CHILE

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07 January 2021

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CHILE

Chile is a long, narrow country on the southwest part of South America. It has an extensive, 4,300 mile-long coastline along the Pacific Ocean. It shares its borders with Peru and Bolivia on the north and with Argentina on the east.

 

Chile has a variety of climates from desert to subpolar due to its extreme length. Most of the north part of the country is desert. The most famous place in the north is the Atacama Desert which is the driest place on Earth. The Atacama provides some breathtaking views with its salt flats and geysers.

 

The majority of the population lives in the Central part. This is where the capital Santiago and other big cities can be found.

 

The Chilean Andes on the border with Argentina are dominating the landscape. This section includes the highest segments of the mountain range. Travellers can expect snow-capped mountains, deep valleys and steep slopes. Most of the these highest mountains are extinct or active volcanoes. One of the best examples of these volcanoes can be seen around the Chilean Lake District. This is one of the most scenic places in South America.

 

Torres del Paine National Park is located in the heart of Patagonia. This is one of the most stunning places in the country. The National Park is a hikers, landscape and wildlife photographers dream. It is one of the best places in the World to observe pumas in their natural habitat. Magical mountains surround you while you observe the flora and fauna.

 

2,000 miles off the coast of the mainland, Easter Island offers a very exciting holiday extension. Discover this unique island and some of the 1000 moai combined with one fo the wonders of the mainland of Chile.

Territory

756,096 Sq Km

Local time

GMT -3

Birds

Uland Goose, Andean Flamingo, Chilean Flamingo, Chilean Tinamou, Lesser Rhea, Pied-billed Grebe, Rock Pigeon,   Groove-billed Ani, Andean Hillstar,   Southern Lapwing, Snowy Sheathbill, Lesser Yellowlegs, Brown Skua, Inca Tern, King Penguin, Emperor Penguin, Waved Albatross

Population

17 Million

Currency

Chilean Peso

Mammals

Puma,  Elegant Fat-tailed Mouse Opossum,   Andean Hairy Armadillo,   Short-tailed Chinchilla, Southern Viscacha, Bridges’s Degu, Hoary Bat, Geoffroy’s Cat, Kodkod, Darwin’s Fox,  Southern River Otter, Humboldt’s Hog-Nosed Skunk, Antarctic Fur Seal

WHERE TO GO

Santiago de Chile

Santiago, the capital fo Chile is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. 40 % of the country’s population live here. It has a European vibe with plenty of museums, cafes and restaurants. It also hosts a lot of events, so the travellers will not be bored in this dynamic city. Visit the central Fish Market and Plaza de Armas which is the city’s main square. Walk along the main pedestrian walkway called Paseo Ahumada and enjoy the diversity of people or climb up to Cerro Santa Lucia where Santiago was founded.

Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert is the World’s driest desert. It is located in the north part of the country. Visit the endless salt flats and observe the nesting flamingos in the lagoons. For some breathtaking views and unique flora and fauna visit the Altiplano lagoons located at 4,500 metres above sea level. Other highlights of the desert are the geysers of El Tatio which are the third largest geyser field in the World, or the Moon Valley with its unique landscape.

The Lake District

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful regions in Chile. It has dense forests, lush farmlands and vast, clear lakes surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes. The area’s architecture and culinary is influenced by German, Swiss and Austrian settlers. Enjoy the town of Puerto Varas on the shore of Lake Llanquihue. This is also the perfect place for some outdoor activities, try white water rafting on the Petrohue River. Discover the beautify of Perez Rosales National Park and visit Todos Los Santos Lake.

Torres del Paine National Park

Torre del Paine National Park lays in the heart of Patagonia. It is probably the most beautiful National Parks in Chile. The breathtaking views consist of turquoise waters, granite horns and glaciers which surrounds the visitors. The park is perfect for wildlife and nature lovers. There are plenty of trails to hike and some amazing wildlife to discover. Observe foxes, Andean deer, guanacos, or the track the elusive pumas.

Easter Island

Rapa Nui is located in Chilean Polynesia, approximately 2,000 miles off the coast of the mainland. This remote island holds the secrets of the moai statues, around 1000 of these unique statues can be found here. Discover its pink sandy beaches, grasslands and volcanic cones. Learn about the history of the Rapa Nui people and enjoy refreshing hikes through spectacular landscapes.

THE WEATHER

Due to the extreme length of the country, Chile encompasses nearly all climates apart from the humid tropics. The cold Humboldt Current, the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountain range control the climate mainly. 

The Northern Desert

As previously described, the Northern Desert is the driest place on Earth. Although the air along the coast is very humid, it never reaches the desert. Temperatures can rise to low 30°Cs during the day and drop to near 0°C at night. The coldest months are June, July and August, while the warmest ones are January, February and March. There is almost guaranteed sunshine in the desert as 90% of the days are radiant.

 

The Lake District

The driest months are from December to February with daytime highs in the 20°Cs. Travellers still have to expect some rain during these months. March till May is the time for the autumn with heavier rains. Hiking is still possible although the trials can be muddy.

The rainiest and coldest months are between June and August. The daytime highs will be around 10°C or below. This is the off-season for tourists, so fewer visitors can be expected. September to November is the Spring when the temperatures begin to warm up and flowers to bloom.

 

Patagonia

The weather in Patagonia is unpredictable, travellers have to prepare for all 4 seasons on the same day.  There is around 700mm rainfall each year. The Summer months are the warmest (January to April) and it is also the windiest and rainiest (80mm rainfall per month). The park can be visited from Sprig till late Autumn. The temperature during Winter is expected to be between 5°C and -3°C.

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