Men will kiss a woman and a woman will kiss another woman on the cheek as a form of hello. Men will usually restrict it to a simple handshake when saying hello to another male, though it is common for a male to kiss a family member of the same sex or a good friend.&nbsp;

Greetings

The national holidays are celebrated in earnest with Independence Day is on the 18th of September, Christmas and Easter being popular times of the year for festivities. The country is considered Roman Catholic and there will also be celebrations for each churches individual saint.&nbsp;
The Asado is a common form of gatherings for Chileans which generally tend to be family events. The Asado is similar to a family barbecue and forms part of local culture today.&nbsp;
Going to a football match, a rodeo or a baseball match are common, popular activities amongst Chileans, as well as fishing.

Festivals

There are not usually any problems for minority groups in Chile. Bigger cities are open-minded in general; however, in smaller rural communities, attitudes may be a little more conservative. It is a good plan to be more discreet in the more rural areas, who still sometimes pretend that homosexuality doesn't exist!&nbsp;

LGBTQ

Chile is a relatively conservative country by Latin American standards. Chileans are generally on time and punctuality is better than in most countries; though a 15-minute timescale is considered as appropriate if you are running late. &nbsp;

Culture

Most countries do not require a visa to visit Chile. Check out with your local Chilean consulate for specifics. You will need a valid passport with a validity of 6 months minimum and with at least one empty page for the entrance stamp. You will be given an automatic 90-day tourist visa. You will also need to have a return ticket, but this is not often asked for at immigrations.&nbsp;

Visas

Chile is a safe country to visit, possibly the safest in Latin America. It is a conservative country and women travellers will have no issues travelling in Chile. Travelling alone and hitchhiking around is a popular method of getting from A to B, especially the further south you go. Bigger cities have the usual big-city issues with petty crime, so stick to the regular recommendations of never leaving your belongings unattended. Santiago and <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/whistlestop-chile" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/whistlestop-chile">Valparaiso</a> are THE hotspots for petty crime in Chile. Keep your valuables in a hotel safe and avoid carrying unnecessary amounts of money on you. In the evenings, avoid walking alone, especially in the harbour area of Santiago. Taxis are good but always better to call a radio taxi than flag one down on the street. Chile is also situated in an earthquake zone, so brush up on your evacuation procedures so that you are prepared in the event of a shudder or shake!&nbsp;

Safety

Chile is the home of the Chilean peso and pesos come in denominations of $500, $1000, $2000, $5000, $10,000 and $20,000 notes. The exchange rate varies, but you can generally expect $700 to $800 pesos to the USD. It is always recommended to pay in Pesos and try and keep hold of your small notes and breaking up the bigger notes when you can. Some places, especially in the tourist industry will accept USD, but usually, you will be hit in the pocket on the exchange rate. Santiago has the best exchange rates. ATM's and credit cards are widely accepted and widely available throughout Chile. In <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/the-chonos-route-patagonian-cruise" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/the-chonos-route-patagonian-cruise">Patagonia, </a>ATM's do become sparser and quite often there is only one bank in any given town. Mastercard is generally more widely accepted than Visa, which is usually the opposite in Latin America.&nbsp;

Money

Ceviche is a popular local dish in Chile, which is not surprising considering the coastline they have! There has been a long dispute as to whether ceviche originated in Chile or Peru, something similar to the Pisco sour. But we do know that both are widely consumed in both countries.&nbsp;
Empanadas are widely consumed all over Chile and contain a variety of fillings from seafood to cheese, to beef (empanada Pino). The latter is traditionally eaten around national holidays.&nbsp;
Cazuela is a pork or chicken stew with potatoes, pumpkin, corn, cilantro, and great to "warm the cockles" on a cold day. This traditionally "Mapuche" dish is often found in markets and is a Chilean favourite. &nbsp;
Choripans are popular as a street food option as they are in Argentina. They are often served at barbecues (Asados) and consist of barbecued sausages and fresh bread. These are often served with the spicy sauce "pebre" as are many dishes in Chile.&nbsp;
Pastel de choclo is a main accompaniment and made from corn, olives, onions, hard-boiled eggs and minced beef. This dish is a combination of the humitas and empanadas originating from a mixture of Spanish and Andean cultures.&nbsp;
Macha a la parmesana are fresh clams cooked in a cheesy parmesan and butter sauce with a little white wine thrown in for good measure. This delicious dish is thought to have originated from Vi&ntilde;a del Mar.&nbsp;
For the sweeter tooth, Chumbeque is a popular dessert in the north of Chile and consists of cinnamon, pastry,
honey and fruits and is a staple-sugary dish, similar in texture to an Argentinian alfajor.&nbsp;
Pisco Sour is Chiles national drink; however, it is seriously disputed that Pisco is originally Peruvian. This traditional drink is celebrated individually and distinctively in each country and both countries claim its authenticity. It is probably best to try the delectable drink in both countries, &hellip;you know, just to make sure ;)&nbsp;

Eating and drinking

Accommodation in Chile offers everything from camping and wooden cabins to top-end luxury resorts and everything in between. In the cities, hostels are a great option and an excellent way to meet other travellers. If you prefer a top-end option, there are some fantastic luxury hotels for more comfort. Bear in mind that Chilean hotels are categorised based on their facilities and not on their standards. So a decent 3-star hotel is often a lot better than a 5 star and of course, a lot more economical. Down in <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/trekking-patagonia" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/trekking-patagonia">Patagonia</a>, lodges and cabins are more popular as outdoor activities are common and tourism tends to be more activity- orientated. The cabins can be found in the many national parks but remember, it can get chilly in Chile, especially in winter! "Residenciales" are popular, as are &ldquo;casa familiares&rdquo;, which are generally a room with a bathroom, in a private house. These types of accommodations are great if you are on a budget; however, standards do vary dramatically, depending on the individual accommodation. The best way to check out an accommodation is to go and see it. Many better deals can be found locally and quite often do not publicise their rooms online. &nbsp;

Accommodation

Chile is an incredibly contrasting country. Its geography is long and thin with a coastline of over 4000km long along the Pacific Ocean, yet is only 177 km from East to West (on average)! Its unusual shape is unique in the world yet has a variety of different climates, geography, topography and natural habitats, unparalleled in the world. Chile borders Peru, Argentina and Bolivia and is composed of the desert, coast, The Andean mountain region, a green fertile central valley, The Lake District, The Patagonian region and even the mysterious <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/chile/classic-chile-and-easter-island">Easter island</a> making this one of the most diverse countries around! As to be expected with such different regions and topography, the climate is also distinctive in the different regions. In the north, its dry hot on the coast, yet arid and cold with the driest desert in the world, a semi Mediterranean climate in the middle of the country, subtropical on Easter island and snow-capped glaciers and the coldest of cold Antarctic weather in the south and is the home to 10 major climatic subtypes! The country boasts all four seasons with summer being from December to February, winter from June to August. In a nutshell, in the north is the driest desert in the world of Atacama, the central fertile wine growing region in the centre of the country, The stunning <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/chile/luxury-patagonia">lake district </a>with of course lakes and also volcanoes, Patagonia and <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/chile/classic-chile-and-easter-island">Easter Island.</a> The population of Chile is 17.5 million with a demographic of 52% European origin and 48% American/Indigenous, though the figures vary slightly depending on the source. There are activities abound whatever your interests may be and there is something for everyone in this unique country!

You can check our safety protocols in the following link: <a href="https://www.turavion.travel/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Passengers-Protocol-Covid_-Turavion.pdf">https://www.turavion.travel/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Passengers-Protocol-Covid_-Turavion.pdf</a>

What are the health and safety protocols used during the trip?

We do not include travel or health insurance and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance for any unexpected circumstances. This is not obligatory, however. An full travel insurance policy that covers cancellations and delays as well as medical insurance.

Do I need travel insurance?  What trip insurance do you recommend?

We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure that you are up-to-date with the recommended vaccinations when traveling to the destination. In any case, a negative Coronavirus Molecular Test (PCR) is needed to enter the country.

What vaccinations do I need for the trip?

We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure what medications you will need to bring to the destination. Pharmacies and drugstores are common in all cities, however, it is not certain that you will be able to find a specific drug that you can find in your country of origin.

Which medications should I bring from home?

As in any city in the world, there can be pickpockets in crowded places. We suggest being vigilant at all times, but if you are in a group you will always be safer.

How safe is the destination?

We do not include the cost of any domestic or international flight in any of our programs. These services must be booked independently by each guest.

Are flights included in the tour?

Yes, hotels will charge the cost of a double room as standard, so a single supplement will be charged if you are traveling alone.

If I travel alone will I be charged a single supplement?

VA Expeditions is supported by Valencia Travel, a company with more than 12 years of foundation with a solid financial position. We have insurance from the insurance company La Positiva, that supports us and protects our guests from any eventuality at the destination, covering our guests for more than 5 million US dollars.

Is it safe to book with Va Expeditions?

Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.

Can the packages on the website be customized?

Yes, in addition to multi-day programs, we offer half-day experiences and excursions without overnight, which you can purchase as additional services. In case you wish to purchase one of these services, you can ask your guide, the transfer representative or your sales representative to provide you with the support you need.

Do you offer only multiday packages or do you also offer day trips?

Yes, you can add additional or optional services to your regular tour. We appreciate contacting your sales representative for any changes you wish to make.

Can I purchase additional services after I have made my reservation and paid?

Yes, you can travel with children and we have many activities to do as a family, however, depending on your itinerary, some experiences can be a bit demanding for young children. As a recommendation, we suggest that you ask your sales consultant if the tour you wish to book is suitable for children.

Can I travel with children? Are there age restrictions?

We work with a maximum group size of 12 passengers for sustainability reasons and a more personaized experience.

How big are the group sizes?

We suggest making your reservations at least one month before your trip in order to reserve the best hotels, transportation and services for your travel dates, however, in last minute cases, we can reserve up to 15 days in advance.

How far in advance should I book a package?

We suggest consulting with your embassy to review any documents, tests or special visa you need for your trip.

What documents do I need for my trip?

The official currency of Chile is the Chilean peso (CLP). In large cities there is a good chance that you will find ATMs or ATMs, however, we suggest that you do not rely entirely on this solution, as it may not be enabled to work with your bank.

What kind of currency do they use at the destination? Are ATM easily accessible?

Yes, we cater for all special dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies or special dietary needs.

I have dietary restrictions Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?

As a sustainable travel company, we are in constant search of how we can improve the sustainability of our operations, that is why we carry out the following activities to generate a fair and sustainable development in our areas of operation:&nbsp; We have permanent training programs for our Guides and drivers. Promote all types of training from the government among our staff and always contract guides and trabsports who are born and raised in their cities. We also promote those hotels whom are more committed to the environment and who&rsquo;s strategy is based in sustainability.

What does the company do for the sustainability of its operations?

Tips are not included in the cost of the tour. You should plan to tip 10% in restaurants and for your guided services, however, tipping is never required.

Are tips included in the price? If not how much should I budget for tips?

Cultural norms vary within each Latin American country, even within each city within the country, however, we recommend the following measures to have a pleasant visit in each destination: Latin American culture in general tends to be closer and more informal than in others cultures, so there is usually always a friendly approach in all conversations, and going directly to the point could be considered offensive to some people. Personal space can be much shorter as well, but without being interpreted as sexual in nature.&nbsp;
The schedules are also usually more relaxed and informal, however, this is not the case of VA EXPEDITIONS, since we will always respect the hours indicated in your itinerary. This may be different for other appointments that you can book on your own at other locations.

What general norms of culture should I take into account at the destination?

This depends on each itinerary, and will be indicated in the detail of the day. However, our itineraries always usually include free times to offer more flexibility to our guests.&nbsp;

How much free time will I have during the tour?

For any emergency, we appreciate contacting the following number: +569 9345 3447

What number can I contact if I have an emergency during my trip?

At VA Expeditions we believe that every action we take should generate a positive impact on the communities and the environment of our entire production chain, which is why we carry out various activities focused on this objective. A few example of our sustainable projects: Programs with Observation of Pumas in Torres del Paine, Collaboration with Ecocamp (with dozens of sustainability awards), We work with Hotels (Example: Explora) that actively participate in preserving Patagonia Park (Tompkins), Visits to the Hummingbird Sanctuary that tries to preserve the Arica hummingbird in danger of extinction, Whale Watching in the Humboldt Pinguinos Reserve and in Patagonia, visits to organic vineyards.&nbsp;

What sustainable activities can I do at the destination?

All our guests have 24/7 support for any type of emergency or eventuality. For emergencies you can contact the following number: +569 9345 3447. For general inquiries, you can write to us at the following email: info@valenciatravelcusco.com&nbsp;

What kind of support will I receive during my trip?

This depends on each itinerary, but generally is a ratio of one guide for every nine guests.

How many guides will there be on my trip?

This depends on the type of the type of Travel insurance that the passenger has. We recommend that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy for better care and hospital facilities.

What happens in the event of a medical emergency?

The tours are carried out by an expert team that has determined the optimal times of visits to make the most of our guests' time, without rushing. All our programs are customizable, so if at any time at the destination you want to adjust the pace of the trip, you can ask your guide to reach a consensus with the whole group in case you need to make adjustments to the pace of the trip.

What kind of pace can I expect on a tour?

How flexible is my itinerary already being at the destination?

Yes, you can safely store any luggage at your&nbsp; hotel.

Can I leave my main luggage somewhere safe during my excursions?

For city tours, there are public bathrooms available, in remote destinations bathroom facilities are more sparse.

Are there bathroom /toilet facilities during the tour?

In the mountains and remote places there is no Internet connection. Hotels and public places usually have WIFI available.

What is the internet /WIFI availability during the tour?

In cities and tourist centers you will have good telephone reception. In remote areas, there may be no cell phone reception.

Will there be cell phone reception during the tour?

It depends on each itinerary, please contact your sales representative to give you the specific altitude information of your itinerary.

What is the highest altitude we will reach during the tour?

We suggest that you bring a refillable water bottle or purchase bottled water if necessary. At various points on your trip there will be places where you can buy water.

What hydration options do I have on tours at the destination?

Thank you very much for your interest! You can follow us on our networks:
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vaexpeditions/

How can I keep up to date of your news and information?

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Chile

Chile Vacation Packages, Tours & Travel Agency | VA Expeditions

From Puerto Montt, the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/8-day-untouched-nature-austral-road-northern-route">Carretera Austral, </a>or &ldquo;Southern Highway&rdquo;, stretches over 1000km south through the wettest, greenest, wildest and narrowest part of Chile. Carving its path through tracts of untouched wilderness, the route takes in soaring, snowcapped mountains, Ice Age glaciers, blue-green fjords, turquoise lakes and rivers, and one of the world&rsquo;s largest swaths of temperate rainforest.&nbsp;

Magdalena Island was first discovered in 1520 by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, as a part of his global circumnavigation route. If you have a soft spot for penguins, this is the place for you. Just off the coast of <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-full-on-chile-adventure">Punta Arenas</a>, this is an excellent spot to see our waddling little amigos. This is the Magellan penguin hangout in Chile. The most amazing thing is that they are totally friendly and not scared of human beings, so you can get up close and personal! These fabulous furry birds are more than happy to check you out so we recommend that you do the same!

Isla Magdalena

This road is possible one of the most off the beaten destinations in the world. The remote location has many national parks to stop off at along the way and a variety of activities to see and do. This incredible road connects the remote and rugged Patagonia, with the rest of Chile. <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/8-day-untouched-nature-austral-road-northern-route">The Austral road</a> will take you through areas of fjords, glacial lakes, dense forests and you can rent a car, take public transport or even hitchhike! Be aware the weather isn't always compliant and delay travel plans, and some parts of the road still aren't paved. But the sights are incredible.&nbsp;

Carretera Austral

This is the other main attraction in Chile and why hikers from across the globe come to this incredible national park. The massive glaciers, the enormous peaks, the crystalline lakes and the lush forests are just some of the reasons as to why this is one of the most beautiful places to hike. &nbsp;Nothing really prepares you for your first view of the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/trekking-patagonia">Torres del Paine </a>national park. The Paine Massif is the unforgettable centrepiece that appears beyond the turquoise lakes, long before you get close to it and why so many people visit this stunning park.

Torres del Paine

One of the highlights of the "Carretera Austral" are the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/8-day-untouched-nature-austral-road-northern-route">Marble caves</a>. You will need to head out to Puerto Tranquilo and either take a boat to see the caves or kayak around these spectacular works of natural art, but either way, these caves are unique and a sight to behold. The mixture of turquoise, green and blue colours of the caves are extra-special. However, when you look down below the crystalline water is when the real deal starts: The rock formations below the water are immense and just as dramatic as most of Patagonia.
 &nbsp;

The Marble Caves

Is dramatic, mountainous and cold! As we head south to Antarctica, the scenery is rustic, natural, wild and exciting.

Chilean Patagonia

Is simply stunning! The natural beauty of this part of central Chile combines lakes, mountains, volcanoes, rain forests. It has a whole host of adventure activities such as volcano climbing, skiing, river rafting and salmon fishing, amongst others! At the foothill of the Andean mountains. You can visit the Seven Lakes, climb the Villa Rica volcano in Pucon, head off to the Island of <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-patagonia">Chiloe </a>to see the Humbolt penguins, visit one of the national parks, the hot springs of Puyehue and the beautiful town of Puerto Varas. There are a million and one activities in this part of Chile to keep even the most demanding of people happy!&nbsp;

Villarica volcano. This is a ski resort in winter where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, has a chairlift to get you to the top and a mountain climb most of the year round. It is one of the highlights when you visit Pucon. The stunning snow-capped mountains, lakes and waterfalls are the perfect backdrop to go hiking, fishing, horse riding, birdwatching and canyoning. <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-full-on-chile-adventure">The Villa Rica volcano</a> attracts many visitors for a volcano climb or skiing, of course. Ah ...did I mention the volcano is active and its last eruption was in 2015!&nbsp;

Villarica volcano

Chiloe Island is best reached from Puerto Varas. The main reasons to visit the island, are the incredible Magellan and Humbolt penguins, also inhabiting the neighbouring Islota de Pu&ntilde;ihuil. However, the Unesco site is the home to over 60 wooden churches, totally distinctive and not what you come to expect when entering a church. <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/the-magical-chiloe-island">Chiloe national park </a>is also an incredible place to see the native wildlife, including the smallest deer in the world and over 110 bird species!&nbsp;

Chiloe Island

Travel to the Chilean Lake District and you cannot miss Puerto Varas. If you&rsquo;re thinking about places to stay in the Lake District, Chile, then consider that this is arguably the most appealing base along the shore of Lago Llanquihue. Puerto Varas is a spruce little town with wide streets, grassy lawns and exquisite views of two volcanoes, <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-full-on-chile-adventure">Osorno </a>and Calbuco, particularly at sunset.

Puerto Varas

The Lake District consists of lush farmland, dense forest, snowcapped volcanoes and clear lakes, hidden in the mountains.

The Lake District

The north of Chile is the home to the driest desert in the world. Locals will tell you that The San Pedro de <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/6-day-chilean-altiplano-and-andes">Atacama Desert </a>has not had any rain since 1870! It has, however, rained or even snowed once or twice in some areas of the desert during this time. The oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama is found on the immense Salt Lake and you will see some of the starriest skies ever, due to zero light pollution. Despite its aridity, the desert is the home to a wide range of flora and fauna with its guanacos, vicu&ntilde;as, iguanas, flamingos and hummingbirds. The desert has been closely related to Mars due to the similarity of its surface. Even movies have been filmed in this region, A Space Odyssey being the most famous.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

The Moon Valley in Atacama is made from stone formations - moulded by millennia of wind and water that jut out from the ground like spikes on the back of a dinosaur,offering an appearance of the surface of the moon. It is easy to understand where the name of the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/classic-northern-chile-and-the-central-wine-valley">Moon valley</a> comes from. Towering snow-capped volcanos and The Andean mountain range form the skyline. The tallest and most famous of them all is Volcan Licancabur (in the native tongue &ndash; Mountain of the People), regarded as a holy mountain. This unique valley is a must in The North of Chile.

The Moon Valley

San Pedro de Atacama&nbsp;is a top destination for many. The driest desert in the world is a popular stop-off for most&nbsp;travellers, especially those coming from Peru in the North. The desert is a mixture of salt flats, high elevation geysers, volcanoes and moonlike landscapes. The highlights of the area are&nbsp;Redrocks,&nbsp;<a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/11-day-luxury-chilean-adventure">Salar&nbsp;de&nbsp;Talar,</a>&nbsp;Miscanti&nbsp; and&nbsp;Mi&ntilde;iques&nbsp;lagoons, The rainbow valley and&nbsp;while you are&nbsp;here, why not&nbsp;visit ALMA? This&nbsp;incredible observatory is the most powerful on planet and has been studying other galaxies for some time now!&nbsp;
&nbsp;

San Pedro de Atacama

The Atacama desert is blessed with stunning and colourful high-altitude lagoons, made all the more beautiful for the backdrop of the arid, high desert. Not only are these high elevation lakes stunning, there are many migratory birds that visit these lagoons such as pink flamingos, that add to the spectacular scenery. The <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/chile-from-the-desert-to-patagonia">Chaxa lagoon</a> is best for flamingo spotting and the Miscanti Lagoon sits under an active volcano of the same name. Moments away, is the Mi&ntilde;iques Lagoon is a rich, deep indigo colour and an excellent place for spotting&nbsp; the native, wild vicunas.

Altiplano Lagoons

Locals will tell you that The San Pedro de Atacama Desert has had no rain since 1870... welcome to the driest desert in the world!

The Atacama Desert

Home to the many ancient "Moai" statues and built by the ancient Rapa Nui people. These "giant heads" were carved between 1100AD and 600AD and <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/chile-and-easter-island-multi-destination">Easter island</a> has been declared as a UNESCO heritage site. Stones on the island have incredible petroglyphs carved in them with over 4000 catalogued examples. There are also impressive caves abound on the neighbouring island of Mota Nui.&nbsp;
Easter Island is Chilean; however, this Polynesian Island in the South pacific is 3700 km from the mainland of Chile. This unique island is famous for the giant monoliths that decorate it which represent the ancestors of the original Polynesians that arrived there, around an estimated 1500 years ago. Rapa Nui as the island is known locally, is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. While the wild horses roam freely, there is an incredible lack of trees on the island making for an even stranger, mysterious landscape. The fact that the island is so far away from the mainland adds to the mystery and the islands main attraction the giant Moai stone heads makes this a popular destination for travellers.&nbsp;

Rent your wheels in Hanga Roa then pedal your way to <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/classic-chile-and-easter-island">Anakena Beach</a>, a postcard-worthy beach with golden sand, turquoise water, gentle waves and beautiful palm trees, as well as 8 moai!

Bike around the Island

They are probably the main reason you want to visit <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-luxury-chilean-adventure">Easter Island</a>, after all! Get up cose and personal with these monumental megalyths and take pleny of photos!

Get up close to the magnificent Moai

Swim with these wonderful inhabitants in the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-chilean-multi-destination-adventure">Hanga Roa</a> harbour. Just like the other animal species they are happy to hang out with during your spare time!

Snorkel with turtles at Hanga Roa

This Southern Pacific Island is actually closer to Polynesia than Chile, but the Chilean flag flies high above the island!

Easter Island

The capital of Chile is where most people will arrive in the country. The largest city in the country and one of the largest in South America, with a population of 7 million people.&nbsp; The Incas controlled <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-luxury-chilean-adventure">Santiago</a> throughout the 1500's until the Spanish arrived from Cusco in 1540. Today Santiago is a massive city and a central travel hub for many destinations. Having suffered from tectonic activity over the years, the city has always reinvented itself. Today has its big city highlights such as the Bellavista neighbourhood, The Palacio de la Moneda, the Maipo River, Cerro Santa Lucia, the surrounding snow-capped mountains, the incredible museums and don't forget there are some vineyards close-by, to learn all about Chiles incredible export.&nbsp;

From Santiago visit the oldest vineyard in Chile and their incredible estate of <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/classic-northern-chile-and-the-central-wine-valley">vineyard</a>s, gardens and almost stately home. The whole wine-producing process is explained and their different grapes and varieties may be sampled with plenty of wine to be bought. This is a great insight into how one of Chile's best exports is produced!&nbsp;

Cousiño Macul vineyard

Lastarria is one of the more bohemian neighbourhoods in <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/chile-from-the-desert-to-patagonia">Santiago</a> and is a small oasis in the centre of Santiago. It&rsquo;s a great place to just go for a stroll, or dine at one of the many restaurants or caf&eacute;s. Enjoy a glass of the locally produced wine at one of the&nbsp; wine bars or if you need you need a coffee pick me up, head to one of the bohemian cafes here.

Lastarria Neighbourhood

One of Santiago&rsquo;s bohemian street art and nightlife sectors, <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/whistlestop-chile">Bellavista</a> is easily located. If you are looking for a night out, you can choose from many different styles of bars and discotecas to dance the night away, or have dinner at one of the many restaurants. In the daytime, there are many attractions also, such as the Bellavista market and souvenir stores.

Bellavista

Not in Santiago,but close enough, is <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/elqui-valley-immersion">The Elqui Valley</a> is reknowned for its wine / Pisco growing regions and vineyards as well as some of the most spectacular starry skies you will ever see! Chilean The centre of Chile&acute;s pisco production, the Elqui Valley is a verdant green carpet and is famous for its observatories, seekers of cosmic energies, frequent UFO sightings, poet Gabriela Mistral,&nbsp; quaint villages oh, and <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/undiscovered-atacama-and-the-central-wine-valley">wine!. </a>What better way to experience Chile, than&nbsp; with a glass of carmenere, a starry night and ufo spotting!

Elqui valley and The central wine valleys

It is estimated that the first human beings arrived to the now City of Santiago around 10,000 years BC!

Santiago

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