Travel Guide to Chile:
5
Fun Facts to Know About Chile
A
Hiking Guide to Easter Island
Chile:
Land of Poets
Chile
Travel: Visiting the Lake District from Puerto Varas
Chile
Travel Destinations & Places To Visit in Chile
Concepcion
Guide
Discover
the beauty of San Pedro de Atacama
History
and Growth of Santiago de Chile
History
of Chile
Sightseeing
in Punta Arenas - Chile
Revealing
the Valleys of Chile
Swept
Away In Santiago De Chile
The
Mythology of Easter Island
Travel
to Valparaiso, Chile
Chile:
Land of Poets by Denisse Romero
Chile - a land of poets and
wine, a land of contrasting beauty, a land as romantic as some its famous
citizens: Pablo Neruda, Gabriela Mistral, Isabel Allende. Considered the
longest country in the world, this South American nation offers a
diversity of landscapes and travel opportunities from the Andes mountains
to the Pacific Ocean, from Easter Island to the Antarctic, from fine
vineyards to world-class ski resorts.
Where
to Go
Northern
Chile is known for its desert and coastal towns. Some of the most popular
beaches are located in this area. Iquique
and Arica are tax-free zones booming with
commercial and touristic activities. La
Serena and Los Vilos offer remarkable natural surroundings with large
beaches and popular resorts.
Central
Chile is popular for its fine vineyards, colorful ports and world-class
ski resorts. This region is also famous for being home to Viña del Mar (Sea Vineyard) and
its renown international music festival which takes place in February
each year. Viña del Mar is a wonderful destination for most tourists -
the city offers beautiful mansions, luxurious hotels, parks and gardens,
theater, and sporting facilities as well as many beaches. Valparaiso, the most important
port in Chile, is one of the largest cities in the country. Valparaiso is
full of picturesque landscapes including hills, quarters, creeks,
beaches, and romantic streets. Santiago,
the capital, is a commercial center surrounded by nature - the San
Cristobal and Santa Lucia hills border the city.
A
couple of kilometers from Santiago, you will find Cajon del Maipo, an
eco-tourism center where you can enjoy adventure sports, mountains, hot
springs, vineyards, and export-quality wines.
The
South is famous for its fjords, glaciers and forests. In this region you
will find interesting cities such as Valdivia, which is known for its
early German settlers and traditions. Puerto
Montt, made famous internationally by a popular song, is a bathing
resort with beaches, hotels and restaurants that specialize in seafood
and typical Chilean food. Further south you will find winter towns such
as Cohaique, which is known for its museums and nature reserves, and
Puerto Natales, which is known for its touristic infrastructure and its
proximity to Torres del Paine National Park. Punta Arenas,
one of the southernmost cities in the world, offers a world-class ski
center and serves as a departure point for Antarctic expeditions.
Chilean
islands include Easter Island,
Robinson Crusoe, Chiloe and Tierra del Fuego. Easter Island, located
approximately 3,700 km west of Chile, is also known as "Rapa
Nui" in their native language or Isla de Pascua in Spanish. The
island is famous for its large stone statues, Moai, which were carved by
the island ancestors between 1100 and 1600 CE. Easter Island is also
known for its Polynesian identity, beautiful coral beach, and adventurous
diving.
Robinson
Crusoe Island, located on the Pacific Ocean at the same latitude as Valparaiso, has a unique
development of flora and fauna and beautiful touristic areas.
What to Eat
Chile
is particularly known for its wine, seafood and empanadas (turnovers).
Lots of restaurants will offer typical Chilean food which consists of
empanadas de pino (beef turnovers with onion, raisins, egg, and olives),
empanadas de queso (deep fried turnovers filled with cheese), cazuelas
(rice and meat soups), porotos granados (stew made with beans and corn),
and curanto (a typical dish made of seafood, beef, chicken, pork,
potatoes, and cheese).
American
fast food restaurants such as McDonald's, Burger King, and other chains
can also be found in the big cities.
Where
to Study
Chile
is a preferred study abroad destination. It is common for students from
European or North American colleges and universities to take
interdisciplinary studies in Spanish in one of its many reputed
universities.
- Universidad de Chile
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
- Universidad de Concepcion
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile
- Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María
Visas & Documents
Although
American citizens need a passport to visit Chile, no visa is necessary.
Citizens of many countries must pay a "reciprocity fee" of
varying amounts. This fee is equivalent to the amount that country
requires for entry visas from Chilean citizens. The fee is for tourists
entering by plane, and the one-time charge is good for the life of your
passport. Further information can be provided by the Consulate of Chile
in your country of residence.
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