Chile
From Travel Information and Popular Attractions: TravelName.com
Chile 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.
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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.
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.
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.
Additional Information
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.
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)
