Introduction
Chile is a country of America, located at the southwestern tip of South America. Its official name is Republic of Chile and its capital is the city of Santiago de Chile.
Chile includes a long, narrow strip of land known as continental Chile, between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, bordered to the north with Peru, to the east by Bolivia and Argentina, and to the south by the Drake Passage. In addition, Chile has island territories in the Pacific Ocean as the Juan Fernandez archipelago, the islands Desventuradas, Sala y Gomez Island, and Easter Island, the latter two located in Polynesia.
From north to south the variety of landscapes and climates is enormous. The north is characterized by desert plains, and to the south you can reach the mythical Land of Fire where the beauty of the ice fields and the harshness of the Antarctic winds reign.
Chile is a paradise for adventure sports. Mountain climbing, hiking or skiing are some sports you can practice here.
Security for tourism is high. The only negative aspect, compared to other neighboring countries, is the lack of archaeological heritage.
Here, you will find some practical information and recommendations of things you can do, as well as when to go.
General Information
GovernmentRepublic
Capital CitySantiago
Language
Spanish and several native languages: Aymara, Mapuche and Rapa Nui.
Spanish and several native languages: Aymara, Mapuche and Rapa Nui.
Religion
Mostly Catholic (70%), Chile also has a strong evangelical population (15%).
Mostly Catholic (70%), Chile also has a strong evangelical population (15%).
Currency Chile’s currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP)
Electricity
220V 50 Hz
220V 50 Hz
Visas for Chilecitizens from countries like Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay can travel to Chile only with the national identity. Other countries that do not need a visa to stay less than 90 days are Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Spain, Uruguay, Venezuela. For more information click here.
Vaccination for ChileTyphus, hepatitis and tetanus are the recommended. There are no significant health risks.
Climate
The length of the country is the main factor that exists for the wide variety of climates of the territory. The Andes regulates the passage of air masses, preventing the wind from the pampas of Argentina to the Chilean territory and the maritime influence to the eastern side.
The length of the country is the main factor that exists for the wide variety of climates of the territory. The Andes regulates the passage of air masses, preventing the wind from the pampas of Argentina to the Chilean territory and the maritime influence to the eastern side.
In the north of the country, the climate is of a desert, with little rain. The temperatures vary along the year, but with an average around 20 ° C. In the hinterland, the temperature variation is high with no humidity and no clouds, which allowed the installation of large observatories in the area. In the highlands, temperatures drop due to the effect of altitude, creating a cold steppe climate characterized by summer rainfall, known as the winter plains. In the North, there is a warm and semi-arid steppe climate that serves as a transition to cooler climates to the south. Rainfall is irregular and concentrated in the winter season. From the Aconcagua valley to the south, the Mediterranean climate is dominant throughout, with the exception of the high peaks of the Andes with a cold weather due to the altitude. The four seasons are clearly marked, with a warm dry summer and a winter rainy and cold.
The country can be visited throughout the year. You can choose different areas depending on the month in which you want to travel.
Recommended clothing
Summer (December to February): It is recommended to bring light clothing like shorts, T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, jeans (for hiking or going out at night), bathing suit, light jackets, thin sweaters, sandals, sneakers or walking shoes, hiking boots, hat or baseball cap, and accessories like sunglasses and a good sunscreen.
Autumn (March to April): It is recommended to bring warm clothing for use at night.
Winter (May to September): It is recommended to bring wool socks, sweaters, and a jacket or coat made of wool or polypropylene.
GastronomyAs in the case of art, Chilean cuisine comes from the mix of Spanish colonial cuisine with elements of Inca and Mapuche origin and some European influences. The main ingredients in the kitchen under a traditional Chilean food typical of this area, such as corn, potatoes and tomatoes, among others. Also includes beef and lamb in the southern part of the country, while the consumption of seafood is important in coastal areas.
The most traditional dishes of Chilean cuisine are: anticuchos, asado, the carbonada, the cazuela, the charquicán, curanto, pine pies, the tamales, and the corn pie. Some traditional desserts are alfajores, the manjar, and mote con huesillos.
Chilean wine is the main alcoholic beverage, especially in Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Merlot, famous internationally. Other Traditional beverages are the Pipeño wine, chicha and Chilean pisco, also produced from the grapes.
SchedulesBanking offices open their doors at about 8 o’clock, stopping to eat at 13:00, and in many cases, reopened at 14:00 to close at about 18:00. In the capital, there is no trouble finding open places where to eat at different times.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons