COUNTRY PROFILES


Chile S


Capital city: Santiago | Language: Spanish | Currency: Chilean Peso | Visa: Not required by British citizens | Time zone: GMT -4hrs OPPOSITES ATTRACT


haped like no other country on earth, Chile is sandwiched


between the Andes in the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, and measures over 2,600 miles long but averages just 100 miles wide. The country is stretched over so


many degrees of latitude that its tourist board can conveniently market four distinct destinations: the northern Atacama region, capital city Santiago and the Central Valleys, the Lakes District and Patagonia in the far south of the country. Chile is one of Latin America’s most


stable and developed countries, with excellent tourism infrastructure and a vast array of natural and historical attractions. What's more, its govern- ment has recently named the UK as one of just seven overseas priority markets, meaning you can expect more promotional campaigns and heightened awareness among consumers in the UK. Capital city Santiago lies in central


Chile and is the principal arrival and departure point for international flights. The Andes loom over the city and for much of the year are snow- covered, which makes for some spectacular views from Santiago’s largest park, San Cristobal. Offering a different take on this otherwise fast- paced, modern city, Bella Vista is a trendy and bohemian district featuring a prolific arts scene and


WWW.CHILE.TRAVEL


■ Easter Island's striking 'moai'


plenty of nightlife options. In the far north of the country, the


Atacama desert is the driest in the world, its rugged and surreal land- scapes making its main settlement, San Pedro de Atacama, a busy hub for adventure activities. Visitors can enjoy the luxuries of a number of 'experiential' hotels in the area that offer a wide choice of trips and activities in the region. The coastal city of Valparaiso –


around two hours by road from Santiago – is famed for its colourful homes and buildings, precariously stacked up the city's steep hillsides. In the opposite direction from


SAMPLE PACKAGE Kuoni's 13-day Chilean Highlights tour travels the country from north to south, taking in capital city Santiago, San Pedro de Atacama, Valparaiso, Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park, with the chance to add four days on Easter Island.


20 | Latin America


Santiago, heading deeper into the Andes, there's a host of ski resorts within easy reach of the capital, generally open from June to October (South America's winter). South of Santiago, in the foothills of


the Andes, are some of Chile's best vineyards, while further south still, the pace of life slows down, the land turns greener and mountains tower


HIGHLIGHTS  Torres del Paine National Park  The Atacama Desert  Colourful Valparaiso  The picturesque Lake District  Remote Easter Island


TIPS FROM


THE TOP “Chile is for people who love nature and wilderness as it is packed full of unique landscapes. Like Brazil, Chile can be costly to travel to and around, but the experience it offers is fantastic value for money. The top destinations remain the Atacama Desert, the Lakes District and the Torres del Paine National Park. For those who want to experience an Antarctic Cruise but don’t have the financial means or the time, Chile offers a similar taste on the Australis Expedition cruise around the fjords of Patagonia. Chile is renowned for having outstanding luxury accommodation, even in the remotest corners.“


Simon Forster, Latin America Product Manager, Rainbow Tours


over glistening waters in what is appropriately known as the Lakes District. The city of Puerto Montt lies on the fringes of the Lakes District, while Patagonia is to its south, with Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales the best places from which to access Patagonia's number one destination, the Torres del Paine National Park. A mecca for hikers, climbers and lovers of the great outdoors, the landscape is a concoction of jagged mountain peaks, giant glaciers, turquoise lakes and hardy forests. Remote Easter Island, meanwhile,


lies some 2,000 miles west of mainland Chile, out in the Pacific Ocean, and is famous for its mysterious stone statues – called 'moai' – that adorn its landscapes. An expensive destination to include, but worth it.


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