Planning a vacation can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to maximizing free time by taking advantage of the holidays. In Chile, holidays are special occasions that provide perfect opportunities to organize getaways and enjoy well-deserved breaks.
Before starting to plan, it is essential to know what holidays are in Chile. The country has a mix of religious, national and commemorative holidays. Here I present a list of the most important holidays:
January
1 of January New Year
April
Good Friday and Holy Saturday: They vary each year according to the liturgical calendar.
May 1: Labor Day
May
May 21: Day of Naval Glories
June
June 29: Saint Peter and Saint Paul (can be moved to Monday)
July
July 16: Virgin of Carmen
August
August 15: Assumption of the Virgin
September
September 18: National Independence
September 19: Day of the Glories of the Army
October
October 12: Meeting of Two Worlds (can be moved to Monday)
October 31: Day of the Evangelical and Protestant Churches
November
November 1: All Saints' Day
December
December 8: Immaculate Conception
25th December, Christmas
Strategies to Plan Your Vacation
A. Identify Long Holidays
One of the most effective strategies for planning your vacation is to identify long holidays, those that fall close to weekends. For example, if a holiday falls on a Friday or Monday, it becomes a long weekend, ideal for a three-day getaway.
Example: Holy Week Holidays
Holy Week, with Good Friday and Holy Saturday, offers a perfect long weekend for travel. You can take advantage of these days to visit religious or historical destinations or simply to relax in a quiet place.
B. Create Bridges
Another strategy is to create bridges. If a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, you can take Monday or Friday as a vacation day, creating a four-day weekend.
Example: Saint Peter and Saint Paul Day
If June 29 falls on a Tuesday, you can request Monday as a day off, thus obtaining four consecutive days of rest. It is an excellent opportunity for a longer trip or to visit family who live far away.
C. Distribute Vacations
Instead of taking all your vacations at once, consider spreading your days off throughout the year, taking advantage of different holidays. This will allow you to have several rest periods without using up your vacation days.
Example: September Holidays
September has two important holidays: September 18 and 19. You can plan a longer vacation around these dates, taking a few extra days before or after the holidays.
Recommended Destinations according to Holidays
Summer (January - March)
Beach Destinations
Summer in Chile is perfect to enjoy the beaches. Some recommended destinations are:
Viña del Mar: Known for its beaches and its international song festival.
La Serena: Ideal to enjoy a pleasant climate and quiet beaches.
Pucón: Although it is not a beach, its lake and its summer atmosphere are very attractive.
Holy Week (March - April)
Religious Destinations
Holy Week is a good time to visit destinations with religious importance:
Santiago: With its multiple churches and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Valparaíso: With its historic architecture and centuries-old churches.
Chiloé Island: With its famous wooden churches, a world heritage site.
Autumn (May - June)
Mountain Destinations
Autumn is ideal to enjoy mountain landscapes and activities such as trekking and nature photography:
Elqui Valley: Known for its clear skies and astronomical observatories.
San Pedro de Atacama: Perfect for exploring the desert and its unique landscapes.
Colchagua Valley: Ideal for wine tourism and to enjoy the grape harvest.
National Holidays (September)
Traditional Destinations
During the National Holidays, many Chileans celebrate with typical food and traditional dances. Some recommended destinations are:
Santiago: With multiple inns and celebrations in OHiggins Park.
Concepción: With its festivals and cultural activities.
Temuco: To enjoy the Mapuche culture and its traditions.
Spring (October - November)
Natural Destinations
Spring is a perfect time to visit national parks and enjoy nature at its best:
Torres del Paine National Park: One of the most iconic destinations in Chile.
Huerquehue National Park: Ideal for hiking and observing flora and fauna.
Radal Siete Tazas National Park: With its impressive waterfalls and rock formations.
Christmas and New Year (December - January)
Urban Destinations
Cities usually have a festive atmosphere during Christmas and New Year. Some recommended destinations are:
Santiago: With its Christmas lights and special events in the city.
Valparaíso: Famous for its spectacular fireworks show to welcome the New Year.
Pucón: For a quieter celebration, surrounded by nature.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Vacation
Book in Advance
During holidays, popular tourist destinations tend to fill up quickly. It is advisable to book accommodation and transportation well in advance to avoid inconveniences.
Take advantage of Offers and Promotions
Many travel agencies and airlines offer special promotions during holidays. Keep an eye out for these deals to save money and get the best value for your money.
Plan Activities
In addition to deciding the destination, it is important to plan the activities you will do during your vacation. Research the attractions, special events and recreational activities available in your chosen destination.
Consider the Climate
The climate can vary significantly depending on the region and time of year. Be sure to check weather conditions before your trip and pack clothing appropriate for the destination and season.
Security and health
Don't forget to bring a first aid kit and any medication you may need with you. Also, follow health and safety recommendations, especially if you travel to remote or natural areas.
How to Make the Most of Your Vacation
Disconnect from work
To fully enjoy your vacation, it is essential to disconnect from work. Inform your colleagues and superiors about your days off, and avoid checking emails or taking work calls during your break time.
Enjoy the moment
Vacations are an opportunity to relax and enjoy the moment. Spend time doing activities you enjoy, such as reading, walking, exploring new places, or simply resting.
Capture Memories
Bring a camera or use your cell phone to capture special moments of your vacation. The photos and videos will be a reminder of the good times and experiences lived.
Experience Local Culture
One of the best ways to enrich your vacation is to experience the local culture. Try typical food, participate in festivities and learn about the customs and traditions of the place you visit.
Reflect and Plan
At the end of your vacation, take some time to reflect on the experience and plan future getaways. Identify which aspects you liked the most and what you could improve for your next vacation.
Useful Resources to Plan Your Vacation
Holiday Calendars
There are several online resources where you can check the calendar of holidays in Chile, including official government websites and specialized mobile applications.
Travel agency
Travel agencies can offer you packages and promotions that include transportation, accommodations and activities, making it easier to plan your vacation.
Travel Guides
Travel guides, both in print and digital format, are an excellent source of information about destinations, activities and recommendations for travelers.
Travel Blogs and Forums
Travel blogs and forums are a valuable source of advice and experiences shared by other travelers. You can get recommendations on destinations, accommodations and activities based on real experiences.
Planning your vacation around the holidays in Chile can be a very effective strategy to maximize your free time and enjoy moments of rest and recreation. Knowing the holidays, identifying long weekends and creating bridges are key tactics to make the most of your days off. In addition, choosing the right destinations according to the season and following some practical tips will help you have an unforgettable vacation. Start planning today and enjoy your next vacation in Chile!