Santiago is one of South America's most rewarding cities for tattoo tourism. World-class artists, a vibrant creative scene, and a studio — CAOS Art Tattoo — that has been tattooing clients from over 35 countries across 81 cities worldwide. If you're visiting Chile and considering getting inked, this guide covers everything you need to know before, during, and after your session.
The short answer: Yes, it's completely safe to get tattooed in Santiago at a reputable studio. CAOS Tattoo holds 432 five-star Google reviews and a fully bilingual team. Get a free quote in English →
1. Is it Safe to Get a Tattoo in Santiago?
This is the most common concern for tourists — and the short answer is yes, provided you choose a professional studio and review the artist's portfolio before booking.
At CAOS Art Tattoo, we follow international hygiene standards. Every session uses single-use, pre-sterilized equipment opened in front of the client. Artists work from dedicated individual workstations and provide written aftercare instructions at the end of every session.
A key principle we stand by: prioritize the quality of the artist over the cost. A tattoo is permanent — a poorly executed one will eventually need correction or laser removal, which is far more expensive and painful than getting it right the first time.
Important: At CAOS, we don't receive clients without them having seen the artist's portfolio and knowing the scope of their project beforehand. Please browse our artist galleries before reaching out.
2. How to Book as a Tourist
All sessions at CAOS Art Tattoo are by appointment only. The fastest and simplest channel for international visitors is WhatsApp — instant, bilingual, and you can send reference images directly.
- Browse the portfolios — identify the artist whose style matches your vision
- Message via WhatsApp with your reference images and available dates in Santiago
- Receive your quote — evaluated seriously and professionally, same day
- Confirm with a deposit — this reserves your slot. Deposits are non-refundable once the design has been created, as that time has already been invested
- The artist contacts you 1–2 days before the session to confirm all details
The studio address is shared during the booking process — locations vary by artist. The studio is open every day, 11:00 to 21:00.
For travellers: Book as early in your Santiago stay as possible — this gives you time to heal before continuing your trip. If you can't make your appointment, give at least 3 days' notice to free up the slot.
3. Choose Your Artist First
At CAOS you don't book "the studio" — you book a specific artist based on their style. This is one of the most important parts of the process. Each artist has a distinct artistic world; the right match makes the difference between a good tattoo and an extraordinary one.
Krimatt — Neo-traditional & Illustrative
Bold, characterful work with strong lines and vivid personality. Neo-traditional, illustrative, and watercolour fusion — perfect if you want something with real artistic life.
Rubén — Colour Realism & Portraits
When a tattoo needs to look like a photograph — animals, portraits, landscapes — Rubén is the choice. His colour realism work is among the most requested styles by international clients.
Sebastián — Blackwork & Linework
Clean, precise, and deeply aesthetic. Fine linework, dense blackwork, and anime-inspired designs with equal skill.
Ricardo — Geometry & Ornamental
Sacred geometry, dotwork, neo-Maori, and ornamental patterns. Particularly popular with visitors drawn to symbolic or culturally-rooted designs.
Nati — Blackwork
Focused and distinctive blackwork. Nati's portfolio speaks for itself.
Felipe — Polynesian Tattoos · Rapa Nui / Easter Island
Based in Hanga Roa, Easter Island, Felipe creates authentic Polynesian tattoos rooted in the living tradition of Rapa Nui. If your journey includes Easter Island, this is a truly unique opportunity — getting tattooed on the island itself, by an artist who carries that tradition.
4. How to Prepare Before Your Session
Preparation matters. A well-prepared body heals significantly better and makes the session more comfortable. Here's what CAOS recommends:
- Moisturize the area to be tattooed for 7 days before the session
- Eat healthily and drink plenty of water in the days leading up
- Avoid sun exposure on the area to be tattooed
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, aspirin — and get a proper night's sleep
- On session day: eat a full meal before arriving (especially important for long sessions)
- Bring water and snacks — chocolate, sweets or gum help with blood sugar during longer work
- Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the tattooed area
- Arrive on time and don't schedule anything immediately after — don't rush your artist
- Inform the artist of any medical conditions, medications, or allergies
5. What to Expect During the Session
Before anything starts, the artist places the stencil on your skin and reviews the placement with you. You can adjust. If you have any doubts or questions, ask — this is the moment to clarify, not halfway through.
The design is developed after booking is confirmed. Arriving with a clear idea (or having requested guidance during consultation) leads to better results. A vague brief wastes time for both sides and risks a result neither of you loves.
For large projects — sleeves, back pieces, full legs — sessions typically run 4–5 hours. A full black-and-grey sleeve takes approximately 7–8 sessions. Full colour takes longer. This is something to plan across multiple visits unless your Santiago stay is extended.
6. Healing Your Tattoo While Still Travelling
This section matters most for tourists. Getting tattooed 48 hours before a beach day in Pucón or a trek in Patagonia requires planning.
The first 3 nights — dermal patch
Sessions typically end with a dermal patch applied over the fresh tattoo. Leave it on for 3 nights — do not remove early. You may see ink and blood encapsulate under the patch forming small fluid pockets. This is completely normal. Leave it alone.
To remove: pull gently in the opposite direction to the skin, not straight up.
After the patch comes off
- Wash hands thoroughly with neutral liquid soap before touching the tattoo
- Wash the tattooed skin with cool or lukewarm water, neutral soap, and gentle circular massage
- Pat dry with paper towel — never rub
- Apply a thin layer of healing cream (always with clean hands). Repeat at least 3×/day; if skin dries faster, every 3 hours
- Don't over-apply cream — the skin needs to breathe to heal properly
Absolute no-gos during healing
- No sun exposure on the tattooed area
- No ocean, pools, hot tubs, or saunas
- No sports or physical strain the first week
- No alcohol, coffee, aspirin, or cigarettes for the first 5 days
- Never scratch or pick at scabbing — let it fall off on its own
- Don't clean with alcohol or alcohol-based products
From week two, switch from healing cream to a regular moisturizer and begin applying SPF 50+ sunscreen daily. Follow the full protocol for 14 days.
The sun is the #1 enemy of tattoos — even after healing. SPF 50+ every day before going outside. This applies for life, not just the healing phase. Full aftercare guide →
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No. CAOS Art Tattoo is fully bilingual. All consultations, quotes, and sessions can be done entirely in English. Clients have come from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and 30+ other countries.
Can I get a tattoo the same day I arrive?
Sessions are by appointment only, so walk-ins are not accepted. We recommend planning in advance — and getting tattooed early in your Santiago stay rather than on your last day before flying out.
What if I want to cover an existing tattoo?
CAOS has extensive cover-up experience. It's a specific technique requiring genuine artistic judgment — not every tattoo or idea works for a cover-up. The piece to be covered must be fully healed (minimum 1 month). Very dark or saturated work may require laser first. In some cases, we'll tell you honestly that laser is the better path — a good cover-up starts with an honest assessment. Cover-Up portfolio →
What styles are available at CAOS?
Neo-traditional, illustrative, watercolour, colour realism, portraits, blackwork, fine linework, anime, sacred geometry, ornamental, dotwork, neo-Maori, and authentic Polynesian (Rapa Nui studio). Culturally inspired designs from Japanese, Norse, Egyptian, Hindu, Greek, Celtic, Aztec, Andean, and Polynesian traditions. Cultures & Symbols →
Do you tattoo minors?
No. CAOS Art Tattoo does not tattoo anyone under 18, without exception.
Do you use fluorescent inks?
No. CAOS does not work with fluorescent (UV/fluor) inks.
Is tipping expected in Chile?
Not culturally required. For complex custom work it's always appreciated — entirely your call.
More from the Blog
→ All articles
→ Full Aftercare Guide (bilingual)
→ Meet the CAOS artists
→ Cover-Up portfolio