The country of Chile, which spans almost the entire South American Pacific Ocean coastline, offers a staggering variety of landscapes. Chile is no more than 430 kilometres wide, yet stretches over 4600 kilometres north-to-south. Long one of South America’s most stable countries, it draws tourists seeking excellent value. It is a land where one can experience over seven major climate types, thus making it a truly unique holiday destination. Where else can one experience, on the same trip, winters of polar extreme and tropical paradise without stepping foot out of the contiguous country?
Chile has high deserts, massive glaciers, sandy beaches, fiery volcanoes, virgin forests, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and soaring mountains. Every kind of accommodation can be found in Chile, whether its ski chalet-styled lodgings, tropical bungalows, Latin-inspired inns, rustic alpine hotels or glamorous beach resorts. Visitors enjoy hospitality as only South America’s friendliest peoples can offer.
As the Pacific Ocean forms the western boundary of this long, skinny country, the Andes Mountains form the eastern border. In-between is every imaginable outdoor pursuit waiting for travellers. It is possible to snow ski in the morning and water ski in the afternoon without ever getting on an airplane. In the north, altiplano lakes of the Valley of the Moon and the volcanoes of Putre draw scores of visitors, as does San Pedro de Atacama, which showcases important Incaic architecture. The central part of the Chile features world-class skiing resorts and all sorts of hiking and mountain climbing choice. In the south of Chile, one can find the glaciers of the San Rafael Lagoon, many national parks and fabled Patagonia. The country’s prime tourist destination, though, is Easter Islands, with its mystic history fixed around the enormous statues of Rap Nui National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors arrive in Chile mostly by way of Santiago, its stylishly modern capital. The city is the centre of most of the countries cultural and political institutions, as well as offering the best of shopping, dining and thriving nightlife. From this cosmopolitan city one can explore a lot of what Chile has to offer in day trips. The Chilean wine country, the culturally rich and quirky city of Valparaiso, and major Andean ski areas are all within an hour of the city. Virtually every type of art and cultural museum can be found in Santiago, as well as important examples of architectural history.
For travellers that love nature and adventure, Chile offers one of the world’s most exotic and varied destination to enjoy them.