This year marks the bicentenary of Chile’s independence. It’s an ideal opportunity to visit the country and explore it from top to bottom. Chile is full of contrasts; being one of the most southernmost zones on the planet, you’ll see the driest desert in the world, as well as thousand-year-old glaciers.
Starting in the north of the country, we find the famous Atacama Desert. And 4000m up from the plateau, you’ll find some small villages that continue to maintain their traditional customs in isolated areas.
One example would be San Pedro de Atacama, a town where you can enjoy salt flats, geysers, and intensely blue lagoons. If you’re the adventurous type, you can also cross the desert by bike or sandboard down the dunes.
If you’re more into watersports or sunbathing, you should take a trip to the coast, where you’ll find white sandy beaches. Towns like Arica boast an eternal spring-like climate, as well as offering activities like surfing and bodyboarding. Alternatively, you can enjoy the area’s history by taking in some national monuments or the San Miguel Architectural Museum which houses the oldest mummies on the planet.
Iquique, meanwhile, is the place for you if you’re after the hustle and bustle and entertainment of a city. A coastal city filled with palm trees and tall buildings, it’s an ideal place to take a drive in a convertible. The city is characterised by a constant cultural mix with the beach during the day and exciting nightlife after the sun goes down at night.
The Antofagasta region is a mixture of mining villages in the middle of a desert with clear skies that are perfect for stargazing. Tranquil spas or waves to test your surfing skills – the choice is yours.
If you happen to visit the central region, you’ll see how the 21st century is cohabiting with ancient local traditions. Start at the multifaceted capital, Santiago de Chile. It’s a modern, competitive city and the ideal location for outdoor activities. It’s a city that operates at an intense pace night and day and offers an endless amount of possibilities. It’s worth taking a look at some of the more traditional neighbourhoods if you visit the city centre.
The city’s institutions and government building are found in the Barrio Cívico and Plaza de Armas, while you’ll find culture and gastronomic options in Barrio Lastarria.
Crossing the Mapocho River, you’ll encounter the city’s colonial past in the neighbourhoods of Recoleta and Independencia, while the shopping area is in Patronato.
The more bohemian neighbourhoods of Barrio Brasil and Barrio Yungai lie to the east of the city, and both are good options for eating and going out.
The stars of southern Chile are the lakes and volcanoes. A good example of this part of the country is Puerto Varas, also known as the City of the Roses, with its German architecture and well-kept residential neighbourhoods surrounded by impressive gardens. This area is great for any nature-based adventure, so rent a bike and take a look around!
Down south, you’ll also find Valdivia, the southernmost city in the world and green all year round. Corral is also nearby, a historically and culturally rich town with beautiful beaches.
