Making up the western side of South America’s tapering tail, Chile is a country of amazing contrasts. Extending 2,666 miles from the sub-tropical deserts of the north to the cold glacial south, it is fringed by the Pacific Ocean on the west and enclosed by the towering Andes to the east. Rarely wider than 120 miles it nevertheless rises sharply from sea-level to dizzy heights, often over 20,000 feet. The variety of habitat supports distinctive flora and fauna, protected by a system of national parks. A five hour flight over the Pacific Ocean will take you to Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and one of the world's most famous landmarks – its enigmatic statues. Chile has many climatic regions. The temperate north and sub-tropical Easter Island can be visited throughout the year, while Santiago and central Chile have seasons that are the opposite of those in the UK. The Lake District is beautiful in Chile’s spring and autumn, and there is endless sunshine during high summer in December and January. As in Argentina, Chile’s Patagonia is very changeable and it is advisable to be prepared for anything.
Santiago
Chile’s capital is a modern and cosmopolitan city set amidst the backdrop of the snow-capped Andes. The historical downtown area is home to museums, churches, a central plaza and cathedral, while the commercial centre hosts the majority of the shops and restaurants.
Santa Cruz and the Colchagua Valley
Although the Colchagua Valley is located just an hour and a half south of Santiago, the landscape of vineyards and rolling hills make it seem a million miles away. Santa Cruz is at the heart of the valley and is a perfect base from which to explore the wine region, which has been named as one of the best in the world.
Punta Arenas
Located over 3,000 km south of Santiago, Punta Arenas is a picturesque city which acts as a gateway to the southern regions of Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales.
Puerto Natales
Situated 250 km north of Punta Arenas on Last Hope Sound, Puerto Natales has many hotels, restaurants and local attractions. This stunning town is primarily used as a base from which to explore Torres Del Paine National Park, only one and a half hours away. The Serran and Balmaceda Glaciers can also be visited from here.
Torres del Paine National Park
The most famous national park in Chile and all Patagonia, Torres del Paine is remote, isolated, rugged and difficult to reach. But the journey is definitely worth it – the landscape of lakes, rivers and waterfalls beneath the dramatic granite spires is truly breathtaking.
Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is a feast for the eyes; pink flamingos visit the vast salt lakes and flats where the volcanic activity comes to the surface in spectacular geysers, steam vents and hot springs. This is the driest desert in the world and is also rich in archaeological remains with evidence of pre-Hispanic cultures dating back over 10,000 years.
Lake District
Famous for its spectacular scenery of blue mountain lakes, snow capped volcanoes, ancient forests and traditional folklore, Chile’s Lake District offers year round activities, including hiking, fjord cruises and geo-thermal pools. The network of lakes stretches 300 km from Temuco to Pureto Montt and between the lakes are rivers, waterfalls, hot springs and the Andes.
Easter Island
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is widely known for the mysterious existence of over a thousand 'moai' which stand some 20 feet tall with their backs to the Pacific Ocean. Though governed by Chile, the island is over 2,000 miles from the mainland, and its indigenous people and their culture are more closely linked to Polynesia. White sandy beaches, hiking the volcanoes and snorkelling and diving are some of the main attractions of this charming island. Add a relaxing four night break in Chile's Pacific island or a six night scuba diving holiday to your tour. The flight from Santiago takes five hours.