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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

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Excursions in Chile: Valparaiso & Vina del Mar

Travel out of Santiago towards the coast, past the vineyards and orchards of the Casablanca Valley.

Valparaiso, Chile

Valparaiso & Vina del Mar

Santiago, Chile
  • Culture & History
  • Walking & Biking
  • Wildlife & Nature

Travel out of Santiago towards the coast, past the vineyards and orchards of the Casablanca Valley.

Vina del Mar, one of Chile's premier beach resorts, is often referred to as the 'Garden City' due to its proliferation of landscaped tropical gardens and colourful flowerbeds. Originally the hacienda of one prominent Chilean family before it was divided out amongst the wealthy of Santiago and Valparaiso, Vina today is a chic and busy town. Explore the town, including the areas of graceful mansions and villas and visit the oceanfront area.

Continue on to Valparaiso, a bustling town spread over forty hills that encircle a wide bay to the south of Vina del Mar. After a period of ransacking by pirates, fires and earthquakes, Valparaiso then grew rapidly in the 19th century to become Chile's major port, a title it still holds today. It became a port of call for ships rounding Cape Horn and travelling up to the California Gold Rush, and until the opening of the Panama Canal was Chile's foremost financial and commercial city.

Explore the narrow twisty streets and travel on one of the many funiculars. Visit the bustling waterfront area, the pier and the central plaza, and in the afternoon visit La Sebastiana, one of Pablo Neruda’s homes-turned-museum.

Return to Santiago through the Curacavi Valley.

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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