Chile offers a wide variety of locations and events for all types of travelers, so the next time you hop down to South America, take some time to get to know this beautiful and diverse country!
Santiago: Any trip through Chile should start in the capital. A beautiful, modern city, Santiago has so much to offer the casual visitor. Start your visit at the Plaza de las Armas, the large square in the center of town. Take a look at the Cathedral, with its vaulted ceilings and beautiful antique paintings. Then sit at an outdoor cafe on the plaza watching the people and pedestrians. Afterwards, head to the downtown shopping district to pick up some deals on electronics or fashion, all of which can be found at very cheap prices. In the evening, a variety of restaurants serve up traditional Chilean food as well as many varieties of world-class Chilean wine. End the night in one of Santiago's trendy clubs, where you can hear DJs from around the world playing music as you sip on pisco, the famous Chilean liquor made from grapes.
Valparaiso: About 100km from Santiago lies the beautiful sea-side city of Valparaiso, another fantastic destination in Chile. With a wonderful view of the city and an old harbor, there are many locations to taste some of Chile's famous seafood. With clams, mussels and a variety of deep sea fish, you will not leave on an empty stomach. Take a ride up the world's oldest cable car to the top of the mountain, overlooking the city and the sea. In addition, Valparaiso offers a range of cultural activities and museums, including the house of poet Pablo Neruda, now converted into a collection of paintings and gardens.
Atacama Desert: Forget the Sahara, the Atacama Desert of Chile is the most arid place on earth. Located the north of the country, a two hour flight from the capital, the desert is a unique and unforgettable experience. With no recorded rainfall in history, the place is a moonscape of rocks, salt deposits and flatlands. Many sci-fi movies are filmed here because its resemblance to outer space, and visitors can marvel at the untouched beauty of the desert. More extreme forms of excitement can be found on the flat salt deposits. There you will find people engaging in desert racing and wind sailing.
Patagonia: At the Southern extreme of the country lies another amazing yet desolate location, Patagonia. Fly down and enjoy and aerial view of the massive glacier fields, then visit Torres del Paine, the rocky crags of a steep and beautiful mountain. Hikers can climb the slopes, and more adventurous travelers can even take an ice climbing lesson at the base of the huge frozen waterfalls. On your way back, take a trip to see the local penguin colonies, where funny and friendly penguins seem perfectly happy on the frozen landscape.
Easter Island: A five-hour flight from Santiago, in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, is the mysterious and beautiful Easter Island. Famous for its gigantic carved stone heads, the origins of the island remain unknown. Visitors can see the huge relics of the bygone people and take a tour of the tiny island. From the mountain peak, in the center of the island, one has a 360 degree view of the ocean and the coastline. Two beaches are also available for visitors wishing to relax and soak up the sun.
Lakes Region: To the South-East of Santiago is the extensive Lakes Region of Chile, with rolling hills, dozens of small and beautiful lakes, resorts, and expensive homes of the country’s wealthiest citizens. With the best winter skiing in the country, as well as a selection of hiking routes, shopping malls, and spas for the tired traveler, the Lakes Region is a wonderful stop at the end of the trip.
