TRICIA STEVENS
PERSPECTIVES
CHILE
This long and narrow country requires plenty of time to fully explore. With so many diverse landscapes it will be a challenge trying to figure out where to begin. Chile is home to stunning mountain ranges, the world's largest dry desert, colourful coastal seaside towns, and it's a hikers dream.
ABSOLUTE MUSTS
Torres Del Paine National Park
A wonderful starting point on your journey through Chile is at the magnificent southern tip! This Patagonian wilderness will leave you speechless. Pack up your camping gear and be blown away by the rugged mountain views, towering peaks, miles of glaciers, and crystal blue lakes. Tackle the Q-circuit trek or opt for the shorter ‘W’ route or ‘O’ route. Completion of the Q-circuit will take you approximately 9 days, the shortest W-route can be completed in 4 days, and the O-route can be completed in roughly 7 days. If you’re not a fan of camping and prefer some comfort, opt to stay at refugios along the trail, but book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment.
Visit the
Wine Region
Chile has several wine regions to choose from and each one specializes in a different wine variety depending on soil type and climate of that region. Depending on your wine taste buds, it may be best to do a bit of research on the regions first. The wine regions found along the coast of Chile produce many white wine varieties, the inland area is where more than 60% of Chile’s wines are produced such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and the Andes mountain region produces several white, red and sparkling wine varieties.
San Pedro de Atacama
This quaint small town located in the north of Chile is one of the driest areas on earth. Visit bubbling geysers, salt water lagoons, and trek through some incredible rock formations. Don’t forget to stroll through the craft workshops in the village and do plenty of star-gazing at night. The dryness of the area, makes this desert an ideal place to star-gaze. The stars are bright and numerous!
Cemeterio General de Santiago
Located in Santiago this is one of the largest cemeteries in Latin America with an estimated two million burials! Established in 1821, this cemetery is just over 210 acres and is filled with stunning mausoleums surrounded by lush greenery. It is the final resting place for roughly 172 of Chile’s most influential people, including all of Chile’s past Presidents (all but two of them!).
Valparaiso
Valparaíso is a city of roughly 300,000 and it’s a graffiti-lovers dream! Located on the Pacific Ocean, this seaside port offers some of the best street art in Latin America and is known for its bohemian culture. Its mazes of alleyways, steep hillside streets, colourful houses, and numerous stairs will have you exploring for days, so be sure to dedicate plenty of time to this incredible city on your itinerary. A surprise will be waiting for you around every corner.
Plaza de Armas
With Santiago being the capital of Chile, you will surely be making a stop here at some point on your journey. The Plaza De Armas is the main square of Santiago and houses several historical buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago and the Central Post Office Building. Many Latin American cities also have a “Plaza de Armas” which means “square of weapons”. The concept behind this city center dates back hundreds of years to when Spanish conquistadors were setting up and laying out the grid for cities in the Americas.
Cejar Lagoon
Located 20km from San Pedro de Atacama, be sure to take a day trip to this jaw-dropping location. Cejar Lagoon is surrounded by salt and with its water being saline, your body will easily float without sinking. The salt load is greater than the weight of the person. It is simply an incredible sight!
