Chile & Eastern Island
Chile is nature on a colossal scale, amazing landscapes and a land of extremes, travel however is surprisingly easy.
Chile stretches from the belly of South America to its foot, reaching from the driest desert on earth to vast southern glacial fields. Diverse landscapes unfurl over a 4300km stretch: parched dunes, fertile valleys, volcanoes, ancient forests, massive glaciers and fjords.
Chile is a long narrow country which extends like a ribbon down the west coast of South America. While the coastline is over 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometers) long, it is only about 61 miles (91 kilometers) wide. Cape Horn is the southernmost tip of South America. In the past, ships had to round the horn to sail from Pacific to Atlantic ports and to Europe before the Panama Canal was built. Cape Horn is known for high winds and treacherous waves.
Today only about 5 percent of the population is native Mapuche and other indigenous groups. Nearly 95 percent of Chileans have a mixture of native and European roots. There are areas in the south where the Mapuche live, speak their language, and practice their own religion. About 40 percent of the population lives in the area around the capital of Santiago. Children in rural areas need to wake up at 5:00 - 6:00 a.m. to walk to school or meet the bus. Their journeys sometimes take two hours each way. After school, they help their parents in the fields and do their homework.
The region is rich in natural beauty and plant and animal life. The long coastline is home to penguins, pelicans, and sea lions, and migratory whales can be seen in the waters as they journey to and from feeding and breeding grounds. Puma, alpacas, vicunas, foxes, condors, and flamingos are all found on the diverse landscapes of Chile. The Atacama Desert is one of the driest areas on the Earth. There are many species of reptiles and cacti. The country’s rich supply of copper is also found in the desert region.
The northern part of the country was ruled by the Inca before the Spanish took control in the 16th century. Native Mapuche people lived in the southern and central regions before the country became a Spanish colony. The country gained independence from Spain in 1810. Toward the end of the 1800s, many Europeans began to settle in Chile, including Germans, French, British, and Italians. Many Chinese moved to Chile to help build the railroad.
Wine Culture. Before wine became an export commodity for the luxury set, humble casks had their place on every Chilean table. Grandparents tended backyard orchards. Now, Chile has become a worldwide producer catering to ever more sophisticated palates. Rich reds, crisp whites and floral rosés, there is a varietal that speaks to every mood and occasion.
Sample Itineraries
Brasil, Argentina and Chile, 21 days roundtrip
Brasil, Argentina and Chile, 21 days roundtrip When To Go: Sep – Apr Length: 21 days – 20 nights Itinerary : 3n Rio de Janeiro/ 2n Iguazu/ 2n Cafayate/ 1n Cachi/ 2n Purmamarca/ 3n El Calafate/ 2n Santiago de Chile/ 5n Easter Island Day-By Itinerary Day 1: Rio de Janeiro Arrival in Rio and transfer to hotel. Free day. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro Included: Private transport to hotel, accommodation with breakfast Not included: Other meals, personal charges and extras Accomodation: Tulip Inn Copacabana - www.Read more
Deep Journey into the Andes tailormade
Individual tailor made tours with private or group transfers. Sample itinery of 14 days from San Pedro de Atacama to La Paz including Bolivian Amazon rainforest & Titicaca lake. Day 01 • Transfer-In Calama Airport – San Pedro de Atacama • Valle De La Luna • Departure: 16 hrs from San Pedro. Return: 20.30 hrs. On this tour we visit the wonderful Cordillera de la Sal wonderful, the viewpoint of Cari Canyon, and the most attractive places in the Valle de la Luna, where we await the sunset.Read more
Easter Island roundtrip, Chile 5 days
Easter Island roundtrip, Chile 5 days Visits to Moai statues, hiking, horseback riding, biking and diving are all options on this tiny island. Travel to the world’s most isolated bit of land - Easter Island. A tiny pinprick in the great Pacific, the island is actually a mound of consolidated lava and ash from three submarine volcanoes. Fly from Santiago, Chile, and spend 5 days discovering the ancient history and traditions of Easter Island.Read more
Valparaiso and the Wine route, Chile 4 days
DAY 1: SANTIAGO – VALPARAISO (approx. 115 kms – 1h30) Reception at Santiago airport and transfer to Valparaiso (in private service with your English speaking guide who will be with you during the 4 days). We pass through varied landscapes: fertile valleys such as Curacavi and Casablanca (the latter known for its wine production). We arrive at Valparaiso where we can observe the amazingly colourful houses clinging to the hills. Building a natural amphitheatre overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the town was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.Read more
