Squeezed between the cordillera of the Andean Mountains and the great Pacific Ocean, this 4300 km long strip of land was affectionately tagged 'the thin country' by the Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda.
Within its borders are the world's driest desert, lush expanses of forest and a spectacular array of glaciers and fjords.
Undoubtedly, the most difficult aspect of travelling in such beautiful and extraordinary varied country is choosing where to go. However, in this land of contrast and extremes, it is a certainty that whatever the decision, the result will be a remarkable experience; a journey for a life lasting story.
Chile's far north, or "Great North", is an area of spectacular beauty, with Pacific beaches, deserts, volcanoes, lakes teeming with wildlife, and the remnants of ancient civilizations.
The Atacama desert, the driest desert on earth, is an extraordinary fire coloured landscape, infinitely dramatic in its eerie lunar emptiness and silence. This is a paradise for people interested in outdoor life, nature, ecology and adventure. There are salt lakes full of flamingos, geysers which erupt at daybreak, oases and ancient villages.
Chile's "Little North", the area just north of Santiago, is a place of big contrast between the desert and the fertile valleys. With a privileged climate, this area is great for astronomical observations and outdoor activities, clear skies most of the year and warm beaches.
Easter Island or Rapa Nui, is the farthest land from any populated place on the planet. Since the day it was discovered, the island has been a place full of attraction and mystery.
What to do
Go on an expedition in the very north, starting in Arica, continuing to Lago Chungara and the salt lakes in Surire
Go trekking around San Pedro de Atacama or enjoy one of the many excursions in the area
Do some Star watching in the mysterious Elqui Valley
Visit a deserted mining settlement
Wander among the giant stone Moai figures for which the Easter Island is famed
When to go
The northern Atacama has a pretty constant climate year round which makes it an easy and versatile place to visit. The days are generally hot and evenings chilly with clear skies if you’re lucky! It will be that little bit hotter during the summer months, December March.
The Easter Island enjoys a mild climate year-round.
In Santiago colonial and modern architecture lie shoulder to shoulder, housing some of the country’s finest museums and restaurants.
The countryside around Santiago gives way to fertile cultivated valleys, a surprisingly soft Mediterranean climate yields some of the finest fruit in the world. This is also the area where you will find the vineyards which produce Chile’s delicious wines.
Traveling south from Santiago, intense greens and blues dominate the color palette of the Lake District, a profusion of lakes, hot springs, wild rivers and moist jungle. Set against a stunning volcanic backdrop, the Lake District is a sporting paradise, dotted with towns still characterized by their Germanic Heritage.
What to do
Enjoy a private tour of one of the many vineyards
Discover one of the cities by foot
Go skiing
Great variety of outdoor activities from guided trekking, riding, first class fly fishing, white water rafting, surfing and visits to thermal springs
When to go
The best months in Santiago are between October and April when the days are generally fine. It can, however, get very hot in December and January so watch out! The most pleasant weather in the Lake District is between December and March when the rains are less frequent, it can become pretty overcast during other times in the year. The skiing season is between June and September.
Chile's most famous region, Patagonia unfolds in a dazzling cascade of islands, glaciers and fjords, more than living up to its grand title of the End of the World.
The northern part is a beautiful region of lakes, forests and rivers that is home to some of Chile’s best dry fly fishing.
Further south, the coast splinters into a trailing archipelago leaving the mainland a labyrinth of fjords and cold blue glaciers. A harsh, inhospitable territory of bleak plains, fierce winds and wilderness areas of extraordinary beauty crowned by the majestic granite peaks of Torres del Paine.
What to do
Visit Chiloe, with its unique wooden architecture and extensive birdlife
Riding, cycling, trekking are perfect ways to appreciate the spectacular panoramas
Bird watching
Hike through Torres del Paine national park
Patagonia is ideal for outdoor adventure from guided trekking, riding, first class fly fishing, visits to glaciers
Cruise through glacial fjords
When to go
Patagonia and Antarctica can only really be visited between November and March, it is simply too cold to go tduring any other month and heavy snow can make certain areas inaccessible.
Argentina and Chile run next to each other down the most of South America. There are a multitude of crossing points from Argentina to Chile (and vice-versa) to be explored by the travelers wanting to combine the two countries.
To mention a few, there is the Bariloche lake crossing, Southern Patagona Border Crossing and the Mendoza- Andes Border crossing.
Squeezed between the cordillera of the Andean Mountains and the great Pacific Ocean, this 4300 km long strip of land was affectionately tagged 'the thin country' by the Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda. 
Chile's far north, or "Great North", is an area of spectacular beauty, with Pacific beaches, deserts, volcanoes, lakes teeming with wildlife, and the remnants of ancient civilizations. 
