So, you want to visit South America but don’t know quite where to start? Why not consider Chile as your destination?
There is something in Chile for everyone. Sports and Adventure, Natural Inspiration, Food and Wine, Culture and Heritage, and Wellness and Relaxation.
Here is an overview of the regions.
In the North:
The Atacama Desert is the most arid in the world. Over a relatively short distance it is possible to see volcanoes, extensive salt flats, geysers, enormous sand dunes, natural hot springs, fertile valleys, solitary beaches and varied wildlife.
The city of La Serena (located 470 km North of Santiago) is your starting point for Astronomical tourism. This area has clear skies, 340 nights each year.
Santiago and the Central Zone:
The New York Times named Santiago as a premier travel destination thanks to its growing cultural life, new infrastructure dedicated to the arts, and first-class hotel options. In the neighbourhoods of Lastarria, Italia and the bohemian Bellavista there is an array of restaurants, design shops, bars and cafés, creating a truly vibrant experience. Just a few kilometers from Santiago you’ll find ski resorts and vineyards.
The wine routes in the Maipo, Casablanca and Colchagua valleys offer daily visiting schedules, tastings, wine shops and excellent restaurants.
In the South:
The Biobio River marks the beginning of the south of Chile. It is a place of great beauty, perfect for enjoying sporting activities and excursions the year round. Skiing in the Winter, and water sports, trekking, canopy rides, rafting and volcano climbing in the Summer.
90 kilometers from the city of Temuco you’ll find a wonderful ethnic tourism circuit that lets visitors sample local cuisine, sleep in a traditional dwelling (known as “ruca”), and enjoy rowboat excursions on Lake Budi, South America’s only saltwater lake.
Patagonia and the extreme South:
From one end to the other you’ll find landscapes containing endless wonders, including its majestic mountains, Campos de Hielo (the Ice Fields), Torres del Paine and Cerro Castillo (Mount Castillo). Torres del Paine is one of the most impressive destinations that Chile has to offer.
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this 240,000 hectare protected space features lakes, glaciers, rivers, waterfalls, forests and its unique granite towers. Activities include visiting the General Carrera lake whose waters have hewn caves and grottos in marble.
Both the Northern and Southern Ice Fields offer breathtaking views of glaciers. The Baker river is known for its excellent fly-fishing thanks to its abundance of rainbow and brown trout.
Torres del Paine National Park features a variety of circuits for trekking. You can explore the park by bike, following paths that offer gorgeous panoramic views. Kayaking is another option, navigating the Serrano River and exploring pristine areas surrounded by impressive vegetation and glaciers.
Between mid-November and mid-March, a number of ships offer transportation to Antarctica. Its landscapes are truly unique and magnificent, with a variety of wildlife to observe, photograph and film.
Chile is also the country from where you can visit Easter Island, the Juan Fernandez Islands and Chiloe. So much history and heritage to discover.
Target Travel would love to help you put together the trip of a lifetime. We can book you on tours from many providers.
Links:
Turismo Chile
Tierra Patagonia
Terra Luna Patagonia
Hotel Las Torres Patagonia
Explore Worldwide
AP Touring
Cox and Kings
Scenic Tours
Adventure World
Intrepid Travel
* images supplied by Turismo Chile