Resting in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean Coast Range, Chile’s vibrant, cosmopolitan, the capital city of Santiago is famous for its beautiful parks, a wealth of historical attractions, and exciting arts and music scenes. The Cerro San Cristobal Park, the largest green space in the city, lies on a hill and is reached by a funicular ride. It offers visitors stunning sweeping views of the city, as well as a picturesque botanical garden and two huge swimming pools. The colonial Plaza de Armas, in the old town centre, is a delight to explore with its numerous Neoclassical buildings and museums, most notably the home-turned-museum of renowned poet Pablo Neruda. Visitors can also look forward to wonderful live shows, concerts and exhibitions.
This remote valley flanks the Apalta Valley and its celebrated wineries and is located just two hours south of the capital city of Santiago. Dubbed the ‘Place of Gold’ by the area’s native inhabitants, this exquisite and largely untamed valley features endless undulating hills, gorgeous sparkling mountain lakes, and the magnificent backdrop of the lush, forested Andes Mountain Range. Famed for its impressive vineyards and its fascinating ancient water mills, Millahue Valley produces some of the area’s most sought-after wine as well as some delicious authentic Chilean food. Aside from wine tasting, indulging in the sumptuous cuisine, and marvelling at the unforgettable natural scenery, popular activities include horseback riding, trekking, and mountain biking.
The small town of San Pedro de Atacama is a scenic oasis in the Atacama Desert, surrounded by the imposing volcanic peaks of the Chilean altiplano and located close to several major archaeological and natural attractions. The fascinating ancient sites of Tulor and Quitor, the enthralling Atacama Salt Flat, the jaw-dropping turquoise Altiplanic Lagoons, and the other-worldly Tatio Geysers all lie nearby, and as a result, the village has become a significant tourist destination. Despite its small size it encompasses a wide range of restaurants; however, it is also known for its ‘western feel’ and retains an old-world charm. History enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the atmospheric 17th-century Iglesia San Pedro. However, it is really the breathtaking surroundings that make this destination special.
Chiloe is the biggest island in the Chiloe archipelago and a popular tourism destination, renowned for its beautiful scenery, pristine national parks, quaint stilted homes and numerous wooden UNESCO-listed churches. The local culture is subtly distinct from that of the Chilean mainland, featuring unique culinary specialties, specific architecture and complex folklore. The Muelle de las Almas is a cinematic pier shrouded in legend: lost souls call to boatmen here to be transported to the afterlife. Chepu, the northern part of the Chiloe National Park, offers breathtaking views of a sunken forest, the confluence of three rivers, and wonderful opportunities for some excellent kayaking. Don’t miss the chance to see the penguins and blue whales along the coast of the Monumento Natural Islotes de Punihuil.
Set on the shores of the vast Llanquihue Lake in Chile, the picturesque Puerto Varas is known for its stunning natural scenery, traditional German-style architecture and excellent range of accommodation. The town offers incredible views of the snow-capped but active Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes and magnificent waterfalls of the lake. The Alerce Andino National Park, in the Andes Mountains to the south, provides another world to explore nearby, featuring lush green forests perfect for hiking and turquoise blue waters ideal for canoeing. Many German families settled in this southern Chilean town at the end of the 19th century and their influences are still evident in the local architecture, cuisine and traditions today. Puerto Varas features an excellent range of guesthouses, hotels, and restaurants serving traditional German food.
Known for its spectacular beauty, Torres Del Paine National Park is a rich biosphere reserve in Chile’s Patagonian region. The park stretches over 242 000 hectares of magnificent landscape, featuring snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, golden grasslands and several lakes that attract a variety of water birds. Three iconic granite pillars of the Torres del Paine tower over the landscape of emerald forests and the impossibly blue lake. Travellers may be able to spot the endemic guanaco llama, Andean condor, foxes, cougars, guanacos, Chilean Huemul, and around 15 birds of prey. Neighbouring Bernardo O'Higgins National Park to the west and the Los Glaciares National Park to the north, Torres Del Paine is the perfect place for extended trips in the Chilean wild.
As previously described
