If you’ve got a layover in Valdivia, don’t let it go to waste sitting at ZAL. The city, in Chile, is within easy reach — roughly 80 minutes by Local Bus / Taxi. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of ZAL:
- Can you legally enter Chile? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 80-minute journey each way by Local Bus / Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CLP. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Valdivia, we’d suggest Mercado Fluvial & Riverfront Promenade and Torreón del Canelo Historical Site. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Just walking around here gives you a feel for the local vibe. History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds.
If you’d rather stay inside ZAL — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Free Wi-Fi & Charging Stations
- Souvenir & Local Crafts Kiosk
Getting to Valdivia from the Airport
From ZAL, the Local Bus / Taxi gets you to Valdivia in around 80 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 100 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Local Bus / Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Eat
For food in Valdivia, local travelers recommend CervecerÃa Kunstmann. If you have time for a second stop, La Ãltima Frontera is another popular pick.
Back at ZAL, CafeterÃa Aeropuerto Pichoy is the go-to. Pichoy Express Bites rounds out your in-terminal options.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Valdivia might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$7 USD
- A meal: ~$14 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$31 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Valdivia, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
WiFi at ZAL should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Chile and you’re good to go.
Luggage Storage Options
Specific locker facilities at ZAL aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Valdivia itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, ZAL has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Valdivia doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 80 minutes from ZAL, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.