Tips for your road trip through Chile during the National Holidays

Tikitikiti! The National Holidays in Chile are a perfect excuse to take a few days off and embark on an unforgettable road trip around the country, especially this year, in which the country will enjoy an XXL National Holidays , with holidays from Wednesday, September 18th to Sunday, September 22nd .

A road trip will allow you to connect with the essence of Chile, whether you choose to explore the landscapes of the north, immerse yourself in the magic of the south, or venture along the iconic Carretera Austral . Along these routes, you can discover treasures such as San Pedro de Atacama , La Serena , the enchanting Elqui Valley , Valdivia , Puerto Varas , and other destinations.

However, before you start your engine, there are a few things you should consider to ensure your road trip is safe and enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips .

Check that your car is in perfect condition

Before hitting the road, it's essential to ensure your vehicle is in the best possible condition . During the national holidays, roads are often more congested than usual, increasing the risk of accidents or other problems.

Therefore, you should check the battery, the windshield wipers (especially if you're traveling to areas where rain is expected), and it's crucial to check the tires to ensure they don't have uneven wear and that the pressure is correct . Don't forget to perform a complete check of the brake and ignition systems to avoid unpleasant surprises during your trip.

Take advantage of discounted tolls during the National Holidays

During the National Holidays, the Chilean government has implemented several measures to alleviate congestion on major routes, such as Route 68 and Routes 5 North and South . Among these measures is the popular "1,000-peso toll," which will be available on certain days and times, allowing drivers to save money on tolls.

Routes with tolls for a thousand pesos:

• Friday the 13th, between 7:00 and 13:00 hours on routes 68, 5 South and 5 North.
• On Saturday the 14th, the measure will be repeated on the same routes between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m.
• On Tuesday the 17th and Wednesday the 18th, the 68, 5 South and 5 North lines will adopt this measure between 7:00 and 10:00 hours.
• For the return trip, a toll of one thousand pesos was established on Sunday, September 22nd for routes 5 North, 5 South and 68 between 7:00 and 10:00 am.

Check the times with the most traffic congestion

Traffic during the Fiestas Patrias (National Holidays) in Chile can be overwhelming, especially if you're leaving Santiago. It's estimated that around one million vehicles will leave the Metropolitan Region during the holidays. Therefore, it's important to plan your departure and return carefully .

The days and times of greatest congestion:

• Friday, September 13th in the afternoon, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Saturday, September 14th between 10:00 and 16:00 hours.
• Tuesday, September 17th from 4:00 PM.
• Saturday, September 21st between 12:00 and 00:00 hours.
• Sunday, September 22nd, between 11:00 and 20:00 hours.

Don't wait until the last minute to return home

A massive influx of vehicles returning to Santiago is expected on September 22nd, which could cause major traffic jams on the main access routes. If you can return on Saturday the 21st or leave very early on the 22nd, you'll avoid many hours of traffic . Another option is to delay your return until the 23rd , when the roads will be clearer.

If you drank during the Independence Day celebrations, don't drive and give up the wheel.

One of the most important things to remember for enjoying the National Holidays is that safety comes first . These celebrations are usually accompanied by barbecues, empanadas, and, of course, a few drinks of wine or terremoto (a Chilean cocktail). However, if you decide to drink, under no circumstances should you drive . It's best to give the car to one of your companions who hasn't been drinking for a safe and happy trip home .

Happy Independence Day!

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