Editor's Choice

Several luxury hotel chains have recently set up shop in Santiago and there are also several fine boutique hotels inn the capital. Advance bookings are essential in resort areas during the high season. The cost of accommodation in Santiago is higher than in the provinces. Rates increase during the summer holiday from January to March, particularly in coastal resorts. Members of foreign motoring organisations can obtain discounts at hotels by joining the Automóvil Club de Chile (see address in Getting Around section). A tax of 19% is levied on all hotel bills, except those paid in foreign currencies by visitors, for which an export bill is required.

Grading: Hotels in Chile are graded from 5 (luxurious rooms) to 2 stars (basic commodities).

There are plenty of campsites throughout Chile. Some locals will happily allow visitors to set up camp in their garden or land upon polite request. Official sites can be expensive. Further details on campsites may be obtained from the tourist office or from Turistel (www.turistel.cl).

There are several hostels throughout Chile and on Easter Island. Membership of the Asociación Chilena de Albergues Turísticos Juveniles is required (see Accommodation Information below); many hostels are extremely crowded and it is advisable to book in advance where possible.

Backpacker hostels are cropping up continually throughout the country, and usually offer friendly and cheap accommodation. Standards vary widely, from bare basics to luxury hostels for the well heeled. Visit www.backpackerschile.com for more information.

Residenciales are a cheap and popular type of accommodation, often consisting of a few rooms in the house of a local.

Cabañas (holiday chalets) are found in coastal resorts and in several mountain resorts; some are self-catering. They range from luxurious to basic.

In the national parks, refugios (basic sheltered accommodation) offer beds for a low price. Check with the regional forestry office - Conaf (www.conaf.cl) in advance.