Most printed, country guide books, although useful, tend to
be packed full of information, much of which is un-necessary and irrelevant.
Here you will find practical suggestions and information on the principal
places of interest in Chile.

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Chile in Brief / Santiago / Communications & Roads / People of Note / Principal Holidays / Chilean Food / Typical Spirit Drinks / Viña del Mar / La Serena & Elqui Valley / San Pedro de Atacama / Torres del Paine National Park / San Rafeal Glacier / Chilean Patagonia / Pucón & Villarrica / Easter Island / Robinson Crusoe Island / National Parks / Sun / Sea / Souvenirs

Chile in Brief

A long country stretching for 4,500kms, passing through the heated tropic of Capricorn in the north down to the freezing Antartica in its far south. Containing arid deserts in its north, fertile valleys in its middle, raging rivers, fiords, forests in its south and snow-capped volcanoes almost everywhere.

A narrow country with an average width of 190kms., the Andes mountains on its eastern side and the Pacific Ocean on its western side.

The climate is hot and dry north of Santiago (the capital city), Mediterranean in the central zone and temparate in its southern zone.

It is an incredible country to explore if you like geography, wilderness and seeing nature at its most beautiful and most awesome. It has a modern infrastructure, developed cities and friendly people.

Santiago de Chile, Capital City of Chile

Santiago de Chile has developed into a modern-day capital city, offering the visitor many entertainment options and some interesting historical sites. It can be divided into three principal areas for the visitor: Downtown, offering a chance to see historical buildings and museums; Providencia, a redeveloped up-market suburb that is full of restaurants, bars and nightclubs and Las Condes with modern office buildings, plush apartments and fancy restaurants and bars.

There is a modern, clean and safe metro system that runs three lines. The principal line, Line 1, runs through the middle of the the Downtown area and all the way east passing through Providencia and terminating in Las Condes. For the visitor, the metro Line 1 should be all you need in order to get around. Alternatively, taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive.

Location & Climate
Surrounded by the Andes mountains to the east and the coastal mountains to the west, Santiago sits in a bowl at an altitude of 543mts in the downtown area rising up to 800mts in the eastern up-market suburbs. One of the positive aspects to Santiago is the favourable Mediterranean climate (average summer day time temperature is 30°C), with long, hot summers running November to March. Rain, when it comes, is usually in June, July and August, meaning snow in the mountains and therefore skiing. Today, Santiago is the fifth largest city in South America, home to over 5 million people and the central base for 50% of the county's manufacturing industry.

Be Sensible
Santiago is a relatively safe city, however, if you are a foreigner and are off your guard you could be a target for a thief.
Be sensible and do not walk around with a big camera around your neck, a bulging wallet that can be seen and watch where you put your coat and bag in open-air restaurants.

Suburbs and Hot Spots
The main commercial action (international offices, restaurants, modern apartments) in Santiago is spread in a linear development that runs west to east, from the Downtown area towards the Andes mountains to the Las Condes suburb. The metro system is clean and efficient comprising three lines. The only line that most visitors ever need is line 1, the principal line running from Las Condes, through Providencia and Downtown.

Within the linear development everywhere is easy to get to and not far away by taxi or metro.

Principal Places of Interest in Santiago

Downtown
Government offices, central train station, principal bus stations, museums and company back offices. Principal Metro Stops: Universidad de Chile, Santa Lucia, Universidad Catolica and Baquedano.

Museo de Arte Precolombino
Bandera 361 corner with Compañia, Downtown. Tel: 688 7348 Metro Line 5: Plaza de Armas.
Closed Monday. Tue to Fri 10:00hrs to 18:00hrs. Sat, Sun and Holidays
10:00hrs to 14:00hrs.
A well arranged museum that chronicals over 4,000 years of pre-Columbian
civilization.

Museo Colonial de San Francisco
Alameda 834, Downtown.
Metro Line 1: Universidad de Chile, southern exit.
Located along the side of the San Francisco church (dating back to 1618 having survived all the earthquakes, entrance is by the church). Colonial building displaying numerous artefacts and an attractive central garden.

Museo de Bellas Artes
Parque Forestal, Downtown.
Metro Line 1: Santa Lucia, northern exit.
Santiago's fine arts museum, displaying permanent collections of French, Italian, Dutch and Chilean paintings and often hosting very interesting visiting exhibits.

Museo Arqueologico de Santiago
Lastarria 321, Downtown.
Metro Line 1: Universidad Catolica.
Set amid an historical small neighborhood, with interesting cafes and art galleries, this museum offers a number of exhibits from the indigeneous peoples of Chile.

Palacio de la Moneda (Presidential Palace)
Located between streets Morande and Teatinos in the centre of Downown. Metro Line 1: La Moneda.
The largest colonial building constructed by the Spanish during the 18th century. Originally the Royal Mint and now the seat of the President of Chile. Bombed in 1973 by the Chilean Airforce during a military coup led by General Agusto Pinochet. Recently renovated, the Palace interior courtyards are open to the public during the day.

Cerro Santa Lucia (Original City Fort)
Metro Line 1: Santa Lucia.
Originally named Huelén by the natives and renamed Santa Lucia by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia on 13 December 1540 when he founded the first settlement at the foot of the hill, later to be named Santiago in 1541. It was Marco du Pont who, during the retaking of Santiago between 1814 to 1817 after an uprising by the natives, converted the hill into a serious defence fort. In 1872 an effort began to transform the fort into an important public place of interest by enlisting 150 jailed prisioners who worked to exhustion to complete the first part in 1872. The porch and staircase were completed in 1903. This is a great place to visit if you want an impressive view of the immediate downtown area and to enjoy relative quiet within the park that surrounds the fort.

Teatro Municipal
Agustinas corner with San Antonio, Downtown.
Metro Line 1: Santa Lucia.
Opera and Ballet March to December. Tel: 633 2549.

Bario Paris-Londres (Historic Area)
Metro Line 1: Universidad de Chile, southern exit.
A small, historic area located behind, but close to the San Francisco church. Narrow streets and interesting architecture.

Mercado Central (Food Market & Restaurants)
I. Valdés Vergara 900, Downtown.
Metro Line 2: Cal y Canto
The building was construted between 1868 and 1872 with sections pre-fabricated in England, designed by Fermin Vivaceta for the purpose of exhibiting works of art but it quickly became used as a market. Today the market is still active and it is an interesting place to eat. A number of restaurants that specialize in fish dishes surround the principal hall where one can eat and admire the fish, meat and vegetables on display amid the flurry of market activity.

Palacio Cousiño (Colonial Home)
Dieciocho 438, Downtown.
Taxi needed or a good walk from Metro Line 1: Los Heroes.
An elaborate 19th-century mansion dating back to 1871. Built by the Cousiño family from wealth accumulated from coal and silver mining. Well preserved images from an elite life. Open: Tues - Sun: 09:30hrs - 12:30hrs. 14:30hrs -16:00hrs. Tel: 698 5063

Providencia

Modern offices, shops, restaurants and bars. Principal Metro Stops: Los Leones, Pedro de Valdivia and Tobalaba.

Night Life

Barrio Bellavista
Located on the other side of the Mapocho river a short walk from Baquedano metro station and at the foot of the San Cristobal hill. Known primarily as the Bohemian district, Bellavista (Beautiful View) comes to life at night and offers the visitor numerous restaurants and bars to dine and drink at.

Suecia and General Holley
Located in the heart of Providencia. Nearest Metro Los Leones. An area of bars with live music and some restaurants.

Day Time

Museo Neruda La Chascona
One of the houses where Chilean Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda once lived. Located in a short street just off the main Pio Nono road. Tel: 737 8712 for tours. Nearest Metro: Baquedano

Cerro San Cristobal
The hill on top of which is a staue of the Virgin Mary. Access is from metro stop Baquedano, on foot to the end of the street Pio-Nono which runs through Barrio Bellavista and then up to the funicular railway (Mon 13:00hrs to 20:30hrs; Tue to Sun 10:30hrs to 20:00hrs) or to the northern end of the street Pedro de Valdivia and onto the teleferic cable car (Mon to Fri 14:30hrs to 20:00hrs;Sat, Sun and Public Holidays 10:30hrs to 20:00hrs).

The highest point is at 880mts. The Virgin Mary statue, seen from almost every point in the city was sculptured by Frenchman Jaconetti out of metal and given to Chile by France in 1908. The entire hill or cerro comprises the Parque Metropolitana, covering 712 hectares which makes it one of the largest parks in the world. Getting to the top will enable the visitor to enjoy a panoramic view over Santiago and incredible unspoilt views of the Andes on one side and the Precordillera Mountains on the other. There are restaurants and cafes at the top as well as two swimming pools. Cyclists and hikers as well as those who like the funicular railway or teleferic cable car enjoy the park to its full. One suggestion is to go up on the funicular railway and down on the teleferic cable car.

Shopping and Restaurants
Metro: Pedro de Valdivia and Los Leones
Specifically around the streets Suecia and General Holley (north exit Los Leones metro) are numerous bars and restaurants. Los Leones, south exit will lead you into a principal department store and close by are other shops and a mall.

Las Condes

Very upmarket, new offices, shopping malls, good restaurants and bars. Principal Metro Stops: El Golf, Alcantara and Escuela Militar (end of the line).

Night Life

Barrio El Golf
Metro: Tobalaba or El Golf north exits
Now a very up-market business and commercial zone, host to numerous good restaurants and bars along the El Bosque Norte and Isidora Goyenechea streets.

Day Time

Shopping
Two modern shopping malls dominate Las Condes and these are Parque Arauco and Alto las Condes. Both are spacious, clean and new, offering the visitor plenty of choice and well known brand products. Both are located along Avda.
Kennedy and are know by all taxi drivers.

Artesanal Shopping
There are three good places to buy typical Chilean handy craft products and these are Los Dominicos, Vitacura and Apumanque. Los Dominicos is located behind a church of the same name and offers the visitor a chance to wander around a colonial setting whilst looking at what to buy. Vitacura, loated along the street called Vitacura and Apumanque, located behind the shopping mall called Apumanque offer great products from a number of stores.

Avda. Vitacura

Night Life
Within the Vitacura suburb the Avenida Vitacura runs near to the Mapocho river and is home to many new restaurants. Another good spot is Borde Rio, located on Monsenor Escriva de Balaguer 6,400, beside the Mapocho river. Great place for evening drinks and meals during the summer.

Transport

City public transport is in abundance. Buses are driven by maniac drivers but are cheap and will get you to most places. Taxis vary between the good level with good driver to less-than-reliable with questionable drivers. In Santiago, the metro is excellent, clean, reliable and cheap.

Inter-city public transport is usually very good. For long journeys the buses offer executive class comfort and on-board services.

Santiago Prinicipal Intercity Bus Stations are:
For North & South:Terminal de Buses Santiago, Metro Universidad de Santiago (Southern Exit).
For Vina del Mar/Valpariso: Terminal de Buses Alameda, Metro Universidad de Santiago (Southern Exit).
For North & South:Terminal de Buses San Borja, Metro Estacion Central (Southern Exit).

Communications & Roads

Modern telephone communications are excellent throughout the country. The road network is simple with one principal highway running north to south (known as the Panamericana or Ruta 5) and these days most other paved roads are in good condition. There are numerous road connections that are still dirt tracks and visitors wishing to explore would be advised to rent an off-road vehicle to do so.

People of Note

Political

Pedro de Valdivia
Original Spanish conquistador, arrived in 1540 and founded Santiago in 1541.

Arturo Pratt
Chilean naval hero who led the winning battle against Peru near Iquique.

Bernardo O'Higgins
The iligitament son of a Peruvian Viceroy, Chile's first elected leader following independence from Spain in 1818.

Salvador Allende
The first ever openly elected communist leader who ruled Chile as president from 1970 to 1973 when he was ousted from power by a bloody coup.

Agusto Pinochet
Appointed head of the Chilean army just days before leading the armed forces
in a coup against the then sitting president Salvador Allende. General Pinochet ruled Chile for an unbroken 17 year period 1973 to 1990, when he handed over power to democratically elected Patricio Aylwin. He has recently been arrested in Chile to face trial for the disappearance and murder of individuals during his regime.

Cultural

Gabriela Mistral Poet and Nobel Prize winner.

Pablo Neruda Poet and Nobel Prize winner.

Principal National Holiday Dates

1 Jan
Easter (felxible date)
1 May
21 May
25 June (flexible date)
2 July (flexible date)
15 August
3 September (flexible date)
18 September
19 September
15 October (flexible date)
1 November
8 December
25 December

Chilean Food

Typical Chilean Dishes and Foods
The Empanada: A pastry filled with either mince meat, onion and an olive or cheese or shell fish.
Parrillada: Various meats cooked on a charcoaled grill.
Pastel del Choclo: Sweetcorn with mince meat, an egg, onion, an olive and a
cream of corn topping.
Casuela: A stew of chicken or meat with potato, pumpkin and vegetables.
Humitas: Sweet corn with spices wrapped in corn leaves and steam cooked.

Fruit Native to Chile
Lucuma
Chirimoya (Custard Apple)
Tuna (Prickly Pear)
Kiwi
Papayas
Melon Calameño
Camote

Fish: Pescados
Albacora: Similar to Swordfish.
Atun:Tuna
Bacalao: Cod
Calamar: Squid
Congrio: Eel-like fish but not eel.
Corvina: Similar to Bass
Jurel: Mackerel
Lenguado: Sole
Reineta: Very Nice White Fish!
Salmon: Salmon

Shell Fish: Mariscos
Almejas: Clams
Camarones:Prawns
Centolla: King Crab
Choros: Mussels
Erizos: Sea Urchin
Gambas: Shrimps
Jaiva: Crab
Langosta: Lobster
Locos: Abalone
Machas: Razor Clam
Ostiones:Scallops
Ostras: Oysters
Picorocos:

Beef: Carne
Filete: Fillet
Lomo Liso: T-Bone
Posta Rosada: Sirloin

Pork: Cerdo
Jamón: Ham
Lomo: Loin
Tocino: Bacon
Chuleta: Chop
Pernil: Leg
Costilla: Ribs

Lamb: Cordero
Pierna: Leg
Lomo: Loin
Costilla: Rack of Lamb

Aves: Poultry
Pollo: Chicken
Ganso: Goose
Pato: Duck
Pavo: Turkey

Verduras: Vegetables
Palta: Avocado
Pepino: Cucumber
Cebolla: Onion
Arroz: Rice
Ensalada: Salad
Tomate: Tomato
Lechuga: Lettuce

Postre: Desert
Flan: Blancmange
Manjar: Sweet Caramel Spread

Typical Spirit Drinks

Pisco Sour: Pisco, a grape brandy, with lemon juice, sugar and the white of an egg.
Piscola: Pisco with coca cola.

Viña del Mar

Vina del Mar is Chile's principal sea side city located to the west of Santiago, offering beaches, night life and a casino. In the summer months it is very popular and consequently packed with holiday makers including many Argentinians who come over from Mendoza.

La Serena/Elqui Valley

La Serena is a popular summer beach destination from Chileans and Argentinians. It boasts an impressive sandy bay, good bathing and many attractions including a casino. The city itself is not noted for any notable charm but it does offer a mock colonial flavour in some quarters.

Dolphins
About an hour north of La Serena, at a place called Punta de Los Choros where you can hire a simple fishing boat, with captain, and see the dolphins, sea lions, penguins and birds that live on and around the nearby islands. The sea tour takes about two to three hours. Hat and sun cream essential and we recommend that you take your own beverages and sandwiches as well as warm clothing as it can be chilly out at sea.

Observatory La Silla
Located about 150kms. north-east of La Serena at 2,240mts. Open the first Saturday of the month 14:30hrs. - 17:30hrs. Advance registration ESSENTIAL.
Tel: SANTIAGO 228 5006 or 698 8757.

The Elqui Valley
A fertile valley running inland from La Serena. The greeness of the valley contrasts vividly against the barren, brown sides of the mountains. In the heart of the Elqui Valley is Vicuna, the birth place of Chile's Nobel Prize winning poet Gabriel Mistral. The most interesting place to visit is the tiny village of Pisco Elqui, located deep in the moutains about an hour south-east of Vicuna. Pisco Elqui is a tiny Andean village offering general peace and a slow way of life and is popular with hippies and travellers. An ideal place to relax, see the clear night sky and visit the old pisco distillery.

Observatory El Tololo
Located at a high point of 2,200mts. South west of Vicuna (approx 45kms) is the El Tololo Observatory. Visits are permitted but ONLY with prior notification and with a permit. Open: 09:00hrs - 12.00hrs and 13:00hrs - 16:00hrs. Tel: (51) 225 415

San Pedro de Atacama

Nearest Airport: Calama
Located in the heart of the Atacama Desert, San Pedro de Atacama is 1,667kms. north of Santiago and lies at 2,438mts. above sea level. It is a tiny, dusty, oasis village that serves as a base from where to explore the outstanding natural geographic beauty of the area. The village is a simple place with buildings constructed from adobe and other natural materials. It is a popular destination for seeking an adventure and to be impressed by the wonder of nature, but who do not expect five-star comfort, although one hotel Explora does offer the luxury seeker just that. There are a number of bars and innovative restaurants where visitors can unwind in the evenings.

A number of local travel agencies offer guided tours throughout the area.
The majority of accommodation options range from basic bed and breakfast to mid-level. We would recommend that you ask us to make your hotel and tour reservations. If you rent a car and do your own thing beware, take extra water, warm clothes and check that the car does have a spare wheel, jack and that you know how to use it. People do break down, run out of water and get cold. You are in a desert a long way from help.

The main areas to explore from San Pedro are:

El Tatio Geysers
Located at 4,321mts. above sea level, in the heart of the Andes Mountains 210kms. from San Pedro. The drive from San Pedro takes about three hours and departure is usually at 04:00hrs., in order to arrive for the dawn spectacle of the geysers bubbling into the air. The incredibly clear night sky, the natural phenomena of naturally produced hot water that can boil an egg and the opportunity to bathe in natural thermal springs high up in the Andes is what it's all about. WARNING: people have fallen through the hard crust that surrounds the geysers and consequently been scalded. In some cases people have died. Although most people wander all over the site, you would be well advised to not get too close.

Caba
A truly remarkable Andean village known for its simplicity, inca architecture and terraced farming methods. Located in a canyon, the people and way of life appear to be as it was thousands of years ago. For some, a visit to this village feels intrusive. Great care should be taken to respect the inhabitants and their way of life.

Miscanti and Meñique Lagoons
Located 290kms. from San Pedro and at 4,500mts. above sea level in the heart of the Andes Mountains. These two lagoons are ajacent to each other and radiate a vivid green colour. Dwarfed by two volcanoes, they offer a haven for birds and a opportunity for man to stare in awe.

Tocanao Village and Salt Flat
Tocanao vilage is located 45klms. south of San Pedro and sits on the edge of a vast salt flat which is home to pink flamingoes. The geographic landscape that surrounds the village is formidable. The village itself has a charming central plaza but not much else. The salt flat is impressive in terms of its size and the heat which constantly evaporates any moisture in the ground.

Archaeological Tours and Museum
San Pedro is home to a fine museum that houses artefacts and mummies dating back thousands of years and is well worth a visit. If you are interested in the archaeology of the area the villages of Quitor and Tulor should be of interest.

Valley of the Moon
A popular tour for practically all visitors to San Pedro is the "Lunar Valley", called so because of its resemblance to the surface of the moon. It is about 15kms. from San Pedro.

Other Activities
There are many other places to see and things to do such as horse riding and a visit to the world's largest open-cast copper mine "Chuquicamata" just outside Calama.

Torres del Paine National Park

Nearest City with Airport: Punta Arenas
Location: 6 hours drive north from Punta Arenas. Nearest city is Puerto Natales, 3hrs drive.
Accommodation: Hosteria Las Torres, Hosteria Mirador del Payne, Hosteria Lago Grey, Hosteria Lago Tyndall, Explora Patagonia (luxury level).
What to See: Covering 182,000 hectares, this is the park everyone wants to see. Containing the very impressive "Cuernos del Paine" (two upright towers of rock) along with many lakes, glaciers, flora and fauna. All lodges offer guides and walking treks, as well as horse riding and other excursions.True Patagonian country. Note that the weather in the park changes in minutes. It is usually windy and often raining.

San Rafael Glacier

Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael
Nearest City with Airport: Coyhaique.
Location: South-west of Coyhaique. 5 hrs. by catamaran from Puerto Aisen or few days by boat from Puerto Montt. To fly over is 1hr 30mins by light aircraft from Coyhaique.
Accommodation Coyhaique: Hotel Coyhaique.
What to See: The park covers an area of 1,742,000 hectares and includes the Glacier San Rafael which, as it slowly receeds, breaks off into huge icebergs that float in the San Rafael Lagoon. The size of the glacial wall and the massive chunks that break off draws travellers from all over the world.
Departures are from Puerto Montt or the closer port of Chacabuco (near to Coyhaique, which is accessable by plane). All boats pass between the archipelago channels and passengers can enjoy a beautiful scenic journey going to and returning from the glacier.

Boat/Cruise Options
Day Trip (By catamaran) Iceberg Expedicion
Day Trip (By catamaran) Patagonia Connection
3-Day Trip Skorpios Best Level
3-Day Trip Skorpios Mid Level
3-Day Trip Skorpios Simple Level

Chilean Patagonia

Nearest Airports: Puerto Montt or Coyhaique
Chilean Patagonia is one of the world's last undeveloped frontiers. It boasts ancient rain forrest, hanging glaciers, lakes, massive meandering rivers, spectacular fishing, hiking and a chance to see what the world could be like if man had not destroyed so much of it. Options to explore Chilean Patagonia are to drive along the road that follows its length starting at Puerto Montt and ending at Chile Chico, a distance of some 800kms., or doing the reverse. Alternatively you can fly into Coyhaique and use that as a base or start point to go either north towards Chaiten or south towards Chile Chico.

Pucón/ Villarrica

Nearest Airport: Temuco
Located: 790kms. south of Santiago and 112kms. from Temuco, these two towns straddle Lake Villarrica and are dwarfed by the active, snow-capped Vilarrica Volcano. Effectively the start of the Chilean Lake Region and the place where Chileans go for summer break. The area is spectacular in scenery and offers numerous activities that include white water rafting, hot springs, climbs to the top of the volcano, hikes into the national park on the side of Villarrica Volcano, skiing in winter, fishing, boating and plain relaxing. Pucón village is the most developed and offers a number of bars and restaurants whereas Villarrrica has managed to withstand the trend to go full-on commercial and is less popular.

Easter Island

Parque Nacional Rapa Nui
Nearest City with Airport: Easter Island.
Location: In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 3,700klms. west of Chile.
Accommodation: Hosteria Hanga Roa
What to See: A tiny island of only 24kms. in diameter, known as the 'belly button" of the world. The park comprises half the island covering 7,130 hectares and is home to over 600 Moai statues and two sandy beaches. A great place to relax and marvel at how the great Moais were carved. Access is only by air with Lan Chile airlines who fly from Santiago twice a week.

Robinson Crusoe Island

Parque Nacional Archipielago Juan Fernandez
Nearest City with Airport: Santiago.
Location: About 667kms. east of Valparaiso, Chile in the Pacific Ocean.
What to See: Comprising three relatively undisturbed volcanic islands Santa Clara, Alejandro Selkirk and Robinson Crusoe covering 9,571 hectares, declared a UN World Biosphere Reserve in 1977 and the place that inspired the Defoe novel "Robinson Crusoe" when the Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk was dumped here in 1704. The simple village of San Juan Bautista is the only settlement. The islands are an ideal place to completely relax, seal spot, enjoy lobster, some diving, boat trips and a tour to the cave where Alexander Selkirk lived from 1704 to 1709.

Access is by air fom Santiago (5hrs including boat transfer upon arrival) or ship from Vaparaiso (25 to 72 hrs depending on the type of ship). There are two companies offering flights with accommodation included: LASSA and Transportes Aéreos Robinson Crusoe who depart from Aeropuerto Tobalaba in Santigo two or three times a week depending on demand. Flight time is approximately three hours followed by a boat transfer of about two hours.

National Parks

Chile has 79 stunning National Parks and Reserves with outstanding natural geographic features and/or amazing flora and fauna. There are 31 National Parks and 48 National Reserves covering an area of 14 million hectares or 19% of Chile's land mass.

The definition or category of National Park means that the area within and all life within are protected and cannot be used for any economical purpose. However, a National Reserve category means that limited and authorized economic activity can occur within a controlled environment.

What follows is a BRIEF detail about the more popular and accesable National Parks. We recommend that you travel in a good, four wheel drive vehicle, take extra water, clothes and let someone know where you are going.

Northern Chile

Parque Nacional Lauca
Nearest City with Airport: Arica.
Location: Near Putre in the Parinacota Province. Covering 138,000 hectares.
Accommodation: In Arica: Hotel Arica / Hotel El Paso In Putre: Hosteria La Vicuña
What to See: Contains a third of all the bird life in Chile. Extremely high (4,500mts), this IS the Altiplano. Snow covered volcanoes Parinacota (6,342mts), Pomerape (6,282mts), Guallarite (6,060mts) and Acotango (6,050mts) make for an impressive sky line. The park is rather stark but contains the Chungara Lake and Altiplano plants and animals. The park admin is located at Putre, a small village about 46kms from the park itself. Open: 09:00hrs - 12:30hrs and 13:00hrs - 17:30hrs. Visitors should consider travelling from Arica to Putre (146kms) and overnight in Putre. Note that the high altitude will make relaxing difficult and overnight sleeping can be interupted by sudden gasping for breath (normal at such altitude).

Parque Nacional Volcan Isluga
Nearest City with Airport: Iquique
Location: About 228kms. north-east of Iquique.
Accommodation in Iquique: Hotel Terrado / Hotel Prat / Hotel Gavina
What to See: Covering an area of almost 175.000 hectares, the park is located at an altitude of 2,100mts rising up to 5,400mts. Park administration is located at Enquelga, a small village 228kms east of Iquique and 10klms from the park entrance. A short distance from the park entrance are hot springs and within the park are various types of vegetation, flamingoes and other birds.

Parque Nacional Llullaillaco
Nearest City with Airport: Antofagasta
Location: About 275kms. south-east of Antofagasta.
Accommodation in Antofagasta: Hotel Antofagasta / Hotel Holiday Inn
What to See: Covering an area of 268,000 hectares and containing the Llullaillaco Volcano, the second highest peak in Chile at 6,739mts.. Administartion for the park is located in Antofagasta at Avda. Argentina 2510. Tel: (55) 251 364. Many Guanacos and Vicunas, good for climbers.

El Parque Nacional Pan de Azúcar
Nearest City with Airport: La Serena or Copiapo.
Location: On the coast just north of Chañaral
Accommodation: In Copiapo: Hotel Diego de Almeida Bahia Inglesa: Apart Hotel Rocas de Bahia In Chañaral: Hosteria de Chañaral
What to See: This park covers 44,000 hectares. Access to the park is off the Panamericana Ruta 5 heading north, just past the port of Chañaral or at km 1014 in the sector of Las Bombas. Both turn-offs head west in the direction of the Pacific Ocean. Distances from: La Serena 527 kms., Copiapó 194 klms., Chañaral 30 kms., Caldera 100 kms. The park contains a small island which is home to Humbolt Penguins and Sea Lions and can be seen by taking a small fishing boat to the island. Beautiful sandy beaches and amazing desert scenery in general. Good for camping and limited cabaña accommodation.

Parque Nacional Bosque de Fray Jorge
Nearest City with Airport: La Serena
Location: 110kms. south of La Serena, on the coast.
Accommodation in La Serena: Hotel Francisco de Aguirre / Hotel La Serena Plaza
What to See: Covering almost 10,000 hectares, this coastal park is known for its micro climate that enables a wood and other flora to thrive in an otherwise arid region. Access is from the Panamericana Ruta 5, north at km 389 and 27kms west following a dirt track. Only OPEN during weekends and public holidays. Take a coat as it can be quite cool within the park.

Central Chile

Parque Nacional La Campana
Nearest City with Airport: Santiago.
Location: 160kms. north-west of Santiago, near to Quillota.
What to See: Covering 8,000 hectares the park boasts varied vegetation and thousands of Chilean palm trees dating back 800 years and more. When Charles Darwin ventured to Chile in 1836 he climbed to the summit of the park, El Roble, located at 2,200m. There are three ways to enter the park, the best entrance is off of the Panamericana Ruta 5 just by Ocoa 14kms from the park.
Distances: Santiago:160kms, Valparaiso:60kms, Quillota:29kms.

Parque Nacional Laguna del Laja
Nearest City with Airport: Concepción.
Location: About 93kms. east of Los Angeles in the Andean foothills.
Accommodation in Concepción: Best Western Alborada / Club Presidente / Holiday Inn Express
What to See: Covering an area of 11,880 hectares. Access is by road from Los Angeles towards Antuco and Laguna de Laja. Camping sites are available. The park is good for volanic geographical rock formations, the source of the river Laja and flora and fauna. A few cabañas are available for over night accommodation.
Distances: Los Angeles: 93kms. Antuco: 30kms. Abanico: 10kms.

Lake Region of Chile

Parque Nacional Villarrica
Nearest City with Airport: Temuco.
Location: About 120kms. west of Temuco and 5kms. east of Pucón.
Accommodation in Pucón: Cabanas Monteverde / Apart Hotel Kernayel / Gran Hotel Pucón / Hotel Antumalal
What to See: The park covers an area of 63,000 hectares and includes the active, snow-covered Villarrica Volcano that rises to a height of 2,847mts. and forests that include the famous Araucarias trees (Monkey Puzzel Tree). In Pucón are a number of adventure companies offering daily climbs to the volano summit, rafting, horse riding, fishing and other outdoor activities.

Parque Nacional Puyehue
Nearest City with Airport: Osorno.
Location: About 80kms. east of Osorno, in the Andes foothills.
Accommodation: Hotel Termas de Puyehue
What to See: Covering an area of 107,000 hectares, the park is heavily forested with trees native to Chile. An area of outstanding natural beauty, similar in geographic appearance to the Swiss Alps with lakes and snow-capped mountains.

Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales
Nearest City with Airport: Puerto Montt.
Location: About 90kms. north-east of Puerto Montt.
Accommodation: In Puerto Montt: Hotel Viento Sur / Apart Hotel Club Presidente / Hotel O'Grimm
In Frutillar: Hotel Volcán Puntiagudo / Hotel Salzburg In Puerto Varas: Hotel Bellavista / Hotel Colonos de Sur
What to See: Covering an area of 231,000 hectares, the park encmpasses the Todos Los Santos Lake which is emerald green in colour, the impressive and powerful water falls "Saltos del Petrohue". A truly stunning area also containing the perfectly conical Osorno Volcano. Within the park is Petrohue (Hotel Petrohue), the embarkation point for trips (Cruce de Lagos) across the lake to Peulla (Hotel Peulla) and on to Bariloche in Argentina.

Parque Nacional Alerce Andino
Nearest City with Airport: Puerto Montt.
Location: About 50kms. south-east of Puerto Montt. Access via the unpaved Carretera Austral.
Accommodation: In Puerto Montt: Hotel Viento Sur / Apart Hotel Club Presidente / Hotel O'Grimm
In The Park: Alerce Mountain Lodge
What to See: Covering 40,000 hectares, a heavily forested area with numerous waterfalls and natural wilderness.

Chiloe Island

Parque Nacional Chiloé
Nearest City with Airport: Puerto Montt.
Location: On the western coast of Chiloe about 40kms. west of Castro.
Accommodation in Ancud: Hotel Galeón Azul / Hosteria de Ancud In Castro: Hotel Unicornio Azul / Hosteria de Castro.
What to See: Divided in to three sectors covering 43,000 hectares. A totally unspoilt area full of woods.

Chilean Patagonia

Reserva Nacional Rio Simpson
Nearest City with Airport: Coyhaique
Location: About 50kms. east of Coyhaique.
Accommodation in Coyhaique: Hotel Coyhaique
What to See: Covering 42,000 hectares, the park is known for its many waterfalls and Patagonian wilderness.
Distances: Coyhaique to Puerto Aysén: 67 kms. Coyahique to Reserva Nacional: 37 kms.
Coyhaique to sector cerro Huemules: 15 kms. Puerto Chacabuco to Puerto Aysén: 14 kms.
Puerto Aysón to Reserva Nacional: 32 kms.

Chilean Patagonia Carretera Austral

Parque Nacional Queulat
Nearest City with Airport: Chaiten (light aircraft) Coyhaique for jet aircraft.
Location: About 196kms south of Chaiten and 177kms. north of Coyhaique.
Accommodation in Chaiten: Hotel Mi Casa In La Junta: Hotel Espacio y Tiempo In Pangue: Cabañas El Pangue
What to See: An area of absolute outstanding natural beauty. A place where the world is still under construction. Waterfalls, hanging glaciers, rain forests, lagons, rivers and all types of flora and fauna. Recommended Accommodation: Termas de Puyuhuapi.

Sun

The sun in central and northern Chile is VERY strong in the summer months.
High factor sun protection cream is essential and the wearing of a hat would be very sensible.

Sea

The Pacific Ocean that laps the coastline of Chile, although very inviting during the summer months is also a COLD sea due to the Humbolt current that runs up the coast all the way from the southern Antartic Ocean. Currents are also know to be very strong so beware when bathing.

Souvenirs

Typical items to buy in Chile are: Lapis Lazuli, a blue stone very popular in jewelry. Pewter, many original items are made out of this metal. Alpaca Knitwear, soft woolen sweaters.