Chile is the Skinniest country in South America, stretching more than 2,600 miles down the western coast and averaging only 109 miles wide. It is also South America’s most diverse. Imagine a place where salt marshes, large deserts, volcanoes, blistering heights and rugged glaciers all coexist. Chile is not only a natural fascination it also offers rich culture. From the Cueca national dance to folk art, Chile is a land of contrasts. It will touch your soul and emotions as the land of the poets through the extensive remnants of its beloved Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral.
Patagonia
Freezing glaciers set into glistening lakes; wild fjords meander through forests; while the Andes’ breathtaking cliffs can be seen shining in the mist. The Andes is the longest mountain range in the world, spanning seven countries. They contai some of the tallest peaks, volcanoes, and ancient ruins in the world. Spend a day congregating with Magellanic penguins on Isla Magdalena. Then catch majestic views of Tierra del Fuego’s bold high mountains, glistening glaciers, and emerald forests.
Easter Island
Numbering almost a thousand, the Moai (monolithic human statues carved from a single piece of stone) are scattered all over the island and date back to the twelfth century. Carved in the image of the island’s Rapa Nui ancestors, they stand in long lines facing inland measuring an impressionable 32 feet (10 meters) in height. Each moai is different: fat, thin, big, small, tattooed symbolizing the complexity of the culture.
Santiago
Santiago flourishes in its vivid art scene. Visit the hip Barrio Brazil area, home to numerous museums and galleries. Explore a multitude of museums, such as La Chascona, dedicated to poet Pablo Neruda, and Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, which explores indigenous Chilean culture. The Plaza des Armas, the city’s main square, allows you to people watch and imbue the culture. As night falls, go up high to the Bellavista and Providencia neighborhoods for vivid nightlife and bustling restaurants. Don’t miss the colorful street art in Bellavista and Barrio Brasil.
Valparaiso
The second largest city in Chile is a seaport mixing urbanism with authentic history. Featuring colorful architecture and built into the hills – you’ll be visually exhilarated by the views here. Poetry filled cafés and artists, boutiques, and mom & pop stores all intrigue. Head to Cerro Alegre and Concepción to enjoy the vistas, thrift stores, artisan shops, independent galleries, churches and romantic cafés. If the city gets too gritty for you take a day-trip to Viña del Mar for a large sandy beach, midnight dancing, and beautiful public parks in the warmer months.
Wine Country
Chile is a world-class wine producer and the world’s fifth largest exporter of wine. Its wine valleys include Elqui, Limari and Choapa to the North; Aconcagua, Casablanca, Maipo, San Antonio, Rapel, Colchagua, Curicó and Maule in the middle; and Itata, Bío Bío and Malleco to the south. For most of Chile’s history, Pais was the most widely planted grape only recently getting passed by Cabernet Sauvignon. Have your glass of wine with a Chilean empanada. The traditional Chilean empanada combines wheat flour dough with the pino filling of ground beef and onion in addition to hard-boiled egg, olives, and raisins.
If wine isn’t your thing, crack open an ice cold beer. Thanks to a strong influx of German immigrants in the late 1800’s, Chile has delicious local crafts on tap. Or better yet, try a local Pisco, a yellow to amber colored brandy also produced in the local winemaking regions.
If you are seriously considering travel to Chile and want more precise information, consider chatting with travelers and locals at TriplnR.com.
