A few hundred kilometers wide, several thousand long, Chile stretches across virtually the entire Pacific coast of South America. The diversity of its landscapes makes it an exhilarating travel destination and its many tourist attractions attract more and more visitors for a truly unusual stay!
Wild horses
Why visit Santiago, Capital of Chile?
In this country with a tormented history - the dictatorship of General Pinochet, who seized power by coup d'état in 1973, lasted 17 years - it is generally with the discovery of Santiago that the journey to Chile begins. Even if the capital has taken on the appearance of a metropolis, it has a typical historic center in which it is advisable to walk. Cathedrals and museums should keep you busy for a few days!
Chilean shopping in perspective
Chile is also conducive to many unusual purchases: depending on the regions crossed, Chilean craftsmanship varies and multiplies the possibilities of bringing back some souvenirs. Lama's woolen sweaters, gloves or hat in the north of the country, jewelry and lapis lazuli objects in the Santiago region are examples of what Chilean stores have to offer. Why not have some fun?
The lunar desert of Atacama
Once properly equipped, serious things can begin! By the North and the Atacama Desert in general. Although it can be reached by road - rental cars or buses - flying is a convenient way to save time. From San Pedro de Atacama then depart many jeep tours, in the driest desert on the planet. They pass by the Salar d'Atacama, a gigantic salt deposit with a spectacular landscape, and by the valley of La Luna, whose immensity seems to evoke - the lunar landscapes.
Atacama Desert
Fjords and glaciers in Patagonia
In contrast to the extreme aridity of the northern desert, the south of the country splits into the Pacific Ocean to the southernmost point of America, the famous Cape Horn. In Patagonia, it is the penguins who welcome you! They have a nature reserve in the vicinity of Punta Arenas. And why not take a cruise through the fjords and glaciers that surround Puerto Natales? To go to Tierra del Fuego, you will then have to cross the Strait of Magellan by ferry, and finally arrive at what Europeans can legitimately consider "the end of the world"!
Glaciers in Patagonia
Restaurants not to be overlooked
Throughout your stay in Chile, you will have had the opportunity to taste many local specialties. There are a lot of fish dishes on the menu of restaurants Chileans including ceviche, a dish of raw fish marinated in lemon and herbs, a true star of Chilean gastronomy. Beware of the most fragile stomachs, the local cuisine is generously spicy!
Eat Chilean, but also drink Chilean. And why not taste the local wines? Chile produces excellent wines, sometimes very famous, especially in the north of the country, at the foot of the Andes Cordillera.
Ceviche
Paying for cheap hotels
In this country where people change cities regularly, hotel costs can quickly turn out to be significant. Better to plan your route and reservations in advance to avoid having to find a more expensive room once there. Especially since the Internet has good tips for finding cheap hotels, as long as you don't do it at the last minute!
While some will prefer the comfort of hotels, know that Chile is also very well equipped when it comes to camping. All the national parks offer an area and guarantee an unforgettable spectacle.
Pratical information
- Saint-Martin Tourist Office : visit the official website for tourism in Chile (in Spanish and English).
- Passport and Visa : a valid passport is required to enter Chile. However, the Visa is not compulsory for French, Belgian, Swiss or Canadian nationals for a stay of less than 3 months.
- Money and change : the Chilean currency is the peso (CPL).
Transport
- Getting to Chile : Santiago receives most of the international flights. Its airport is located on the outskirts of the city, but shuttles or taxis allow you to reach the center of the city.
- Getting around Chile : Due to the very large distances between the North and the South of the country, the plane is practical for travel. The country is also well served by domestic flights. Otherwise, renting a car allows you to be free to move around.
