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How I ever braved Times Square for 13 hours in the bone-chilling cold just to watch a ball drop, confetti splash, and Frank Sinatra songs serenade a riotous crowd into the new year is mind-boggling as I look back.
In other words, I completely understand the urge for winter sun this time of year.
Digital nomads are one and the same because they have the flexibility to go virtually anywhere, so why not embrace the beautiful weather instead of the discomforts of winter?
Now that dozens of countries have introduced visas for digital nomads, remote workers who have the luxury of exploring the world on their own terms have a seemingly endless list of great escapes at their fingertips.
There’s one sprawling South American city that doesn’t get enough hype, yet boasts amazing nature, captivating cultural riches, a very reasonable cost of living, and supposedly the most reliable WiFi on the continent.
Recently reported as an ’emerging destination’ for digital nomads, there’s no better time to visit Santiago, Chile, because you can stay Visa-free stay of 90 days for standard tourists, just long enough to avoid having to shovel driveways and thaw your frozen toes at home.
Discover Chile’s sunny urban jungle with endless delights
Santiago never gets too hot or too cold, but in winter temperatures in the Goldilocks zone are high just right.
From January to March, you can expect many brisk days of comfortable 80-degree weather, making exploring this culturally rich city even more enticing to explore.
Santiago is home to hospitable locals and bustling traditional markets Mercado Paula Jaraquemadaphenomenal food and museums, and a well-mapped modern transit system to easily navigate the city, including fun aerial trams that offer beautiful views.
With the backdrop of the towering Andes Mountains as Mother Nature’s invitation to venture beyond the sprawling cityscape, if you linger within the skyline you’ll miss out on Santiago’s most important hidden gems.
Maipo Valley, Casablanca Valley and San Antonio Valley are just a few of the nearby wine regions outside Santiago, an underrated destination for dining and drinking in astonishing scenery.
Cajón del Maipo is also an excellent place to escape the fast-paced city life, with ample hiking trails, breathtaking mountain views and even hot springs.
The one conundrum digital nomads may face is all the distractions outside of their work tasks.
Is Santiago safe?
Like any big city, there are bad apples, but Santiago is generally considered safe, as long as you don’t go looking for trouble.
Chile has been placed on the list, according to the U.S. Department of State Level 2: Be extra careful without any updates since summer 2023.
Although the U.S. Embassy issued a travel warning last fall due to an increase in crime, essentially warning travelers to be extra alert near the main airport and not show signs of wealth.
Digital nomads currently living in Santiago have a different perspective. Nomads.com rates the safety of Santiago as “good”, so you know that the current nomads feel safe despite the fairly recent alarm bells.
Affordable and modern: Well equipped for the digital nomad lifestyle
Santiago has everything digital nomads could wish for, except a beautiful coastline. Even that is only 110 kilometers away in the small seaside towns El Canelo and El Canelillo.
However, the city itself is ready to embrace you with what has been described by several reports as the most reliable Wi-Fi in South America.
Work with confidence in the city’s many cafes or collaborate with like-minded travelers in numerous co-working spaces such as Cowork del Centrocurrently with a perfect Google rating of 5.0.
Finding your base won’t be a problem either. Although you only get a 90-day stay without a visa, it’s best to scour platforms like Airbnb for monthly rentals.
You can easily find it comfortable 1 bedroom apartments under $600 conveniently located in some of the trendiest neighborhoods.
If you want to stay longer, Americans can pay a $100 fee for an extension of an additional 90 days at the hotel. Chilean Immigration Office.
With budgets high on digital nomads’ worry lists, check out Chile’s flagship low-cost airline SKY airlinethose big hubs like MiamiCancun, Punta Cana and Lima.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
