Engaging
Chile
Tucked in between the vast Pacific Ocean and the mighty Andean mountain range, it is easy to overlook Chile. It might be narrow, but Chile stretches through astounding landscapes, from the eerie beauty of the Atacama Desert in the far north, to the glacial wonderland of Patagonia. In between, lakes shimmer among green meadows and forested peaks in the Valparaíso Lake District region, and immaculate vineyards produce some of the world’s best wines. To travel through Chile is to have all the senses ignited, to experience landscapes you never knew existed.
Stretching half the length of South America, Chile crosses climate zones and landscapes, each as different as the other. Nature prevails here, where even in the country’s cosmopolitan capital of Santiago, snow-capped volcanoes loom in the distance.
There is the perfect balance of sophistication and wildness in Chile. The wine country is resplendent in its rows of fertile vines, and luxury wine lodges offer tastings and boutique accommodation. The cuisine is world class, with fish and seafood plucked straight from the chilly Pacific waters. And in beautiful Puerto Varas on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, roses adorn streets in a landscape reminscent of the Alps.
But then there’s Chile’s wild side, a land of vast deserts, salt flats, and glaciers inhabited by headdress-toting alpacas. In the Torres del Paine National Park, jagged peaks rise into a piercingly blue sky, and glaciers calve icebergs into the sea. Go even further south and stand on Cape Horn, where only ocean separates you from Antarctica. Wildlife abounds. Visitors can see whales, penguins, elephant seals and condors thriving in some of the world’s last great wildernesses.
At Oyikil Travel we are experts in arranging unforgettable experiences in Chile. Whether guests want to hike the icy summits, or discover the centuries-old indigenous mapuche culture, we have a journey to suit every taste.
At a Glance
There is always somewhere in Chile where the sun is shining. Hot, dry days and cold nights characterize the northern deserts. The South and Lake District are best visited between October to March when temperatures rise above freezing.
Chile is a friendly, welcoming country with a highly developed infrastructure and excellent air links, both domestic and international. Santiago acts as the main point of entry, however there are several land and lake borders with Argentina which allow for itineraries encompassing both countries. From Patagonia to the lakes and the wine country, Oyikil Travel can transport guests on an adventure to the very best South America has to offer.