Chile Tourism - South America
GEOGRAPHY
/ LOCATION:
It narrowly stretches along the southern half of the west coast of South America
bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru. Chile is a long
and narrow coastal strip wedged between the Andes mountains and the Pacific
Ocean.
ECONOMY:
Chile is a rapidly developing country with a large, educated middle class and a
robust free-market economy. Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by
a high level of foreign trade. Chile tourism facilities are generally good and are
continuously improving.
WEATHER:
Because of its unusual geography there is a huge
variation in climate ranging from the world's driest desert in the north,
Mediterranean climate in the centre, and a snowy Alpine climate in the south.
VISA AND CAR DRIVING INFO:
American citizens need a valid passport but visa is not required and tourists
entering by plane depending on their citizenship must pay a fee which is
equivalent to the amount that country requires for entry visas from Chilean
citizens. Nightlife in Chile is good, many restaurants and hotels offer
entertainment, there are also a number of nightclubs. Visitors must have an
international driver’s permit in order to drive legally in Chile. Driving in
Chile is on the right-hand side of the road. For latest
information please consult the Chile Tourism office or Embassy.
POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF CHILE:
The major Chile popular tourist attractions are the volcanoes and national
parks of Chile.
*
The Easter islands is among the most popular tourist attractions of
Chile and known for its monumental statues created by the Moai people.
* The Torres del Paine National Park is a renowned Chile tourism
destination for its
splendid natural beauty. It is also famous for it's snow capped mountain peaks,
magnificent waterfalls, glaciers, cascading rivers, great lakes, fishing,
trekking, and huge variety of plant and animal species
* Lake Villarica, close to the dormant volcano of
Villarica, is picture perfect picnic spot that is one of the most popular tourist
attractions. Pucon is famous for kayaking, water skiing, hiking,
trekking, sailing, snow skiing and other water sports. It is located at the
coastline of the Villarica lake. Lake Villarica thrives with it's abundant
native vegetation. Villarrica Volcano is considered among the 10 most
active volcanoes in the World where tourists can climb to the top and look at
the boiling magma.
* The Atacama Desert, with its rugged vistas, is home to the
llama, an animal peculiar to South America. With almost 3000 miles of coastline,
there are hundreds of beaches, coves and inlets for swimming, diving, surfing,
windsurfing and sea fishing. Atacama Desert is located between the Andes
mountains and the Pacific Ocean and is the driest desert in the world and famous
for it's spectacular and dramatic landscapes. The little precipitation it
receives is from the fog. It also has Pre-Colombian relics, Paleo civilization
mummies and Incan artifacts.
* Juan Fernandez Archipelago are known for their
connection to Robinson Crusoe, the islands are a haven for fauna and flora, some
grown only here.
* Los Lagos is the southern region of Chile and among the most popular
tourist attractions, it is more rainy and green. Famous for beach resorts, hot
springs and ski centers.
ADDITIONAL CHILE TOURISM INFORMATION:
Embassy of Chile in UK
Website: www.echileuk.demon.co.uk
Embassy of Chile in USA
Website: www.chile-usa.org
National Chile Tourism Office - (SERNATUR)
Avenida Providencia 1550,
PO Box 7500548, Santiago, Chile
Website: www.sernatur.cl
Capital
Santiago
Language
Spanish
Religion
Christianity
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Currency
Chilean Peso
TimeZone
GMT - 4
Easter Island: GMT - 6
SAFETY AND HEALTH:
Crime rates are low to moderate throughout Chile and are moderate in Santiago,
Valparaiso, and other major cities. American tourists are at a heightened risk
for pick pocketing, purse or camera snatching, and theft from backpacks and
rental cars. Such crimes have been reported in all areas of Chile frequented by
tourists. Medical care, though generally good, may not meet U.S. standards,
especially in remote areas. Although emergency rooms in some major hospitals
accept credit cards, many doctors and hospitals in Chile expect immediate
payment in cash. The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult
with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm
whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency
expenses such as a medical evacuation.Americans living or traveling in Chile are encouraged to
register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State
Department’s travel registration website and to obtain updated information on
travel and security within Chile. (Ref - travel.state.gov)
