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Chile

7

Reasons To
Visit Chile

  • Atacama desert

    Endlessly referred to as the "driest desert in the world" the Atacama is a great base for the outdoor enthusiast. Mountain biking, walking, visits to salt pans and bubbling geysers are just a few of the possibilities whilst staying here.

    Atacama desert

  • Expedition cruises

    The bottom third of Chile is home to numerous fjords, islets, archipelagos and peninsulas to explore. There is no better (in fact no other!) way to explore these fascinating territories than by taking to the water. Whether it is exploring the northern ice fields, travelling down through fjords or cruising around the southern tip of South America to Cape Horn there is a journey to suit all interests.

    Expedition cruises

  • Patagonia

    The most famous National Park in Chile and all of Patagonia, Torres del Paine is remote, rugged and windswept. The eponymous "Torres" or towers and uniquely smooth and twisted cuernos (horns) of the Paine Massif are unforgettable. Once there, the incredible landscape is waiting to be explored, either by foot, boat, bike, horse or vehicle.

    Patagonia

  • Self-drive

    By comparison to neighbouring countries, Chilean roads are generally a good standard and well-signed, making it an excellent choice for self drive. Opportunities extend from heading out of Santiago, through the Winelands down to the pretty Lake District through to self-exploration of the Patagonian Steppe around Torres del Paine National Park.

    Self-drive

  • The Andes

    The mighty Andes create a magnificent natural border between Chile and neighbouring Argentina, running the full length of the country. They loom up from the Pacific providing a breathtaking backdrop to desert, vineyard and glacier and isolating the Chilean people from most of the rest of the continent.

    The Andes

  • Walking & trekking

    From gentle strolls in the lush green hills of the Lake District, to hiking a volcano in the Atacama or climbing to the base of the famous towers in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile offers some of the best opportunities in Latin America for walking and trekking at all levels.

    Walking & trekking

  • Wine

    Chile has been making wine for over 400 years and now produces some of the best Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. It is also very reasonably priced. Chile's most famous vineyards and wineries are generally located in the valleys around Santiago and make excellent day trips from the city whilst many have their own accommodation.

    Wine

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South America

South America

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Visit Punta Arenas, Chile

The most southerly town in Chile, Punta Arenas, or 'Sandy Point' in Spanish, is situated facing the Straits of Magellan and is a popular base for launching cruises to the Falkland Islands.

Punta Arenas, Chile
Punta Arenas, ChileCormorant, Punta ArenasDock at Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas

Chile

Punta Arenas is the most southerly town in Chile and is situated facing the Straits of Magellan.

It originally started life nearby its present site as a settlement created by Captain John Williams, a seaman from Bristol who was working for the Chileans, in order to deter any other country's colonists. It moved to its present site in 1848 and was named 'Sandy Point' (Punta Arenas) by an English sailor.

After a brief period as an unsuccessful penal colony, it grew in the late 19th Century sheep boom and attracted many immigrants, mainly from Britain and the Balkans. Punta Arenas today is a small but thriving city, with oil and tourism revenues flowing in.

Further reading:
ChileWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout ChileCountry Guides

Other countries in South America:
ArgentinaBoliviaBrazilColombiaEcuadorParaguayPeruThe Falkland IslandsThe Galapagos IslandsUruguayVenezuela

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