Chile

Destination Overview

Chile offers you many adventures: From stargazing in the driest desert in the world, visiting some of the oldest glaciers in the world, and trekking through magical forests and lakes at the foot of impressive volcanoes, the country has it all. Expect islands full of legends, traditional wine production, challenging climbing routes and a modern and accessible capital city, Santiago. Reconnect with nature, discover untouched landscapes, and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Chilean people.

Capital

Santiago de Chile

Time

GMT -4

Currency

Chilean peso

Language

Spanish

Religion

Christianity

Population

20 Million

International Airports

Santiago, Antofagasta, Arica, Cochrane, Punta Arenas, Temuco

Weather

Chile is a vast country. From north to south it is approximately 4,300 kilometers so the climate varies in this country. In the north of Chile you will find a desert climate, there is little rainfall. In some places there is even no rain and if there is rain it falls in the months of January and February.

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Drive along the most beautiful scenic route in the world: The Route of Parks of Patagonia.
Hike in dense rainforests of Pumalin Park through a fairy tale forest with giant ferns, rhubarb-resembling, native Nalca plants, and wildly overgrown tree trunks.
Be part of the lived traditions of the indigenous people that have been maintained over thousands of years..
Get to know traditional agriculture and weaving craft in the Altiplano Highland, and participate in the spiritual ceremony in which the two most important deities are called: The Pachamama and Inti Tata.
Learn about the preparation of delicious dishes on Easter Island and travel back in time to the Polynesian world of the last century..
Embrace thousand years old trees within temperate rainforests and glacier-studded nature.

Wine and Dine

A combination of exquisite seafood and a great assortment of dishes from all over the land, all accompanied by a perfect wine pairing, will captivate your senses and accompany you throughout your experience in Chile. Enjoy your culinary journey with white, red and sparkling wines, all of excellent quality. Explore one of the dozens of vineyards and learn more about the different varieties that Chile proudly exports to the whole world.

Culture

Cultural roots as diverse as its landscapes mark the identity of Chile, come, share and live with indigenous peoples and their traditions! Immerse yourself in the villages of the Altiplano and discover the mysteries of the Mapuche culture in southern Chile. Meet the enigmatic moais in Rapa Nui (Easter Island), listen to Chile’s legends and don’t forget to attend the traditional festivals held in different parts of the country!

Nature

There are few places in the world where you can enjoy such diverse views as in Chile. Be mesmerized by the immensity of the desert in the north and fall in love with the freshness of the forests in southern Chile. Marvel at the salt flats of the Atacama Desert and the immense ice fields in Patagonia, passing through fertile valleys, volcanoes, reserves, and parks found throughout the territory. Get to know nature in all its splendour!

Chile Journeys

Top Places to Visit

Atacama Desert

The driest nonpolar and also oldest desert in the world. It is a wonderful area to experience an ancient place and its energy. The place to stay in Atacama desert is the small oasis town of San Pedro. The area around San Pedro has a lot to offer: the geysers of Tatio, the Valle de la Luna, the ancient fortress of Pucará de Quitor and the hot springs of Puritama. Albeit being a dry desert, Atacama is full of salt flats, active geysers, fertile oases and intense blue lagoons. For astro-tourists it is also the perfect place to see an infinite starry sky.

Polynesic Island-Nation

Also known as the Easter Island, is about 3.000 km from the Pacific coast of Chile. It is estimated that the origin of this nation dates back to the 5th century. As per the islands´ oral records, King Hotu Matu´a disembarked with over 100 people from the closer Polynesic Islands and created the first Rapa Nui settlement.

Route of Parks

A 1,700-mile (2.800 km) scenic route spanning 17 National Parks between Puerto Montt and Cape Horn in Chile’s far south. The route connects the Carretera Austral – which winds its way along Chilean Patagonia – with the Patagonian Channels and the Ruta del Fin del Mundo (“The End of the World Route”), featuring many other spectacular highlights along the way.

Torres del Paine National Park

One of America´s most impressive natural attractions. 2000-meter-high peaks rise out of the vast steppe abruptly; huge glaciers, deep blue lakes and wind-blown, gnarled southern beeches determine the picture. Thundering rivers flow into the valley as waterfalls. This primeval wilderness is a unique refuge for rare animals such as guanacos, Andean foxes, flamingos and condors, the kings of the skies.

Santiago

The metropolitan city Santiago impresses with colonial-style buildings, modern skyscrapers and trendy cafés while the ubiquitous Andes Mountains create a spectacular backdrop. Visit Santiago´s most important monuments, such as the government palace La Moneda, the Universidad de Chile, the church San Francisco, the national library and the hill Santa Lucia, where Santiago was founded in 1541. And don´t forget the busy main square with its cathedral, the old post office and the Mercado Central, the main fish and seafood market.

Chilean Lake District

A green area of lakes, volcanoes, forests, rivers, and a diversity of fauna that impresses. A place to purify body and soul and enjoy nature. Culturally the Lake District has a strong presence of German colonization and of the whole Mapuche tradition around Araucanía in Temuco. It is a must to explore this area and its lakes and having the chance to meet and learn more about the indigenous communities living here.