Campervan Hire in Chile

Tourists from the EU, Switzerland, the USA, Canada, and Australia can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. If you bring your own vehicle, you’ll also need specific documents.

The following documents are required to enter Chile with your own motorhome:

• Passport (valid for at least six months beyond the end of your trip)
• International driving permit (in addition to your national license)
• Original vehicle registration certificate
• Power of attorney (notarized), if the vehicle is not registered in your name
• Vehicle customs document ("Temporary Import" / "Importación Temporal"), issued at the border
• SAG Sworn Declaration (agricultural and customs declaration for food and plant material carried in the vehicle)

The SAG declaration is particularly critical: Chile has strict biosecurity regulations. Fresh food, fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy products may be confiscated at the border. Filling out the declaration incorrectly or failing to declare items can result in fines.

The National Migration Service, SERMIG, has tightened border controls in recent years. Travelers should have proof of sufficient funds and return tickets or proof of onward travel ready.

All vehicle documents must be presented in their original form. Copies are not accepted at the border.

The temporary import customs document for your vehicle is issued directly at the border and is tied to the passport of the vehicle owner. The vehicle must leave the country together with the traveler; it cannot be left behind or sold. For vehicles registered in someone else’s name (e.g., rental cars or family members’ vehicles), a notarized power of attorney is mandatory.

Road quality in Chile varies greatly by region. Driving a motorhome is generally feasible on main routes, but all-wheel drive—or at least high ground clearance—is recommended on secondary roads and in Patagonia.

Road overview by type:

The German Foreign Office recommends careful planning for longer motorhome trips, carrying sufficient water and fuel, and keeping emergency contacts handy.

The best time depends heavily on the region you plan to visit. For Patagonia and the Carretera Austral, November to March is the ideal window. The Atacama is accessible year-round, but extremely hot during the summer (December to February).

• Patagonia / Carretera Austral: November to March (Southern Hemisphere summer), temperatures 10–20°C, longer daylight hours
• Atacama Desert: April to October preferred to avoid extreme heat
• Central Chile / Wine regions: September to November (spring) and March to May (autumn)
• Lake District (Lago Llanquihue, Villarrica): October to April

If you want to travel the entire north-south corridor, plan from October to March and head from north to south to follow the summer into Patagonia.

Camping infrastructure in Chile is growing, but remains limited compared to Europe. Organized campsites are concentrated in national parks, tourist areas, and along the Carretera Austral.

Practical resources for finding parking spots in Chile:

• CONAF (National Forestry Corporation): Manages campsites in national parks; advance reservations via the official CONAF website are recommended, especially during peak season
• iOverlander and Park4Night: International apps with user-generated listings for free parking spots and campsites
• Local estancias and fincas: Many farmers allow overnight stays for a small fee or even for free
• Urban parking spots: Often available in smaller towns at market squares or gas stations, though not guaranteed

Advance reservations are essential for national park campsites during peak season (December to February). If traveling spontaneously, look for a spot early in the afternoon.

Wild camping is not uniformly regulated by law in Chile and varies from region to region. It is strictly prohibited in national parks and protected areas. Outside these zones, it is tolerated on private land, provided the landowner consents.

Important rules for camping in Chile:

• National parks: Only camp in designated areas
• Private land: Always obtain permission
• Making fires: Prohibited outside designated fire pits, especially in dry areas
• Trash: Take all waste with you; no exceptions

To be on the safe side, use designated sites or ask landowners directly.

On the Pan-American Highway and in larger cities, diesel and gasoline are readily available. In remote regions like the Carretera Austral or the Atacama, gas stations can be far apart.

Practical tips for fuel planning:

• Bring a reserve fuel canister for trips along the Carretera Austral (distances between gas stations can reach up to 200 km)
• Fuel prices vary by region; in Patagonia and along the Carretera Austral, they are higher than in the north.
• Diesel is widely available in Chile and suitable for most motorhomes.
• LPG/autogas is scarcely available; vehicles with gas heating should carry sufficient supplies.

Third-party liability insurance is legally required for all vehicles in Chile. For foreign vehicles, it is usually arranged at the border or must be proven.

Anyone renting a motorhome should carefully review the insurance coverage specified in the rental agreement:

• Does the insurance cover gravel roads and off-road routes?
• Is there an excess, and if so, how much is it?
• Is roadside assistance included?

Those traveling with their own vehicle should obtain written confirmation of their home insurer’s international coverage and verify that Chile is explicitly included. Additional travel cancellation and international health insurance are strongly recommended for a houseboat holiday in Chile.

Motorhome rentals in Chile are concentrated in Santiago de Chile, with a few providers also located in Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas. Rental prices vary considerably depending on the size of the vehicle and the season.

As a rough guide (estimates, no guarantee):

• Basic campervan setup: from about 80–120 USD per day in the low season.
• Fully equipped motorhome (4–5 people): 150–250 USD per day in high season.
• Additional costs: insurance, mileage fee, bedding package, child seats.

Some providers will deliver vehicles to other locations for an extra charge (e.g., Punta Arenas for a one-way rental back to Santiago). This saves time and allows for a one-way route. Prices and availability should be confirmed directly with the providers, as offerings in Chile change rapidly.

Chile can be broadly divided into five travel zones, each with different requirements for vehicles and planning.

• Atacama (North): Unique desert landscapes, salt lakes, geysers. Suitable for travel year-round, but hot in summer. Gravel roads require an off-road capable vehicle.
• Central Chile / Wine Regions: Good infrastructure, mild temperatures. Ideal for beginners on a motorhome trip in Chile.
• Lake District (Lago Llanquihue, Pucón): Volcanoes, lakes, temperate climate. Well-developed campsites.
• Carretera Austral: The heart of any ambitious road trip in Chile by motorhome. Spectacular scenery, but challenging roads and ferry connections are necessary.
• Patagonia / Torres del Paine: World-class landscapes, but expensive and overcrowded in high season. Early booking of campsites is essential.

For a meaningful journey through Chile, travelers should allow at least 3 to 4 weeks. Those who wish to explore only one region (e.g., Patagonia or the Atacama) can manage with 2 weeks.

Recommended minimum durations:

• Atacama Desert: 7–10 days.
• Lake District to Carretera Austral: 14–21 days.
• Entire Carretera Austral (Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins): at least 14 days without detours.
• North-to-South crossing: 6–8 weeks is realistic.

The 90-day tourist visa is sufficient for most travel plans. Those wishing to stay longer can consider a “visa run” (a short departure to Argentina followed by re-entry), but should check beforehand whether this is still possible under current SERMIG regulations.

A motorhome holiday in Chile can be more economical than a hotel-based trip when planned wisely, especially in remote areas where accommodation is scarce and costly. In tourist hubs like San Pedro de Atacama or Puerto Natales, the differences are smaller.

A practical advantage: Tourists entering with a valid tourist card (Tarjeta de Turismo) are exempt from the 19 percent value-added tax on hotel stays. Those staying in a motorhome already avoid this tax anyway.

Cost factors when comparing a motorhome to a hotel:

• Fuel is a significant cost factor over long distances.
• Rental costs can be high, but they are partially offset by savings on hotel expenses.
• Self-catering significantly reduces restaurant expenses.
• Camping fees in national parks are moderate (estimated at $10–30 per night).

Anyone seriously planning a motorhome holiday in Chile should take care of the following points before leaving:

• Check entry documents: Obtain your passport, international driver’s license, vehicle registration, and, if necessary, a power of attorney well in advance. Verify current entry requirements directly with the Chilean embassy or through official sources such as the German Foreign Office.
• Prepare the SAG declaration: Before entering the country, inspect food supplies in your motorhome and identify any goods that require declaration, or consume them beforehand.
• Arrange insurance: Obtain written confirmation of your vehicle insurance’s coverage abroad; also take out travel health insurance.
• Reserve campsites in advance: Especially for national parks during peak season (December to February), book early through CONAF.
• Plan your fuel supply: For the Carretera Austral and side roads in the Atacama Desert, bring extra fuel cans and map out gas stations along your route ahead of time.
• Set your itinerary and schedule: Plan for a minimum stay of 3–4 weeks; book ferry connections on the Carretera Austral well in advance.
• Leave emergency contacts: Share your itinerary with trusted individuals; note the contact details of the German or Austrian embassy in Santiago.