Travel Guide to Chile:
5
Fun Facts to Know About Chile
A
Hiking Guide to Easter Island
Chile:
Land of Poets
Chile
Travel: Visiting the Lake District from Puerto Varas
Chile
Travel Destinations & Places To Visit in Chile
Concepcion
Guide
Discover
the beauty of San Pedro de Atacama
History
and Growth of Santiago de Chile
History
of Chile
Sightseeing
in Punta Arenas - Chile
Revealing
the Valleys of Chile
Swept
Away In Santiago De Chile
The
Mythology of Easter Island
Travel
to Valparaiso, Chile
Chile:
Land of Poets by Denisse Romero
Chile - a land of poets and
wine, a land of contrasting beauty, a land as romantic as some its famous
citizens: Pablo Neruda, Gabriela Mistral, Isabel Allende. Considered the
longest country in the world, this South American nation offers a diversity
of landscapes and travel opportunities from the Andes mountains to the
Pacific Ocean, from Easter Island to the Antarctic, from fine vineyards
to world-class ski resorts.
Where to Go
Northern Chile is known for
its desert and coastal towns. Some of the most popular beaches are located
in this area. Iquique and Arica
are tax-free zones booming with commercial and touristic activities. La
Serena and Los Vilos offer remarkable natural surroundings with large
beaches and popular resorts.
Central Chile is popular
for its fine vineyards, colorful ports and world-class ski resorts. This
region is also famous for being home to Viña
del Mar (Sea Vineyard) and its renown international music festival
which takes place in February each year. Viña del Mar is a wonderful
destination for most tourists - the city offers beautiful mansions, luxurious
hotels, parks and gardens, theater, and sporting facilities as well as
many beaches. Valparaiso, the
most important port in Chile, is one of the largest cities in the country.
Valparaiso is full of picturesque landscapes including hills, quarters,
creeks, beaches, and romantic streets. Santiago,
the capital, is a commercial center surrounded by nature - the San Cristobal
and Santa Lucia hills border the city.
A couple of kilometers from
Santiago, you will find Cajon del Maipo, an eco-tourism center where you
can enjoy adventure sports, mountains, hot springs, vineyards, and export-quality
wines.
The South is famous for its
fjords, glaciers and forests. In this region you will find interesting
cities such as Valdivia, which is known for its early German settlers and
traditions. Puerto Montt, made famous
internationally by a popular song, is a bathing resort with beaches, hotels
and restaurants that specialize in seafood and typical Chilean food. Further
south you will find winter towns such as Cohaique, which is known for its
museums and nature reserves, and Puerto Natales, which is known for its
touristic infrastructure and its proximity to Torres del Paine National
Park. Punta
Arenas, one of the southernmost cities in the world, offers a world-class
ski center and serves as a departure point for Antarctic expeditions.
Chilean islands include Easter
Island, Robinson Crusoe, Chiloe and Tierra del Fuego. Easter Island,
located approximately 3,700 km west of Chile, is also known as "Rapa Nui"
in their native language or Isla de Pascua in Spanish. The island is famous
for its large stone statues, Moai, which were carved by the island ancestors
between 1100 and 1600 CE. Easter Island is also known for its Polynesian
identity, beautiful coral beach, and adventurous diving.
Robinson Crusoe Island, located
on the Pacific Ocean at the same latitude as Valparaiso,
has a unique development of flora and fauna and beautiful touristic areas.
What to Eat
Chile is particularly known
for its wine, seafood and empanadas (turnovers). Lots of restaurants will
offer typical Chilean food which consists of empanadas de pino (beef turnovers
with onion, raisins, egg, and olives), empanadas de queso (deep fried turnovers
filled with cheese), cazuelas (rice and meat soups), porotos granados (stew
made with beans and corn), and curanto (a typical dish made of seafood,
beef, chicken, pork, potatoes, and cheese).
American fast food restaurants
such as McDonald's, Burger King, and other chains can also be found in
the big cities.
Where to Study
Chile is a preferred study
abroad destination. It is common for students from European or North American
colleges and universities to take interdisciplinary studies in Spanish
in one of its many reputed universities.
-
Universidad de Chile
-
Pontificia Universidad Católica
de Chile
-
Universidad de Concepcion
-
Pontificia Universidad Católica
de Valparaíso
-
Universidad de Santiago de Chile
-
Universidad Técnica Federico
Santa María
Visas & Documents
Although American citizens
need a passport to visit Chile, no visa is necessary. Citizens of many
countries must pay a "reciprocity fee" of varying amounts. This fee is
equivalent to the amount that country requires for entry visas from Chilean
citizens. The fee is for tourists entering by plane, and the one-time charge
is good for the life of your passport. Further information can be provided
by the Consulate of Chile in your country of residence.
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