are far easier to travel in than many places in the Middle East or India, but if you are heading to the beaches in Mombasa, expect to be pestered or catcalled by young men.</p> <h2 id="safety">Here are our top tips to stay safe in Nairobi</h2> <ul> <li><span> </span>For 24-hour help, the <a href="https://ktf.co.ke/?page_id=857">Tourist Helpline</a> is available for all situations.</li> <li><span> </span>Leave flashy jewelry and other valuables at home.</li> <li><span> </span>Don’t stick out like a sore thumb. If you need to check Google Maps on your phone for directions, duck into a shop, hotel, or storefront to do so.</li> <li>Taxi apps are common and secure. Nairobi not only has Uber, Bolt, and Little Cab, but a host of app-ordered cabs to choose from.</li> <li>Carry your passport and credit cards separately from your wallet, preferably in a hidden money belt. If you are ever mugged, don’t resist – your life and your holidays are far more valuable than your cash.</li> <li>Don’t leave home without travel insurance, even if it’s the one item in your luggage that you hopefully never have to use.</li> </ul> <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/Buena Vista Images 1100378472 Getty Images Kenya, downtown Nairobi

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