Visitors to Chile can expect a country full of superlatives.
Nestled between the Pacific coast and the Andes and at 4329 km from top to bottom, slender Chile is easily the longest country on earth.
From the mesmeric lunar landscapes of the Atacama, the world’s highest and most arid desert, Chile sweeps down through luscious vineyards, glorious beaches, snow-tipped volcanoes, rainforests, fjords and turquoise lakes and culminates in what must be the most dramatic finale on the planet, Torres del Paine, whose breathtaking granite peaks tower above glaciers and ice fields.

South America’s most prosperous nation bursting with a dynamic mix of culture and charm, dramatic and spectacularly beautiful, Chile is a visual feast and an unmissable addition to your South American itinerary.

South America’s fastest emerging sport and Wilderness adventure destination
World class skiing on phenomenal powder - all through the UK Summer! Experience the adrenaline rush that only the Andes can deliver.

Surfers can't get enough of the fabulous beaches with some of the most intense waves in the world for surfing including the famous “El Gringo”.

Nature lovers - breathtaking national parks and glaciers that you can actually hear cracking and splitting apart. The majestic Andes Mountains, geysers, rafting, hiking, horseback riding and hot volcanic springs to swim in.

Explorers - head to Chilean Antarctica to commune with penguins, walruses and blue whales. No pollution, no traffic, just icebergs, glaciers and clear fresh air.

A Cultural and Gastronomic Delight
Cities are quirky and engaging. With the Andes for a backdrop stylish Santiago is pulsating with Bohemian flair. Great for eclectic architecture, restaurants and people watching.

Ride the funiculars of Valparaiso to get a panoramic view over the Pacific Ocean.

Historic San Pedro in the Atacama desert is famed for handmade pottery. Nearby Valley of the Moon is a prime star gazing zone.

Easter Island is one of the world's wonders whose monumental Moai statues stretch across the island in their hundreds.

Eating in Chile is an exciting and rich experience. A highlight of Chilean Cuisine is the sheer variety of Seafood due to its endless coastline.

Cowboys, Folk Music and Dancing at the late-summer wine festivals. Sample some of the New World's finest wines in a tour of the Maipo, Colchagua and Maule Valleys.

When to go
Best time to visit Chile is from December to March, as this is the South American summer.

However, the Atacama area can be visited all year round, as due to the high altitudes, days are warm and nights are always cold.

Torres del Paine National Park is very busy from November to February as this is peak months for hikers.

Easter Island can be visited all year but is quieter outside of the summer months.

Getting there
There are no direct services from the UK into Chile.

A daily service is operated by the national carrier LAN Chile and Iberia flying via Madrid.
TAM and British Airways fly via Sao Paulo, American and Continental Airlines via the USA.

Santiago is a popular stop off point on longer round the world tickets. The onward routing may include Tahiti, New Zealand and Australia.

Flying time from the UK approximately 16 hours to Santiago.

What to Buy
Textiles such as colourful handwoven ponchos, appliqué pictures, Vicuña rugs, alpaca sweaters.

Copper and silver work. Renowned for lapis lazuli jewellery, jade, amethyst, agate and onyx can also be purchased. And of course Chile’s excellent wine.