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Chile is a stretched out country located on the south west of South America. Chile is bordered by Peru to the North, Bolivia and Argentina to the East, the Pacific Ocean to the West and the South Pole to the South.
The country has a remarkable geography, extending thousands of miles from one end to the other, from arid deserts in the north to the frosty glaciers of the south. The vast and impressive Patagonia, the remote Easter Island, the unknown Juan Fernández Islands and the many volcanoes and lakes, are just some of the amazing landscapes this country has to offer.
The capital, Santiago, is positioned between the Andes and a coastal mountain range. It is a bustling city, with several museums, attractions, hotels and restaurants.
REASONS TO GO
The arid landscape of Atacama Desert.
The mysterious Easter Island.
The Patagonia rainforests and glaciers.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The climate is as varied as the territory. On the North there is sporadic rainfall and an average temperature of 16°C. On the Centre the average temperature is 15°C, with a bit more rainfall. On the Central South there is more rain in the winter and an average temperature of 14°C.
On the South and Far South, the average temperatures drop below 12°C and the rainfall increases.
ORIENTATION
The most evident feature in Chile's incredible narrowness is the massive, almost impenetrable wall of the Andes, a mountain range with dozens of active volcanic peaks. To the north the territory is arid, holding the inhospitable Atacama Desert.
To the south, the region between mountains and ocean fades into the puzzling maze of small islands, culminating in Chilean Patagonia. In the centre of the country there is a long river valley, occupied in the north by vineyards and great farms and in the south by primitive forests and delightful lakes. Santiago, the capital, anchors the northern and wealthier part of the central valley. Also parts of Chile are the famous Pacific of Juan Fernandez and the unique Easter Island.
HOW TO GET THERE
Arturo Merino Benitez Airport is located 21km (11 miles) northwest of Santiago. From this airport there are numerous airlines connecting many places, even the most remote, all over the country.
To get to Santiago city centre you can take one of the daily bus services as well as shuttle services, which take you to Pajaritos metro station or to Los Heroes in the city centre. It’s also possible to take a taxi.
To get around the country you can rent a car, or take one of the many intercity buses; they are usually good and comfortable and run along the Pan American highway (which crosses the country from north to south).
GOOD TO KNOW
Capital: Santiago do Chile
Currency: Chilean peso (CLP)
Continental territory and islands: 756.626 km2
Population: 16 million
Language: Spanish
Calling Code: 56
Time Zone: UTC-4
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1 January: New Year
March or April: Holy week/Easter
1 May: Labour Day
21 May Navy Day
29 June: St Peter and St Paul
15 August: Assumption
18 September: Independence Day
19 September: Army Day
12 October: ‘Dia de la Raza’ Columbus Day
1 November: All Saints Day
8 December: Immaculate Conception
25 December: Christmas Day
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