Chile’s landscape will surprise you at every turn. A country of vast contrasts, much of its scenery looks impossibly reminiscent of rural England or Highland Scotland.
Bound by the Andes in the East and the Pacific to the West, Chile has maintained a unique identity in South America. From the ice flows in the Antarctic south to the arid northern desert, Chile passes through a spectrum of unparalleled geographical and cultural diversity.
Chile Holiday Highlights
• Atacama in the north is the driest place in the world. Visit the Valley of the Moon, the Atacama Salt Flats and the Altiplanic lagoons.
• Taste a glass or two in the lush wineries of the Casablanca Valley.
• Discover the spectacular fjords and glaciers of the ice fields in the south.
• Take in mind-blowing scenery at Torres del Paine National Park.
• One of the remotest places on earth, Easter Island is covered in monumental volcanic carvings.
• Visit Puerto Varas, a small enclave of Germany in Chile's Lake District that's beautifully set on the edge of Lake Llanquihue opposite the perfect cone of the Osorno Vocano.
• Explore gateway town Puerto Natales, nestled at the foot of the Riesco Mountain range and the last settlement before you reach the wilderness of Chilean Patagonia.
Chile - The Essentials
• Chileans' concept of personal space differs to ours; people stand closer to each other than in the UK.
• Punctuality is rarely observed and locals often turn up over 20 minutes late.
• Wine should be poured with the right hand and the glass held by its stem.
• Latin Americans are casual and relaxed. Expect loud talking, exaggerated gestures and physical contact.
• Learn a few Spanish phrases, such as 'buenos dias' (good morning), 'buenos tardes' (good afternoon) and 'buenos noches' (good evening).
Random Fact
The scorched Atacama Desert of Northern Chile attracted worldwide media attention with the disastrous partial collapse of the San José mine in August 2010. The world watched with bated breath on 13 October as the miraculous rescue of the 33 miners, who were trapped between 400 and 500 metres underground, began. At 9:55pm local time the final miner, Luis Urzua, reached the surface and parties began across Chile and all over the world.
Chile Tailor Made
Our experienced Personal Travel Experts are waiting to tailor make your dream Chile holiday. We can combine your choice of flights and destinations, hotels, tours and experiences as your bespoke trip springs to life. Simply:
• Look through our online portfolio or request your free copy of our Discover brochure
• Give us a call on 0844 488 0414
• Email us for a quotation