Chile not only is the longest country in South America from north to the south, but it is also one of the most geographically and culturally diverse. With the Atacama Desert expanding across the northern territory of the country and the Patagonian glaciers making up the southern tip, to the numerous volcanoes, lakes, and rivers that make up the central portion of the country.
Chile is quite the melting pot, with very diverse ethnicities that have migrated from Germany, Switzerland, Holland, and other European countries. Chile has a wide range of seafood and local dishes to sample while you are traveling throughout the country and some of the most award winning bodegas found anywhere in the world.
The Andes Mountains run from the northern desert areas, all the way down to the Torres del Paine National Park near Punta Arenas in southern Patagonia.
Chile is also home to world renowned ski resorts, such as Valle Nevado, Ski Portillo, La Parva, El Colorado, and Nevados de Chillan, which can be enjoyed from late June until early October (South American ski season).
Beautiful beaches are located just west of the capital city of Santiago in Vina del Mar and Valparaiso, as well as in the northern part of the country in Antofagasta, Iquique, and Arica. These areas are perfect for windsurfing and surfing aficionados!
