🐾 Traveling to Chile with Pets
Pet-Friendly Chile
Chile is increasingly welcoming to pets, particularly dogs, with growing pet-friendly options in urban areas and natural parks. From Andean trails to Pacific beaches, well-behaved pets are often allowed, though policies vary by region. Santiago and coastal cities like Valparaíso are particularly accommodating.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Health Certificate
Dogs, cats, and ferrets need a health certificate from an official veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel.
Certificate must include proof of microchip and rabies vaccination; endorsed by relevant authorities.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before entry and valid for the stay.
Pets from rabies-free countries may have simplified requirements; verify with Chilean SAG (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero).
Microchip Requirements
All pets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before vaccination.
Chip must be readable; bring scanner if needed and ensure number matches all documents.
Non-Rabies Free Countries
Pets from high-risk countries require rabies titer test 30 days post-vaccination and 90-day wait.
Quarantine may apply; contact Chilean embassy or SAG for pre-approval and specific rules.
Restricted Breeds
Chile bans certain aggressive breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers without special permits.
Muzzle and leash required for large dogs in public; check local municipal regulations.
Other Pets
Birds, rabbits, and exotic animals need SAG import permits and health checks.
CITES documentation required for endangered species; quarantine possible for non-traditional pets.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Chile on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Santiago & Valparaíso): Urban hotels like Ibis and Holiday Inn welcome pets for 10,000-25,000 CLP/night, with nearby parks and walking areas. Chains are consistently accommodating.
- Eco-Lodges & Cabins (Patagonia & Lake District): Nature lodges in Torres del Paine and Puerto Varas often allow pets free or low fee, with trail access. Ideal for outdoor adventures with dogs.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Vrbo options in coastal and rural areas frequently permit pets, offering space for pets to move freely.
- Farmstays (Central Valley): Rural fincas near Santiago welcome pets alongside farm animals. Great for families combining pet and child experiences in countryside settings.
- Campsites & RV Parks: Most campsites in Atacama and Patagonia are pet-friendly with dog zones and beach access. Popular spots like Conguillío National Park cater to pet owners.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end resorts like The Singular Patagonia provide pet amenities including walking services and special menus for premium travelers.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Andean Hiking Trails
Chile's diverse landscapes offer pet-friendly hikes in Patagonia and the Andes, like Valle de la Luna in Atacama.
Leash dogs near wildlife; check park rules at entrances for pet policies.
Beaches & Coastline
Many beaches in Viña del Mar and the Lake District have dog-friendly zones for swimming.
Reñaca and Cachagua beaches allow leashed pets; follow seasonal restrictions.
Cities & Parks
Santiago's Parque Bicentenario and Cerro San Cristóbal welcome leashed dogs; outdoor cafés often permit pets.
Valparaíso's cerros allow pets on walks; most patios welcome well-behaved animals.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Chilean café scene in Santiago includes pet-friendly spots with outdoor seating and water bowls.
Ask before entering indoors; urban areas like Providencia have dedicated dog cafés.
City Walking Tours
Outdoor tours in Santiago and Valparaíso often allow leashed dogs without extra fees.
Street art and historic walks are pet-inclusive; skip indoor sites with animals.
Cable Cars & Funiculars
Valparaíso's funiculars and Santiago's cable cars permit small pets in carriers; fees around 5,000-10,000 CLP.
Verify with operators; some require reservations for pets in high season.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Buses (TurBus & Pullman): Small pets travel free in carriers; larger dogs need tickets (5,000-10,000 CLP) and muzzle/leash. Allowed in most classes except premium lounges.
- Urban Transport (Metro & Buses): Santiago metro allows small pets free in carriers; larger dogs 2,000 CLP with requirements. Avoid rush hours.
- Taxis: Confirm with driver; most accept pets with notice. Apps like Uber offer pet-friendly options in cities.
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Hertz allow pets with notice and cleaning fee (20,000-50,000 CLP). Opt for SUVs for Patagonia road trips.
- Flights to Chile: Check airline policies; LATAM and Sky Airline allow cabin pets under 10kg. Book early and review requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas, and Avianca accept cabin pets (under 10kg) for 30,000-60,000 CLP each way. Larger pets in hold with health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics in Santiago (Vet Sur) and Puerto Varas offer urgent care for pets.
Travel insurance should cover vets; consultations cost 30,000-100,000 CLP.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Chains like Petco and Falabella across Chile stock food, meds, and accessories.
Pharmacies carry basic pet items; bring prescriptions for specialized treatments.
Grooming & Day Care
Cities provide grooming and daycare for 15,000-40,000 CLP per session.
Reserve in advance during summer; hotels often suggest local providers.
Pet-Sitting Services
Local services and apps like DogHero offer sitting for day trips or overnights.
Concierge at hotels can arrange trusted sitters in tourist areas.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in cities, beaches, and national parks. Off-leash allowed in designated rural areas away from livestock.
- Muzzle Requirements: Large or restricted breeds need muzzles on public transport and in urban zones. Carry one for compliance.
- Waste Disposal: Bags and bins are common; fines for not cleaning up (20,000-100,000 CLP). Always pack waste on hikes.
- Beach & Water Rules: Designated dog beaches in summer; bans during high season in some areas. Keep distance from bathers.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Outdoor seating welcomes pets; inquire for indoors. Pets should stay calm and on the ground.
- National Parks: Pets leashed in Torres del Paine and Lauca; restrictions during breeding seasons (spring-fall). Stick to trails.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Chile
Chile for Families
Chile offers diverse family adventures from desert stargazing to Patagonian glaciers, with safe cities and interactive sites. Kids enjoy beaches, zoos, and cable cars, while parents appreciate family-oriented facilities like playgrounds and kids' menus throughout the country.
Top Family Attractions
Fantasilandia (Santiago)
Amusement park with rides, shows, and water park for all ages in O'Higgins Park.
Tickets 15,000-25,000 CLP; open weekends and holidays with seasonal events.
Buin Zoo (Santiago)
Interactive zoo with lions, giraffes, and animal shows in a scenic setting.
Entry 18,000 CLP adults, 12,000 CLP kids; full-day fun with picnic areas.
Valparaíso Funiculars & Cerro Alegre
Historic funicular rides and colorful hillside walks with ocean views.
Family tickets available; explore street art and enjoy ice cream stops.
Interactive Museum Mirador (Santiago)
Hands-on science center with experiments, planetarium, and dinosaur exhibits.
Tickets 8,000-10,000 CLP; ideal for rainy days with educational fun.
Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Falls (Lake District)
Scenic boat rides and easy hikes around volcanic landscapes and waterfalls.
Guided tours 20,000 CLP/person; family-friendly nature immersion.
Portillo Ski Resort (Andes)
Winter skiing and summer hiking with family programs and kids' slopes.
Activities for ages 4+ with equipment rental; all-season appeal.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Chile on Viator. From Valparaíso tours to Patagonia adventures, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Santiago & Viña del Mar): Properties like Marriott and Sheraton offer family suites (2 adults + 2 kids) for 80,000-150,000 CLP/night. Include cribs, pools, and kids' clubs.
- Lake District Resorts (Puerto Varas): All-inclusive spots with childcare, boat access, and family cabins. Hotels like Hotel Cabaña del Lago focus on family entertainment.
- Farm Holidays (Central Valley): Rural stays with animal feeding, pools, and home-cooked meals for 40,000-80,000 CLP/night including breakfast.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering units in Valparaíso with kitchens and ocean views, perfect for family flexibility.
- Youth Hostels & Guesthouses: Budget family rooms in Punta Arenas for 50,000-70,000 CLP/night with shared facilities and adventure planning.
- Glacier Lodges (Patagonia): Eco-lodges like Explora Patagonia for immersive family experiences with guided activities and stunning views.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Santiago with Kids
Parque Bicentenario playgrounds, KidZania interactive city, cable car to Cerro San Cristóbal.
Street performers and empanada tastings add cultural fun for children.
Valparaíso with Kids
Funicular rides, street art hunts, beach play at Viña del Mar, and boat tours.
Colorful murals and seafood picnics engage young explorers.
Puerto Varas with Kids
Lake activities, German heritage museums, volcano views, and chocolate factories.
Boat rides on Llanquihue Lake and easy family hikes.
Atacama Desert (San Pedro)
Stargazing tours, salt flat visits, and flamingo spotting at easy-access sites.
Family-friendly geysers and moon valley explorations with guides.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Buses: Children under 4 free; 4-11 half-price with adult. Family seating on long routes like Santiago to Puerto Varas.
- City Transport: Santiago metro family day passes (2 adults + kids) for 5,000-8,000 CLP. Stroller-accessible stations.
- Car Rentals: Child seats mandatory (5,000-10,000 CLP/day); book ahead for under 12s. 4x4s ideal for Patagonia.
- Stroller-Friendly: Cities like Santiago have ramps and elevators; attractions offer parking. Rural areas more challenging.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Restaurants provide menús infantiles with empanadas or pasta for 4,000-8,000 CLP. High chairs common.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Casual cevicherías and fondas with play areas; Santiago's Bellavista has kid options.
- Self-Catering: Jumbo and Líder supermarkets stock baby food and diapers. Markets for fresh fruits and picnics.
- Snacks & Treats: Churros, motten ice cream, and manjar alfajor cookies keep kids happy on the go.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: In malls, zoos, and bus terminals with facilities and nursing spaces.
- Pharmacies (Farmacias Ahumada): Carry formula, diapers, and meds; English-speaking staff in cities.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels arrange sitters for 10,000-15,000 CLP/hour; apps like Nanny Chile available.
- Medical Care: Pediatric services in clinics like Clinica Alemana; emergency at public hospitals. Travel insurance recommended.
♿ Accessibility in Chile
Accessible Travel
Chile is improving accessibility with better urban infrastructure, though rural areas lag. Santiago leads with wheelchair-friendly transport and sites; tourism operators offer inclusive options for barrier-free exploration.
Transportation Accessibility
- Buses: Long-distance buses have wheelchair spaces and ramps; book assistance. Urban buses in Santiago are low-floor.
- City Transport: Santiago metro elevators and accessible stations; audio for visually impaired.
- Taxis: Wheelchair-adapted taxis via apps in cities; standard ones fit folding chairs.
- Airports: Santiago and Punta Arenas airports provide assistance, ramps, and priority services.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Parks: Parque Bicentenario and museums in Santiago have ramps, elevators, and tactile guides.
- Historic Sites: Valparaíso funiculars partially accessible; central plazas wheelchair-friendly.
- Nature & Parks: Selected trails in Patagonia accessible; beaches with ramps in Viña del Mar.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; seek roll-in showers and wide doors.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Summer (Dec-Feb) for beaches and Patagonia; year-round for Atacama, shoulder seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) milder.
Avoid winter (Jun-Aug) in south for rain; north always sunny.
Budget Tips
Combo tickets for attractions; Santiago Card for transport discounts. Self-catering saves on meals.
Family packages reduce costs; use public buses for value.
Language
Spanish official; English in tourist spots and with youth. Basic phrases help; locals patient with families.
Packing Essentials
Layers for varied climates, sunscreen for desert, rain gear for south. Pet: food, leash, muzzle, records.
Useful Apps
RedBus for transport, Google Translate, and local pet apps. Moovit for city navigation.
Health & Safety
Chile safe; drink bottled water in rural areas. Pharmacies advise on health. Emergency: 131 for medical, 133 for police.