Want to find a unique South American travel destination? Look no further than Chile. Rich in cultural diversity and spectacular landscapes, this beautiful South American nation offers an unforgettable travel experience. Rich in history (revisited by the Spanish invasion in the 15th century), Chile is a mountainous, landlocked country that stretches along the west edge of South America. Santiago, its largest city, lies in a narrow valley surrounded by high-mountain ranges and the majestic Andes mountain range.
The ancient city of Chile's capital, Santiago, is home to a spectacular cathedral and museum filled with amazing works of art and architecture. The lush green city is also home to Chile's Pasteurium. The museum exhibits botanicals, corals and other natural marvels from all over the world, as well as many antiques, such as a rare painting called The Descent of Man. The impressive parque Mitre is the oldest building in Chile and was designed by the famous artist Augusto Pinochet.
Other key attractions in Chile include the grand Idrobo Skywalk, the national aquarium, the Museum of Ancient Things, and the fjords that are Chile's signature landscape. Chile's fjords offer visitors an opportunity to explore hidden lakes and river areas, while bird watching aficionados will be in awe of the various species found on these fjords. No matter what your holiday preferences or interests are, you will not have any trouble finding an exciting and enjoyable way to experience Chile. Below are some of the more popular South American travel destinations:
Easter Island is easily one of the most interesting South American destinations and finding an unforgettable holiday spot is easier than ever before thanks to the online resources available for finding flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. The main attraction of Easter Island is the "Pinnacle of the South," a volcanic outcrop known for its remarkable landscape and scenic overlooks. The panoramic views alone are worth the trip, but the history of this place and its placement among the islands of the South Atlantic should be mentioned as well. The Mayans first settled on Easter Island more than 11 thond years ago and lived there for several centuries before leaving to explore and develop their civilization elsewhere. It is no surprise that Easter Island is one of the most popular destinations for tourists who want to learn about the history of the early South American countries.
Although there are plenty of breathtaking mountain peaks in Chile, the crown jewel of the country's natural treasures is the fjords. In addition to being Chile's most visited region, the fjords are home to a number of beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters ideal for scuba divers and snorkelers. For visitors looking for a unique experience during their South American travel guide to Chile, the fjords are an excellent choice and finding a good spot is as easy as taking a boat from Chile's port of Callao.
As one of Chile's most developed cities, Santiago has grown into a major international city, hosting government, corporate, and private conferences, as well as enjoying a strong economic presence. One of the top attractions of the city is its historic center, which includes the Spanish Cathedral, Congress center, and many other important landmarks. Because of the importance of education to Chile's economy, students are required to have a visa for at least six months before they can attend any educational gathering in Chile. To apply for a student visa, visitors in Chile can visit the embassy of their host country or contact the Chile consul in their area.
The coastal region of Chile is home to some of the world's most magnificent beaches, many of which remain unspoiled by modern development. On the eastern part of the country you will find the charming town of Aydornia, where tourists can enjoy lush palm trees, sandy beaches, and deep blue waters. Just east of Aydornia is the charming town of Puerto Morelos, which is known for its vast sand dunes and stunning buildings. The northern region of Chile is also home to some of the finest white sand beaches in the world, and it is worth visiting the southern region of the country for its lush deserts, winding roads, and ancient ruins. The three coastlines of the country each have their own unique charm, and visitors are encouraged to take at least one tour of each coastline. These coastlines include the coasts of Santa Cruz, Urubamba, and Niue.
One of the most popular activities in southern Chile is hiking, and a good example of this is the Andes Trail. This long trail leads visitors through beautiful terrain and dramatic scenery that make the Andes Mountains an iconic part of Chile. The Andes Trail is the third largest National Park in Chile, and it is found between la Pleta de Los Micos in the south and los Almas at the equator. Altiplano is Chile's southernmost region, and it is home to some of the country's most spectacular wildlife. To experience the wildlife of Altiplano take a trek from the village of El Charco to the Tambomachay Glacier or climb the fastest road in the country the Altiplano road.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Chile are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Chile
March and April, can be just fine. Winter (June to August) is best avoided as temperatures dip to as much as -15C/5F and some parts see snowfalls. The summer attracts the biggest crowds although visiting in Spring and Autumn is alsoideal.
If you are a British passport holder visiting Chile for less than 90 days, you do not need a visa. If you wish to stay longer, you should consult the nearest Chilean Embassy. On arrival in Chile the immigration authorities will issue you with a 'Tarjeta de Turismo - Tourist Card', an A5 sized white form.
See which forms you may need for entry into Chile.
The official currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Chile you can grab amazing Chilean Peso deals via Wise.com (GBP to CLP).
Animals that can be found in Chile's diverse landscapes include guanacos, vicunas, alpacas, armadillos, foxes, opossums, pudu (deer) and Patagonian pumas. The national animal of Chile is the North Andean huemul or taruca.
Spanish food? The national dish is curanto, a stew that combines seafood, meat and vegetables. It consists of every meat and seafood ingredient imaginable, and it's very popular at parties.
You can typically expect to pay around £2.44p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
Nearly all Chileans speak and understand Spanish. However, Chile has a strong native South American heritage, and many indigenous languages are still used by small groups of the population. Mapudungun – Spoken by the Mapuche people who inhabit Southern Chile and some parts of Argentina. You can learn some basic Spanish before you travel to Chile and really impress the locals!
The currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (In Chile, tipping etiquette dictates you leave a gratuity of at least 10% of your restaurant bill. Some establishments will include 10%, in which case you should still give at least 5% directly to your server.).