Chile

Booking the right car

Many roads in Chile are in good condition. Since you will have to travel long distances in this country in a hire car to see only a small part, it is better to go for a bigger and more comfortable car.

Just make sure before you rent the car that you are allowed to drive your hire car on dirt roads. This is because not all roads in Chile are paved.

Hire car prices

It’s an expensive pleasure to hire car in Chile. You can usually get the cheapest deals by reserving the car well in advance of your trip and using our handy price comparison tool.

age limit

You must be 21 years old to hire car from almost all rental companies in Chile. And drivers over the age of 75 are often not rented a car either. Drivers younger than 25 are often charged an additional fee. Ask about your rental company’s terms and conditions before making a reservation.

Language barrier

It is quite possible that the staff at your hire car station will speak poor English or no English at all. If you have written down the phone number of your rental company’s Spanish headquarters before your trip, you can ask them for translation help in case of an emergency.

Tank control

With most hire car companies in Chile, you pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. Before renting, check the rental terms and conditions to see if this is how your rental company operates, as this is the most transparent and cleanest solution.

Customer Satisfaction Hire Car

Some customers complain of long waiting times at rental stations in Chile. So plan a generous window of time, especially when returning the car, to avoid missing your plane. The exterior condition of some hire cars also gives reason for complaint. Have all dents and scratches confirmed in a fault log.

This is the only way to ensure that after you return the car, you won’t be held liable for damage you didn’t even cause.

General:

Chile is considered the safest country to travel in South America, even crossing on your own is considered safe. The country’s main routes are very well developed. These include the Panamericana or La Serena, which are, however, also subject to tolls. On the Rípios, the gravel roads, getting ahead is already more troublesome.

On gravel roads, hire car insurance coverage usually does not apply. Please check these trips with your hire car company. Driving in Santiago de Chile can be roughly compared to driving in Rome.

Driving license:
It is recommended to carry an international driving license in addition to your national license.

Promille limit:
The 0.5 promille limit applies.

Fine:
All fines are in the moderate range. For example, exceeding the speed limit by 20 km/h costs about 15 euros.

Suggestion for a trip by hire car

The Capital: A Love at Second Sight
Start the journey in Chile’s capital. At first glance, Santiago de Chile is shocking. Over five million inhabitants crowd the metropolis. Car traffic is chaotic. Traffic jams are the norm. It is best to decide to leave your hire car at the airport for the time being and take a taxi into the city. It is only when you get involved with Santiago de Chile that you realise the hidden beauty of the city. Start your tour at the Plaza de Armas

Here, the colonial past comes alive. Worth a visit is the cathedral which was built in the late 18th century. Afterwards you should stroll a little over the square and admire the other buildings, for example the town hall. It was also built in the late 18th century. Then just let yourself drift. All the main sights of the city are nearby. But don’t forget to also observe the locals and experience modern Chile.

Rancagua: Drive through Chile’s garden
The next day, head south to Rancagua. In just over an hour, you will enjoy views of Chile’s orchard and vineyard. Fields of vines and orchards line the road again and again. In the background you can see the majestic peaks of the Andes. Once you arrive in Rancagua, you should visit the Museo Regional Historico.

The building is considered a model of Spanish colonial architecture. If you are touring Chile during the months of March/April, try to catch the Rancagua Rodeo. After all, the Chilean championships are held here every year.

Curico: A wine tasting as a welcome break
Curico is the name of the next destination, which you will reach in about two hours. Here you should definitely leave the hire car and look for a place to stay. Around Curico, some of the most renowned Chilean wineries have settled. Visit the Bodega Miguel Torres and the Vina San Pedro. Both wineries offer tours and tastings for little money.

Altos de Lircay: Exploring Chile’s Pristine Nature
After a break owed to wine tasting, the road trip continues to Altos de Lircay National Park, located about 66 km east of Talca. Talca is about one and a half hours away from Curico. Pure nature awaits the visitor in the national park.

It is best to lace up your hiking boots and just march off.You will be able to enjoy the spectacular mountain panorama largely undisturbed. The park is not overrun with tourists.

Thermas de Chillán: Relaxation in the hot springs
The tour continues to Thermas de Chillán, which you will reach after a good three-hour drive. In the thermal baths there you will find relaxation after the hike. Lying in the hot water, you can now calmly plan the further stations of your road trip Chile.