The main sights of Chile: review and photo. Torres del Paine is a beautiful national park. Pumalin Natural Park

It can be called, without any exaggeration, one of the most interesting places in the world for tourist trips. This country has places with thousand years of history, indescribable landscape and enchanting natural complexes, places to visit just for the sake of replenishing your cultural outlook. It is in Chile that you truly feel the scope of the creator, who did not spare bright colors for this country.

Chile is a repository of various attractions. In order to fully examine them, you will need to spend more than one month. So before the trip, you should decide which sights of Chile you need to visit.

You need to know not only a list of places, but also their location, since the territory of the country is very long, and in each of its regions there are a number of both natural and architectural attractions. In order to determine the place of rest or excursions in the country, you can bring far from full list what to see in Chile short story about each of these places.

The nature of Chile is incredibly diverse, here you can see the highest mountain ranges, and enjoy the view of the endless ocean, and breathe in the purest air forest areas. Before the trip, you should look at photos of Chile's natural attractions and study their description. The length of the country from north to south for more than 4000 km contributes to the fact that the climate here is extremely diverse. Therefore, in Chile, you can enjoy your vacation on the mountain and go straight from there to the mountains. ski resort. But no less exciting will be sightseeing walks that will help to get an idea of natural features this country.

Chile's most famous natural attractions include:

1. . This place is, by right, the title of the most favorite tourist attraction of the republic. Lauca Park is located at an altitude of more than 4 km above sea level and on the very border with Bolivia. This biosphere reserve has managed to collect on its territory a huge collection of the rarest representatives of the world of plants and animals. There are many natural objects on the territory of the park: this and Laguna de Cotacotani, And Akotango, Lauca river And Utah. In addition, within the boundaries of the park is the city of Parinacota, which is famous for its colonial church - an outstanding architectural object. You can get to Lauka Park from. To do this, you must use the services of air carriers to the airport. From this city you will have to go by bus. If you rent a car in Arica, then you need to stay on the CH-11 highway. The territory of the park begins at 145 km.
2. . It is located in the ridge of the southernmost peaks of the Andes Mountains and is located on the border of Chile and Argentina, 100 km from the city of Santiago. The volcano separates the distance of one hundred kilometers from the capital of the republic. As already mentioned, the sights of the Republic of Chile can be counted endlessly, the country will always surprise the tourist with something unusual and new. However, you want to visit the Maipo volcano more than once. Maipo gained its popularity due to its unusual, cone-shaped and absolutely proportional shape. Being on a plateau, you can admire the most beautiful view, which opens on with a huge number of waterfalls. Located in the valley beautiful lake Laguna del Diamante, which was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption.

3. . There are places in Chile that nature has been working on for many years. And one of them is La Portada - a unique natural monument, which is a huge stone arch, having a height of 43 m and a length of 70 m. The arch is surrounded on all sides sea ​​waters and is a favorite habitat for rare bird species. You can visit this place by leaving the city.

4. – . The peculiarity of the moon valley is that there is no life here: on the way you can meet only stones, shallow lakes with very salty water and absolute peace. In the Atacama Desert, for the entire time of its existence, scientists have not been able to record a single case of precipitation; it belongs to one of the driest places on the planet. And the moon valley, the Atacama Desert, got its second name for its landscape features: the local landscape is quite similar to the surface of the moon. The excursion to Atacama begins with an air flight to. The average flight duration is two hours. From the city of Calama, you need to make a move to a place called.
5. . It is divided into seven sectors located at different heights, each of them is characterized by its own special features. climatic conditions. The territory of the reserve, about 80 thousand hectares of the total area, enjoys great respect among lovers of wildlife and history. Here for tourist groups the ruins of the most ancient village were discovered, the age of which, according to scientists, is more than three thousand years. The main feature of this settlement is the unusual shape of the huts - the clay walls of all houses have no corners. In addition, on the territory of Los Flamencos there is a huge number of stunning beauty of lakes, as well as incredible mountain landscapes and surreal sculptures, the author of which was nature itself. To get to the reserve, you will have to buy a ticket from Antofagasta, then go by road from Calama, and from Calama go to the city of San Pedro de Atacama. Not reaching 33 km to the final destination and the administration of Los Flamencos is located.

6. Chiloe Island. The first tourists to the republic tried to visit this particular island. This place attracts people with its magnificent climate, breathtaking beaches and countless monuments of ancient architecture. For example, on Chiloe, you can visit the one of a kind church of St. Mary, which is listed world heritage UNESCO. The only way to get to Chiloe is by ferry along the Chacao Canal. This channel separates the island from the rest of the country.

Cultural landmarks in Chile

The Republic of Chile is also rich in cultural attractions, photos of which you should definitely look at before the trip in order to decide what exactly to choose. The most famous of them include the following:

The Republic is always glad to tourists and travelers from different countries. Here people of all ages and life principles can find recreation according to their interests. And yet not a single person was disappointed with his visit to this bright, unusual and amazing country.

The sights of Chile are considered very interesting and unusual, which is explained by the great length of the country, the variety of climatic zones. In natural terms, it is unique, because in the landscapes there are both mountains covered with snow and deserts, flat areas of the surface with dense forests. What to see in Chile? In a nutshell, you can't say. This topic should be devoted to a separate article.

What to see in Chile in the first place?

The country boasts the highest quality highways, an extensive network railway tracks, as well as convenient air traffic. This means that no matter what Chile landmark you decide to see, getting to your destination will not be difficult.

1 Andean Christ

The monument was erected in honor of the Redeemer of Man; for more than 100 years it has been located on the territory separating Chile and Argentina. Once a war almost broke out between these states, for a long time they could not determine their borders. The end of the conflict was the grand opening of the majestic monument, which brought together the inhabitants of the two states, as a result of which a settlement agreement was signed. If you do not know what to see in Chile, you can start with the statue of the Andean Christ.

2. Valle de la Luna

In the vicinity of the city of San Pedro, this place is one of the most popular among tourists. It is represented by an accumulation of sand mixed with rocks and salts. For thousands of years, all this has been polished by winds and masses of water, resulting in something iridescent with a variety of colors and textures. Why did the valley get its name? Because it has amazing similarities with the surface of the celestial body of the moon. In the valley, tourists are not left indifferent to breathtaking landscapes. The highlight are the dry lakes covered with salts rocks, slopes of rocks playing in the sun. special attention deserve rocks that change their shape about a thousand times a day. When asked what to see in Chile, the answer is simple: visit the moon valley.

3. Easter Island

It is 3514 km away from the mainland, and a land area is known stone statues made from compressed ash. They are exposed along the coast, and their eyes are directed to the ocean. The look of the statues is creepy, but at the same time bewitching. It still remains a mystery how the 10 m high idols got there. Studies have shown that moai were made in quarries in the central part of the island. Traveling to Easter Island in any case will be exciting and interesting. Every year there is a big festival.

4. City of Santiago

This is another place that is really worth visiting in Chile. The settlement is considered the capital of the described state, in 1541 it was founded by the conquistadors. It's nice to be in Santiago because its streets are perfectly clean. It is noteworthy that the old houses, decorated in the colonial style, look good with modern buildings in the form of skyscrapers. And the background is simply mesmerizing, these are the majestic Andes covered with snow. What to see in Chile, namely in the capital? To get to know the city, it makes sense to visit museums and palaces. But in order to appreciate all the available sights, one day is not enough, because the city has collected the history and culture of the whole country.

5. Hill of San Cristobal

This is one of the main attractions of Chile, it is located in North Santiago. Having reached the top of the hill, you can visit the observatory, admire the statue of the Virgin Mary, and also see with your own eyes part of the sanctuary Immaculate Conception. A bird's-eye view of Santiago is best done from the observation deck. The appearance of the unknown world is represented by small houses with orange roofs, snow-white cathedrals. Winding streets, palm trees, tropical plants. Where to go in Chile, staying on the hill of San Cristobal? It is worth taking a walk in the botanical garden, visiting the wine museum and the zoo, where flamingos, real giraffes, meerkats live.

Feel the atmosphere of Chile in this beautiful video!

6. Lauca National Park

In the Aymara language, the name means "water grass". The park was created in 1970 on the basis of the Forest Reserve of the same name. The total area exceeds 137 thousand hectares. What is in the park area? It is represented by endless steppes, the foothills of the Cordillera Range, as well as a plateau of the same name with the famous lake, Titicaca. In 1981, this landmark of Chile was included in the UNESCO list. Given the recommendations of experienced tourists, in the surrounding national park you can set up a tent in the waters and meet a wonderful sunrise. On the adjacent territory there is a historical monument of Tambo de Chungara, which is a kind of checkpoint. Do not miss the opportunity to walk along the streets of the small town of Parinacota, explore the caves at the base of the rocky slopes. This attraction of Chile contains many more interesting things.

7. Churches of the island of Chiloe

The land plot is located in Patagonia, namely, off the southern coast of Chile, in contact with the Pacific Ocean. On its territory there is a unique historical monument demonstrating the architecture of the 18th-19th centuries. Catholic churches in this area were built by the Spaniards in order to convert the local population to Christianity. The buildings show us the European Middle Ages and at the same time the culture of the local Indians. Most importantly, they are all built without the use of nails. A trip to the island of Chiloe will be interesting.

8 Magdalena Island

This landmark of Chile has gained worldwide fame due to the huge number of penguins that live on a small area of ​​land. It is located in the Strait of Magellan. The island is inhabited only by penguins, so the only building there is old lighthouse. Throughout its territory are laid hiking trails fenced with ropes. If you dreamed of taking a photo with a real penguin, then you are on Magdalena Island.

9. City of Valparaiso

This settlement is the main port of the state. It is located in the bay with the same name, which is surrounded by mountains on all sides. In their reviews, many tourists note that getting to know the city leaves the most vivid impressions, because it is the "keeper" of the indescribable spirit of antiquity. Of the attractions in the city there is Sotomayor Square, a monument-mausoleum dedicated to Captain Arturo Prat. Museums, the building of the Maritime Ministry also attract attention. On Muel Pratt, you can buy souvenirs, grab something at a diner, or eat a full meal at one of the top-rated restaurants.

10. Mining town of Sewell

Today, the settlement is uninhabited, it is located in the Chilean mountains, not far from the capital. At one time, the mining settlement was used all year round, but now it is considered a World Heritage Site. The houses were built of wood, finished structures were painted in bright colors. The architecture was made according to the model of the 19th century, only in some buildings modernism can be traced. What to see in Chile in 1 day? Head to a mining town nestled on the slopes of the Andes. By the way, it was founded in 1904 for the purpose of mining copper.

11. Viña del Mar Botanical Garden

This is not just a landmark of Chile, but a great place to relax, reunite with nature. Work is constantly being carried out there, aimed at preserving the flora of the south-central part of the country. The total area of ​​the garden is 395 hectares, on its territory there is a park of 32 hectares. There you can admire more than 280 varieties of trees, a huge collection of plants, of which there are more than 1170 species. The garden is one of the best attractions, because in addition to visual enjoyment, it provides an opportunity to have a picnic, there are specially equipped places for this. Various events are often held on its territory, including outdoor concerts.

12. Pumaling Nature Park

This is one of the few reserves located on the territory of the described state. The local infrastructure is rated as well developed. This is manifested in the presence of hiking trails, the well-established work of the information center, and the well-equipped campsites. If you use the services of guides in Chile, you can learn the history of the emergence and development of the natural park. The local nature is wild, pristine, however, despite this, farms, cheese factories, and honey production fit in the park area. For tourists there are small shops, there is even a restaurant and a campground.

13. Volcano Ojos del Salado

On the whole earth, it is considered the highest, its peak rises to the heavens at 6893 m. The last volcanic eruption dates back more than a thousand years ago. When a small ash emission occurred in 1993, it was "reclassified" as an active one. This landmark of Chile has several more records. On the territory of the country, this point is the highest, and it also has the most high lake Earth. There is no permanent snow cap on the summit. Polish climbers were the first to climb the volcano; on the way up, they discovered several sacrificial altars. This suggests that for the ancient Americans it was a sacred mountain.

14. Humberstone and Santa Laura

To date, these are distressed saltpeter developments, which are located in the north of the country. In 2005, it was decided to include them in the UNESCO list. The factories are located in the Atacama Desert. Businesses went bankrupt during the Great Depression in 1929. main reason was the development of ammonia synthesis. on the topic of abandoned factories are often organized.

15. Torres del Paine National Park

It is notable for its incredibly beautiful mountain landscapes, which have no analogues in the whole world. What are the famous peaks of Patagonia worth, which are often found on advertising booklets, and even book covers. Torres del Paine is one of the G main sights not only because of their mountains. You can also see rivers, waterfalls, glaciers and lakes in the park. All over the world, this place is deservedly considered the most beautiful, unique. There, flora and fauna have been preserved untouched by human activity, which cannot but amaze. Where to go in Chile while in Torres del Paine Park? It makes sense to pay attention to the famous peaks "Los Cuernos" and "Las Torres". Their shape is modeled by the force of the wind, the movement of glaciers.

16. San Rafael Glacier

This attraction of Chile is one of the main ones of natural origin. The area of ​​the mass of ice of atmospheric origin is 170 km 2, and the height of the wall reaches 70 m. It is part of the Northern Patagonian ice field, which at one time formed around the San Valentin mountain peak. If you crave interesting places, then you to the glacier. This is a great opportunity to take a closer look at cold blocks with bizarre shapes.

17. City of Pucon

This place is considered the capital of active tourism. The settlement itself cannot be called large, however, on its territory there is a lake, a volcano, a wide variety of active species sports. Don't know what to see in Chile already? Think you've seen everything? You are wrong. The city of Pucon celebrates the presence of inspiring natural energy. It was founded back in 1883 with the aim of being used as a military fort, namely to protect the eastern borders of the state. When the first hotel appeared on the territory of the settlement, it began to attract even more tourists. You can get there by boat from Villarrica (nearby town). Pucon is perfect place for those who love fishing, admire the beautiful scenery.

18. Lake District

Another name for Chile's sights is the "Seven Lakes". As it has already become clear, we are talking about a whole system of reservoirs of different sizes. The most popular are those around which are located picturesque towns. Mass offered in the Lake District area interesting entertainment. You can choose from rafting or fishing, horseback riding, rock climbing and even yachting. Nearby is the Pucon ski resort. The description says that there are 9 lifts, 20 slopes for skiing. There are no problems with renting special equipment.

Things to do in Chile: what else to visit in Chile?

The first to be described were the sights of Chile that you need to see in without fail. And now let's figure out what is worth seeing in Chile if the vacation is not over yet.

19. Natural monument of La Portada

Belongs to the number of naturally educated, is under state protection. The monument has the form of an arch 43 m high, 23 m wide, 70 m long. Its base is represented by a black andesite stone, and sedimentary rocks are noted around it. Even experienced people cannot accurately name the age of the fossils, there are suggestions that it varies between 2-35 million years.

20. Elqui Valley

Considered the birthplace of Pisco grape brandy, it is a well-known Chilean drink. Its unique composition involves mixing lime juice, sugar, eggs. The valley covered with vineyards is located along the river of the same name. You can stop in neighboring settlements, and if you like the starry sky above your head, then you can camp.

21. Ski resort Portillo

What to see in Chile for true snow lovers, a relaxing holiday? An excellent option is a resort located on the shores of a picturesque lake. Keep in mind that the ski resort there lasts from mid-June to October.

22. City of Puerto Varas

It's worth walking along to admire it. magnificent views Osorno Volcano, colonial-style houses. This is a great place for fishermen, lovers of rafting and horseback riding.

23. Hand of the Desert

It is a sculpture in the Chilean Atacama Desert, symbolizing the vulnerability, loneliness and helplessness of a person in the sands. If you decide to go to the desert, make sure you have everything you need (water, food, sun protection).

No less useful is information about hotels in Chile, the level of service in them, and room rates. You can find it on special sites where you can book apartments.

Landmarks of Chile. The most important and interesting sights of Chile cities: photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.

All All Architecture Walking places Museums Nature

Any unesco

The very best

Atacama

The Atacama is a high mountain depression on the east side of the Cordillera de la Costa, stretching to the Precordillera of the Andes in the east. In some places here you can find salt marshes formed by rivers descending from the Andes. Sometimes, like a mirage, visitors see lagoons favored by flamingos and coots.

The most unesco

Easter Island statues

The land of Chile includes an amazing Rapa Nui island, thrown by turbulent historical upheavals far into the southern part Pacific Ocean. Easter Island, as it is also called, is best known for moai, stone statues made from compressed volcanic ash.

Without exaggeration, today Chile is one of the most interesting countries for tourists. The territory with a thousand-year history, beautiful landscape, stunning mountains and natural complexes attracts millions of travelers every year. Here you can feel the scope of the creator, who did not spare the bright colors for Chile.

There are many attractions in this country, which you can easily spend more than one week exploring. Therefore, it is better to focus on the most important, suitable for the first, most exciting, acquaintance with Chile.

When choosing where to start exploring these places, you need to consider that Chile is a very long country. Each of its regions has a specific set of natural and man-made beauties and travel obligations. So, Northern Chile (Arica-Parinacota, Tarapaka, Antofagasta, Atacama, Coquimbo) is the driest desert in the world, archaeological ruins and the highlands of the Andes. Central Chile (the regions of Valparaiso, Santiago, O'Higgins and Mole) is the heart of the country with major cities, famous vineyards and, surprisingly, some of the best ski resorts in the southern hemisphere. Southern Chile (regions of Biobio, Araucania, Los Rios and Los Lagos) is the land of the Mapuche with their ancestral lakes, rivers and the mythical island of Chiloe. The Far South (Eisen, Magalanes and the Antarctic territories) is Western Patagonia with fjords, capes, ice caps, lakes and forests. And finally, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) - the home of one of the most mysterious earthly civilizations, located so far in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that it takes almost 6 hours to fly here from mainland Chile.

Chile has the largest resort pool in the world. It belongs to the resort of San Alfonso del Mar in Algarrobo and is 2 km long.

Even if you are going to Chile to enjoy nature, the local cities are quite interesting and definitely worth a visit. These are Santiago and Concepcion, the two largest cities in the country, Iquique, the tourist center of Northern Chile, the charming La Serena, the main Chilean port of Valparaiso, declared a heritage of mankind by UNESCO, to the extreme tourist Viña del Mar with beaches, casinos and famous music festival, Valdivia, the "city of rivers", rebuilt after the worst earthquake in history, San Pedro de Atacama, expensive and one of the three the most popular resorts countries, and Punta Arenas, one of the southernmost cities in the world.

The island of Robinson Crusoe, or rather, its prototype, exists and belongs to the territory of Chile. The sailor Alexander Selkirk lived on it for more than 4 years, inspiring D. Defoe to write the famous book. The Chilean government renamed the island in 1966, and now you can fly here by ATA aircraft.

If we talk about natural attractions, then even in a month in Chile, tourists will barely have time to enjoy the very best. Chiloe Island is the largest island in the country, covered with dozens of myths and legends and with preserved pre-Hispanic culture local residents. On the endless plains of Patagonia are the famous national parks of Naguel Huapi, Los Glaciares and the reserve of the Valdes Peninsula with protected colonies of marine inhabitants. The once sleepy fishing village of Pichilemu has become an international mecca for surfers and Chile's number one surf destination.

And lovers winter views sports await the first-class ski resorts of El Colorado, Portillo, La Parva and Vale Nevado. Well, in the extreme south of the country there is the Torres del Paine National Park, which, to the point of dumbness, amazes the imagination with indescribably beautiful rocky landscapes.

Chile is located on the continent of South America and is famous for rich history, original culture. Tourists from all over the world come here, because this country provides opportunities for recreation of any type. Before traveling, you should familiarize yourself with the location of cities and attractions, as well as with the features of the infrastructure.

Brief information about Chile

The country of Chile is located along the coast South America washed by the Pacific Ocean. The territory is stretched from north to south, and its area is 756,950 km2. The population is 17,789,267 people.

The climate varies from region to region. Northern part characterized by a desert tropical climate, and in the south - a temperate oceanic. This location and rich nature attract many tourists to the country every year.

Desert prevails in northern Chile tropical climate

average temperature air in the southern part of the country is from +3 to +16 °C, depending on the season. In the north, this figure ranges from +12 to +22 °С. Diverse terrain, lack of sweltering heat, original culture allow you to relax in Chile with comfort and get to know this country better.

Full name of the state

Chile - this name is convenient in everyday speech, advertising, travel brochures. The official full name of the country - the Republic of Chile - is used in politics, international documents, science and other similar cases.

Geography and capital

The state of Chile is located on a narrow coastal strip of land between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. The country borders Peru in the north and Bolivia in the northeast. On the east side is Argentina. Chile has access to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

The relief of the territory is varied. The most high point countries - the peak of Ojos del Salado - reaches 6893 m. Water surfaces occupy 1.07% of the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe state. Small lowlands are present near the coastline.

the capital of Chile and administrative center The metropolitan area is the city of Santiago, which is located in the province of the same name. The population is 5,128,590 people, and the area occupied by the settlement is 641.4 km 2.

The capital has a subway, which includes 108 stations and 5 lines. Bus routes run regularly around the city and intercity routes. Santiago International Airport is located 15 km from the city center. Developed railway communication allows you to move around the nearest regions, remote cities and regions of the country.

What language is spoken in Chile

Tourists can communicate in international English with employees of airports and train stations, tour guides and guides, in hotels and restaurants. The official language in the country is Spanish, which is spoken by the locals.

The current currency in the state

The Chilean peso is divided into 100 centavos. Exchange of other types of currency is possible in banks and exchange offices in large cities. Large shopping centers, hotels and shops accept bank cards of international payment systems for payment.

Religion

More than 80% of the country's population belong to the Roman Catholic Church. There are also influential Protestant groups and residents who follow the canons of Judaism. At the same time, the Chilean Constitution of 1925 states that the church is officially separated from the state.

Timezone

Chile is in the UTC-3 time zone, and Moscow is in UTC+3. Thus, the time difference between the South American country and the capital of Russia is +6 hours.

Popular tourist cities

The rich history of the country, comfortable climate, diverse relief and interesting culture attract many tourists to Chile. Before the trip, it is worth noting the cities that will be of interest to guests from other countries in order to get to know the culture and history better, to have a comfortable rest:

• Santiago is not only the capital of Chile, but also largest metropolis South America. Parks, theaters, museums, restaurants and cafes, hotels different levels Suitable for travelers with different vacation expectations. Surely many will be interested National Museum fine arts, as well as the Bellavista quarter with nightclubs and cafes. Shops and markets on Miraflores, O'Higgins and Amunate streets are convenient for shopping. From traditional dishes you can try pastel de jaiva crab casserole or umita, which is a spiced corn pie wrapped in banana or corn leaves. gun square, municipal theater opera and ballet, the Museum of the Art of Pre-Columbian America are optimal for lovers cultural tourism;
  Santiago attracts tourists with numerous museums and beautiful surroundings.
• in the southeast Pacific Ocean is Easter Island, known throughout the world for its mysterious antique statues. Until now, the origin of these sculptures is unknown, and scientists also do not understand the reason for the disappearance of the indigenous population of the island. These mysteries attract tourists here who should look at the Moai statues, the Rano Raraku volcano, visit the cleanest beach of Anakena Bay or observation deck Rano Kao volcano. You can get here by tourist yacht or plane. Small cafes on the island serve fresh seafood and different types menu;
  All the statues of Easter Island are turned to face the volcano Rano Raraku
• Antofagasta is one of the largest cities in Chile. It is located on the Pacific coast, has a port, several beaches with hotels and cafes, among which the resort of Juan Lopez stands out. In restaurants, you should try Chilean wine and empanadas pies. There is an international airport Cerro Moreno. Travelers can visit the Japanese park, Arturo Prat pedestrian alley, Cathedral San Jose, regional stadium, look at the central square and buy souvenirs in small shops;
  The city of Antofagasta has many beaches and comfortable hotels
• the ancient city is La Serena, located on the Pacific coast. This city was founded in 1544 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia. Not far from the city there is the Cerro Tololo astronomical observatory, and tourists can also visit the archaeological museum with interesting expositions. The buildings in the city are made in the colonial style. Travelers can see the expositions of museums of mineralogy or religious art. Extensive and clean beaches are attractive for a relaxing holiday;
  La Serena was founded in 1544
• El Colorado is a vast ski center. This area, together with the resort of Valle Nevado, is in demand for tourism: there are ski slopes of various levels. From mid-June to October, people from different countries rest here. Classes at the local ski school are optimal for mastering this sport. Cafes, cozy hotels, developed infrastructure provide comfortable rest;
  There are many in El Colorado ski slopes different levels
• Iquique is the capital of the Tarapaca region. This settlement is the main fishing port of the country. There are several extensive beaches, comfortable infrastructure for tourists. Visitors to the city can walk along Bakedano Street or look at the Astoreca Palace, which is distinguished beautiful architecture. It is worth visiting the regional or maritime museums, making bargains in the Sona Franca de Iquique shopping center. Hotels of different levels provide comfortable rooms for living;
  Iquique offers bargain shopping and cultural sightseeing
• the city of Concepción is the second largest in Chile and is known for being home to 4 of the country's major universities. On campus, there is the Casa del Arte Art Museum, which has a large collection of paintings, including famous and rare exhibits. Natural disasters are not uncommon here, and the territory is prone to earthquakes, while the city is visited annually by many tourists from different countries.
  The major universities of the country are located in the city of Concepción

Many of the country's cities are located along the coastline. Ski areas are located in the Andes and foothills.

Famous sights of Chile

The history and culture of the country are interesting for tourists, but also natural objects attract no less.

When traveling to Chile, you should pay attention to the following architectural, historical and cultural attractions:

• on the island of Chiloe there are several ancient churches that were built by the Spanish conquistadors in past centuries, and are now historically valuable objects. This island is located at a distance of 2 km from the mainland and can be reached by ferry from Puerto Montt, Osorno and other cities in the country. In addition to churches, the island has a national park with beautiful nature. Cool weather and changeable climate require tourists to be well prepared for the trip;
  There are many ancient temples and churches on the island of Chiloe.
• "Hand of the Desert" is an original sculpture in the form of a human left palm, designed by the architect Mario Irarrasabal. This reinforced concrete monument was opened in 1992. The property is located in the Antofagasta region, 400 m from the Pan American Highway. The height of the structure is 11 m. Travelers often come here to take pictures against the backdrop of an unusual sculpture;
  The "Hand of the Desert" monument is popular with tourists due to the fact that it looks unusual against the backdrop of a lifeless desert.
• on the shore large lake Llanquihue is located in the city of Puerto Varas. It was founded by the Germans, so many buildings here are distinguished by the severity inherent in their national architecture. The city is notable for being located next to three volcanoes, the most beautiful of which is Osorno. Ecotourism is popular here, for example, walks to the lake or volcanoes. Travelers come here for trekking highlands. You can stay in small hotels or hostels, and in restaurants and cafes you can taste dishes of Chilean and German cuisines;
  The city of Puerto Varas in Chile attracts lovers of ecotourism
• in Santiago is located La Moneda - the official residence of the President of the country. The palace was built by Joaquín Toesca in the Classicist style in 1784-1805. Now there are several halls and cabinets of ministers. Guests of the city can look at the palace while walking around the city;
  La Moneda Palace is located in the capital of Chile
• on Mount Cerro Unica, in the Atacama Desert, near the city of Huara, there is a prehistoric geoglyph in the form of an image of a creature resembling a person. The age of this creation is estimated at 9000 years. The creators of this geoglyph are unknown, and the object called Tarapaka can only be fully seen from an airplane. A little further there are images of circles, lines, owls, birds, abstractions, the age of which is no less than that of the Tarapak geoglyph;
  The oldest geoglyphs in Chile have survived to this day
• in the north of the country is Pucara de Quitor - a pre-Columbian village, which is an archaeological monument. It is located 3 km from the city of San Pedro de Atacama. Tourists will be interested ancient fortress built around the 12th century. The ruins of centuries-old buildings attract travelers with their history;
  The ancient ruins at Pucara de Quitor are well preserved to this day
• on the Bermejo Pass, in the Andes Mountains, on the border of Chile and Argentina, a monument to Christ the Redeemer was erected in honor of the peaceful settlement of the conflict between countries over borders in 1904. Tourists regularly come here as part of excursions or independent travel.
  The statue of Christ the Redeemer on the border of Argentina and Chile can be seen from afar

There are few architectural and historical sites in Chile, but there are also extraordinary natural attractions. For example, many travelers go on a trip to the Lake District, located near the city of Puerto Montt and the island of Chiloe. There are 7 here national parks, lakes of different sizes and beautiful landscapes.

The San Rafael Glacier, located on the Taitao Peninsula, is considered the oldest in the world. There are evergreen forests, many lakes, the largest of which is the Presidente Rios. Canyons of complex shape allow tourists to trek here. Beautiful nature and cool climate are suitable for active rest. Near the glacier you can see the formation of icebergs.

Mount Fitzroy is located in the border zone between Chile and Argentina and reaches a height of 3405 m. Multi-day routes and trails for climbing to the top are organized here. The peak is popular among climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. The closest settlement to the mountain is the village of El Chalten, which is served by a bus from tourist center El Calafate. Optimal time for climbing - from December to February.

On the territory of Chile there are many national parks, a tour of which allows you to see the beauty of nature and unique objects natural origin. Tourists should make a trip to the following parks:

• in the Frei Jorge National Park in the province of Limari, there are trails of low difficulty, as well as trails for people with disabilities;
• Volcano Isluga National Park is located in the Andes, in the province of Tarapaca. The park has small settlements, geysers and a variety of bird and animal species;
• in the region of Arica y Parinacota, in northern Chile, there is the Lauca National Park. Here are the volcanoes Akotango and Gualyatiri, Lake Chungara, next to which a variety of flora and fauna lives;
• in the eastern part of the Antofagasta region there is the Llullaillaco Park with a desert-rock relief, where many animals live.

Chile is characterized by a contrasting nature. There are both bare rocks and lifeless deserts, as well as evergreen forests and lakes.

Holidays in different seasons

Chile is located in the Southern Hemisphere and here the summer months are winter. This principle also applies to other seasons. Therefore, from June to early September, ski resorts operate in Chile and you can learn snowboarding and other sports. The average air temperature in the plains is about +5 °С. At this time, it is worth visiting the places of Valle Nevado, Portillo, La Parva, Ferallones and Las Araucarias.

Since September, spring begins in the Southern Hemisphere, and the precipitation that has fallen over the winter disappears. At this time, it is worth taking a tour of the national parks, for example, visiting the Lauca Park or the National Botanical Garden, located in the city of Viña del Mar. A good option would be a trip to the private park Pumalin, where the infrastructure is well developed.

From December, summer begins in Chile, not characterized by sweltering heat. At this time of the year, tourists flock to the beaches and visit coastal towns such as Arica. On Easter Island, De Anakena beach is in demand, and Playa Hermosa is suitable for fishing. On the mainland, it is easy to choose a beach for children or a rocky coast. Diving, surfing, cruises to the islands on a yacht or ferry trips are relevant from September to February.

Autumn begins here in March. Precipitation is more frequent at this time, so long excursions and hikes will not be comfortable. In autumn in Chile you can do cultural recreation, visiting museums, shopping and walking along the streets of any big city, for example, Santiago or Antofagasta.

Multi-day travel options

If your stay in Chile lasts 1 day, then during this time you can take a leisurely walk around the city, try traditional cuisine, visit a museum or sunbathe on the beach, depending on the season. For these purposes, Santiago is optimally suited, since the airport is not far from here, and the city has many interesting sights.

Video: Heads and tails in Santiago

A three- or five-day trip allows you to visit Chiloe Island or Easter Island, as well as the capital. You can devote this time to relaxing in ski resorts or the beach. Many tourists make trips to volcanoes or Magdalena Island to see penguins.

In a week, many travelers manage to visit the capital, visit the beaches and islands. This time can be devoted to shopping, going to museums, dining in restaurants and visiting theaters.

Chile for families with children

When traveling with children, the main attractions are visits to zoos, water parks, yacht trips and museums. To do this, pay attention to the following places:

• the Metropolitano park near Santiago includes free fitness sections, 2 swimming pools, trekking routes, a zoo, free picnic areas. Entrance to the pool costs about $15;
• the water park Parque Acuatico Curunina in La Serena has a variety of water slides, cafes, themed recreation areas for the whole family;
• water park Parque Alliyay in the city of Copiano - a variety of water attractions for children of all ages;
Traveling to Chile with children is possible in any season, as this country has quite safe and comfortable weather. It is necessary to make an itinerary in advance, which will ensure an exciting vacation.

Photo gallery: tourist maps of cities

The city of Antofagasta is located on the ocean coast The city of Iquique has a developed infrastructure The city of Concepción has a provincial atmosphere There are many parks and hostels in La Serena Easter Island is known all over the world The city of Puerto Montt occupies a small area Santiago is visited by many tourists every year

Millions of tourists visit Chile every year. Easter Island, the world's driest Atakami desert, as well as many other natural monuments and ancient culture make this country a Mecca for curious travelers.

The main attractions of Chile

Lauca National Park

The title of one of the most visited and interesting attractions in Chile rightfully belongs to the Lauca National Park, located at an altitude of more than 4,500 km above sea level, almost at the very border with Bolivia. This biosphere reserve contains the richest collection of rare representatives of flora and fauna.

Le Page Museum

IN chile landmarks, belonging to different eras, can be found at almost every step, but this museum has no analogues. IN archaeological museum Le Page, which is located on the territory of the Atacama Desert, has collected more than 380 thousand of the rarest exhibits, some of which are 10,000 years old. It is here that the largest collection of mummies (about 400) is stored, which are almost three millennia older than the embalmed remains of the famous Egyptian pharaohs.

Active volcano Maipo

Maipo Volcano, one of the southernmost peaks of the Andes, is located on the border with Argentina, 90 km from Tupungato and 100 km from Santiago. As already noted, in Chile, attractions, including natural ones, are not uncommon, but this active volcano can be safely called the brightest miracle of the region. Maipo became popular due to its unusual, absolutely symmetrical conical shape.

La Portada - the largest natural arch

As you know, Chile is a country whose attractions can be divided into natural and man-made. La Portada is one of the most interesting buildings created by nature. Unique monument, which is a giant stone arch 43 meters high, is located in the northern part of Antofagasta.

Andean Christ - a symbol of peace

On the Bermejo Pass, which is on the border of Chile and Argentina, in honor of the truce of the two countries in 1904, at an altitude of 3900 meters above sea level, a monument to Christ the Redeemer was erected. This monument is made of bronze, which was obtained by melting down old cannons left over from the Spanish colonists. For both Argentina and Chile, this landmark is a symbol of eternal peace, as the inscription on the pedestal eloquently testifies: “Mountains will soon crumble to dust than we will violate the ceasefire agreement.”

Atacama Desert: Moon Valley

This desert is notable for the fact that there is nothing living here: only stones, salt lakes and absolute silence. And, despite the fact that Chile is a country whose sights are unique, the Atacama Desert is the most unusual place on the ground. In the entire history of meteorological observations, not a single rain was recorded in this area. It is not for nothing that the desert is called the moon valley - the local landscapes are very reminiscent of the surface of the Earth's satellite.

Los Flamencos Nature Reserve

The reserve, with a total area of ​​​​approximately 80,000 hectares, is very popular among lovers wildlife, history and archeology. Here, tourists can see the ruins of a village that is over 3,000 years old. Experts believe that the main feature of this ancient settlement is the unusual shape of the buildings - the walls of clay houses are round. In Los Flamencos, the stunning beauty of the lake, incredible mountain landscapes and surreal sculptures created by nature itself.

Chiloe Island

One of the attractions that made Chile popular is the island of Chiloe. It has an excellent climate, wonderful beaches and a mass of monuments of ancient culture and architecture. The island is home to the unique Church of St. Mary, which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Lake Chungara - mysterious splendor

On the southwestern coast of Chile, at an altitude of 4570 meters above sea level, there is one of the most mysterious and beautiful lakes in the world - Chungara. Surrounded by Mount Guayatiri and the Payachata volcano, this natural reservoir is a safe haven for endangered species of fish and birds. On the picturesque banks of the Chungara, along which people leisurely stroll pink flamingos, more than 130 species of rare herbs, flowers and shrubs grow, and not far from the lake, the ruins of ancient settlements have been preserved.

Easter Island is one of the most mysterious places on earth.

In the South Pacific is the most mysterious island on earth, one of the most famous and popular attractions in Chile. Tourists are attracted here not only by azure beaches and beautiful landscapes, but also by many mysteries that haunt many generations of explorers and travelers. The most famous monuments unknown civilization - huge statues. The height of stone idols is from 3 to 21 meters. The weight of each statue ranges from 10 to 25 tons, but among them there are real giants weighing about 90 tons.