Chile is the longest country in the South America and the world. Imagine its length as long as the distance between San Francisco to New York. Chile has the Andes Mountains as its spine that runs the full length of the country which has a diverse climate and terrain—perfect for outdoor adventures, who seek adventure vacations. From its beautiful beaches in the north and off-shore islands to Cape Horn in the south, Chile has a natural beauty that attracts visitors from all over the world.

After stopping at Santiago, the Chilean capital city and fifth largest city in South America, travelers have to decide which of the distinct regions they should visit first. However, visitors will find it hard to leave beautiful, modern Santiago which dates back to the Conquistadors and is located on a plain with the Andes Mountains in a distance. Its location is perfect for vacationers because it is 60 kilometers from the best skiing in South America and an hour from some spectacular beaches. Interestingly, it also is in the heart of some excellent vineyards which produce some of the best wine in South America. The Rio Macpocho cuts through Santiago where there are major museums and monuments. Its architecture is very interesting and reflects both its European heritage and importance as a center of commerce. Visitors, who enjoy walking, can stroll along tree-lined pathways that follow the Rio Macpocho, link small picturesque squares, and reach the Museo de Bellas Artes. Other points of interest in Santiago include the zoo, Mercado Central (a market), great restaurants, cafes, parks for picnics, and beautiful neighborhoods. Visitors to Santiago should pack there walking shoes because in addition to the pathways along the Rio Macpocho, there are lots of trails for the casual or vigorous hikers who want to enjoy the spectacular views of Santiago.

Lodging is varied, comfortable, and interesting depending on the wishes of the visitors and locations whether in Santiago, Valparaiso, the beachside villages and town, or mountains near the ski resorts.

Valparaiso is the second largest in the Chile and some think that it’s also the most beautiful city. The parliament meets in this gracious coastal city. Because it is a hilly city, many visitors to Valparaiso are reminded of San Francisco, California. In its early history, Valparaiso was an important port city. Additionally, like Santiago, it has funicular railways that go to the hilltops where visitors can have spectacular views.

Chile has many national parks:

• Juan Fernandez Islands which are approximately 670 kilometers west of Valparaiso in the Pacific Ocean. It was a haven for pirates and inspired Daniel Dufoe’s Robinson Crusoe. Now, it is known for its flora and fauna.
• Parque National Torres del Paine is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• Parque National Laguna San Rafael is known as the birthplace of ice bergs because it is where the Patagonian ice sheets fall into the sea. The terrain and vistas of Laguna San Rafael are spectacular.
• Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo has a mountain that resembles an enchanted castle.
• Parque Nacional Chiloe is alone the Pacific Coastline where visitors can find beautiful beaches with penguins and coastal woodlands.
• Parque Nacional Quelat has whitewater rivers, canyons, forests, and precious stones hidden in the mountain stones and palisades.
• Parque Nacional Alecre Andino has trees as large as the giant sequoias in California and some of the tallest Andes in the country.
• Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales is in the southern portion of the Lake District and has volcanoes.

Outdoor adventurers enjoy visiting the Monument Arqueologico Valle del Encanto where they can find a rocky canyon and the Rio Limari. Along the canyon walls, there are pictographs and petroglyphs from the pre-Columbian Indian El Molle culture.

The Lake District is south of the Biobio River where visitors can find pristine lakes and snowcapped volcanoes. Although there are lots of minor lakes, rivers and streams in the Lake District, there are twelve major lakes, six volcanoes, and four passes through the Andes.

 The Atacama Dessert is supposed to be the driest region on the earth. Although it is barren, it has a natural function with the Andes in the background. Together with the Andes, the Atacama Dessert functions to moderate the weather in the Amazon Basin.

Patagonia is the region internationally known to skiers and mountaineers for its challenging heights. Mention Patagonia and they are stuffing their backpacks and organizing their gear.

In addition to the Juan Fernandez Islands, Chile has several coastal islands that require exploring. The largest island is Chiloe which has forests, its own water supply, farms, and a long coastline. Visitors to Chiloe will find a culture steeped in history and myth, like its constant fog. Although it was a Spanish outpost in the 16th Century, Dutch pirates attacked it in the 17th Century, and its residents asked the British to include it in the British Empire, but Great Britain declined.

The other famous island can be accessed through Chile, is Easter Island. Easter Islands is about 2000 miles from Chile where visitors can find flights from Santiago.

Visitors to Chile should check on visa regulations before traveling and pay attention to the emerging political issues. Once the arrangements for travel have been finalized be sure to pack a camera, suntan location, and notebook to record all of the spectacular experiences that Chile offers.