Chile - A World of Diversity
There are few places on Earth that can boast the same bewildering range of landscapes. From North to South the panorama changes from the Atacama’s arid desert plains, moonscapes and geysers; and the orchards, olive groves and vineyards of the Central Valleys; to the vast wilderness of lakes, glaciers and rocky mountain peaks of Patagonia.
The implausible variety of landscapes is due to the extremes of latitude, altitude and climate. Chile stretches a staggering 4300km from tip to toe, equivalent to the distance from London to Cairo. From East to West, compressed into an area barely ever wider than 200km, the changes in altitude rise sharply from sea level (the Pacific Coast) to over 6000 metres in the Andes.
Chile’s unusual elongated form not only hides some of South America’s most spectacular scenery but also offers the longest established network of national parks on the continent. From Lauca to Torres del Paine, these parks provide the backdrop for a wilderness adventure to suit all budgets. With an organised and relatively efficient public transport network, good hotel infrastructure, varied national cuisine and quality wines, a journey down the world’s longest strip is a must for all travellers.
10 Good Reasons to Visit Chile
1. Outdoor Adventures
The possibilities for those seeking the great outdoors are endless - trekking, mountain biking, sea kayaking, horse-riding, skiing, white-water rafting and fishing.
2. Good Food and Fine Wines
Chile boasts some of the world’s finest seafood and regional dishes, including Chiloe’s curanto - a stew consisting of fish, shellfish, meat and potatoes. The fertile Central Valleys of Chile are home to many internationally acclaimed bodegas including Concha y Toro, Undurraga and Valdivieso.
3. Islands
Easter Island
Renowned for its mysterious moais, giant monolithic stone sculptures, Easter Island is the world’s most remote inhabited island, some 3878km from Chile and 2250km from its closest neighbour, Pitcairn Island.
Juan Fernandez Islands
Consisting of three islands this archipelago is one of Chile’s hidden ecological treasures, with dramatic volcanic peaks, dense vegetation and many endemic plant species. Best known for its compelling history and the real-life Robinson Crusoe, Alexander Selkirk.
Chiloé Archipelago
Easily accessible by boat from Puerto Montt, the little-visited island of Chiloé offers wild coastal scenery, picturesque fishing villages, quaint wooden churches and fantastic seafood. This is the heartland of Chilean folklore.
Navarino Island
Apart from the small town and naval base of Puerto Williams, the world’s southernmost settlement, this is an uninhabited wilderness of barren peaks, isolated valleys and beaver dams.
4. Lauca National Park
Set in the heart of Chile’s altiplano, Lauca is a remote, desolate land of windswept plains, towering volcanoes, clear blue lakesand bleached white salt- flats. Home to the native Aymara indians, this forbidding landscape boasts flourishing populations of llamas, vicuñas and flamingo.
5. The Atacama Desert
Use the lively town of San Pedro de Atacama as your gateway to the myriad attractions of the Atacama Desert: unforgettable landscapes, ancient petroglyphs, El Tatio geysers, Moon Valley and the vast Salar de Atacama salt-flats.
6. The Central Valley
Home to over 5 million people, Chile’s cosmopolitan capital Santiago lies at the foot of the Andes and within easy reach of the coast. Less than two hour’s drive from the city you’ll find the fashionable beach resort of Viña del Mar, the colourful port of Valparaíso, excellent summer skiing and world-renowned vineyards.
7. Skiing
Arguably the best place in the world to ski during the UK summer months. The world-class resorts of Portillo, Valle Nevado and Termas de Chillán offer good facilities, excellent off-piste skiing and fabulous high Andean landscapes.
8. The Lake District
A picture postcard landscape of conical volcanoes, deep blue lakes, native forests and rolling pasture. A Mecca for outdoor pursuits with rafting, biking, horse-riding and fishing all possible. Take the Andean Lake Crossing from Puerto Montt (Chile) to Bariloche (Argentina).
9. The Carretera Austral
A 1000km-long paved highway, carved through temperate rainforest and past silent fjords, from the Lake District to Patagonia. Now rapidly opening up to tourism and outdoor adventures. Coihaique is the jumping off point for visits to the stunning San Rafael glacier.
10. Patagonia
Magnificent jagged peaks bordered by bleak, windswept plains and shimmering turquoise lakes. The Torres del Paine National Park is a magnet for hikers and climbers for its awesome scenery and good infrastructure of campsites, park refuges and wilderness hotels. Further south, you’ll find penguins at the Otway Sound, the one-time gold rush port of Punta Arenas and, across the Straits of Magellan, the harsh beauty of Tierra del Fuego and the Beagle Channel.