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Chile
This remarkable ribbon of land, rarely more than 100 miles wide, stretches almost 3,000 miles from the Atacama Desert to the aweinspiring glaciers of Patagonia. Chile's vast length crosses many latitudes and climate zones, creating a huge variety of landscapes from snow-capped volcanoes to the vineyardpacked Central Valley, and from the striking Lake District to the narrow fjords of the south, all sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the mountainous spine of the Andes. Elsewhere, the mysterious moai statues of Easter Island offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient and unique civilisation of the Pacific islanders. As one of the most developed of the South American countries, Chile also has an excellent infrastructure for tourism.
Torres del Paine
Chile Travel Tips
· Time: Mainland Chile GMT -4; Easter Island GMT -6 · Flying Time from UK: Approx. 16 hours. · Language: Spanish is the official language but English is widely spoken in larger hotels and tourist areas. · Currency: The Chilean Peso (CLP); £1 = CLP1047 approximately. · Visa Requirements: A visa is not required by UK citizens for tourist stays of up to three months. · Festivals, Events & Busy Times: There are numerous local events and national holidays, such as Chilean Independence Day (18 Sept). Easter and Christmas are generally the busiest travel times. · Departure Tax: US$26 for international and domestic departures, subject to change. · Tourist Office: Chilean Tourist Information, 12 Devonshire Street, London W1G 7DS. Tel: 020 7580 1023. Or visit the website www.visit-chile.org. For more useful information, see pages 88/89.
Santiago & The Central Valley
Chile's cosmopolitan capital, Santiago, lies at the foot of the Andes and has a historic city centre as well as impressive modern districts. The colourful port of Valparaiso is within easy reach, as are the beaches around Viña del Mar and the vineyards of the Central Valley, which produce some of the best wines in South America.
BOLIVIA
Arica Iquique Calama San Pedro de Atacama
Antofagasta
Atacama Desert
The desert around San Pedro de Atacama is one of Chile's major attractions, and the lunar landscape of sand dunes, geysers and salt lakes is extraordinary. It is equally suited for quiet contemplation or for the adventurous, with horse riding, hiking and mountain biking on offer.
CHILE
La Serena
ARGENTINA
Chilean Lake District
A beautiful and relaxing area of lakes, native forests and snow-capped volcanoes, the Lake District has activities for all, including adventure sports, walking and fishing. Step back in time with a trip to Chiloé Island, and explore its traditional farms and fishing villages.
Valparaiso
Viña del Mar Santiago
Temuco Pucón
Patagonia
Southern Chile is a region of jagged peaks, fjords and glaciers, and contains the dramatic mountains of Torres del Paine National Park. The area is best visited during the summer months (Dec-Apr), or explored by cruise boat, but is also stunning during winter.
Puerto Varas
Chiloé Island
Puerto Montt
Pacific Ocean
Torres del Paine National Park
Easter Island
The stone statues, known locally as moai, on Easter Island are an instantly recognisable symbol of this remote island in the South Pacific. Other archaelogical sites are less well-known but equally fascinating, and the coral reefs make Easter Island an ideal place for diving and snorkelling.
South Atlantic Ocean
Puerto Natales Punta Arenas
Moai Statues, Easter Island
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