Chile: attractions, photos, reviews. Brief information about Chile. Pucon - a beautiful city next to a volcano and a picturesque lake

Chile is one of the most interesting countries peace. Thousands of years of history, beautiful landscapes, majestic mountains and pristine mountainous areas, amazing variety natural complexes, a colorful local population and a rapidly developing economy - these are the main arguments when choosing this country as an object of visit. The most popular attractions in Chile are Chungara Lake, Parinacota Volcano, Atacama Desert, El Tatio Geysers, Miscanti Lake, granite "towers" of Torres del Paine, the archaeological sites of Copaquilla and Sapahuira, the mysterious Easter Island, and Patagonia - the most southern region the American continent, are well known far beyond the borders of the country.

Chile is the longest and narrowest country on the planet. The particularly large extent of the country allows it to have almost all the climatic zones existing on the planet. No country in the world has such a unique geographic location. This amazing country has almost everything - kilometers of beaches and some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, endless steppes and amazingly beautiful waterfalls, ski resorts and many examples of colonial architecture, dense forests and huge megacities, wild and deserted expanses of southern Patagonia and colorful villages pastoralists.

Sights of Santiago

Santiago de Chile is a huge city, spread out on the fertile valley of the same name, sandwiched between mountain ranges 100 km away. from the ocean. Capital, economic and Cultural Center country with more than 5.5 million inhabitants, the city was founded on February 12, 1541 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, and has since been considered one of the most unusual capitals world (the city became the capital of the country in 1818). Skyscrapers made of glass and concrete coexist here with numerous churches of the 18th century, residents with the same pleasure wear both modern business suits and traditional tribal clothes, and the fashionable areas of Providencia and Las Condes coexist with the calampas slum areas. At the same time, the standard of living of the local population is one of the highest on the continent.

The center of the city is the Plaza de Armas ("Square of Weapons") with a monument to the founder of the city - Pedro de Valdivia, as well as the "Freedom of America" ​​monument and a monument to the first cardinal of Chile, José Maria Caro. Most of the historical monuments are concentrated around the square - the House of Governors, the Municipality, the building of the Royal Audience (1804-1808, now the Historical Museum is located here), the Fernandez Concha colonnade, the colorful Mercado Central (Central Market, 1868), the Cathedral ( 1748-1775), Post Office building, Paseo Aumada pedestrian alley and palace complex La Moneda (1788-1805) - presidential palace and seat" last fight"President Allende.

Nearby are the Municipal Opera and Ballet Theater (1857-1873), Mount San Cristobal (860 m), famous for its famous statue Virgin Mary (height 36 m.), Cumbre casino, vast park, zoo and teleferico funiculars. From the foot of the statue, from the very platform on which Pope John Paul II said Mass during his visit to Santiago in 1984, a beautiful view of the city and the Andes range opens up. At the foot of the mountain there is a luxurious Botanical Garden (712 hectares), in which, in addition to an extensive floristic collection, you can find the Victoria Folklore Center and the Camino Real wine restaurant. Of the numerous parks of the capital, the Central City Park (1900) deserves attention, which is surrounded by numerous colonial buildings and various entertainment venues, the so-called "Trading Park", which is a green city market, the Quinto-Normal park with numerous playgrounds , as well as the Balmaceda, Santa Lucia and Metropolitano parks.

Statistical indicators of Chile
(as of 2012)

The Barrio Bellavista district, known as the "Paris Quarter", is one of the most vibrant areas of the city. This is a bohemian area with countless two-story villas in colonial style, quiet alleys, "ethnic" restaurants and an active craft fair on Fridays and Saturdays. Equally colorful are the districts of Providencia, El Golf, Vitacura and Las Condes, as well as the pedestrian street Huerfonos, Central Station and Republic Street. It is worth visiting the Cathedral of St. Augustine (1625), the Basilica of the Virgin of Mercedes, the building of the Catholic University (1913), the Basilica of the Angels in Balmaceda Park, the Cathedral of Providence (1880), the Church of Thanksgiving (1863), the Church and the College of Saints Hearts (1849), Elgin Palace (1861), the building of the National Library with the mausoleum of Bernardo O'Higgins, the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Mapuche children's play complex and the Alley of Figures.

Santiago has many museums including the excellent Museum of Pre-Columbian Chilean Art, Museum of Modern Art (1947), National Historical Museum (1911), National Museum fine arts (1880, the most old museum in Latin America) with an excellent collection of European and Chilean art, the Museum of Santiago in the Casa Colorada ("house of color") and the mainland's most modern planetarium. special attention deserves the house-museum of the great Chilean poet Pablo Neruda (La Chascona), literally cut into the rock at the foot of Mount San Cristobal. And the whole plain south of the city is one of the world's largest wine-growing regions. On the slopes of the surrounding mountains there are many first-class ski centers.

Other sights of Chile

The northern part of the country, El Norte, is a long strip of deserts, semi-deserts and wastelands, stretching for almost 1300 km. from the Peruvian border to the city of Copiapo and only occasionally interrupted by tiny oases. The climate here is harsh and dry, in some places it has not seen rain for several hundred years, but the colossal deposits of minerals have attracted thousands of people since ancient times. The northeastern part of the region, lying within the Andes mountain ranges, contrasts with the coastal deserts - although it is a harsh, but very beautiful mountainous region, which is the mecca of ecotourism, trekking and mountaineering.

The northernmost city of the country - Arica, lies on the outskirts of the desert region, near the Peruvian border. The amazing combination of the mild warm climate inherent in Arica and the nearby "inferno" of Atacama, gives the city a special appeal. The sights of the city include the traditional for all Spanish colonial cities central square Plaza de Armas with the Cathedral of St. Marcos built by Eiffel himself (1876), the fortress of Arica (the first Spanish fortress in the country, now the Museum of History and Weapons is located here), Fort Alacran (now there is a yacht club), fish market, Morro Rock - the site of the decisive battle of the Pacific War, as well as the colorful Asapa Valley and the luxurious Asapa and Henrietta beaches. Nearby are the hot springs of Mamina, the outskirts of the Atacama Desert, the oasis of the Pika Valley and the picturesque town of San Miguel de Asapa with its famous Mummy Museum (the age of the exhibits presented here is from the 17th to the 2nd millennium BC).

La Serena is an important historical and economic center of the north of the country, as well as one of the oldest cities in Chile. Located on the Pacific coast, at the mouth of the Rio Elki, since ancient times it has been the center of silver and copper mining, as well as a major agricultural region of the country. Its importance for the country is emphasized by the presence of its own mint, the building of which still adorns this city. Today, La Serena is not only and not so much an industrial center as a monument city, and already competes with Viña del Mar as an excellent beach resort. The city is famous for its winemaking and wine cellars. Nearby is the largest observatory in the southern hemisphere, Tololo.

In addition to a string of beautiful beaches, the city has carefully restored churches, including the Cathedral of St. Francis (1844), numerous craft markets, good museums, including the luxurious Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Religious Art and the Ignacio Domeiko Museum of Mineralogy, as well as many picturesque villages nearby. To the east of the city lies the quiet valley of the Rio Elki. Irrigated by numerous canals, it is completely planted with fruit plantations - papayas, apples, oranges, avocados and grapes grown on these lands are considered the best in the country.

The famous Atacama Desert is one of the most interesting places in the country and at the same time one of the driest and most lifeless places on the planet. It happens that not a drop of precipitation falls here for several hundred years in a row, but nevertheless, this region is famous for its majestic landscapes, the richest archaeological sites and unique wildlife. Despite the seemingly unbearable conditions for the existence of living organisms (the daytime temperature exceeds +36 C all year round, while the night temperature can drop to zero at 0% air humidity), more than 160 species of cacti grow here and about 200 species of animals live, mainly - reptiles and insects. All the moisture that local residents can count on comes here in the form of fogs or the smallest water suspension, but despite this, the main attraction of these places is the "desert bloom", caused by a short-term moisture influx associated with the arrival of moist air masses from the Pacific Ocean ( this usually happens in September-October).

Small oases scattered across the desert keep the memory of the ancient civilizations of Chinchorro and Aymara, and traces of their cultures can be found here almost everywhere. Do not forget about local cities. Built for the most part on the site of ancient cities of the pre-Columbian era, they bear a unique imprint of the times and cultures that dominated this land long before the arrival of Europeans. It is worth visiting the city of San Pedro de Atacama - one of the ancient centers of the Chinchorro and Inca cultures, with its Pucara de Quitor fortress (XII century), the town of Toconao with an old church, the port city of Antofagasta with its colonial mansions, the city cathedral and the clock tower of Torre del Reloj, the nearby Valley of the Moon with its fantastic landscapes, the seaside resort of Los Bilos near Coquimbo, the oasis of Matilla with a church (XVIII century) and a distillery, the Caldera with the church of San Vincente, Copiapo with the church of Iglesia Cathedral and the University of Atacama, the capital of the Iquique region with its famous beaches, numerous villas of the last century and a theater (the Zona Franca or Zofri Duty Free Zone is also located here). No less interesting are the Volkan-Isluga National Park, the Bahia-Inglesa rock massifs, the town of Kalama lying in the middle of the desert, and the abandoned mining town of Humberstone.

The central part of the country is the most favorable area for human life. It has a rather mild climate, lush vegetation and many colorful historical cities. The capital of Chile, Santiago, is located in the central part of the country.

120 km northwest of Santiago is the city of Valparaiso or, as the locals say, Valpo, which is the main port of Chile and the second largest city in the country. It was from here that the colonization of the country began, it was from here that ships left for new islands and countries, and it is here that you can find an incredible mixture of cultures and peoples, so characteristic of modern Chile. Despite its size, it is the most typical city in the country and one of the most intriguing places in South America. Occupying only a narrow strip of land between the coastline and the nearby hills, the intricate historic center of Valparaiso contains many winding cobbled streets and is surrounded, like steep cliffs, by the houses of the suburbs, which stretch along the slopes, to which numerous footpaths, stairs and even funiculars lead.

Only 10 km. north of Valparaiso lies the main beach resort of Chile - Viña del Mar, usually referred to as the "Garden City" because of its subtropical climate, beautiful scenery and many avenues of palm trees and banana trees. Horse-drawn carriages ply between colorful mansions of the century before last, a luxurious beach and the river bank. The main attractions of the city - ocean shores of pure white sand, numerous parks and excellent museums housed in restored colonial mansions. The National Botanical Garden of Chile is also located here, representing on its 61 hectares of area many hundreds of species of local and exotic plants, as well as the first casino in Chile, the unique "Flower Clock", the Vergara Palace with a luxurious garden, the Wolf Castle, the Municipal Theater, the Museum of Fine arts, the Museum of Culture and an excellent recreational infrastructure.

South central Chile is one of the most beautiful areas in the world. The majestic Andes are framed here by hundreds of rivers, the cones of ancient and young volcanoes are reflected in the smooth surface of the purest lakes, mountain slopes covered with thickets of relic plants or planted with the best vineyards in America, and the local population is the descendants of the proud and warlike Mapuche Indians.

The south of the country differs markedly from other regions of Chile in terms of natural and climatic conditions and landscapes. There is a lot of rainfall here and few sunny days, winters are cool, and even in summer average temperature does not rise above 18 C. The slopes of the mountains are covered with dense evergreen and mixed forests, and the extreme south, bordering harsh lands Patagonia is covered with steppes and wastelands, while some areas bear all the signs of the Arctic tundra - forbs are replaced here by mosses and dwarf trees covering the mountain slopes. Coastline strongly indented, numerous islands and fjords form a dense network of interconnected water areas.

Puerto Montt, founded by German colonists in the middle of the 19th century. - one of the most interesting cities in Chile and the gateway to the Lake District. The appearance of the city is more characteristic of German architecture - "beam" houses have gabled tiled roofs, which are topped with characteristic weather vanes, decorative balconies with wrought-iron gratings are twined with ivy and other greenery, and impeccably straight streets are maintained in perfect cleanliness by local standards. The sights of the city are Cathedral(1856) mahogany in the main square and wooden port. But most tourists come here not for the sake of the city, but to visit its surroundings, famous throughout the country for their landscapes. Ancient tectonic processes and colossal glaciers that once covered the slopes of the Andes led to the formation in these parts of a huge number of lakes with the purest water surrounded by leafy and coniferous forests. This vividly resembles the lakes of Karelia or Finland, the only difference from which are the majestic mountain peaks, standing like a wall across the western horizon.

Villarrica National Park is a bizarre mixture of relic mountain forests and lifeless lava landscapes. Nearby lies the narrow Carbugua Lake, hot springs and waterfalls. Eagle Nest. 120 km. south of Puerto Montt is the Hornopiren National Park with the most beautiful conical volcano of the same name. The whole area is replete with thermal springs, on which tiny but very cozy villages are built - Cahuelmo, Quitralco, Porselana, Puyuhuapi, etc. Many of them are inaccessible from land, so special boats go to them from Puerto Montt. The city of Temuco is interesting for its Mapuche Cultural Center with good Historical Museum, in Texa there is the Museum of the South (the history of the German diaspora), the university city of Valdivia, former center colonization of southern Chile, famous for its Spanish fortress, and Osorno hosts the Feria Ganadera, the largest cattle show in the country. Also of interest are the national parks of Alerce, Laguna del Laja, Conguillo, Puyehu, Tolhuaca and Radal Siete Tazas, as well as the Petrogue waterfall.

From Puerto Montt to the Strait of Magellan and the islands of Tierra del Fuego (Thiero del Fuego) stretches one of the most unusual areas of the country. The climate here is harsh, with relatively little rainfall, so thousands of local islands, fiords and mountains are covered with forests in the north and wastelands in the south. It is here that the Andes begin, whose peaks, flooded as a result of the impact of tectonic processes, form these islands.

Chiloe Island is one of the largest and most interesting islands in the fjord system of the southern part of the country. 180 km long. and 50 km wide, Isla Grande de Chiloe, as the Chileans call it, is considered the second largest in the country, and is a picturesque hilly island with a temperate maritime climate, overgrown with forests and herbs. Chiloe is connected to the mainland only by ferries, and all life here revolves around the sea. The local fishing towns of Ancud and Kastro are very colorful - the silhouettes of "palafitos" pile houses covered with shingles and tiles are always "blurred" by fog, but in rare sunny days the picture becomes completely unusual - the contours of the city and the mainland volcanoes clearly visible from here are reflected in the lead-blue waters of the ocean.

Punta Arenas - amazing city on the coast of the Strait of Magellan. Before the opening of the Panama Canal, it was one of the major ports America. Now it is somewhat stale, but nevertheless it is considered one of the most colorful cities in the country. Spread out on windswept hills, the city has retained traces of its former grandeur in the form of luxurious mansions and palaces. Of particular interest is the Regional Museum of Local Lore, the business district in the city center and the free economic zone of the Zona Franca, as well as La Cruz Hill, from the top of which a breathtaking panorama of the city, the strait and the northern part of Tierra del Fuego opens. Not far from the city are the famous Big Falls, penguin colonies in Otway, Milodon Cave - a place of finds of the remains of prehistoric animals, as well as mountain ski resort.

Archipelago Tierra del Fuego(Thiero del Fuego) was discovered by Magellan in 1520. Only at the end of the 19th century. the colonization of this harsh region began. Settlers from british isles and from the Balkans they built the first ranches here and since then it has been largest center sheep farming in Chile. Porbenir ("fate") is the largest city on the island of Tierra del Fuego and probably the most isolated settlement in the world. The quiet town, populated mainly by people from the Balkans, lives by sheep breeding and fishing, and has come down to us almost unchanged since the beginning of the last century. It is worth visiting the very interesting local Museum of Local Lore, as well as walking along the grassy banks of the Beagle Channel, from the banks of which you can see the island of Navarino and the harsh waters of Antarctica.

The Juan Fernandez archipelago lies in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 650 km. west of the coast and consists of the islands of Robinson Crusoe (Mas a Tierra), Santa Clara and Alexander Selkirk (Mas a Fuera). The entire territory of the archipelago, which became famous thanks to Daniel Defoe's novel "Robinson Crusoe", is a national park that protects the unique island flora (endemic species such as the giant fern, myrtle, paradise tree, giant chamomile, etc. grow here) and the bird community. In addition, tourists are shown Fort Santa Barbara (1749), Robinson Crusoe's cave, Baja Cumberland Bay, Puenta San Carlos cliffs and the Mirador rock site (here, according to legend, Selkirk, the prototype of Robinson Crusoe, set up his observation site). The only sandy beach of the island - Plava Arenal, is famous for its clear waters and is extremely popular as a kind of seaside resort.

With a wide variety of landscapes, Chile has become an increasingly popular travel destination in recent years, especially among nature and adventure lovers. In this country for west coast South America, travelers will find many stunning landscapes ranging from high peaks Andes and endless beaches to lush forests, ancient volcanoes and stunning coastlines.

Chile also has an abundance of excellent national parks and reserves, many of which are favorites for travelers who love rafting, mountain biking and horseback riding. With a city like Santiago offering many great museums and art galleries, and Easter Island with its stone figures, this country is a place where everyone will find something to their liking.

Even people who don't like museums should make an exception for the excellent Gustav Le Page Museum in San Pedro. The Atacama is a nirvana for archaeologists due to its almost lifeless environment that has preserved ancient artifacts for thousands of years. And so this museum is filled with such fascinating finds as well-preserved pottery and textiles, and an extraordinary collection of shamanic paraphernalia for preparing, ingesting, and smoking hallucinogenic plants.

Detailed tours in English and Spanish will help tourists immerse themselves in the history of the region, from the earliest times to the period of the Inca conquest and the Spanish invasion.

Location: Padre Le Paige - 380.

Bellavista's most famous resident was Pablo Neruda, who dropped by during the annual Valparaiso New Year's Eve fireworks and immediately fell in love with the place. It is better to explore the mansion in the morning. To do this, you need to climb the mountain. The house has an incredible view of the harbor and surroundings from every window.

Unlike other houses of Neruda, a tourist can explore the building on his own, lingering at impressive collections miniature replicas of famous ships, glassware, furniture from the 1950s and works of art by famous friends of the owner of the house. Nearby there is a small exhibition area, a cafe and a gift shop.

Location: Ferrari - 692.

Rano Cau and Orongo Ceremonial Village

Covered with floating reeds, it crater lake looks like a giant cauldron. Perched 400m above, on the edge of a crater on one side, dropping down to the blue ocean on the other, Orongo Ceremonial Village boasts one of the South Pacific's most incredible landscapes.

Built on a slope, the houses have walls of stone slabs, with a vaulted roof covered with earth. Orongo was the center of a bird cult in the 18th and 19th centuries.

This trendy, private fashion museum includes an extensive and exquisite permanent collection of Western clothing. The work of 20th-century designers is especially well represented here. Star exhibits include John Lennon's jacket, Jean Paul Gaultier's "tapered bra" designed for Madonna, and an evening gown worn by Lady Diana. Tourists also have the opportunity to see incredible temporary exhibits, which range from those dedicated to Michael Jackson to sportswear from the World Cup that was held here in the 60s.

Location: Av Vitacura 4562, Santiago.

When the poet Pablo Neruda needed a secret hideout to spend time with his mistress Matilda, he built La Chascona. Neruda, of course, was a great lover of the sea, so the dining room was created in the form of a ship's cabin, and a small lighthouse was placed in the living room.

Audio tours (available in English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish) tell the story of the site's construction and describe the collection of colored glass, shells, furniture and artwork. Unfortunately, most of these treasures were lost when the house was ransacked during the dictatorship.

Location: Fernando Márquez de La Plata 130-194.

Valdivia has the best major brewery in the south. Tours run hourly from noon to 11:00 pm and include viewing original glass mugs and tasting unfiltered beer straight from the barrel.

Location: Ruta S-95-T, Valdivia.

Rano Raraku volcano, about 18 km from Hanga Roa, is a quarry of hard tufa from which moai were carved. Here you can feel the atmosphere of the early Polynesian period, wandering among the dozens of moai that dotted the southern slopes of the volcano. Inside the crater is a small lake and about 20 standing moai.

Cultural Center "Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral"

Named after the Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, this striking center of culture and art is an exciting addition to Santiago's artistic wealth.

Worth a stroll in the area to see the large exhibition areas and rotating art exhibits, iconic architecture, small squares, murals, cafes and more.

Location: Av Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins - 227.

Museum "Museo de Sitio Colón 10"

Here you can see 32 excavated Chinchorro mummies. They were discovered when an architect bought this former a private house with the intention of turning it into a hotel. They were found in the sand under the floors, in different positions, along with their grave goods, skins and feathers of seabirds.

Location: Colón - 10.

The Italian Eduardo Provasoli chose a combination of neo-gothic and classical architecture for the design of the church of St. Francis. The building was completed in 1912 and was erected to replace an earlier church that had been damaged by fire.

The church is a visual delight - a yellow facade with purple trim, inside an interior with lacquered wood. The best time to visit this place is on a sunny day. At this time, the interior is more charming thanks to the incredible stained glass windows.

The incredible Ahu Tongariki is the most photographed attraction in the country. With 15 imposing statues, it is the largest monument in the country. The statues are turned to face the large village platform next to the petroglyphs; Some of the figures include a turtle with a human face, a tuna, and statues with a bird motif. This place was restored by the Japanese between 1992 and 1995.

Beach lovers can't miss this one. great beach with white sand. It also makes the perfect backdrop for Ahu Nau Nau, which includes seven moai.

On the rise south of the beach stands Ahu Ature-Khuki and his lone moai, which was restored by a Norwegian explorer with the help of a dozen islanders in 1956. Beach facilities include public toilets, as well as food and souvenir stalls.

Church of Santa Maria de Loreto south side The Plaza de Armas is the oldest (1740) and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Perched on a 25m mountain, it has shingles that are secured with wooden pegs rather than nails. The church was restored, with a new tree replacing the old one, but its restoration remained true to the original design.

The exquisite pottery of the main pre-Columbian cultures is the basis of Santiago's best museum, the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Along with dozens of intricate molded anthropomorphic vessels, stellar exhibits include Mayan stoneware and Andean textiles. More unusual are the wooden spatulas used by Amazonian shamans to take hallucinogenic powders.

Location: Bandera - 361.

An excellent regional museum in the city of Ancud, offers visitors fantastic exhibits showing the history of the island, including a full-size replica of Ancud.

Location: Libertad - 370.

Tourists in Chile should not miss this incredible viewpoint next to the La Confluencia factory, where the most powerful river Chili Baker froths and cascades before merging with younger, glacial Rio Nave in a swirling contrast of mint and blue. The observation deck is located 12 km south of Puerto Bertrand.

Mount Terevaka is the most high point islands ( 507 m). This barren hill can only be reached on foot or on horseback and will certainly be worth the effort as the summit offers sensational panoramic views.

The sights of Chile are considered very interesting and unusual, which is explained by the great length of the country, the diversity 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 roads, an extensive network of 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 dry lakes, salt-covered rocks, rock slopes, playing in the sun. Rocks that change their shape about a thousand times a day deserve special attention. 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 the land area is known for 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 of the Immaculate Conception. A bird's-eye view of Santiago is best done from 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. Considering the recommendations seasoned tourists, in the surrounding national park you can set up a tent in the waters and meet a wonderful sunrise. In the surrounding area there is historical monument Tambo de Chungara, which is a kind of checkpoint. Don't miss the opportunity to walk the streets small town 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 at south coast 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 the 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. Hiking trails, fenced with ropes, are laid throughout its territory. 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 manifests itself in the presence hiking trails, the well-established work of the information center, the equipping of 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, on the territory park zone fit farms, cheese factories, honey production. 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 highest lake on 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 its 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 should go 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 in territory locality the first hotel appeared, it began to attract even more tourists. You can get there by boat from Villarrica (nearby town). Pucon is an ideal place for those who love fishing and admiring beautiful landscapes.

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, which must be seen 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 lovers of snow, 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.

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 sights of Chile rightfully belongs to national park Lauca, located at an altitude of more than 4500 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. The archaeological museum of 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 up to 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, sights, including natural ones, are not uncommon, but this active volcano can be safely called the most striking 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 structures 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 alive 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 earth. 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

Reserve, total area which is approximately 80,000 hectares, is very popular with lovers of wildlife, history and archeology. Here, tourists can see the ruins of a village that is over 3,000 years old. Main Feature of this ancient settlement, experts consider an unusual shape of 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 a great climate, wonderful beaches and a lot 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 southwest coast Chile, at an altitude of 4570 meters above sea level, is one of the most mysterious and beautiful lakes peace - 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 the azure beaches and beautiful landscapes, but also 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.

State champion. Due to the peculiarities of the landscape, nature here often goes to extremes. This is the longest country (stretched from north to south for 4,600 kilometers), with the driest desert in the world (rainfall has not fallen in the Atacama Desert for centuries), the highest mountain lake in the world (the reservoir in Ojos del Salado is located 6,390 meters above sea level). seas). There are a lot of “most-most” places and sights here; a regular vacation will not be enough to see all of them. We have selected the most interesting ones:

In Chile's Atacama Desert, 75 kilometers south of the city of Antofagasta, there is a monument that a lone wanderer would least expect to meet there. A monument to the despair and loneliness of a man in the sands - the Hand of the Desert - was erected here in 1992 by the sculptor Mario Irarrasabal. If a concrete giant is buried in the sand, it is with this gesture that he will say goodbye to the world. Going to inspect the sculpture (tourist groups are brought here from Antofagasta), do not forget that in the desert for several tens of kilometers around there are neither McDonalds nor toilets. The hand of the desert is the only thing that reminds of the presence of man here.

2. Torres del Paine National Park

If the Jewish god had to land Eden a second time, he would choose Torres del Paine. In 1978, a UNESCO commission recognized the Chilean national park biosphere reserve. It seems that the most beautiful pieces of nature from all over the Earth are collected here: mountains and forests, glaciers and fjords, springs and lakes. The park has several multi-day hiking trails - Torres del Paine is the most visited tourist destination in Chile.

Imagine a football field filled with water. Multiply by ten. You will get the world's largest outdoor swimming pool.
San Alfonso del Mar is located 100 kilometers west of the Chilean capital. One kilometer in length, 77 thousand square meters of area - in a pool of this size you can not only swim, but also sail. What the Chileans do: in San Alfonso del Mar, anyone can rent a catamaran or a yacht and sail on mirror-flat water. Despite the fact that the water for the pool is taken from the Pacific Ocean, it is not salty and is so transparent that the bottom can be seen at any point.

Not far from the village of Chile Chico, 1500 kilometers from the Chilean capital, there is the best place for kayaking in Chile (and maybe in the world) - the Marble Caves or the Marble Cathedral on Lake Carrera. In fact, the walls of the caves, which form a winding labyrinth in the rocks of the peninsula, are not marble, but consist almost entirely of limestone. However, the glare of water on the blue vaults creates full impression that you are floating inside the fabulous marble palace. The caves can be reached by boat, and deep into the labyrinth can only be reached by a small boat or kayak.

Welcome "to hell in the middle of nowhere": Easter Island is the most remote from civilization inhabited island. From the coast of Chile to the island more than three and a half thousand kilometers. Nature has deprived the island of a variety of plants and animals. There are a couple dozen species of seabirds here, and little else grows except for weeds and mulberries. However, travelers seek here not for beauty, but for mystery.

Easter Island is best known for its stone statues - Moai. Ten- and fifteen-meter statues in the form of human heads are turned with their backs to the sea, and their noses into the depths of the island. Judging by the ruins of ancient quarries, the statues were made from compressed volcanic ash in the center of the island. How they managed to deliver them to the coast (the weight of some statues exceeds 200 tons) is still unknown to scientists.

In the north of Chile, in the middle of the desert, fifty kilometers from the nearest settlement (the city of Iquique), is the abandoned city of Humberstone. The city was founded at the end of the 19th century, when a saltpeter deposit was found here. First a mining village, then a town with a theater, a church and railway station- Humberstone grew rapidly. And just as quickly emptied when the saltpeter vein dried up. Having lost their earnings, people gradually left the city, leaving behind their houses with acquired property. Here and today you can go into any abandoned house and rummage through old chests, hoping to find some valuable souvenir.

One of the rare examples where religion unites. Andean Christ - a monument that was erected 100 years ago at the Bermejo Pass in the Andes, put an end to the war between Chile and.
At the beginning of the 20th century, two neighboring countries argued about the status of border areas. The dispute could have ended in war, but the ministers of the church intervened. The local bishop proposed to erect a monument on the border, which would be a symbol of friendship and reconciliation. Several thousand residents of Chile and Argentina gathered for the opening ceremony of the monument. The military of the two countries also arrived to fire a solemn salvo. So Chile and Argentina signed a settlement agreement.

Perhaps this is the only accessible place on Earth where anyone can see so many penguins in one place at the same time. Magdalena Island is located in the Strait of Magellan, in the vicinity of Punta Arenas. Nearly 50,000 pairs of penguins make their way here at the end of October each year to breed. By February, the island is covered with penguins in a continuous layer, like black snow. The penguins go about their business and are not at all afraid of tourists who have come here to look at them. You can get to the island with tourist group by ferry (2 hours one way).