Chile

Chile, a long, narrow country, stretching along South America's western edge with more than 6,000 km of Pacific Ocean coastline. Santiago, the capital, sits in a picturesque valley surrounded by the Andes and Chilean Coast Range mountains. In every direction, there is something to discover in this beautiful country, along with kind and friendly people ready to receive you with open arms and show you their backyard.

In the north is the world-renowned and arid Atacama Desert. Here you'll find traditional villages that reside up to 4,000 meters above sea level. Visit San Pedro de Atacama and the vast salt flats, bubbling geysers, blue lagoons, or take some time admiring the constellations, stars and planets on a clear night sky with a local ale in hand. The northern coastal region is renowned for its resorts, water sports, and fabulous seafood-based cuisine.

If you have come this far, then consider a trip to Rapa Nui (Easter Island) with its pink-sand beaches, volcanic cones, vast grasslands, and the amazingly stunning monolithic Moai statues, there is over 1,000 of them from a long-lost civilisation. Tapati is a traditional festival held in February, where local teams compete in time-honoured Easter Island skills. It is, indeed, a unique one-of-a-kind destination.

Southern Chile abounds in rich forests, grazing lands, and features a string of volcanoes and lakes. Here you can ski through ancient native forests, soak in a natural spa, hike, and fish. The list goes on. The Mapuche culture is deeply-rooted, so ponder sleeping in a traditional ruca and feasting on a local dish.

Chile's southern coast is a labyrinth of fjords, inlets, canals, twisting peninsulas, and islands and the bon voyage point for a life-time trip to Antarctica. It's here Chile joins Argentina and the region of Patagonia. Hikers and nature lovers look at Torres del Paine National Park for magnificent forests, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and stunning views of the southern ice fields. You are now officially on the last major landmass between Antarctica and South America. The air is so clean, the food divine and the countryside throughout Chile so differing, and always ever charming. No visit will ever be the same in Chile!

Best time to visit Chile

The best time to visit Chile depends on what you want to do. The climate can vary by region and season, drastically. From the tropical north to the freezing south. Ski season is May to September, while in the north, there could still be warm and balmy sunny days perfect for relaxing on the beach. Pick your activities, and then plan your traveling time. The average stay is four weeks, as many visitors add on a trip such as Easter Island or Antarctica.