Meaning “Place Where the Land Ends”, Chile occupies a long narrow strip of land on east cost of South America. It exhibits a landscape of rugged beauty that is wedged in along a 4,300 kilometre stretch between the mighty Andes on one side, and the South Pacific Ocean on the other. Dotted with volcanoes and adorned with mighty mountain peaks, Chile is a land of contrast - between striking icebergs and glaciers, the world’s driest desert, bubbling hot springs and spouting geysers. Its beauty also takes from the breathtaking Patagonia region and its simply stunning lakes that exhibit the bluest blues and the greenest greens.
Chile has distinct national dishes, the best of which are all to be found in the many restaurants and eateries of Santiago. Cazuela de Marina (seafood stew) or Piernas de Cangrejo (crab legs) are classic meals to tantalise the taste buds and fill the belly. To wash it down – a terremoto (earthquake!). This is a staple of the Chilean diet that every traveller is encouraged to try and is a mix of sweet wine, local liquor pisco, grenadine and pineapple ice cream – delightful! Then there is the wine. There are some incredible wineries to be explored and sampled not too far out of Santiago that makes for an enjoyable and picturesque day trip.
A huge part of Chilean culture is fútbol. It is like religion to many Chileans and to experience a game is an experience like no other. The crowd is on their feet the entire game, chanting, jumping and singing for their beloved teams. Such is the passion that there is a notable police presence at most games, but if you stick in the home supporters area and don’t hang around you are unlikely to find any issue. If you get the chance to see La Roja play – the Chilean national team – try not to miss it. In July 2015 Chile was crowned the best team in South America after La Roja beat Argentina in the final of the Copa America. Snow sports are another favourite pastime, with the foothills of the Andes making for prime skiing and snowboarding spots.
Elsewhere, Easter Island stands off the coast of Chile and acts as one of the few remaining mysteries the modern world has yet to solve. Its famous stone statues of elongated faces, likely built by the Rapa Nui people, have attracted the intrigue of researchers and tourists alike since they were first seen by Europeans upon their arrival in 1722. Some of the statues, which are dotted across the island, are almost 1,000 years old and still carry many unanswered questions.
The Torres Del Paine National Park located in Patagonian Chile exhibits the most stunning scenery of the country. Jagged snow-capped mountain peaks, rolling green plains, crystal clear waters and stunning sunsets combine to make this a truly remarkable and unmissable part of Chile. Whether enjoying the thrill of mountain biking, white water rafting and mountain climbing, or simply absorbing the captivating landscape, Torres Del Paine National Park is a place of natural wonder. For those with an even more insatiable appetite for the natural, be sure to visit a number of Chile’s volcanoes, lagoons or glaciers for an incredibly unique experience.
