Columbus Day

📣 Traveler notes

Chile is a long, narrow South American country located between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains.

• The high tourist season typically runs from December through the first week of March.
• Major celebrations include Christmas (family and religious), New Year (parties and fireworks), and Independence Day (spring festivities).
• Key annual dates are New Year's Day (January 1), Easter (March/April), and International Workers' Day (May 1).
• Show respect in religious sites. When discussing politics or sensitive topics like the Pinochet regime, exercise extreme caution. While foreigners may be referred to as 'gringo' or 'gringa,' these terms are generally not offensive. Be mindful of historical or territorial disputes when discussing Bolivia. Standard greetings include a handshake (man-to-man) or a cheek-to-cheek touch (man-to-woman/woman-to-woman). At a formal meal, it is polite to ask permission before leaving the table. Avoid open displays of bodily functions.