Overview

Chile is a land of extremes. While the north is home to the world's driest deserts with absolutely no rainfall, the south is famous for its massive ice fields. Friendlier terrain and the majority of the population are found in the middle of the country where, in just a few hours, lazy beaches and modern ski-resorts can be reached from the capital of Santiago. Wine connoisseurs will want to visit Chile's lush wine country and maybe even stay in a traditional hacienda to complete the experience. Many tourists travel to Viña del Mar, a trendy seaside resort to visit the casinos and trendy clubs. And sprinkled throughout the country, you'll find scenic national parks, filled with wildlife and spectacular nature trails.
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Travel Facts

Population
16,136,000

Capital
Santiago

Currency
Chilean Peso

Time Zone
U.S. Central Standard Time +1 Hour

Weather
Chile's long slender shape ensures a variety of climates, depending on what part of the country you visit. Generally the rule is that the farther north you go, the hotter and drier it gets. Down south, you'll find it both cooler and wetter. As with most of South America, rainfall is more frequent during the winter months.

Entertainment & Nightlife

There's so much to do in Chile, that many travelers return or extend their stay. Glacier cruises through Chile's Inside Passage give travelers glimpses of amazing scenery and imposing icebergs, while the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve allows visitors the chance to spot flamingos, rheas, and even llamas. To marvel and laugh at the always-entertaining penguins, be sure and head to Chiloé Island, a region of evergreen forests and fjords. Chile's robust nightlife scene is well worth exploring, as well. And in Santiago, you'll find the most popular restaurants and dance clubs, but the seaside casino resort town of Viña del Mar is a lively, enticing alternative.

Restaurant and Cuisine Listings

Etniko, Santiago
Considered by some to be Santiago's trendiest restaurant, Etniko serves Asian-influenced cuisine to the steady beat of house music. The menu is diverse, but the big draw here are the 16 varieties of sushi.

De la Ostia, Santiago
Looking for something on the lighter side? At Del la Ostia, you'll find delicious tapas and Spanish sandwiches, with many of the ingredients imported directly from Spain and then blended with fresh Chilean products. A favorite dish is the Bomba - potato balls with beef, onion, and chilies.

Brocolino, Punta Arenas
Brocolino's Italian and French cuisine is infused with fresh ingredients from Chile giving it a unique flavor and making it one of the most popular restaurants in Punta Arenas. If you're feeling romantic, try the Aphrodisiac Raviolis or the Promiscuous Crayfish.

Culture & Heritage

Most Chileans are of European ancestry with only a small percent being indigenous and the majority of the population living in the Santiago area. Highly urbanized, Chileans once enjoyed Latin America's longest time span of political stability and civil liberty, which was interrupted for a time but restored in 1989. The Parisian education of many Chileans has influenced the country's art, music and architecture, resulting in a thriving cultural scene.

Famous Chileans – Spotlight on Gabriela Mistral

In 1945, this Chilean educator, cultural minister, diplomat, and poet was the first Latin American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Her powerful words made her the symbol of idealistic aspirations in the Latin American world.