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.
Santa Cruz is a city located along the Tinguiririca River, in Chile. The city boasts well-preserved colonial architecture and embraces the rich local traditional Chilean culture. Food and wine lovers flock to the area to explore the Colchagua Valley, known for its full-bodied red varietals, through a variety of tours, tastings, and pairing dinners at some superb restaurants. The beautiful vineyards also make the town an excellent location for photography and hiking. Top attractions include the imposing Iglesia Parroquial, dating from 1817, and the extraordinary (and huge) Museo de Colchagua, filled with Mapuche traditional silver pieces, pre-Colombian mummies, and much more.
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.
