Chile: Different from the rest

Some insights into why Chile is different from the rest of South America, and how that will impact your traveling.

Behind view of the “Three Sisters” in Torres Del Paine National Park

Having been to South America before I knew that getting from place to place is not always seamless but then I discovered something wonderful: Chile is not like the rest of South America.

Chile is different from a lot of South America culturally, geographically, economically.

Note: I went to the Southern Chilean Patagonia region. These are my isolated experiences. The north or other part of the country may be completely different as I have experience in that part of the country.

Culture: I do not claim to be an expert on Chilean culture. My opinions are based on my observations and the locals that we interacted with. Chile is very different from other South American countries that I have been to. I believe the Chileans want to set themselves apart from the rest of South America as well. My experience was that the Chileans were not outwardly friendly. For me, this was a big change from the people of Mexico and Peru who went out of their way to be hospitable and helpful. Chileans are a bit colder, drawing more from European standards of service and friendliness. That being said everyone we met was very helpful when directly asked, just not the outward exuberance of some other South American countries. Chileans were also dressed in western style clothing, and additionally, very well dressed; better than most people in the U.S. for sure. Architecture had more of a colonial, European influence. The almost neon colored houses that can commonly be associated with Latin American culture, only appeared in the smaller towns.

The feel that we got from many Chileans was “you are in our country, cater to us and respect it” not so much, “welcome to our country what can we do for you?”. For example, many of the bus operators, who are almost exclusively catering to hikers and foreigners do not know any English. They did not seem very interested in learning it either, or trying to solve any issue that you may have. The attitude was that, “you are here in Chile, know Spanish”. Not that this is a bad way to operate it is just different. The Chileans are also not pushy sales people. If you buy their product or use their service great, if not also great. This is very different from western “customer is always right” mentality. Again, not that is a bad things, just a tip so you know what to expect when you come here.

People: When you think of South America, usually what comes to mind is people of Latin, Metzico or mixed ingenious decent. While this is true of Chile as well a large population of ethnic Chileans are Caucasian, drawing from the European ancestry. Tall blond haired, blue eyes, Chilean were very common.

Chileans are also very eco-conscious, especially in the Patagonia region. In Puerto Natales, the town closest to Torres Del Paine, there are NO PLASTIC BAGS. The stores will not give them to you, it’s illegal. They are very interested in preserving the natural beauty of Patagonia and are very proud of this natural wonder in their backyard. So much so that you cannot start any fires in the park, if you do it is a hefty prison sentence. No joke.

Economy: Chile is quite economically developed. Most of the population lives in and around Santiago and the city is quite affluent. Chile is by no means third world, has good infrastructure, a modern capital, developed public bus system. Many people in the city speak excellent English. Because of this affluence, many things in Chile are more refined and have a more dignified feel. Chile is not a bargain South American country, maybe only 10-15% cheaper than the U.S. The Chileans are proud of this affluence, I think they felt a sense of pride that they were a South American Country that was doing better economically than their counterparts. Chile is a big exporter of wine and beef as well. The Patagonia region had many Estancias or Large ranches.

One of the many Estancias we saw on the may to Puerto Natales.

Geography: This is the most fascinating part about Chile, the biodiversity and how isolated Chile really is. Chile is a narrow, long country which borders the Pacific Ocean in it’s entirety to the west. To the north there is the Atacama desert, to the east the Andes mountains, and to the south, more Pacific ocean and….. Antarctica!! Thus Chile is really by itself. Travel to other countries is limited because of it’s geographic barriers. I think this is, in part, why the Chileans are more reserved with a strong sense of national pride. They have to make it on their own and respect the land because it is all they have. This attitude has caused Chile to flourish.

Why this matters

Knowing these things about where you go can impact your trip

Probably the most relevant, geography. Because Chile is so isolated from everything and has extreme landscapes this translates into two main things: price and accessibility. The Andes mountains are not exactly easy to get around. In the north, the Atacama desert is not easily passable, and in the south the land is broken up into lots of islands and inlets that you can’t drive through, you have to fly. Where we went to, Chilean Patagonia, the only way to get to where we needed to by was a boat or a plane. From there is is a a bus. Getting to and around Patagonia is not easy, but granted Chile has enough infrastructure for it to be as good as it can be.

Especially in the Refugio’s in Torres Del Paine National Park, materials either needed to be packed in and out on horses up and down the mountain or helicoptered in or out. Thus, resources and options are limited and what is there is quit expensive, like the equivalent of $10 for a beer.

Traditionally dressed Chilean gaucho leading pack horses up the mountain with supplies and propane tanks strapped to them.

Economy: Since Chile is a more affluent country, it is only about 10-15% cheaper that U.S. prices even when not in Patagonia, you need to plan for this, this is not going to be a place where you can get by on $10 a day.

People/Culture: If you need something ask, but do not expect people to bend over backward for you or try to accommodate you. Do not haggle, the price is the price, if you don’t want it someone else will. If they have it you can buy it, if not too bad. Best policy is to try and be as self sufficient as possible and easy going. Do not expect U.S. style service.

I’ll do another post on the logistics of actually getting there but I felt it would be good to give some insight into the country itself. Again, it is worth noting that my experiences were limited to the Patagonia southern region and a little bit of Santiago. The north of Chile could be a whole other trip and the people there could be very different. This was just my experience.