Spindly Chile stretches 4300km – over half the continent – from the driest desert in the world (near
San Pedro de Atacama) to
massive glacial fields. Filling up the in-between are
volcanoes, geysers,
beaches, lakes, rivers, steppe and countless
islands. Slenderness gives Chile the intimacy of a backyard (albeit one fenced between the Andes and the Pacific). What’s on offer? Everything. With easy infrastructure, spectacular sights and hospitable hosts, the hardest part is choosing an itinerary. Consider the sweeping desert solitude,
craggy summits and the lush forests of the fjords.
Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and the isolated
Isla Robinson Crusoe offer extracontinental exploits.
But don’t forget that Chile is as much about character as it is setting. Its far-flung location fires the imagination and has been known to make poets out of barmen, dreamers out of presidents and friends out of strangers. A few wrong turns and detours and you too will be part of this tightly woven family who barbecues on Sunday. Don’t forget to bring an extra bottle of red to the long, lazy dinners that await.
Travel Alert: The town of Chaitén, in the Los Lagos region of southern Chile, is under threat from the ongoing volcanic activity of the nearby Chaitén volcano. Any travellers visiting the Los Lagos region should exercise caution and monitor news reports. Check Safe Travel for current government warnings, or the BBC for news on the situation.Show in Lonely Planet
Travel Alert: The town of Chaitén, in the Los Lagos region of southern Chile, is under threat from the ongoing volcanic activity of the nearby Chaitén volcano. Any travellers visiting the Los Lagos region should exercise caution and monitor news reports. Check Safe Travel for current government warnings, or the BBC for news on the situation.Show in Lonely Planet
