Bitesized guide: Chile
Chile really will keep any traveller happy - from the vast salt-flats in the north, to European-feeling cities and coastal resorts in the centre, to the spectacular mountains of the south.
Arrive
Chile's main airline is LAN (website: www.lan.com), which flies directly from Miami and Madrid, with connections from London. The international hub is Santiago (Arturo Merino Benitez) airport (website: www.aeropuertosantiago.cl).
Why now?
Chile is blossoming into its summer months now, so the snows will be melting, the rainfall is at its lowest and the sun will be shining, making this the perfect time of year for hiking in the mountains or relaxing by the sea.
See
• Puzzle over the mystical stone heads on Easter Island.
• Wonder at the seemingly never-ending salt-flat at Atacama.
• Be awed by the stunning granite towers of the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (website: www.torresdelpaine.com).
• Be amazed by the waterfalls at Laguna de La, in the Southern Region.
• Spot flamingos, rheas (an ostrich-like bird) and llamas at the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve - the Parque Nacional Lauca.
Do
• Trek in the spectacular Lake District in the south, with looming volcanoes.
• Set out on an expedition to Antarctica from Chile's southernmost city Punta Arenas.
• Relax at one of the coastal resorts, such as fashionable Viña del Mar.
• Sample Chile's wine at vineyards in the heartland of the country.
• Journey out to the Juan Fernández Islands (650km/403 miles west of Valparaíso). Alexander Selkirk was shipwrecked here in the early 18th century, and the novel Robinson Crusoe was based on his adventures.
Taste
Chile’s coastal fishing villages supply an abundance of excellent fish and seafood, including hake, crab, clams, sole, sea bass and oysters. Do as the Chileans do and have the main meal of the day at lunchtime – look out for menu del diás offering wholesome fare such as parrillada (selection of meat grilled over hot coals, often including delicacies such as intestines, udders and blood sausages). Don’t forget to wash it all down with the local vino or, for the braver, pisco sour.
Did you know?
Chile is home to the driest desert in the world - the Atacama, stretching for 1,000 km (621 miles), with areas where rainfall has never been recorded.
Photo credits:
Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia Chile, by Lorenzo Moscia © Chilean Tourism Promotion Corporation
Geysers del tatio, Atacama Desert, by Lorenzo Moscia © Chilean Tourism Promotion Corporation
Easter Island by Lorenzo Moscia © Chilean Tourism Promotion Corporation
Atacama Desert, by Lorenzo Moscia © Chilean Tourism Promotion Corporation
01 December 2006
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