Every year, thousands of Brazilians travel to Santiago, Chile, to experience snow for the first time. Why? Because it’s close, affordable, exciting—and safe. If you’ve never seen snow before, Santiago is your perfect destination. You’ll get a mix of winter fun, cultural exploration, and an amazing social experience at a hostel like Pariwana Santiago.

Whether you want to make snow angels or just enjoy the winter vibe with a warm drink in hand, this article will walk you through everything you need to plan your snowy adventure—from when to go and what to wear, to how to reach the mountains and where to stay.

Best Time to Visit Santiago to See Snow

The snow season in Chile runs from late June to early September. But don’t wait too long—July and August are your safest bets if you want to catch lots of snow in the mountains. These months are winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and the ski resorts around Santiago are in full swing.

Quick Tip: Avoid the second half of July if you can—this is when school holidays start in Chile, and prices tend to go up.

Is It Expensive to Travel from Brazil to Santiago to See Snow?

Not at all! That’s one of the reasons Brazilians love this trip.

• ✈️ Flights: From São Paulo or Rio, you can find round-trip flights to Santiago starting around USD 250–400 if you book in advance.

• 🏠 Accommodation: Hostels like Pariwana offer dorm beds between USD 20–30 per night, with free breakfast and awesome social vibes.

• 🏔️ Day trips to the snow: Prices range from USD 40–90 depending on the tour and if you want to include snow gear rental.

So yes, you can enjoy snow for the first time without spending a fortune.

What to Pack for the Snow in Santiago

Even if you’ve never seen snow before, packing smart is key to enjoying your day in the mountains. If you don’t own winter clothes, don’t worry—you can rent everything you need in Santiago.

Essentials:

• Thermal shirt and pants

• Waterproof jacket and pants

• Gloves, beanie, scarf

• Warm socks

• Waterproof shoes or boots

• Sunglasses and sunscreen (the sun reflects on snow!)

Many tour agencies offer full clothing rental packages for around USD 20–30.

How to Get from Santiago to the Snow

There are three main snow destinations near Santiago: Valle Nevado, Farellones, and El Colorado. They’re all about 1.5 to 2 hours from the city and reachable through tours, vans, or private transfers.

Easiest Option for First Timers: Book a day tour that includes transportation, gear rental, and a stop to play in the snow. Ask at the reception of your hostel—they usually have partner agencies with good prices.

If you’re adventurous and want to go on your own, you can rent a car and drive. Just be aware that the road is steep, narrow, and requires snow chains after a certain point.

Can You Play in the Snow Without Skiing?

Absolutely! This is actually what most Brazilians want. If you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, you can still:

• Make snowballs and snowmen

• Slide down small hills on a sled (available for rent)

• Take stunning pictures for your Instagram

• Just feel the snow with your own hands!

Many tour agencies offer packages just for “playing in the snow,” no skiing required.

Best Area to Stay in Santiago

If you’re looking for snow, social vibes, and great location, Barrio Bellavista is your best bet. It’s a lively area filled with street art, bars, restaurants, and the best hostels—like Pariwana.

Why stay at Pariwana Santiago?

• Daily activities to meet other travelers

• Super comfortable beds and clean bathrooms

• A central location close to nightlife and metro

• Tours and snow trips directly from reception

It’s the perfect mix of chill and fun, and you’ll probably make some new travel buddies.

Tips from Brazilians Who’ve Already Done the Trip

We asked a few Brazilian guests at Pariwana Santiago to share their tips. Here’s what they said:

“I never imagined snow could be so soft! I didn’t ski, just played and took photos all day. The guides were super nice and helped us with everything.” — Camila, 26, Rio de Janeiro

“It’s worth waking up early! We left around 7 am and were back by 5 pm. I rented snow boots and clothes from the tour company—everything was clean and warm.” — Rafael, 29, São Paulo

“At night we joined the beer pong tournament at the hostel and met people from all over. Best day of my trip!” — Letícia, 23, Belo Horizonte

Travel Tips for Brazilians Visiting Chile

• You don’t need a visa to enter Chile.

• The local currency is the Chilean peso (CLP).

• Portuguese is not widely spoken—basic Spanish or English will help a lot.

• Bring a travel adapter (Chile uses plug types C and L).

• Try local food! “Empanadas” and “completos” are musts.

What Else Can You Do in Santiago Besides Snow?

• Visit the viewpoint at Cerro San Cristóbal

• Stroll through the historic center and Plaza de Armas

• Go wine tasting in nearby Maipo Valley

• Discover the art and nightlife of Barrio Bellavista

Santiago is more than snow—it’s a vibrant city full of surprises.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Definitely. If you’ve never seen snow before, Santiago is the ideal place to experience it for the first time—especially if you’re from Brazil. It’s easy to reach, relatively cheap, and packed with fun.

Add to that the hostel experience, the amazing food, and the stunning Andes Mountains, and you’ve got the perfect winter trip.

See you in the snow! ❄️🇨🇱