Discover Chile
Chile is a land of extraordinary contrasts and breathtaking landscapes. Stretching over 4,300 kilometers from north to south, the country offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience deserts, mountains, forests, lakes, glaciers, and world-class coastlines within a single destination.
As a participant of PEDG 2026, you will have the opportunity not only to engage with leading researchers and industry professionals, but also to discover one of South America’s most fascinating countries.
Explore Valparaiso and Viña del Mar
PEDG 2026 will take place in the beautiful coastal region of Valparaíso, home to two of Chile’s most iconic cities:
Valparaiso
A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colorful hills, historic funiculars, vibrant street art, and rich cultural heritage. Wander through its winding streets, enjoy spectacular ocean views, and discover a city that has inspired artists, poets, and travelers from around the world.
Viña Del Mar
Known as the “Garden City,” Viña del Mar offers beautiful beaches, seaside promenades, excellent restaurants, parks, and a lively cultural scene. It is one of Chile’s most popular destinations and an ideal location for networking and relaxation during the conference.
Beyond the Conference
If you plan to extend your visit, Chile offers countless opportunities for exploration:
Atacama Desert
Located in northern Chile, the Atacama Desert is widely recognized as the driest desert on Earth. Visitors can experience stunning salt flats, volcanoes, geothermal fields, lagoons, and some of the clearest skies for astronomical observation anywhere in the world.
Patagonia
Southern Chile is home to Patagonia, one of the planet’s most spectacular wilderness regions. Torres del Paine National Park offers dramatic granite peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and world-renowned hiking opportunities
Santiago
Chile’s capital combines modern infrastructure, historical landmarks, museums, fine dining, and a thriving cultural scene. Surrounded by the Andes Mountains, Santiago serves as the country’s main gateway for international visitors.
Chilean Wine Country
Chile is internationally recognized for producing world-class wines. Several renowned wine valleys are located within easy reach of Santiago and the conference venue, offering vineyard tours and tastings throughout the year. One grape variety called “Carmenere” is the flagship of Chilean wines.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
One of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth, Easter Island is famous for its mysterious Moai statues and unique Polynesian culture. It remains one of Chile’s most iconic destinations.
The lake district
The south of Chile (a 1.5 hour flight away from Santiago) is host to beautiful lakes and volcanoes, with charming cities that provide plenty of entertainment (hiking, skiing, rafting and fishing), with a distinct cuisine influenced by German settlers of the late 1800s. Cities such as Pucon, Villarica and Puerto Varas offer a great natural escape.
Local Cuisine
Chile’s diverse geography is reflected in its cuisine. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean, premium wines, traditional dishes, and innovative culinary experiences that blend local ingredients with international influences.
The Valparaíso Region is particularly known for its seafood restaurants, coastal cuisine, and vibrant culinary scene.
Climate in June
June corresponds to the beginning of winter in central Chile. Temperatures in the Valparaíso region typically range between 8°C and 18°C (46°F–64°F). We recommend bringing a jacket and layers for comfortable travel during your stay.
Practical Information for Visitors
Currency
The official currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and most tourist attractions. ATMs are readily available throughout the country.
Tipping culture
Tipping is customary in Chile at restaurants and cafes, a voluntary service charge of approximately 10% is typically suggested and may be included separately on the bill (usually added to credit card payments). Customers are free to accept or decline this charge. Usually you will be asked “Desea agregar propina?” (would you like to include the tip? In Spanish). For taxi drivers, tipping is not expected, although passengers often round up the fare. Hotel staff, tour guides, and other service providers generally appreciate tips for exceptional service but are not expected.
Getting around:
Cities in Chile are walkable, although for longer distances public transport or Uber are mostly used.
Power plugs
Chile operates on a 220V supply voltage and a frequency of 50Hz.
The most common plug types are:
- Type C (European standard with two round pins)
- Type L (three round pins in a straight line)
Visitors traveling from North America, the United Kingdom, Asia, or other regions may need a plug adapter and should verify whether their electronic devices are compatible with 220V power.
Safety
Chile is considered one of the safest countries in Latin America. As in any major destination, visitors are encouraged to exercise normal precautions, particularly in crowded areas and not leaving valuable items unattended (phones, cameras and laptops) in public places.