Chile is a slender ribbon of land flanked by the South Pacific Ocean to the west, and surrounded by Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. The country is a mystifying amalgam of extraordinarily diverse scenery, vibrant cultures, and exciting cities. From the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia and Antarctica to the driest desert in the world at Atacama, volcanoes to tropical islands, Chile boasts nearly every landscape imaginable. One of the country’s defining characteristics is its warm culture, summarised in its motto of ‘buena onda’ (‘good vibes’). Rituals surrounding relaxation and connection - such as the ‘mate’ tea custom - are integral to Chilean culture, as well as a strong connection with food, music and dance. World-class cities like Santiago weave together 21st century global culture and time-honoured traditions, and provide everything from phenomenal restaurants and buzzing nightlife to gorgeous, trendy beaches. Wine lovers will also find worlds of taste to explore in the lush valleys of vineyards offering some of the best wine on earth.
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.
Hugging the northwest coast of Chile’s Easter Island, between the extinct volcanoes of Terevaka and Rano Kau, Hanga Roa is an alluring harbour town surrounded by a remarkable number of incredible sites and attractions. Of the many sites, the most notable are Ahu Tahai, with its striking ceremonial platform and large anthropomorphic statues, and Ahu Tautira, overlooking the Caleta Hanga Roa fishing port. The two ports here are attractions in themselves, surrounded by wonderful sun-kissed restaurants and photogenic with their colourful bobbing boats and enormous single ancient statues standing guard at each. Beach lovers will delight in Playa Pea, which offers good surfing waves, while another on the town’s northern edge is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, and features a sea pool. Other highlights include the many historic religious buildings and the beautiful hiking trails through the island’s green hills.
As previously described
