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South America/Turismo

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Chile

Santiago del Cile

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Chile Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Atacama Desert, North of Chile. Atacama Desert, North of Chile. Chile has the honour of being the thinnest country in the world if you compare its length with its width. The country is so long that in the north you will find the driest of deserts and in the south you are on the closest point to the South Pole. Parts of the Atacama desert in the North have reportedly not seen rain (at least not since 1870 when a weather station was put there) while other parts enjoy the "desierto florido" or "flowering desert." For the mystery check out the site about the Atacama desert. San Pedro de Atacama is a very small, picturesque town about an hour out of Calama. It is the base town to explore the Valley of Moon and the Tatio geysers and the beautiful scenery in the area. In the city of Calama, you can visit the largest open pit copper mine in the world at the city of Chuquicamata. They offer an interesting tour, and you will learn a little about the history of copper mining in Chile. Further north, near the Peruvian border, you will find the city of Arica . Arica has some nice beaches, in the coastal desert and from there you can also explore inland and 3000 meters up the Parque Nacional Lauca and the Lago Chungara, this place has breathtaking scenery, with snowcapped peaks and beautiful lakes, near the Bolivian border. From Arica, you can cross into Tacna, Peru. Nearby you will find the mysterious Nazca lines that are absolutely worth a visit as well. The best way to appreciate the lines that where made by the precolumbian civilization of the Nazca Indians is by plane or helicopter. Only from above you can fully see how special they are. The Nazca lines are located in Peru, south of the city of Ica, from where you can hire small airplane rides. Also in the Atacama desert you will find Copiapó, an early mining town and site of the first cultivation of grapes in South America. From Copiapó you can travel eastward to the San Francisco pass (into Argentina) and see the highest mountain in Chile: Cerro Ojos del Salado. Beware, however, that the high altitude and very dry air does not sit well with everyone. But a visit is often worthwhile, with opportunities to see wild guanacos and Chilean flamingos as well as other wildlife. In the middle of the country the capital of Santiago is a very stylish city that deserves to be explored. It has the best nightlife of the country, most of the cultural institutions and some of the finest restaurants. From there you can visit Valparaiso as well as make some great hiking trips in the high Andes. Chile offers some of the easiest ascents to mountains above 6.000 meters in the world. South of Santiago, on Region VIII and IX, you will find the Region of the Bio Bio River and the Lakes Region. Concepcion is the second largest city in Chile and it has a well known University. There are some great coastal areas worth checking, towns such as Tome and also the city of Lota, which has a history as a coal mining town, has a very nice park, you can actually take a tour to visit the former coal mine, Chiflon del Diablo. Further south is the city of Los Angeles, and a beautiful waterfall named Saltos del Laja. South from here you will find Temuco, and east from there the City of Pucon with the Villarica Volcano. By the time you go deep in the Region IX, you will run into the city of Puerto Montt. This is the gateway to Chiloe Island and its Mapuche culture, and also the place where Navimag boats do their 3 day trips south to Puerto Natales and the Patagonia. East from here is the "germantown" called Puerto Varas, on the shores of Lago Llanquihue with its imposing Volcan Osorno (similar to Mt Fuji) in the distance. This surrounding area between Puerto Varas and the Argentinian border in Peulla is worth exploring as it has some great forests and parks. The Arctic south (Patagonia Chilena) offers the opportunity to explore the incredible beauty of gigantic glaciers, the wildlife of birds, seals, sea lions and whales. You can go down to Puerto Natales and visit Parque Nacional Torres del Paine... great place for hiking.... very scenic place... Next door to Puerto Natales is Puerto Bories, a formerly large sheep processing plant that is now a national monument and recently converted to a museum. And, if you go further south, you can visit Punta Arenas, the southernmost tip of continental Chile (4 hr flight from Santiago) and the Straits of Magellan. You can also see the penguin colonies on an island in the Straits of Magellan, or on the mainland at Otway Sound. There are two ferry locations along the straits for regular transportation to Tierra del Fuego. If you have the chance to visit the Easter island you will be sure to be surprised by the beauty of the place. It is way out in the Ocean and the island has had culture of its own for centuries. ___________History Edit This i From one of the most neglected outposts of the Spanish Empire Chile developed into one of the most prosperous and democratic nations in Latin America. Throughout its history however Chile has depended on great external powers for economic exchange and political influence: Spain in the colonial period Britain in the nineteenth century and the United States in the twentieth century. Chile's dependence is made most evident by the country's heavy reliance on exports. These have included silver and gold in the colonial period wheat in the mid-nineteenth century nitrates up to World War I copper after the 1930s and a variety of commodities sold overseas in more recent years. The national economy's orientation toward the extraction of primary products has gone hand in hand with severe exploitation of workers. Beginning with the coerced labor of native Americans during the Spanish conquest the exploitation continued with mestizo (see Glossary) peonage on huge farms in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and brutal treatment of miners in the north in the first decade of the twentieth century. The most recent victimization of workers occurred during the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet Ugarte (1973-90) when unions were suppressed and wages were depressed unemployment increased and political parties were banned. Another persistent feature of Chile's economic history has been the conflict over land in the countryside beginning when the Spaniards displaced the indigenous people during their sixteenthcentury conquest. Later chapters of this struggle have included the expansion of the great estates during the ensuing four centuries and the agrarian reform efforts of the 1960s and 1970s. Politically Chile has also conformed to several patterns. Since winning independence in 1818 the nation has had a history of civilian rule surpassed by that of few countries in the world. In the nineteenth century Chile became the first country in Latin America to install a durable constitutional system of government which encouraged the development of an array of political parties. Military intervention in politics has been rare in Chile occurring only at times of extraordinary social crisis as in 1891 1924 1925 1932 and 1973. These interventions often brought about massive transformations; all the fundamental changes in the Chilean political system and its constitutions have occurred with the intervention of the armed forces acting in concert with civilian politicians. From 1932 to 1973 Chile built on its republican tradition by sustaining one of the most stable reformist and representative democracies in the world. Although elitist and conservative in some respects the political system provided for the peaceful transfer of power and the gradual incorporation of new contenders. Undergirding that system were Chile's strong political parties which were often attracted to foreign ideologies and formulas. Having thoroughly permeated society these parties were able to withstand crushing blows from the Pinochet regime of 1973-90. Republican political institutions were able to take root in Chile in the nineteenth century before new social groups demanded participation. Contenders from the middle and lower classes gradually were assimilated into an accommodating political system in which most disputes were settled peacefully although disruptions related to the demands of workers often met a harsh violent response. The system expanded to incorporate more and more competing regional anticlerical and economic elites in the nineteenth century. The middle classes gained political offices and welfare benefits in the opening decades of the twentieth century. From the 1920s to the 1940s urban laborers obtained unionization rights and participated in reformist governments. In the 1950s women finally exercised full suffrage and became a decisive electoral force. And by the 1960s rural workers achieved influence with reformist parties widespread unionization and land reform. As the political system evolved groups divided on either side of six main issues. The first and most important in the nineteenth century was the role of the Roman Catholic Church in political social and economic affairs. Neither of the two major parties the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party opposed the practice of Catholicism. However the Conservatives defended the church's secular prerogatives; the Liberals (and later the Nationals Radicals Democrats and Marxists) took anticlerical positions. The second source of friction was regionalism although less virulent than in some larger Latin American countries. In the north and south reform groups became powerful especially the Conservatives holding sway in Chile's Central Valley (Valle Central) who advocated opposition to the establishment. Regional groups made a significant impact on political life in Chile: they mobilized repeated rebellions against the central government from the 1830s through the 1850s; helped replace a centralizing president with a political system dominated by the National Congress (hereafter Congress) and local bosses in the 1890s; elected Arturo Alessandri Palma (1920-24 1925 1932-38) as the chief executive representing the north against the central oligarchy in 1920; and cast exceptional percentages of their ballots for reformist and leftist candidates (especially Radicals Communists and Socialists) from the 1920s to the 1970s. Throughout the twentieth century leaders outside Santiago also pleaded for administrative decentralization until the Pinochet government devolved greater authority on provincial and municipal governments and even moved Congress from Santiago to Valparaíso. The third issue dividing Chileans--social class--grew in importance from the nineteenth century to the twentieth century. Although both the Conservatives and the Liberals represented the upper stratum in the nineteenth century the Radicals began to speak on behalf of many in the middle class and the Democrats built a base among urban artisans and workers. In the twentieth century the Socialists and Communists became the leaders of organized labor. Along with the Christian Democratic Party these parties attracted adherents among impoverished people in the countryside and the urban slums. In the twentieth century three other issues became salient although not as significant as divisions over social class regionalism or the role of the church. One was the cleavage between city and country which was manifested politically by the leftist parties' relative success in the urban areas and by the rightist groups in the countryside. Another source of strife was ideology; most Chilean parties after World War I sharply defined themselves in terms of programmatic and philosophical differences often imported from abroad including liberalism Marxism corporatism (see Glossary) and communitarianism (see Glossary). Gender also became a political issue and divider. After women began voting for president in 1952 they were more likely than men to cast ballots for rightist or centrist candidates. As Chile's political parties grew they attracted followers not only on the basis of ideology but also on the basis of patronclient relationships between candidates and voters. These ties were particularly important at the local level where mediation with government agencies provision of public employment and delivery of public services were more crucial than ideological battles waged on the national stage. Over generations these bonds became tightly woven producing within the parties fervent and exclusive subcultures nurtured in the family the community and the workplace. As a result by the mid-twentieth century the parties had politicized schools unions professional associations the media and virtually all other components of national life. The intense politicization of modern Chile has its roots in events of the nineteenth century. During the colonial period and most of the twentieth century the central state played an active role in the economy until many of its functions were curtailed by the military government of General Pinochet. State power was highly centralized from the 1830s to the 1970s to the ire of the outlying provinces. Although normally governed by civilians Chile has been militaristic in its dealings with native people workers and neighboring states. In the twentieth century it has been a supporter of arbitration in international disputes. In foreign policy Chile has long sought to be the strongest power on the Pacific Coast of South America and it has always shied away from diplomatic entanglements outside the Americas. _____________Practical Information Edit This Currency The local currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP) [Add Practical address] Business Hours Edit This Private and government offices are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They usually have two hour lunch breaks from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Banks are generally open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., weekdays. Shopping outlets are open Mondays to Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Chile Travel Supplier Directory Edit This General information to help plan a better trip, country`s weather and what to pack currency, getting their, customs, visas & vaccinations, culture, wildlife and other tools to help prepare your vacation. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] email: editor@southamericatour.net address: 6 de Diciembre y el Telegrafo, Edif. Garcia Ayala, 2do piso Suite 402 url: southamericatour.net Health Risks Edit This Medical certificates and vaccinations are not required to enter Chile except when arriving from infected areas. Take precaution against hepatitis, and gastroenteritis, as these are present in Chile. Avoid eating raw seafood, unpeeled or unwashed vegetables and fruits. Tap water in the cities is considered safe for drinking, however, be careful when going to some rural areas. Diarrhea is common among travellers who may have a bad reaction to the water and some foods. To be safe, stick to bottled water and choose well-cooked foods. Health standards have improved more.. type: Embassies and Consulates World66 rating: [rate it] email: willy645@hotmail.com address: Santiago, Chile Electricity Edit This 220 volts AC, 50Hz type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Credit Cards Edit This International cards -- such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa -- are accepted in most upscale hotels and restaurants in Santiago. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] ___________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: Chile has a prosperous essentially free market economy. Civilian governments - which took over from the military in March 1990—have continued to reduce the government's role in the economy while shifting the emphasis of public spending toward social programs. Growth in real GDP averaged more than 7.0% in 1991-1997 and inflation is nearing a 40-year low. Chile's currency and foreign reserves also are strong as sustained foreign capital inflows—including significant direct investment—have more than offset current account deficits and public debt buybacks. President FREI who took office in March 1994 has placed improving Chile's education system and developing foreign export markets at the top of his economic agenda. Despite this progress the Chilean economy remains largely dependent on a few sectors—particularly copper mining fishing and forestry. Success in meeting the government's goal of sustained annual economic growth of 5% depends largely on world prices for these commodities continued foreign investor confidence and the government's ability to maintain a conservative fiscal stance. In 1996 Chile became an associate member of Mercosur and concluded a Free Trade Agreement with Canada. GDP: purchasing power parity—$168.5 billion (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$11 600 (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 8% industry: 33% services: 59% (1995 est.) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 6% (1997) Labor force: total: 5.7 million (1997 est.) by occupation: services 38.3% (includes government 12%) industry and commerce 33.8% agriculture forestry and fishing 19.2% mining 2.3% construction 6.4% (1990) Unemployment rate: 6.1% (1997) Budget: revenues: $17 billion expenditures: $17 billion including capital expenditures of $NA (1996 est.) Industries: copper other minerals foodstuffs fish processing iron and steel wood and wood products transport equipment cement textiles Industrial production growth rate: 4.2% (1997) Electricity—capacity: 5.504 million kW (1995) Electricity—production: 24.5 billion kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 1 730 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: wheat corn grapes beans sugar beets potatoes fruit; beef poultry wool; timber; 1991 fish catch of 6.6 million metric tons Exports: total value: $16.9 billion (f.o.b. 1997) commodities: copper 37% other metals and minerals 8.2% wood products 7.1% fish and fishmeal 9.8% fruits 8.4% (1994) partners: EU 25% US 15% Asia 34% Latin America 20% (1995 est.) Imports: total value: $18.2 billion (f.o.b. 1997) commodities: capital goods 25.2% spare parts 24.8% raw materials 15.4% petroleum 10% foodstuffs 5.7% (1994) partners: EU 18% US 25% Asia 16% Latin America 26% (1995 est.) Debt—external: $26.7 billion (1997 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA $50.3 million (1996 est.) Exchange rates: Chilean pesos (Ch$) per US$1—452.60 (January 1998) 419.30 (1997) 412.27 (1996) 396.78 (1995) 420.08 (1994) 404.35 (1993) 531.04 (2006) Fiscal year: calendar year _____________People Edit This Population: 15 187 781 (July 2000 est.) Ethnic groups: White 61%, Mestizo 33%, Amerindian 5%, Other 1% Religions: Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 7%, Other 4% Languages: Spanish, Amerindian languages Age structure: 0-14 years: 28% (male 2 134 701; female 2 043 112) 15-64 years: 65% (male 4 768 366; female 4 811 403) 65 years and over: 7% (male 426 924; female 603 275) (July 1998 est.) Population growth rate: 11.27% (1998 est.) Birth rate: 18.28 births/11 000 population (1998 est.) Death rate: 5.55 deaths/11 000 population (1998 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1 000 population (1998 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female (1998 est.) Infant mortality rate: 19.39 deaths/1 000 live births (1998 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 90.46 years male: 72.01 years female: 77.48 years (1998 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.3 children born/woman (1998 est.) Nationality: noun: Chilean(s) adjective: Chilean Literacy: definition: age 90 and over can read and write total population: 94.2% male: 99.4% female: 94% (2000 est.) __________Beaches Edit This Caleta Barca, Vina del MAr Caleta Barca, Vina del MAr G.Starke There are long beaches north of Valparaiso in the city of Viña del mar and further north to Concon, a resort for weekend visitors of Santiago. There are also steep sand dunes which turn red during sunset. Nice for taking picures. ::::::::: Antillanca Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Antillanca is a small rustic resort with 5 ski lifts offering easy access to fun slopes, and excellent off-piste hiking. If the snow looks good, it is possible limb to the ancient crater of Casa Blanca at 2000 meters (6561 feet.) Antillanca offers unbeatable views over the Andes into Argentine as well as the nearby volcanoes of Osorno, Puntiagudo, & Puyehue. :::::: Antofagasta Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Antofagasta - Borde costero Antofagasta - Borde costero Niesnayu Antofagasta is the largest city in Northern Chile. It is a major travel hub for the Second Region and has some economic importance due to the export of copper. The city hosts two universities. The climate is fantastic. It is not know that the climate has ever been lower than 10 degrees Celsius at night. The sights in the city are rather limited, but the beautiful cliff formations at La Portada, 16 km north of the city are well worth a stop-over in Antofagasta. Besides that the city is known to be close to Juan Lopez, a windsurfers' paradise about 40 km north of the provincial capital. __________Sights Edit This [Add Sight] Plaza Colon Edit This A clock tower built in 1910. It reminds the visitor of 100 years of Chilean independence. The similarity to the Big Ben in London is striking. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] _________Museums Edit This [Add Museum] Museo Historico Regional Edit This Inside the former Aduana (Customs house) you can find this museum. The museum displays interesting items and visual displays of the history of the region. The explanations are unfortunately only in Spanish and therefore the visitors' interest might be reduced if you do not speak the language. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] :::::::::Arica Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i_3 Arica, near the northern border with Peru, is an excellent tourist centre. It has good beaches and the famous San Marcos Cathedral. Conditions in the area are ideal for deep-sea fishing. It is also know to be located in the most rainless area of the world. Many People who live there can never remember seeing it rain. It is said that it rains two or three times every 100 years. If you take a tour or rent a car you can drive up the Green Lluta valley. The valley cut through the desert with water from rain and melting snow up in the Andes Mountains. There is a lot of history and life in this area. While you are in Arica, you may want to check out the famous fort up the hill, EL MORRO. The view is breathtaking. This is significant, dating back from the War of the Pacific, when Chile won the war against Peru and Bolivia (present day Arica used to be part of Peru, and nowadays still a thorny issue between Peruvian and Chileans alike) You can also visit the Valle de Azapa, about 20 mins away, and check out these 8000 year old mummies from the Chinchorro people...these mummies are OLDER than even the egyptian ones. There is a museum there. And, if you want to venture east, consider driving toward the city of Putre and further out to the Parque Nacional Lauca. This is high desert in its best show....awesome snow covered mountains, crystal clear blue skies, and beautiful Lago Chungara, an alpine looking lake higher than Lake Titicaca in Peru (but not navigable, as Titicaca is) situated among all these llamas, vicunas, and alpacas. This is very close to Bolivia, but still Chile, within 3 hrs from Arica...really worth seeing on a 2 day trip, minimum. Arica area is great....and you may want to choose to head out to Peru or Bolivia from here.... if you have time... __________Day Trips Edit This Trips to Parinacota and Parco National Lauca If you are in Arica and have some spare time you shouldn't miss a trip to the breathtaking Andes. You can book a daytrip to the mountains but it's better to spend some more time. Because the way up from sea level to 4000 m altitude within 3 hours is hard to take. There are a few tour opeators who take you up to Parinacota, a typical, calm village in the rough and windy border area to bolivia. You will see lots of llamas, vicunas and alpacas. Its fabulous for taking wonderful pictures of vulcano Parinacota and Lake Chungara. A short drive to Salar Surire will bring you the wonderful oppurtunity for taking a bath in a natural hottub with 44°C on 4000M above sea level, don't miss that! ::::::::::Atacama desert Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see El Tatio Geysers, Atacama Desert El Tatio Geysers, Atacama Desert In the far North of Chile, the Atacama desert covers an area of about a fifth of the country. It is about 600 miles long but less than 100 miles wide. Among its many spectacular geological regions are the Valley of the Moon and the Salar de Atacama (a dried lake bed). There is exceptional scenery that will keep you here for more than just a day. In the desert you will find geoglyphs: huge ancient drawings of animals and the Giant of the Atacama. You can also see llamas, sheep and goats, and three kinds of flamingoes, and visit oases, old mines and deserted mining towns. Temperatures are mostly comfortable year round, except at the higher elevations bordering the Andes where it can get quite cold, so the best time to visit is October-June (during Chile’s summer). ::::::::Calama Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see El Mono de cobre, como le llaman los chilenos, se encuentra a la entrada de Calama, dando la bienvenida El Mono de cobre, como le llaman los chilenos, se encuentra a la entrada de Calama, dando la bienvenida Sebastian Williams Calama sits in Region II, in the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile, inland from the city of Antofagasta. Most people use Calama as a gateway to the wonderful San Pedro de Atacama and the surrouding landscape there, the Tatio Geysers near Bolivia, the Valley of the Moon with its snow looking salt flats, etc.... But..Calama also has a bit of history. It is near the largest Open Pit Cooper mine in the world.... the Copper mines in Chuquicamata are just about 15 mins away by car. You can catch a shared taxi from the main square in Calama (they have a nice church) and then do the 1/2 day tour of the mines. So everything around Calama revolves around copper mining. In fact, the city of Chiquicamata has recently been closed down for residents, and the whole population has been relocated to Calama by CODELCO (see below) Copper has history in Chile, first, as US companies had a large stake on it, and then under the gov't of Salvador Allende these industries were nationalized....CODELCO is a very important company in Chile..... and right now Copper is the largest component of their GNP (Gross National Product) World prices for copper have skyrocketed in the past few years, so this place is of utmost importance... So, if you are interested in copper making...spend 1/2 a day here.... I must say, what impressed me the most about the place was the sheer size of the tires for the vehicles which carry the ore... EACH TIRE WAS AT LEAST 2 meters high! (taller than me!) In the future, I will try downloading that picture in this page, so you can see. ::::::::Caldera Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Church San Vicente de Paul Church San Vicente de Paul Caldera has a privileged location within the Atacama Region, a zone of tourism nationally famous for its natural attractions. Its history as the destination of the first railroad of South America, the great number of beautiful fine sand beaches and the historical aspect of the city make it worth visiting and a popular summer destination. Railway Station The railway station of Caldera was constructed in 1850 with the purpose of serving as railway terminal for the export of the minerals of Chañarcillo. From this station the trains of the first railroad of South America departed the 25 of December of 1851. Its operated until 1930, being totally abandoned until the restoration was later begun. In 1964 it was declared a national monument and its restoration was begun by the Regional Government of Atacama, making it now possible to enjoy diverse events such as musical events and travelling exhibitions. It is a place worth visiting and of great historical value. Church San Vicente de Paul In front of the Seat of Arms of Caldera, is located the Church San Vicente de Paul. It is a construction that dates from 1853 and is constructed completely of wood, emphasizing its stone floor and the gothic tower. This Church has in its interior a parochial museum, that was conceived and developed by the father Vicente Starlich in 1996. From its tower it is possible to view the city especially at night, when its beauty is accentuated. Seat Carlos Condel The Seat Carlos Condell of our city pays tribute to the hero of Iquique. It is located in the center of the city and has been remodelled in a modern architectural style, equipped with pretty viewpoints and places for families to relax. In front of the Condell Seat is the Church San Vicente de Paul and the building of Ilustre Municipality, providing a varied architectural vista and a relaxing atmosphere. Bahia Inglesa The famous Bay located a very short distance from the port, only 6 kms., via a sealed road in excellent condition, given its name by the visit of the English privateer Edward Davis. It is famous for its white sands and temperate waters. In addition it contains all the infrastructure necessary to lodge and to take care of tourists and visitors. Facilities for camping, hotels, restaurants and summer houses can be rented in the same place. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: www.caldera.cl ::::::::::Chaitén Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Chaitén is a Chilean town and commune, capital of the Palena Province in Los Lagos Region. The town is located north of the mouth of Yelcho River and is adjacent to the Gulf of Corcovado, which separates it from Chiloé Island. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaiten :::::::::Concepcion Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see university of concepcion- campanil university of concepcion- campanil Concepción, Chile is located along the Bio Bio river next to the Pacific coast, Concepción is the second largest city in Chile with a population of over 1,000,000 when combined with its neighboring cities Talcahuano. Here you will find one of the main ports of Chile, some of the biggest coal mines, and a large Naval base. If you visit the naval base you can take a tour on the peruvian battleship "Huascar" that defeated Arturo Prat, a great Chilean Navy hero during the Pacific War. Some of the main things to do in Concepción would be to visit a few of the museums and see the beautiful campus of the University of Concepción. Definately visit the "Pinacoteca", at the University of Concepcion's art gallery. Housed there as you walk in is the mural Presence of Latin America by Mexican muralist Jorge Gonzalez Camarena. If you like nature you'll want to rent a car, get out of town and see the natural beauty of the area. You can drive along the beautiful coast, stop and explore the beaches or go hiking in the national parks that are nearby. You can also easily hop on a bus up or down the coast for a day trip. Chile-travel.com has provided a few links for you to visit which should make your trip to Concepción, whether for business or pleasure, more enjoyable ::::::::::Easter island Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Easter Island Ahu Tongariki Easter Island Ahu Tongariki Katty Yip from Hong Kong Without a doubt one of the nicest places in the world. Largely, one suspects, because its isolation and lack of beaches means that only the genuinely interested go there. Still, well worth four or five days, especially if you can fit it on a round the world ticket. The statues are fantastic, the people are lovely and there is actually one beach. Which is good as looking at statues all the time gets tiresome. ______Sights Edit This Rano Kao (Orongo) Crater Rano Kao (Orongo) Crater Mike Tossy For a breathtaking view over the rim of a volcano who falls down directly to the sea, you should go to Orongo, an old cultural site. There is a road leading you up to the top. When you are there, you'll get the feeling of beeing alone on a planet, rough but warm wind in the hair, silence, silence and silence again. A stunning view over the crater and over the sea, always in mind, that if you are looking south, there is no land until antarctica in 10'000 km...Really beautiful, touching and worth the long trip. Contributors May 09, 2006 new by reto73 (1 point) [Add Sight] Rano Raraku Edit This Ranu Raraku is the quary where the Moai bodies were carved. Take the trail up the side of the volcano and on to the inside. You'll see Moai in many stages of carving. Some just started and some almost done. Here also you are allowed to stand close to the Moai and can get a true sense of their scale. If you are driving yourself try to come when the mini-buses are not here. You'll enjoy the experience more without the people. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] Tongariki Edit This Tongariki is so well placed with dramatic cliffs in the background and the statues are so huge and austere that the feeling of some extraterrestrial involvement relentlessly creeps in. Only the top sections of the statues (a hairdo or a hat is up to your imagination) are two meters high. The complex contains fifteen pieces – a record on the island. The story goes (or at least on version of the many story metamorphosis) that the locals fell into despair and initiated a civil war. As a result they started toppling the statues being representatives of the ancestors of the more.. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] address: South Pacific _________Hanga Roa Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Ahu Tahai (in Hanga Roa) Ahu Tahai (in Hanga Roa) Mike Tossy Hanga Roa is the only real settlement on Easter Island. A short drive (or even walk) from the airport. Here you'll find resturants, hotels, and residencials (small Bed and Breakfasts owned by locals.) About 2,500 people live here. You'll find the town relaxed and the people friendly. It is easy to find your way around. ::::::::Futaleufu Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The futaleufu valley is a remote region in what is known as the "Andean Corridor of Lakes" in northern patagonia. It is known for its truely world class whitewater and dramatic scenery of volcanic peaks and crystal blue rivers. It is only accessible by ferry, plane in chaiten, or driving across the argentinian border near esquel. At the turn of the century, Chile provided homesteads and economic incentives to populate the area and prevent Argentina from splitting the country in two. The town of futaleufu has built up around ranching and the tourist industry that those seeking whitewater thrills have attracted. ::::::::Isla Negra Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Museo Pablo Neruda, Isla Negra Museo Pablo Neruda, Isla Negra Alvaro Fernández Kaempffer Leaving Santiago thru the Ruta del Sol highway we will reach and visit Pomaire, a handcrafts center located in the heart of the fertile Central Valley . After a short stop, we will continue our tour to the port of San Antonio , and along a coastal road we will pass thru the resorts of Cartagena and El Tabo. We will arrive Isla Negra, where we will visit the museum and seaside house of Pablo Neruda, chilean poet and winner of the 1971 Literature Nobel Prize award. On our way back to Santiago we will visit the summer resorts of El Quisco and Algarrobo. :::::::::La Serena Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Parque japones a la serena Parque japones a la serena Astrid La serena es la mejor ciudad de chile, es una de las primeras ciudades fundadas, por tanto una de las que mas construcciones antiguas posee. Excelentes playas y excelente clima. ¡Big Chile! :::::::Lakes District Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Petrohue Waterfall, Lake District Petrohue Waterfall, Lake District Chile is a very long skinny country which causes it to have many distinct parts. The Lake District is absolutely beautiful and very unique. The mountains and lakes give it a very relaxing and non-touristy atmosphere. There are howeever many fantastic experiences to be had. There is an absolutely amazing active volcano to summit as well as some invigorating and challenging whitewater rafting to enjoy. I highly recommend that you spend some time in this area of an all together wonderful country that is slowly being discovered by tourists. :::::::::Portillo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see View of the hotel and base area View of the hotel and base area ovenking Portillo is an excellent ski resort. Great snow & excellent service. Area-wise, it's not a big mountain by any stretch of the imagination, but there's plenty of off-piste stuff to entertain and keep you occupied. Definitely bring your avy gear if you're planning on doing a lot of off off-piste though as it is definitely avalanche country in many areas. Terrain-wise, it's not really set up for freestylers or boarders. Portillo is definitely a skier's mountain, the euro-type skier. If you're a freestyler, you might be better off going somewhere else, but if you're into lots of cruisers, off-piste, steep chutes, then this is a great mountain. and besides, the scenery is to die for. it is one of the most beautiful settings for a mountain i've ever come across. You feel like you're in a different world when you spend that week in portillo. Communications-wise, there is an internet room. Please check the [Internet Cafes] section. :::::::::Pucon Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Pucon Way Pucon Way Oliver Pucon is a mecca of outdoor activity. Located approximately 800 kilometers South of Santiago, all sorts of adventure sports, from rafting to biking, fishing to Hiking are available in the area. The favorite activity has to be climbing the nearby Vulcan Villarica. Its about a 5000ft vertical ascent. About a third of the climb to the crater is over glacier. Vulcan Villarica is still active and pouring forth sulpher smoke and flame. The small village of Pucon is situated on a lake with black volcanic sands, many colorful flowers line the streets and walkways and the Volcano is visible from almost any hotel. The fit can take a day hiks to the lakes and the less fit a half day drive to the waterfalls. ::::::::Puerto Natales Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see You take 3 hrs bus from Puntas Arenas to here. The main visit places are the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine and boat tour to Glaciares Balmaceda & Glaciares Serrano. There has one day or two day tour in Torres del Paine. You will see iceberg lake, glaciaries or trekking around the snow mountain in Torres del Paine. There have one day boat trip to see two glaciares. :::::::::Puerto Varas Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Amanecer Amanecer Mauro Puerto Varas is an ideal spot to visit some of the most impressive scenery of Chile. To see some of the stunning scenery, plan trips to Alerce Andino National Park, Vincente Perez Rosales National Park, Llanquihue Lake or Petrohue Fall. Take a ferry to the Chiloe Island. The boat trip itself is worth a day. You can see many birds. Ancud on the island is a charming town and has a good market with fresh seafood. Nearby Frutillar with its museum of German Colonization is also worth a visit. ::::::Puerto Varas Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Amanecer Amanecer Mauro Puerto Varas is an ideal spot to visit some of the most impressive scenery of Chile. To see some of the stunning scenery, plan trips to Alerce Andino National Park, Vincente Perez Rosales National Park, Llanquihue Lake or Petrohue Fall. Take a ferry to the Chiloe Island. The boat trip itself is worth a day. You can see many birds. Ancud on the island is a charming town and has a good market with fresh seafood. Nearby Frutillar with its museum of German Colonization is also worth a visit. ::::::::::Quillota Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Panoramica de Quillota Panoramica de Quillota Javier Carrasco Quillota The city of Quillota is located in the Aconcagua river valley, in the Valparaiso region of Chile. It is the largest city of the valley with many habitants living in the sorrounding farmland areas of San Isidro, La Palma, Pocochay and San Pedro. It is an important agricultural center (mainly because the plantations of avocado and cherimoya trees) and the capital of the Comuna and the Province with the same name. Quillota is united to the city of La Calera by the small town of La Cruz. Quillota is located in central Chile at latitude 32º 52' S, longitude 71º 15' W, 120 km from the capital Santiago and 60 km from Valparaiso. Early inhabitants In this place where living native americans from the Bato and Lleo-Lleo Culture, because of the fertility of the zone. They lived at south of the Aconcagua River. The natives where influenced later by mapuches and diaguitas. Thanks to the diaguitas, the local culture evolved to the Aconcagua, famous for their pottery. Spanish Colonization Diego de Almagro arrived to the valley in 1536. Incan scouts informed him about a beautiful and very fertile valley where the "Quillotas" were dwelling. Before him, a convicted Spanish soldier from Peru called Don Gonzalo Calvo de Barrientos lived in the valley and learnt their lenguage and culture. Almagro was delighted with the valley, but he was searching for gold and since the Aconcagua River had none of it, he returned to Peru. Later in 1540, Pedro de Valdivia arrived in Chile with the title of "Governor of Chile". He arrived in the valley and built farms and houses, mainly for the slaves and the indians who where working for him. Almost the whole area occupied by Quillota at present was property of Valdivia. In 1585 Quillota became the administrative place of a large province. Then, in 1717 was founded as a city called "Village of San Martin de la Concha of Quillota" in the valley sorrounding the Mayaca Hill. It was founded by the Bishop Luis Romero and the Governor Don José Santiago Concha y Salvatierra. ::::::::::::Rancagua Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Rancagua's Catedral in front of Plaza de los Heroes Rancagua's Catedral in front of Plaza de los Heroes Rosamel Fierro Rancagua is located approximately 85 kilometres south of Santiago. It was founded as a colonial town in 1743 by Manso de Velasco and is located near the Cachapoal River. The year 2000 population was approximately 250,000 inhabitants. There is little here to attract most tourists, although it serves as a major supply and support center for the surrounding mining (El Teniente mine, regarded as the largest copper mine in the world) and agricultural activities. Historically, the city is known for the "Disaster of Rancagua" in 1814, when Chilean revolutionaries lost a major battle to the Spanish and Royalist forces. Near the El Teniente Mine is the ghost town of Sewell, a beautiful old mining town located on a steep slope. :::::::Robinson Crusoe Island Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Over 500 km west of Valparaiso Robinson Crusoe island is pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Although it's a small island, with 500 inhabitants, it has rainforest, volcanic cliffs and dry plains. The main sight is undoubtedly the Plazoleta del Yunque. This is the historic place where the Dresden?s sailor who inspired Daniel Defoe to write Robinson Crusoe lived for 12 years after his ship was sunk during the First World War. San Juan Bautista has a few places to stay - it is a boat ride of about one hour from the airstrip where the planes to Santiago leave. ::::::::::::Valparaiso Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Valpso. Pano desde Baron Valpso. Pano desde Baron Bracani, Antonio Valparaiso is Chile’s oldest and largest port city. It can easily be visited in a daytrip from Santiago. The most interesting part of Valparaiso is the old section and its many hills totally populared which give an impressive sight by night, where you will find colonial buildings, churches, and museums. Equally fascinating are the "ascensors" used to reach them. These funicular elevators, built in the late 1800s, cheaply ferry locals and tourists alike up the city's steep hills. Also worth seeing is Pablo Neruda's favourite house "La Sebastiana", a few minutes from downtown in the Cerro Florida hillside. A colorful, sunlit mansion overlooking the water, the house is now a museum that can pleasantly occupy an afternoon. Valparaiso also is home to a naval museum that documents Chile's extensive history at sea, and most recently a port of call for cruise ships. The old-seaport atmosphere of Valparaiso is best appreciated by wandering around for a couple of hours in some of the old neighborhoods. The steep and winding alleys give the town a pleasant, intimate feel. __________Sights Edit This Valparaiso - Iglesia La Matriz Valparaiso - Iglesia La Matriz Niesnayu [Add Sight] Naval Museum Edit This Valparaiso has the best Naval and Maritime museum of the country. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] La Matriz Edit This Valparaiso - Iglesia La Matriz Valparaiso - Iglesia La Matriz photo by: Niesnayu The Church of La Matriz is one of the main sights of the town. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] ::::::::::: Vina del mar Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see some pubs on San Martín Ave. some pubs on San Martín Ave. Ricardo Botti Viña del Mar is Chile's main resort close enough to the capital city Santiago to be the most popular destination for the holidays. It is locally known as the "garden city" for it's many well kept gardens. There are many apartment buildings by the seaside wich get full on weekends. It resembles some retirement town on the south coast of England but with more sunshine. Don’t think about coming to Viña for a beach holiday; the water is incredibly cold, even in the middle of summer. In fact, if you're looking for caribbean warm waters you'll have to look further north to Antofagasta and northrernmost cities, otherwise it's a great place to sunbath, party and casino nights, if cold water is not your thing. Viña is famous for the Musical Festival of Viña del Mar, which is held every year in the third week of february and lasts five days. It is very popular amongst nationals and is a kind of a blue ribbon for the end of the summer season. The city is home of one of the most renown gambling casinos you´ll find in the country and along the southern coast of the Pacific Ocean. Also important are the New Year Fireworks in Viña del Mar and nearby Valparaíso wich are a breathtaking unforgettable sight for tourists and nationals alike, You can rent one of the many apartments by the seaside and make a newyear's toast watching this marvelousdisplay of pyrotechnical virtuosity. Also while you're there never forget to take a city tour on the traditional "victorias" a horse driven cart that takes you through Viña's main streets and sights. ___________Getting There Edit This [Add Global transport mode] Chilean Air Tours Edit This You have to get to the Capital City Santiago. In the airport you will find many bus counters (never mind taxies) where you can buy tickets to take you right to the bus terminal in santiago, where buses to Viña del Mar get. Viña del Mar is 1 hr 40 minutes away from Santiago. If you want more information or service feel free to e-mail. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] zipcode: chile email: director@chileanairtours.cl address: Juan Aravena url: www.chileanairtours.cl tel: 56-2-6641441 Tourbus Edit This If you are already in Santiago, you can take the metro to the station called "Universidad de Santiago." Taking the south exit will lead you directly to the Tourbus (not a tour, just a bus!) kiosks, where you can buy a ticket to get to the city for about 5,000 pesos. type: By Road World66 rating: [rate it]

Thanks to http://www.atacama.it/ IL CILE e L'ARGENTINA Informazioni utili CILE Un viaggio in Cile è adatto agli amanti della natura e dei suoi spettacoli, degli spazi sconfinati e dei contrasti culturali. Santiago del Cile, tappa obbligata del viaggio, è una città in stile europeo, molto grande, pulita e ordinata (a seconda delle ore del giorno) e con palazzi e grattacieli circondati da parchi. A poca distanza dalla capitale si possono visitare Valparaiso, mitico porto che nel passato era l’approdo per i marinai che si recavano a Capo Horn, e Viña del Mar, la località balneare più famosa del Cile con grattacieli e grandi palazzi, frequentata soprattutto da cileni e argentini. Il nord del Cile ha uno dei deserti più aridi del pianeta e partendo da San Pedro de Atacama si possono effettuare numerose escursioni fra cui: la Valle della Luna, una depressione con guglie frastagliate; il Salar de Atacama; el Tatio, dove si vedono i geyser, altissimi sbuffi di vapore con una temperatura di oltre 85 gradi. La regione dei laghi, nelle vicinanze di Puerto Montt, la Patagonia cilena, con i suoi ghiacciai, fiordi stretti e golfi profondi, l’Isola di Pasqua, completano il viaggio (fattibili a seconda delle stagioni). ARGENTINA Secondo paese del continente sudamericano per grandezza che occupa, insieme al Cile, la lunga coda affusolata dell’America meridionale. Essendo così esteso offre anche una varietà di paesaggi a seconda della zona visitata e del periodo dell’anno in cui si effettua il viaggio. Indicativamente si può dividere in quattro grandi zone: le Ande a ovest, le fertili pianure al nord, le Pampas al centro e la Patagonia a sud. Nel centro di Buenos Aires, con i suoi palazzi in stile, sembra di essere a Parigi. Numerosi i viali alberati e i parchi da vedere, i quartieri pittoreschi di San Telmo e la Boca e i palazzi storici. La zona delle Ande è quella che conserva le tradizioni e le testimonianze del passato coloniale. La più bella città in stile coloniale argentina è Salta. Nella Patagonia e nella Terra del Fuoco si trovano numerose specie di animali e di flora che non si trovano in altre zone del sudamerica: nella Penisola Valdes si potranno vedere leoni ed elefanti marini, pinguini e, in alcuni periodi dell’anno, le balene. CLIMA Per questo itinerario la temperatura media giornaliera è di 20°C. e quella notturna è di 2°C. La temperatura subisce forti diminuzioni in funzione delle perturbazioni e del vento, quasi sempre presente nel Sud. La tecnica dell'abbigliamento "a strati" (capi di medio peso da indossare, se necessario sovrapposti) consente di adeguare il grado di copertura corporea alle variazioni o agli imprevisti climatici del momento. (il tempo ora in Argentina e Cile) ABBIGLIAMENTO Forniamo un elenco orientativo del materiale per intraprendere questo viaggio che ognuno dovrà adeguare alle proprie abitudini ed esigenze: *sacca robusta/valigia e zainetto per le necessità giornaliere e per le escursioni a piedi *scarponcino comodo per il giorno, scarpe leggere per la sera e ciabatte per doccia *pantaloni comodi di cotone e pesanti *giacca a vento di medio peso (tipo goretex) *giacca in pile, polar fleece o simili *camicie di cotone, t-shirt *calze di lana e cotone *berretto di lana e guanti di lana *copricapo leggero per il sole *maglieria intima di lana o capilene *fazzoletti, foulard, necessaire (sapone disinfettante e salviettine umide) *crema solare protettiva (anche per labbra) *occhiali da sole *presa elettrica ad attacco universale *torcia elettrica e batterie di ricambio *coltellino multiuso *binocolo *farmacia personale: - garze, cerotti, benda elastica e disinfettante generico - antibiotici a largo spettro - disinfettanti intestinali, enterogermina - analgesici, antistaminici, antiinfiammatori, antidolorifici - collirio - bustine solubili per bevande energetiche e reintegrative della disidratazione - farmaci di uso personale CIBO E BEVANDE La carne ha un posto di primo piano nella dieta argentina. 'Carne' significa manzo, in genere servita in grigliate miste (parrillada). Una simpatica alternativa a quello che può rivelarsi un vero incubo per i vegetariani è uno dei piatti italiani più graditi, gli gnocchi (ñoquis). Lo squisito gelato (helado) argentino, anch'esso introdotto dagli italiani, merita una menzione speciale. Il mate, tè paraguayano, consumato insieme ad altra gente è più un rito che una bevanda e viene offerto alle persone cui si vuol dimostrare maggiore benevolenza. Le sue foglie, imparentate con l'agrifoglio, vengono preparate secondo una procedura piuttosto elaborata e la bevanda viene bevuta da una zucca vuota usata come recipiente comune. NORME DOGANALI L'ingresso di valuta straniera è illimitato. Non è obbligatorio pagare tasse doganali sugli effetti personali, comprese le macchine fotografiche, le radio, ecc. Sono ammesse 400 sigarette, 50 sigari, 2 litri di alcolici per tutti i turisti, eccetto quelli provenienti da Paesi vicini, che possono introdurre la metà delle quantità sopra descritte. TASSE AEROPORTUALI Le tasse aeroportuali d’imbarco all’estero sono a carico dei passeggeri e, qualora non fosse obbligatorio inserirle nel biglietto aereo, il loro importo ammonta a: in Argentina: 6/13 USD per i nazionali, 18 USD per gli internazionali; in Cile 26 USD per gli internazionali. INFORMAZIONI SANITARIE Nessuna vaccinazione é obbligatoria. Vi preghiamo di consultare il Vostro medico e l'Ufficio di Igiene del Vostro Comune. Occorre attenersi ad alcune indicazioni preventive nonchè mantenere una corretta igiene personale. Il primo consiglio è quello di non bere acqua se non imbottigliata, meglio ancora se addizionata di anidride carbonica (accertandosi sempre della effettiva chiusura del tappo) ed evitare di consumare ghiaccio, verdure crude e frutta non sbucciata. Nelle maggiori città sono reperibili i farmaci più comunemente venduti in Europa, é comunque consigliabile portarsi dall'Italia disinfettanti intestinali, antibiotici generici, analgesici, antistaminici e farmaci di uso personale. Sono raccomandate bustine solubili per bevande energetiche e reintegrative della disidratazione, crema solare protettiva anche per labbra. Informazioni varie Documenti Per i cittadini italiani è necessario il passaporto con almeno 6 mesi di validità. Si consiglia comunque di controllare all’atto dell’iscrizione che non siano entrate in vigore nuove disposizioni. Valuta In Argentina il Peso argentino e in Cile il Peso cileno. (il valore del Peso Argentino e del Peso Cileno) Lingua La lingua ufficiale è lo spagnolo. Gli addetti al turismo quasi sempre parlano l’inglese. Fuso orario La differenza è di 4 ore in meno rispetto all’ora solare italiana in Argentina e 5 ore in meno in Cile; 7 ore in all’Isola di Pasqua. Quando in Italia è in vigore l’ora legale, calcolare un’ora di differenza in più per tutti i paesi. Quando è in vigore l’ora legale in Cile, invece, calcolare un’ora di differenza in meno. Telefoni Le chiamate per l’Italia possono essere effettuate, senza particolari difficoltà, dagli alberghi, dai posti pubblici o dalle cabine telefoniche, di ogni località. I cellulari abilitati al roaming internazionale funzionano ovunque ma è consigliabile verificare con il proprio gestore la relativa copertura. (copertura TIM e VODAFONE) Fotografia e video È bene portare con sé una buona scorta di pellicole e batterie. Si consiglia inoltre di rispettare la privacy degli abitanti e di chiedere il permesso prima di fotografare. Apparecchi elettronici La tensione dell’energia elettrica è di 220 volts. È meglio procurarsi degli adattatori per le prese di corrente a lamelle piatte. Shopping In Cile sono classici i capi in lana di alpaca e vigogna: poncho, berretti, scialli e guanti. Possibilità di trovare anche bei gioielli in argento, pietre dure e semipreziose. In Argentina è famoso l’artigianato in pelle e cuoio: stivali, scarpe e cinture, ornate di borchie e catenelle. Belli anche i poncho di vigogna, la lana di shetland e di cachemire. Torna al programma del viaggio ___________________________ CILE Atacama, laghi e Patagonia viaggio in Cile: Il deserto di Atacama “Un’isola del Sud America”: così si possono definire i 4.300 chilometri di terra, larghi appena 180, isolati dal mondo dal deserto più arido che esista, il deserto di Atacama, dalle Ande, dall’oceano Pacifico ed infine dai ghiacciai polari. E’, infatti, indiscutibile che il Cile rappresenti in assoluto la meta più ricca di ambienti fortemente diversificati: deserti, geyser, vulcani, laghi, foreste, pianure, vigneti, fiordi e ghiacciai. Chiusi in questo piccolo mondo, colonizzato dagli spagnoli al tempo di Magellano, “los Chilenos sono rimasti estranei agli avvenimenti esterni”, ed hanno conservato la loro natura di popolo fortemente religioso ed attaccato alle tradizioni, anche se pronto a sconvolgere ed influenzare la cultura mondiale. IL VIAGGIO Un viaggio alla scoperta di un Paese straordinario dalle mille realtà naturalistiche e unico nel suo genere. Una lingua di terra di 4300 chilometri racchiusa tra l'Oceano Pacifico e la Cordillera delle Ande. Un percorso geografico dal Tropico del Capricorno all'Antartico per immergersi nella spettacolarità di ambienti e paesaggi che racchiudono un mondo intero. Dalla elegante città di Santiago alla Regione dei grandi laghi a ridosso della Cordillera delle Ande. Dalla romantica Isola di Chiloé alla sensazionale Patagonia con immensi ghiacciai che lambiscono profondi fiordi e montagne granitiche di strane forme nel Parco Torre del Paine. Fino agli altipiani desertici del Nord, disegnati da spettacolari vulcani, colorate lagune e grandi salar. L'organizzazione prevede trasferimenti in comodi pullmini con autista, sistemazioni in ottimi hotel e assistenza di guide specializzate in ogni località. :::::::::::::::IL CILE Informazioni utili CILE Un viaggio in Cile è adatto agli amanti della natura e dei suoi spettacoli, degli spazi sconfinati e dei contrasti culturali. Santiago del Cile, tappa obbligata del viaggio, è una città in stile europeo, molto grande, pulita e ordinata (a seconda delle ore del giorno) e con palazzi e grattacieli circondati da parchi. A poca distanza dalla capitale si possono visitare Valparaiso, mitico porto che nel passato era l’approdo per i marinai che si recavano a Capo Horn, e Viña del Mar, la località balneare più famosa del Cile con grattacieli e grandi palazzi, frequentata soprattutto da cileni e argentini. Il nord del Cile ha uno dei deserti più aridi del pianeta e partendo da San Pedro de Atacama si possono effettuare numerose escursioni fra cui: la Valle della Luna, una depressione con guglie frastagliate; il Salar de Atacama; el Tatio, dove si vedono i geyser, altissimi sbuffi di vapore con una temperatura di oltre 85 gradi. La regione dei laghi, nelle vicinanze di Puerto Montt, la Patagonia cilena, con i suoi ghiacciai, fiordi stretti e golfi profondi, l’Isola di Pasqua, completano il viaggio (fattibili a seconda delle stagioni). CLIMA In Cile è molto vario: si passa dal caldo secco del nord desertico al freddo umido dell’estremo sud, nella zona centrale del Cile le temperature oscillano tra i 28°C di Gennaio e gli 11°C di Luglio. L’isola di Pasqua ha un clima semitropicale durante tutto l’anno. (il tempo ora in Cile) ABBIGLIAMENTO Forniamo un elenco orientativo del materiale per intraprendere questo viaggio che ognuno dovrà adeguare alle proprie abitudini ed esigenze: *sacca robusta/valigia e zainetto per le necessità giornaliere e per le escursioni a piedi *scarponcino comodo per il giorno, scarpe leggere per la sera e ciabatte per doccia *pantaloni comodi di cotone e pesanti *giacca a vento di medio peso (tipo goretex) *giacca in pile, polar fleece o simili *camicie di cotone, t-shirt *calze di lana e cotone *berretto di lana e guanti di lana *copricapo leggero per il sole *maglieria intima di lana o capilene *fazzoletti, foulard, necessaire (sapone disinfettante e salviettine umide) *crema solare protettiva (anche per labbra) *occhiali da sole *presa elettrica ad attacco universale *torcia elettrica e batterie di ricambio *coltellino multiuso *binocolo *farmacia personale: - garze, cerotti, benda elastica e disinfettante generico - antibiotici a largo spettro - disinfettanti intestinali, enterogermina - analgesici, antistaminici, antinfiammatori, antidolorifici - collirio - bustine solubili per bevande energetiche e reintegrative della disidratazione - farmaci di uso personale CIBO E BEVANDE La cucina cilena rispecchia la varietà topografica del paese e i suoi ingredienti di base sono il pesce, il manzo, la frutta fresca e le verdure. Come spuntino si mangiano le empanadas, grandi focacce variamente farcite, e le humitas, tortillas di mais. Vi sono molti tipi di pane, tra cui il chapalele, fatto con patate e farina, e la sopaipa, che è di colore marrone scuro perché viene preparata con farina integrale e frutta. Il piatto tipico cileno più sostanzioso è il lomo a lo pobre - un'enorme fetta di manzo sormontata da due uova fritte e sommersa da patatine fritte. La parillada, specialità che farà rabbrividire vegetariani e cardiologi, è una grigliata mista che comprende ghiottonerie quali intestini, mammelle e sanguinacci. Il curanto, uno dei più prelibati piatti nazionali, è un ricco stufato con numerosi ingredienti: pesce, frutti di mare, pollo, maiale, agnello, manzo e patate. I vini cileni sono notoriamente i migliori del Sud America. Il pisco sour è una bevanda molto diffusa che può facilmente inebriare: si tratta di brandy di vino servito con succo di limone, albume d'uovo e zucchero a velo. NORME DOGANALI L'ingresso di valuta straniera è illimitato. Non è obbligatorio pagare tasse doganali sugli effetti personali, comprese le macchine fotografiche, le radio, ecc. Sono ammesse 400 sigarette, 50 sigari, 2 litri di alcolici per tutti i turisti, eccetto quelli provenienti da Paesi vicini, che possono introdurre la metà delle quantità sopra descritte. TASSE AEROPORTUALI Tasse aeroportuali Le tasse aeroportuali locali non sono mai comprese nei pacchetti ma sono da pagarsi direttamente in loco: in partenza dal Cile per voli internazionali: usd 18 circa per persona per i voli interni: usd 4 circa per persona per tratta. INFORMAZIONI SANITARIE In Cile il servizio sanitario è ottimo, le farmacie sono ben fornite ed in alcuni negozi delle grandi città si possono trovare anche prodotti omeopatici. L’acqua è purificata con il cloro e quindi potabile in tutto il paese: potrete mangiare tranquillamente verdura e frutta. Consigliamo di portare una crema solare e dei disinfettanti intestinali, poiché il cambiamento di clima e di alimentazione potrebbero provocare qualche malessere. Informazioni varie Documenti Per i cittadini italiani è necessario essere in possesso di un passaporto con validità minima di sei mesi. Valuta L’unità monetaria in corso è il peso. È consigliabile munirsi di dollari statunitensi poiché è la valuta con le maggiori possibilità di cambio in tutto il paese. Isola. (il cambio del Peso Cileno) Telefoni Le chiamate per l’Italia possono essere effettuate, senza particolari difficoltà, dagli alberghi, dai posti pubblici o dalle cabine telefoniche, di ogni località. I cellulari abilitati al roaming internazionale funzionano ovunque ma è consigliabile verificare con il proprio gestore la relativa copertura. (copertura TIM e VODAFONE)