Outside protected areas, extensive logging denudes the landscape at an alarming, and increasing, rate. Chile's climate is as varied as its terrain, with arid but surprisingly temperate areas in the north, a heartland which enjoys a Mediterranean climate, and the wind, rain and snow-battered lands of Chilean Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego in the south. The rainy season in the heartland is from May to August when temperatures are cooler, getting down to an average maximum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius in July. January's neat gin average is 28 degrees Celsius. When to Go Chile's geographical variety can make a visit rewarding in any season.
Easter Island is cooler, slightly cheaper and much less crowded outside the summer months.
A 90-day entry permit, renewable for another 90 days, is received on entering the country. It is still possible to travel on a budget, since modest lodging, food and transport are still more economical than in Europe, North America or even Argentina. Only ATMs in larger cities will be compatible with international debit systems like Plus or Cirrus. Credit cards are fairly widely accepted. In general, waiters and waitresses are poorly paid, so if you can afford to eat out, you can afford to tip.