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chile | destinations
Flamingos wade in a salt lake near San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
FIVE MINUTE GUIDE: CHILE
• TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK: Countless travelers descend on Patagonia and head towards this startling 700sq-mile park to gaze at the looming pillars of the Towers of Paine. Packed into the park’s borders are ice-blue lakes, rich green forests, thundering rivers and giant glaciers, where condors circle from high and animals stalk the vast open spaces. The region is dotted with high-end hotels and plush glamping spots, where adventure-seekers round off their days with pisco sours on terraces overlooking the snow-dusted steppe.
• SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA: The Atacama stretches for more than 600 miles and is considered the world’s driest desert, nudging the west of the Andes and
the Pacific Ocean with some of Chile’s most jaw-dropping scenery. Orange dust clouds swirl through its otherworldly red landscapes, conical mountains rise towards the wide-open horizons and stargazers are drawn to its night skies of celestial brilliance. Tourists arrive into this desert village – filled with buzzing cafes, tour agencies and bars that hum until late – to explore its rock formations, volcanoes and fields of steaming geysers, and see flamingos at nearby salt lakes.
• SANTIAGO: Energetic and cosmopolitan, the Chilean capital has a knack for surprising visitors with its interesting foodie scene, thrumming nightlife, charming architecture and innovative street art. And there are festivals and street parties that light up the calendar all year round. Farmers
markets are stacked with colorful fruits, crafts and fabrics; galleries showcase the city’s up-and- coming arts talent; and a handful of insightful museums explore the country’s rich history. Love winter sports? The snow-swept resort of Valle Nevado lies just 90 minutes from the city – and has arguably the best skiing in the Andes.
• THE WINE VALLEYS: It’s easy to find good bottles of wine wherever you are in Chile, but for travelers looking to get to the heart of the scene, it’s worth striking out and heading directly to the vineyards striping the renowned valleys of Maipo, Cachapoal, Colchagua, San Antonio, Aconcagua and Casablanca in the foothills of the Andes. Wineries dot the regions, serving up artisan tipples of
Carmenere, Syrah and Pinot Noir with classic Chilean menus focusing on fresh, local produce.
• EASTER ISLAND: It might lie 2,300 miles from Chile in the Pacific Ocean, but wild and mysterious Rapu Nui – as it is known to the locals – is undoubtedly one of its star attractions. And it’s this remoteness that adds to the charm – nowhere else on Earth are you so far from all other land. That and its 800 iconic giant moai statues that dot the island, carved out of volcanic rock between the 11th and 14th centuries by Polynesian settlers. Some are found fallen in the sea, others stand side-by-side in the shadow of volcanoes. But much of the statues’ backstory continues to elude experts.
Worldwide Destination Guide 2024/25 | ASTA | 189
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