It’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, Spanish! Try out some of these popular words and phrases:

• Hello: Hola
• How are you? ¿Cómo estás?
• Goodbye: Adiós
• Thank you: Gracias
• Please: Por favor
• I’m (your name): Soy (your name)
• I’m from (your country of residence): Soy de (your country of residence)
• How much does this cost? Cuánto cuesta?
• Where is the...?: Dónde está...
  • bathroom: el baño
  • bus stop: la parada de autobús
  • pharmacy: la farmacia

Locals in Chile aren’t quite as known for their warmth as in some other Latin America countries, but that doesn’t mean they’re not very friendly and helpful! Having a go at the local dialect and making an effort to get to know the locals around you can go a long way.

• Chileans often tend to ask more personal questions of people they just met than you might be used to. They don’t consider it to be rude; to them it’s a polite way of expressing interest in your life.
• Be considerate when taking photos of locals, and know that some people might not want their photo taken at all, or will ask for a payment in return for the photo. When in doubt, just ask the person if you can take a photo of them.
• Nightlife in Santiago doesn’t typically begin until 10 or 11pm. You’ll find lots of locals and tourists in the same places, dancing to reggaeton, electronic, and more! In smaller cities like Punta Arenas, nightlife is less common.
• There may be more military presence than you typically find in American cities. This is completely normal.

You’ll sample a variety of other local dishes on your trip, but read on for all the tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Pisco Sour: Peruvians and Chileans like to argue over whose are better, but both countries mix pisco (a local version of brandy), egg white, simple syrup, lemon juice and bitters for a delightfully frothy and sharp cocktail.
• Artisanal Beers: Like in many regions around the world, the craft beer scene in Patagonia is booming!
• Empanadas de Cordero: Several Latin American countries have their own riff on empanadas, and in Patagonia, a filling of thick lamb stew is the specialty.
• Chupe de Centolla: You’ll find Patagonian king crab in a variety of offerings across Patagonia, but the local specialty is this creamy chowder topped with seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Cordero al Palo: Both Chile and Argentina are big fans of grilled meat, so it should be no surprise that arguably the most popular dish in Patagonia is lamb roasted on an iron cross over an open fire.
• Filete de Guanaco: More adventurous eaters may wish to try this lean and tender cut of meat that comes from guanacos, which are similar to llamas.