Blog entries

4 Incredibly Free Things To Do In Santiago - Arts & Culture

Juan Ignacio Bello — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:51:02 +0100

Take advantage of the many wonderful free opportunities to explore the city, will not only save some cash but perhaps lead you to less typical destinations.

Here, we look at four incredibly free, wallet-friendly adventures around the cosmopolitan capital, with a special emphasis on Santiago's many-storied history and dynamic art and cult...

Adventure on Chile’s Juan Fernández Archipelago

Juan Ignacio Bello — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:32:47 +0100

For fans of adventure and extreme sports, the Juan Fernández Archipelago's unique geography makes it a perfect spot for a variety of activities, with trails, ravines, forests and one of the world's most beautiful coastlines.

This natural landscape forms an outdoor playground during the day, and if you're interested in a more in-depth a...

From Ghost Towns to Geoglyphs: 48 hours in and around Iquique

Juan Ignacio Bello — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:09:57 +0100

Near the Chilean border with Peru and Bolivia, Iquique and the surrounding towns have a distinctly altiplano atmosphere of indigenous festivals and local foods that sets them apart.

Whether planning day trips based out of Iquique or adventuring further by arranging a homestay in one of the many small surrounding towns, visitors will undoubtedly...

Chilean Cowboys, Indigenous Culture and Pure Waters in Lago Ranco

Juan Ignacio Bello — Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:00 +0100

Lago Ranco, located three hours east of the coastal city of Valdivia, offers the perfect opportunity to unwind while falling into step with the slow, friendly pace of Chilean country life.

Natural Heritage

"Lago Ranco is a lake that wants to be a sea; such is its behavior, as if its vastness were alive," noted one ...

Guide to museums in Chile: Museo Arquelógico de Santiago

Juan Ignacio Bello — Sat, 12 May 2012 04:00:00 +0100

In order to keep travelers abreast of our country's ever-evolving cultural offerings, we've launched a series of articles on the diverse museums in Chile. This time we look at Santiago's archaeological museum: The Museo Arquelógico de Santiago.

Located along Paseo Lastarria walkway, east of Cerro Santa Lucia hill, in downtown Santiag...

Educational Eco-tourism in the Maule Foothills of Chile

Juan Ignacio Bello — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:59:41 +0100

Just four hours south of Santiago, a unique regional ecosystem features native forests that change color with the seasons. This "transitional forest" is unlike any other in Chile and South America.

This fascinating landscape offers a perfect autumn vacation for young children, especially in the company of an experienced guide - whether you choos...

5 Days on the Carretera Austral

Juan Ignacio Bello — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:29:42 +0100

By turns lush, desolate and majestic, Chile's Carretera Austral (Southern Highway) offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to uncover some of the country's most stunning and remote natural beauty.

Winding through fjords, mountains and temperate rainforests, the Carretera Austral is unquestionably one of Earth's great routes to explore. From Pa...

Reforesting Chile’s Easter Island with Volunteer Tourism

Juan Ignacio Bello — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:30:48 +0100

Travelers looking for a mix of sunshine and volunteer action can get their hands dirty and help reforest one of the world's most delicate ecosystems.

Thanks to the Umanga Mo Te Natura ("Working Together for Nature," in Rapa Nui) project on Easter Island.

The Poike Peninsula on the southeast corner of the islan...

International surfers prepare for the big waves at Punta de Lobos, Chile

Juan Ignacio Bello — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:58:27 +0100

The world's best surfers are barreling into Chile in the very near future - as soon as they get the call that officially announces the 2012 Quiksilver Ceremonial Chile Invitational.

From April 1 to May 31, all eyes turn to the storm systems of the South Pacific, hoping that the right mix of tides and pressure systems cooks up the...

Navigating the waters of Valdivia, the “pearl of the rivers”

Juan Ignacio Bello — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:46:56 +0100

Water truly runs through the veins of the southern provincial capital city of Valdivia.

Here, Chilean and foreign visitors alike sample fresh seafood and vegetables at the city's lively floating market, taste some of Chile's top German-inspired beers at local microbreweries and amble along streets lined with splendid mansion...

Buin Zoo - a must-visit destination in Chile this autumn

Juan Ignacio Bello — Sun, 06 May 2012 04:00:00 +0100

The austral autumn - from April to June - is the perfect time of year to explore the natural landscapes of the Buin Zoo with your family, wandering through the 11-hectare zoo.

With more than 2,049 animals and 209 different species, this zoo has gained a reputation throughout South America for its conservation initiatives, high-quality car...

Guide to Museums in Chile: Museo Histórico Nacional

Juan Ignacio Bello — Sat, 05 May 2012 04:00:00 +0100

In order to keep travelers abreast of our country's ever-evolving cultural offerings, we've launched a series of articles on the diverse museums in Chile. This second article: Museo Histórico Nacional.

With modern signage and texts accessible to all, the Museo Histórico Nacional recreates some of our country's various ...

Discovering Lota: tradition and history on every corner

Juan Ignacio Bello — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:48:24 +0100

To visit this historic city and its coal mining past is to learn about a special chapter in the history of Chile's mines.

Among the many places to visit in Lota are the Parque de Lota, the history museum, the Parroquia San Matías Apostol church, the traditional outdoor feria market and the restaurants selling the region's traditional food.

...

5 May Destinations in Northern Chile’s Atacama Desert

Juan Ignacio Bello — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:03:27 +0100

The chilly month of May makes Chile's northern destinations sparkle, with plenty of warm days and clear skies to set the backdrop for a Chilean adventure.

San Pedro de Atacama makes a perfect base to explore the region, with excellent tourism infrastructure and plenty of variety in lodging, restaurants and tour ...

The Colchagua Wine Valley Route

Juan Ignacio Bello — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:40:04 +0100

Chile is known for its cosmopolitan capital and its stunning landscapes, but perhaps more than anything, Chile is known for its wine.

This iconic product – which plays a key role in national culture, social life, the economy, and tourism – has risen to new heights through the establishment of distinct wine routes.

Today...

View from the top: paragliding near Santiago

Juan Ignacio Bello — Tue, 01 May 2012 04:00:00 +0100

Chile is truly a paraglider's dream. From the sandy dunes of the north to the foothills of the Andes. And from Santiago, great paragliding is literally at your fingertips.

Launch point

Harumi Tsukame is a 20-year veteran paragliding instructor in Chile. As a child, Harumi always dreamt that she was flying, and when the opportunity present...

36 Hours in Ovalle - Archaeology, Gastronomy and Alfresco Adventuring

Juan Ignacio Bello — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:53:03 +0100

For visitors seeking an off-the-beaten-track destination, small and scenic Ovalle flies under the radar as one of northern Chile's richest jumping-off points for archaeology aficionados, fresh produce fans and lovers of the natural world.

Day 1

Parque Nacional Fray Jorge – Fray Jorge National Park

One of Chile's first UNESCO World Biosphe...

Panguipulli launches winter tourism season with Siete Lagos destination

Juan Ignacio Bello — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0100

As part of the "Magic Corners" campaign, the town of Panguipulli unveiled its winter offerings this year with a new destination - Siete Lagos.

The destination is an invitation to explore the adventurous spirit of human beings, discovering valleys, rivers, lakes, mountains, volcanoes and a majestic natural landscape.

This town in the Los R...

Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival - World Championship

Juan Ignacio Bello — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0100

From May 9 to 13, the waves of Llacolén beach in Antofagasta will host 48 top body boarders in the 2012 world championship of bodyboarding.

The Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival will take place thanks to the efforts of Club Budeo, which convinced International Bodyboard Association (IBA) to bring the tournament to Llacolén's great beaches and...

Kayaking the whitewater rivers of Chile

Juan Ignacio Bello — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:43:14 +0100

Chile is home to many rivers, which offer the perfect place to experience the thrill of kayaking. Here, a professional kayaker tells us about his experience on the Chilean rivers.

"Chilean rivers have a phenomenal reputation for their quality and for the outstanding natural beauty of their locations," says Nigel Markey, a U.K. kayaker and one of the filmma...