Chile

About Chile

Impressively tall and skinny, Chile is the supermodel of South America. No surprise that a country spanning half the distance of a continent is going to have some severely contrasting landscapes. Thankfully for the indecisive traveler, all of these landscapes have commonalities: they are ridiculously gorgeous, breathtaking and don’t pity the visitors astonished and paralyzed by their beauty. From the arid deserts to expansive glacial fields, Chile offers the full spectrum of climate and topography. While it’s hard to chose one place, the crown jewel of this spectacular country might be Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. Picturesque, peaceful and authentically untouched.

When to Go: High season is November-February when Patagonia is at its best and warm weather fills the beaches in the north. June-August is a good time to visit the north, but it’s the deep of winter down south.

Good to Know:

• Capital: Santiago
• Population: 18 million
• Language: Spanish
• Currency: Chilean Peso