CHILE
South America
Chile is that long country at the bottom of the South American continent. A land of kind people, crazy beautiful nature, and simple but delicious food.
For nature lovers, Chile has almost every landscape, from the driest desert in the World, the Atacama, to salt lakes, Glaciers, lakes, and rivers running to the Pacific Ocean, which is through all the coast of the country. To the other side, the Andes mountain range is hugging the land, giving the option not only to hike but to skiing and exploring active volcanoes.
Chile is one of the longest countries in the world with a coastline of around 6500 km long. However, it is also one of the narrowest in the world with a width of just over 200 km.
Cities with international quality of cultural activities, as well as gastronomy and wine production, makes Chile a land worth exploring by itself or while doing a South American trip.
Remember? I’m a Chilean born and raised in Santiago, so all these tips are directly coming to you from a local.
ARE YOU READY TO EXPLORE CHILE?
MAYBE START HERE? 10 Most beautiful places in CHILE a Photo Guide
Some Facts about Chile
- Language: Spanish (Chilean Spanish)
- Currency: CHP Chilean Pesos
- Population: 18.73 million (2018)
- Capital: Santiago, 6.68 million (2018 est.)
- National Holiday: Independence Day, September 18
Santiago is Chile’s capital and usually the door entry to the country. There are so many activities to do and places to see that a lot of people stay longer than they planned. You can be easily within the same day skiing and later zipping wine on the coast, and there’s something to do for everyone.
Best Hotels and Neighborhoods to Stay in Santiago de Chile
Best Trekking and Hikes to do in Santiago Chile and surroundings
Must visit in Santiago de Chile
Free Guide to discover Santiago
Valparaíso, also known as simply Valpo, is located only 120 km (75miles) from Santiago. It’s a port city and base of a big cultural scene, it’s here where the famous Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda lived part of the time.
Valparaíso is a great place to enjoy life near the ocean, taste wines in Casablanca Valley and do some cool photo walks!
Best things to do in Valparaiso, a weekend trip
Atacama region is one of the most known nationally and internationally. The place where the land gets empty and hosts the driest desert in the world, it’s also the region where the highlands can be explored at its best in San Pedro de Atacama area, where nature will definitely surprise you!
Flowering Desert in Atacama, Chile
Pueblo de Tierra Boutique Hostel in San Pedro de Atacama
Visiting Cerros Pintados geoglyphs, Chile
Located nearby La Serena and Coquimbo, this is one of the most unique areas to visit in the region. The Valley hosts not only Pisco breweries, but also a big Astronomy scene. You can find hotels that include a telescope in your room where you can watch the stars after tasting the local liquors paired with delicious local food.
Cochiguaz Valley in North Chile
The Road of Stars and Astronomical Tourism
Casa Molle Villa & Golf | Elqui Valley Boutique Hotel
Discovering the beautiful Mosque in Coquimbo CHILE
Activities to do in Chile
Santiago Chile’s Capital
Chile first place many visitors see. The busy and alive capital of the country will make anyone happy to visit it! Read More
Pucón Huerquehue Park
Stunning nature is found in Southern Chile. In Huerquehue park you will see the millenary Araucarias, the long and tall trees found in the region. Read More
Valparaíso Best City for Culture
Cultural and artistic city by the Pacific ocean. It’s the perfect place to visit for a day Trip or even several days. Read More
San Pedro Atacama Highlands
The beauty of the simple landscapes, changing colors, inhospitable looking places full of life. Home of the biggest observatory and moon-like Valleys. Read More
“But I love your feet only because they walked upon the earth and upon the wind and upon the waters, until they found me.”
―
How to Get to Chile
BY AIR
MAIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Nuevo Pudahuel SCL
Getting to Chile by Air can be done through several airports spread around the country. There are about 125 airports, and the main entry is Aeropuerto Comodoro Arturo Benítez, aka Nuevo Pudahuel or Aeropuerto Santiago.
The main airlines operating in Chile are LATAM, SKY, and Jetsmart.
There are also connections with the surrounding countries with smaller airports like:
- From Punta Arenas Pdte. Carlos Ibañez del Campo Airport (PUQ) to Rio Gallegos, Argentina, at Piloto Civil Norberto Fernández International Airport (RGL)
- From Arica Chacalluta Airport () to La Paz, Bolivia El Alto International Airport (LPB)
- From Iquique Diego Aracena Airport (IQQ) to La Paz, Bolivia to the Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) and El Alto International Airport (LPB)
- From Antofagasta Andrés Sabella Gálvez Airport (ANF) to Lima, Peru Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
- From Calama El Loa Airport (CJC) to Lima, Peru Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
- From Rapa Nui, known as Easter Island, Hanga Roa Mataveri International Airport (IPC) to Sydney or Papeete.
- From La Serena La Florida Aiport (LSC) to Mendoza, Argentina at Mendoza International Airport (MDZ)
Outdoor Activities
1. In Santiago Area
Best Trekking and Hikes to do in Santiago Chile and surroundings
2. Cajón del Maipo Glacier
3. In Pucón area
Best Hotels in Chile
Find Best Rates
Food & Restaurants
1. Best Chilean Food to Try
ABOUT SANTIAGO
Best Markets and Shopping Areas
Persa BioBio, All that you imagine in one place!
La Vega Central, main Fresh Goods Market
Patronato, my favorite Shopping Area
Best Tours and Activities in Santiago
Recent Chile Articles
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Best Hotels and Neighborhoods to Stay in Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile is for some people a big city, a bit stressed, polluted and a little noisy. But for others, it is a vibrant city, with very entertaining neighborhoods, close to nature, with a great cultural offer and special nightlife. While you are...
Best Trekking and Hikes to do in Santiago Chile and surroundings
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Celebrating Christmas in Chile and Traditions
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