WHISTLESTOP CHILE

 

Chile is a destination of contrasts with dramatic landscapes that vary from the starkness of the Atacama Desert, the world’s driest, in the north and the Patagonian ice fields in the south to fertile valleys, forests as old as time, temperamental volcanoes and unspoiled beaches. These regions are set along with the incredible geography of Chile, which is a wonder in itself. The country has been hailed as the world’s longest, while its width of just 175 kilometers defies logic in its slenderness. From the center of South America to its base, Chile is home to a vibrant melting pot of cultures that include charming alpaca herders, the rough and tumble huaso villagers of Patagonia, and the white-collar society of Santiago, all engaging and incredibly gracious in their hospitality. If you are short on time and want a taster of the country, then this 9-day trip to Chile could be just what you are looking for.

 

Valparaiso

Santiago

A bustling city like Santiago de Chile has a lot to offer to its tourists. From museums to markets, there is something for everyone to discover. The Plaza de Armas is an essential square in modern-day Chile. Lined with palm trees, the square is surrounded by many historic buildings, such as the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Royal Court Palace. Locals gather to relax within the square, and painters sell their work, but generally, it is a highly multicultural area. There are also many monuments, one of which is dedicated to Pedro de Valdivia, the founder of the city and conqueror of Chile. 
Cerro San Cristobal (San Cristobal Hill) sits in the middle of Santiago. You can hike (approximately 45 minutes up) or cycle to the 300-meter-high summit. Alternatively, take a funicular that stops at different levels of the hill. Amongst various other activities and attractions, you will find the National Zoo, a Japanese-style garden, and two outdoor swimming pools open during the summer. At the summit is an impressive snow-white 22-meter statue of the Virgin Mary looking out onto a spectacular panoramic view of the city; this view is a must-see in Santiago.
Located in the heart of Santiago, the Municipal Theater is another beautiful attraction, opened in 1857. As the first center in the country for the performing arts, it has retained its prestige. It is regarded as a vital institution in Chile for supporting and developing the performing arts within the country. The breathtaking architecture and enthralling atmosphere add to the experience of seeing a performance in the theater, which will surely be an unforgettable evening.
Escape the hustle and bustle and head to the Parque Forestal, arguably Santiago’s most beautiful park, with its open greenery stretching along the Mapocho River. It is an attractive, calm space located in the historical downtown of the capital, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the loud city. A few points of interest within the park are the Monument to Writers of Independence, the German Fountain, and the National Museum of Fine Arts, amongst many other landmarks.
Visit one of the nearby wineries. Chile is famous for the quality of its wines, and there are several wineries close to Santiago, including Concha Y Toro and Cousiño Macul, which have beautiful estates and gardens to visit as you sample some of South America´s finest wines.

 

Santiago

San Pedro de Atacama

 

The oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama is a popular base for exploring the north’s most spectacular sights. A dry salt lake, the Salar de Atacama, stretches beyond the town to a distant row of snowcapped volcanoes – including Licancábur, which, at 5,916 meters (19,410ft), is one of the highest extinct volcanoes in the Andean chain.
The famous Valle de la Luna is about 8km (5 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama. As the name suggests, this is a haunting landscape of colored gypsum, clay, and salt, without a hint of organic life. The valley is at its eeriest at sunset, while under a full moon, the beams reflecting off the salt crystals of the region make it a truly spectacular sight.

But perhaps the most exciting excursion from San Pedro is the one that leaves at 4 am to visit the daily show of at least 100 geysers at El Tatio, which burst forth just before sunrise every morning. They thrust their columns of steam high into the air as they exit the frozen earth with strange gurgling subterranean sounds. Some are vast, boiling pools, while others resemble mini-volcanoes with cones of bright yellow mineral deposits. Be careful not to step too close to the edge of the pools; there have been some fatal accidents. The display dies down at about 10 am until the following day. The visitor can bathe in a vast pool of tolerably hot thermal waters.
On Lago Chungará, declared a Biosphere World Reserve by Unesco, wildlife teems. The sizeable flightless tagua-tagua make their nests on floating reed islands; the chinchilla-like vizcachas are abundant yet shy; the sand-colored vicuñas often tag behind llama herds; the black-and-white piquén (Andean geese) will show themselves far from their nesting offspring as decoys, but perhaps most famous are the pink flamingos which dwell in the lake’s shallows. Andean geese also nest on the Lagunas Cotacotani, a string of little lakes 8km (5 miles) east of Parinacota. Successive volcanic eruptions formed the bleak moon-like landscape here.

 

Atacama Desert

Valparaiso

 

Known as Valpo by its residents, Valparaíso is Chile’s second-largest city, located 1.5 hours north of Santiago on the Pacific coast. A historic town nestled in the hills, Valpo is the heart of Chile’s bohemian culture. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, Valpo is a special place with historical significance. Here are 11 reasons to visit Valpo over Santiago.
Being by the coast means plenty of beaches. Valpo is close to Viña del Mar and Reñaca, two of Chile’s most popular beaches. Viña del Mar is the ritziest beach resort area in Chile. Reñaca is the hip beach of Chile—it’s a great place to bask in the sun and catch the waves, though they can get rough at times.
Bohemian is a vibe, and Valpo has got it in spades. Valparaíso is lively, hip, artsy, and inspiring. This culture comes from its architecture, style, street art, nightlife, and live music. If you’re boho or want to vacation like one, head to the coast and grab a glass of pico sour at the nearest establishment. Valparaíso has a vibrant nightlife, offering experiences for all to enjoy. If you like good drinks and live music, check out La Piedra Feliz, where you’ll find blues, jazz, rock, salsa, and tango. You’ll also find a club in the basement. Also, see Bar La Playa, Valparaíso’s oldest bar, where you’ll find wood paneling, strong drinks, and a young, boho crowd.
From Museo Marítimo Nacional (National Maritime Museum) to La Sebastiana Museum and House, the home of the late poet Pablo Neruda, Valparaíso has some exciting places to visit. Whether you like history or art or something in between, you’ll find entertainment within Valpo’s museums and art galleries.

 

Valparaiso

If you are looking for a short trip to Chile, then our 9-day Whistlestop Chile tour is an excellent option as a taster for what Chile offers. Book now here!