This Sprawling South American City Is Perfect For Digital Nomads To Escape Winter

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How I ever braved Times Square for 13 hours in the frigid cold just to see a ball drop, confetti splatter, and Frank Sinatra songs serenade a riotous crowd into the new year is mind-boggling looking back.

In other words, I fully understand the urge for winter sun this time of year.

Digital nomads are one and the same, as they have the flexibility to go just about anywhere, so why not embrace splendid weather over the discomforts of winter?

Now that dozens of countries have implemented digital nomad visas, remote workers with the luxury of exploring the world on their own terms have a seemingly endless list of awesome escapes at hand.

There’s one sprawling South American city that doesn’t get enough hype yet boasts astounding nature, captivating cultural riches, very reasonable costs of living, and supposedly the most reliable wifi on the continent.

Recently reported as an ‘upcoming destination’ for digital nomads, there’s no better time to visit Santiago, Chile, since you can stay for 90-day visa-free stays for standard tourists, just long enough to avoid shoveling driveways and thawing out your frozen toes back home.

Discover Chile’s Sunny Urban Jungle With Endless Delights

Santiago never gets too hot or too cold, but winter sees temps in the Goldilocks zone being just right.

From January to March, you can expect many vibrant days ahead of comfortable 80-degree weather, which makes exploring this culturally rich city even more enticing to explore.

Santiago is home to welcoming locals, buzzing traditional markets like Mercado Paula Jaraquemada, phenomenal eats and museums, and a well-mapped modern transit system to easily navigate around the city, including fun aerial trams offering stunning views.

Backdropped by the towering Andes mountains as Mother Nature’s invitation to venture outside the vast cityscape, if you stick around within the skyline, you’re missing out on Santiago’s top hidden gems.

Maipo Valley, Casablanca Valley, and San Antonio Valley are just a select few of the nearby wine regions outside Santiago, an underrated destination to wine and dine among astounding scenery.

Cajón del Maipo is an excellent spot to enjoy a break from the fast-paced city life, too, with ample hiking trails, breathtaking mountain views, and even hot springs.

The only conundrum digital nomads may find themselves in is all the distractions away from their work tasks.

Is Santiago Safe?

Like any major city, there are bad apples, but Santiago is widely considered safe as long as you don’t go looking for trouble.

According to the U.S. State Department, Chile has been designated Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution without any updates since summer 2023.

Although, the U.S. Embassy did issue a travel alert last fall for a surge in crime, essentially warning travelers to carry an extra sense of awareness near the main airport and to not display signs of wealth.

Digital nomads currently residing in Santiago have a different perspective. Nomads.com ranks Santiago’s safety as “good”, so you know present nomads feel safe despite the fairly recent alarm bells.

Affordable & Modern: Well-Equipped For The Digital Nomad Lifestyle

Santiago has all digital nomads could ask for, except for a stunning coastline. Even that is only 68 miles away in the small beach towns of El Canelo and El Canelillo.

The city itself, however, is ready to embrace you with what’s been dubbed by multiple reports as the most reliable wifi in South America.

Work with confidence at many cafes dotting the city or buddy up with like-minded travelers at numerous co-working spaces like Cowork del Centro, currently holding a perfect 5.0 Google rating.

Finding your base will be no issue, either. While you’re only getting 90 day stays without a visa, your best bet is to scour platforms like Airbnb for monthly rentals.

You can easily find comfortable 1-bedroom condos under $600 conveniently located in some of the trendiest neighborhoods.

Should you want to stay longer, Americans can pay a $100 fee to an extend for an additional 90 day stay at the Chilean Immigration Office.

Since budgets are high on the worry list for digital nomads, check out Chile’s flagship low-cost carrier SKY Airline, connecting major hubs like Miami, Cancun, Punta Cana, and Lima.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, 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 within the post.