Chile

Stretching from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia in the south, and from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Andes in the East, Chile possesses a unique geography that demands to be explored.

Things to see and do

Chile can be broken into five distinct geographic and climactic zones. The north is dominated by the Atacama Desert, the driest in the world and the place to go for unrivaled stargazing. The central valleys are home to the capital Santiago, and the city of Valparaiso and are defined by their Mediterranean climate and wine growing. Santiago is the perfect place to set as a base camp while you explore further. Further south the landscape changes dramatically and unfolds into pristine lakes and over 2,000 volcanoes. At the tip of the country is the stark beauty of Patagonia and the Antarctic Territory. Finally, the Oceanic Islands of Rapa Nui and Robinson Crusoe offer something you won’t see anywhere else.

The capital city of Chile, Santiago, is a rapidly developing, cosmopolitan city that is a great place to stay and recover from jet lag. With lively Latin nightlife and a dynamic food scene, it is worth spending a few days immersing yourself in Chilean culture and wandering the city. From the bohemian Bellavista district with its bars, restaurants and boutiques, to downtown Santiago with its fine museums and famous Central Market there is plenty to see and do as you plan your next stop. Situated on the Pacific coast, Valparaiso is the second largest city in the country and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to Latin America’s oldest stock exchange and the regions oldest volunteer fire service, Valparaiso is an historically significant city that does justice to its old nickname of the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’. With its colourful houses and labyrinthine streets, it is easy to spend a day exploring its vibrant neighbourhoods.

Read more in the May issue…