Chile
Why go?
For the adventurous traveller wanting to get off the beaten track,
Chile offers the ultimate playground amid some of the world's most
pristine and spectacular scenery. It's generally safer than other
countries in South America and its relatively good infrastructure
makes travel easy.
The diverse landscape of this super-skinny country ranges from the
desolate sands of the Atacama Desert in the north, down through the
lush valleys and vineyards of the Central Heartland and the azure
waters and ancient forests of the Lake District, to
Patagonia’s spectacular mountains and deep glacial fjords.
Bordered on one side by the Andes and on the other by the Pacific
Ocean, it's feasible to surf and ski in the same day.
We've discovered some
exciting
accommodation, from a luxury colonial hacienda to cosy lodges,
friendly guesthouses and the ultimate mountain hideaway. And
wherever you are, outdoor action is never far away. Raft and kayak
some of the world's wildest waters, hike ancient trails, climb
volcanoes, or just relax in the hot springs and savour fine Chilean
wines.
Any Downsides?
You won't find the magnificent Inca ruins of Peru or the colourful
markets of Ecuador (the atmosphere and prices here are more
European), but Chile is definitely the place to find nature at its
best and a genuinely warm welcome.
Getting there is a long haul, especially from Europe; you really
need at least 2 weeks to make it worthwhile. The sheer length of
the country makes it difficult to see all in one visit. If limited
by time, focus on a single region or combine 2 or 3 by taking
internal flights. Fierce winters in the south limit the visiting
season to this area to November-April.
What's where?
- Atacama Desert: Base yourself in laid-back San Pedro and enjoy sand dunes, volcanoes, geysers, dry salt lakes, flamingos and amazing blankets of stars at night Read More >>
- Chiloe: A magical island with rich local culture, unique 16th-century wooden churches, excellent seafood and friendly locals with stories of mythical spirits Read More >>
- Lake District: Outdoor paradise: snow-capped volcanoes, rafting, horse riding, snowboarding, rolling lakeside meadows, native Mapuche culture and Alpine vistas Read More >>
- Patagonia: Stretching across southern Chile and Argentina, from Pacific to Atlantic, a spectacular land of deep fjords, jagged mountains, vast lakes and glaciers Read More >>
- Santiago & Central Valley: Set against the Andes, Chile's modern capital is a great hub for exploring fabulous vineyards, top ski resorts and the buzzy port of Valparaíso Read More >>
Current Weather – Time
In Santiago: