Lifestyle in Chile greatly depends on whether you opt for the city or country life, the climate, and many other cultural factors. Here is what you need to know.
City life in Chile
Cities offer many opportunities for activities and lifestyle choices. If you need an office job, then Santiago is the place to be. A busy, work-oriented lifestyle is typical here but being in the big city offers many opportunities for after-work activities such as dining, bar hopping and nightclubs. Gyms and clubs with pools are available for active, health-minded individuals. There are also many shopping malls and ferias, or outdoor markets.
Santiago's mild climate is suitable for various outdoor activities. There are numerous neighbourhood parks, skiing in the mountains outside Santiago, winery visits, and other outdoor activities such as trekking, biking, and camping in the Cajon de Maipo, a nearby canyon.
City life in Valparaiso or in one of the coastal cities to the north like La Serena, Antofagasta, and Iquique also offer the advantages of beach activities like scuba diving, surfing, parasailing, fishing, and boating.
Country life in Central Chile
Country life can vary greatly depending on the climate you live in. The central valley of Chile has a Mediterranean climate and is very pleasant year-round. The lifestyle here is more laid-back with a casual, slower pace of life. Jobs are not as plentiful here though, so this area may be more attractive for retirees or those who work remotely.
The weather is excellent all year round, which lends itself to the enjoyment of many outdoor activities, including walking, trekking, hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Almost 20% of Chile's land is protected, and there are 36 national parks spread out throughout the country. Many parks offer great trekking opportunities, abundant hot springs, lakes, and rivers.
Country life in Southern Chile
Living in the south of Chile can be a bit different due to the different climate. May through September can be quite wet and cool. However, this region still has a lot to offer. The lakes region, in particular, has beautiful views of lakes surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes. Fly fishing and white water rafting are top-rated sports in this area.
Farming and rural life are predominant in the south, and this is punctuated by festivals and holidays. People in the south are known for being friendly and relaxed. They are all about working to live and not living to work.
Family life is central, and schools offer many opportunities for community activities, especially those centred around Chilean holidays such as Fiestas patrias when each town has its own parades and festivals.
Larger cities in the south have rodeos (the national sport of Chile) and cultural festivals complete with traditional dress and cueca dancing, the national dance. The population grows tremendously each summer as tourists flock to the area for the many festivals offered like German-heritage inspired Beer fest. There are also plenty of road rallies, bike races, and indigenous culture festivals.
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