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.
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.
Torres del Paine National Park is a Chilean National Park comprising mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers. The Cordillera del Paine is the centrepiece of the park. It lies in a transition area between the Magellanic sub-polar forests and the Patagonian Steppes. The park is located 112 km north of Puerto Natales and 312 km north of Punta Arenas. Bernardo O'Higgins National Park is its neighbour to the west, while Los Glaciares National Park is located to the north in Argentine territory.
As previously described
With its dramatic blue glaciers, vibrant forests, cascading waterfalls, aquamarine lakes, mighty rivers and towering jagged peaks, Chile’s Southern Patagonia is widely considered to be the final frontier of travel with some of the last truly untouched natural areas on earth. The heart of this sparsely populated and ruggedly beautiful area is the Torres del Paine National Park, featuring a massif crowned with otherworldly horn-shaped peaks, surrounded by pristine lowlands where the huaso countrymen, or baqueano, practice age-old cattle herding traditions. Whether you are keen to hike through rugged landscapes, see penguins by the thousands, or horseback ride across the breathtakingly beautiful steppe, Chilean Patagonia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettably wild and impossibly scenic adventure.
