A country of extraordinary landscapes. Hike through temperate rain forests, picnic in front of snow-capped volcanoes, and clamber across millenary glaciers. Discover ancient cultures inhabiting the world’s driest desert, and savor a glass of wine on a 19th century veranda.
Places of Interest
Arica & the Great North
This extreme dry landscape has been home to the Aymara since ancient days. Their ancestors’ caravan route is marked from the highlands to the ocean with petroglyphs which are easily visible to today’s visitors. As you move from the ocean towards the Andes you’ll encounter different types of deserts, interesting wildlife, isolated villages, remnants of the Inca Road, and the unique landscapes of Lake Chungara and Lauca National Park.
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The Atacama Desert
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes with its soaring volcanoes, this is the world’s driest desert. There are expanses where indeed, nothing grows. The green oases that burst from the river only add to the wonder that man has been able to live here at all. Unusual landscapes such as Moon Valley or the Atacama Salt Lake will make you question whether you have strayed from our planet!
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Chilean Patagonia
Chilean Patagonia, stretching alongside Argentine Patagonia, is filled with glaciers, lakes, fjords, pampas, and huasos (cowboys) herding sheep. Much of Chilean Patagonia was inaccessible until the last 15 years. Torres del Paine is doubtlessly one of the world’s most beautiful places. Cruise the Chilean fjords and experience the pristine beauty of these fjords lined with temperate rainforest and ancient glaciers. Northern Patagoniahas beautiful glacier lakes, the famous Futaleufu River, great fishing, and interesting pioneers.
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Easter Island
Easter Island, the most isolated of the Polynesian islands, is an open-air museum—with “moais” (giant sculptures) and Petroglyphs that remain from a sophisticated and complex culture. Delving into the still unresolved mysteries of the island—who made these moais, how did they transport them, and why did they stop will have you forming your own opinions!
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Lake District
This is the region of crystal clear lakes accented by snow-capped volcanoes and mountains of ancient forests. German settlers of the last century left their stamp on the architecture, with intricate patterns on the shingled facades of houses and churches.
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Santiago & the Wine Valleys
Nestled at the foot of the Andes, Santiago has a pleasant downtown filled with plazas and architecture ranging from colonial to baroque to modern skyscrapers. The bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista has one of Pablo Neruda’s houses – “La Chascona”. Pablo Neruda was Chile's beloved poet, diplomat, passionate collector, and conscience. Neruda designed and built his homes in a somewhat idiosyncratic fashion, and they evolved along with his many collections. Here you'll find some of his collection of figureheads, bottles, marine shells, and whatnot. Just one visit to this rambling hideaway with its vast and varied collections will make you an admirer of this man who so loved life. Be sure to visit one of the wineries in the valleys outside of Santiago. Consider a day trip to the coast to see Viña del Mar, Chile’s main sea resort, and Valparaiso. Viña is known as the “Garden City” with its decorated boulevards and beautiful landscaped gardens. Nearby, the important seaport of Valparaiso is known for its many hills covered with winding streets and funiculars.
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