Chile Flag
"All Ways Surprising"
Valparaíso, Chile. Photo Credit: Julian Hacker/Pixabay
Why visit Chile?
Offers something for everyone every season whether seeking architecture, beaches, bicycling, birdwatching, camping, casinos, desert, fishing, ghost towns, glaciers, hiking, horseback riding, islands, kayaking, lakes, landscapes, mountains, museums, national parks, river rafting, rodeos, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, trails, vineyards, volcanoes, water sports, white water rafting, wineries and winter activities.
(Patagonia Glacier), Chile. Photo Credit: LuisValiente/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Blankets, copperware, horsehair dolls, lapis lazuli jewelry, pottery, wool rugs and wine.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Almejas a la Parmesana (saltwater clam). Caldillo de Congrio (soup). Barros Jarpa (sandwich). Barros Luco (sandwich), Cazuela (soup). Curanto (stew). Empanadas (stuffed pastry). Hallulla (bread). Marraqueta (bread). Paila Marina (shellfish soup). Pantrucas (soup).
- Local Drink to Try: Chicha de Manzana (apple cider). Licor de Oro (liquor). Mote con Huesillo (summer refreshment).
(Desert Landscape), Chile. Photo Credit: grebmot/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- During 16th Century (1501-1600), conquered by Spain.
- In 1520, Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521), Portuguese Explorer discovered the southern passage (Strait of Magellan).
- In 1535, Peruvians arrived seeking gold.
- In 1541, city of Santiago founded.
- In 1818, became independent.
- In 1883, signed a Treaty with Peru after decades of disputes about maritime boundaries.
- In 1937, "Anita Lizana" de Ellis, Tennis Athlete, won the US Open becoming the first Latin American winner.
- In 1973, economy was crippled by wide occupational strikes.
- During 1990, settled territorial disputes with Argentina.
- In 1945, Lucila Godoy Alcayaga "Gabriela Mistral", Poet received the first Latin American Nobel Prize.
- In 2006, first female President, Verónica Michelle Bachelet Jeria elected in 2006-2010 and 2014-2018.
- In 2010, experienced an 8.8M earthquake and multiple aftershocks causing $15–30USD billion in damages.
- Second lowest homicide rate in the Americas.
- Invested in naval arms with Argentina (Chilean Civil War).
- Besides Santiago Metropolitan Region, other regions are designated by a name and a Roman numeral.
- Flag is modeled after Texas (United States).
- Navy operates four submarines and has no aircraft bomber or fighters.
- Air Force has an air base on Antarctica (King George Island).
- English language is often starts in kindergarten classrooms.
- Has the largest copper mine (Minera Escondida) in the world.
- Their lithium is a major contributor to electric vehicle batteries.
- Exempt from fruit fly, mad cow disease and phylloxera (grapevine insect) diseases.
- Growers of apples, asparagus, beans, beef, fish, garlic, grapes, hemp, maize, oats, onions, peaches, pears, poultry, timber, wheat and wool.
- Around 2 million travelers visit annually.
- Highest internet usage amongst South America.
- Home of professional polo training.
- Tourist areas are prone to carjackings, muggings, pick-pocketing, rental car tire punctures and theft.
- Has approximately 5,000 rocky islands.
Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia Region, Chile. Photo Credit: Monica Volpin/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (February) Festival Costumbrista Chilote, Festival de la Canción, Song Festival, Tapati Festival, (March) Fiesta del Cuasimodo, Grape Harvest Festival, (June) Festival of the Virgen del Carmen, Fiesta de San Pedro, (July) Carnaval de Invierno and (December) Fiesta Grande.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Labour Day, Navy Day, Battle of Arica, Saint Peter & Saint Paul, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Assumption of Mary, Nativity of Liberator Bernardo O'Higgins, National Day, Army Day, Columbus Day, National Plebiscite, Reformation Day, All Saints, Mayoral & Regional Governor Primaries, Immaculate Conception and Christmas Day.
Moʻai (Moai), Easter Island. Photo Credit: Lilithy/Pixabay
Good to Know
- Futaleufú River ranks as one of the best white water rivers in the world.
- Citizens have two surnames father's surname after the middle and usually used in introductions followed by the mother's surname generally on legal documents. Example: First Name Middle Name Father Surname Mother Surname.
- Pichilemu (O'Higgins Region) is well known for surfing.
- Be mindful of the altitude and stay hydrated.
- Dining times tend to be later than normal.
- Avoid demonstrations/protests.
- Strikes are common disrupting service and causing delays.
- Minefields exist along the border with Argentina, Bolivia and Peru.
- Permit required along the border of Argentina, Bolivia and Peru for adventure/outdoor sports.
- By local law you can be expelled for damaging heritage objects or places.
- Reflective yellow vests are required in all vehicles for emergency roadside assistance.
- Avoid using unmetered taxis.
(Vineyard), Chile. Photo Credit: Herbert Bieser/Pixabay
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
On 8/6/20 a Level 3: Reconsider Travel Travel Advisory due to civil unrest.
Antofagasta City, Chile. Photo Credit: Julian Hacker/Pixabay
- Best Time to Visit: December - March
- Coldest Month: June - September
- Hottest Month: January
- Peak Season: December - March
Subject to earthquakes, floods, landslides, tsunamis, volcano eruptions and wildfires.
Calbuco (Stratovolcano), Los Lagos, Chile. Photo Credit: felixpixa/Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Churches of Chiloé, Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso, Humberstone & Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, Qhapaq Ñan Andean Road System, Rapa Nui National Park and Sewell Mining Town.
Santiago (Capital), Chile. Photo Credit: FranDuque/Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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