| Algarrobo , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)A serene and beautiful ocean
resort in the central region of Chile at about the same latitude as Santiago,
it's only about 1 1/2 hours by Hertz rental car from the capital. It's
noted for warm ocean waters and a surf without waves, picturesque marinas
and beautiful landscape add to its distinctive charm.
Ancud , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
A small town on the north western tip of the big island
of Chiloe it's a town steeped in its maritime heritage from it's museums
to its unique seafood cuisine.
Antofagasta , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) An older city, Antofagasta is the
most important sea port in the north of Chile. You have probably seen on
TV or in books a picture of the rock formation out at sea in the shape
of a gigantic arch called Portada, that's here too. It also has good beaches
with a warm surf (20C). It is located in the world's richest copper mining
area and is the site of the world's largest open pit copper mine. Some
great Marlin fishing can be found in the surrounding ocean.
Arica , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
Known as the city of eternal spring, it is only 30 miles
south of the Peruvian border. It's known for delightful restaurants and
comfortable, modern hotels. Arica also has a lively night life with the
gambling casino open all year round. This city of eternal spring also features
some of the nicest beaches in Chile. In addition it was the center of a
number of pre-Colombian Indian cultures and in it's museums can be found
mummies that pre-date the Egyptians by 2,000 years! It is a great vacation
spot.
Bahia Inglesa , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)Located in the northern end of the
bay by the same name (translated English Bay) it has excellent beaches
and camp sites. The restaurant Portal del Inca features an excellent menu
not to be missed.
Calama, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
Great for sight seeing , Calama is close to El Tatio Geysers,
the geoliths of the Atacama Desert, and just lots of fun stuff to explore.
In the middle of an incredibly beautiful desert, Calama is so dry the locals
attach their postage stamps with staples rather than lick them!
Caldera, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
Caldera is located 75 km northeast of Copiapó. In
the old days it was the port for the city of Copiapó, it was there
that minerals extracted from the mine of Chañarcillo were exported.
Today it is one of the most important resorts of the region. Caldera is
made up of 3 bays with warm waters, interconnected by paved roads. The
first is Playa Mansa located right opposite the city, Playa Brava lies
to the extreme north, and finally Playa Loreto, 3 km southeast. During
the year, the port has a very varied commerce, ranging from the first grapes
of the year, destined for international markets, to the transport of copper
concentrate. It’s also an important port for traditional and industrial
fishermen. While there you should visit the San Vicente Church, built in
1862, and near the coast, the Old Railroad Station built in 1850.!
Castro , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
The second largest town on Chiloe island it is located on
the coast side facing the continent. Castro was founded in 1567. Its unique
and delicious local cuisine features Curanto which is seafood and pork
cooked in the ground with hot stones. That may sound a little strange but
the taste is great.
Chaiten, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
The capital of Palena Province boasts 3,500 inhabitants,
it is important as a port for ferries to Puerto Montt and Quellon and is
a growing center for adventure tourism and fishing excursions. Off shore
there is a Sea Lion colony on Puduguapi Island that can be visited by boat.
Chillan, also includes Chillan Ski area ,
See Map Location , (For
individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) A
sleepy, dusty agricultural town about 280 miles south of Santiago on the
Panamericana like everything else. It's claim to fame is a ski resort about
40 miles away. It is the birthplace of Bernardo O'Higgins, liberator of
Chile and good buddy of San Martin, of course they're both dead but there
is a very nice park there in his honor. Chillan also has one of Chile's
largest tourist flea markets where you can buy all manner of tourist stuff
at not so bad prices. The ski area deserves special comment. It is about
a 1 1/2 hour drive from Chillan and it features hot mineral baths, saunas
and other ways to relax . They are great to have handy because it's ski
slopes can certainly give you a workout. There are a number of hotels there
with all the ski type stuff, bars, restaurants and of course beds.
Colina , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
Located about 60 Km north of Santiago, Colina is an agricultural
town that once was the site of a large Inca settlement. Mixing the old
with the new, nearby is the joint NASA and Chilean University satellite
tracking station.
Concepcion , See
Map Location , (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) One of the largest cities in Chile
(after Santiago of course) with about 300,000 people it is primarily a
commercial center. Located on the huge Bio Bio river, it is only a short
drive to the seaport of Talcahuano. It also features one of the larger
Universities in Chile, the University of Concepcion
Concon, see also Vina Del Mar , See
Map Location , (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) Less than 30 minutes from Vina
Del Mar via a picturesque ocean side highway there you will find mini-castles,
cafes, street vendor stalls and some of the most outstanding restaurants
in Chile. Try Congrio ( an eel like fish) either fried or in a casserole,
abalone, or crab pie accompanied by some of the great local wines.
Copiapo, see also Bahia Inglesia, See
Map Location , (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)This small town is located about
500 Km. south of Antofagasta is situated in the fertile Copiapo River valley,
an oasis in the desert. Good day tours are available to see the valley
and in Copaipo the San Francisco Church and Convent founded in 1662 is
certainly worth a visit.
Coquimbo , See
Map Location , (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) This picturesque and once thriving
port seems somehow to be frozen in time. Houses with endless steps seem
to have come directly out of a century old photograph. Not to be missed
is its market featuring handicrafts unique to the region and at very good
prices.
Coyhaique, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
One of the newest cities in Chile it was founded in 1929
to encourage settlement in this sparsely settled region far to the south,
it today boasts 40,000 inhabitants. It also features an unsquare town square
( shaped like a pentagon), a large agricultural college and the nearby
Coyhaique Natural Reserve awaits the nature lover/hiker.
Curico, See
Map Location , (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
A small town in the center of the wine country. It is about
200 Km. south of Santiago on the Panamericana, there called Ruta 5 Sur.
Curico offers a quite pastoral setting with old world charm.
Dichato, See
Map Location , (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
A small town in the center of the wine country. It is about
200 Km. south of Santiago on the Panamericana, there called Ruta 5 Sur.
Curico offers a quite pastoral setting with old world charm.
Easter Island , See
Map Location ,(For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) In Chile it's called Isla de Pascua
and the natives there call it Rapa Nui or Te Pito te Henua ( world's belly
button). It is 14 miles long by 7 miles wide and it's actually about the
only city not on the Panamericana, it's about 2,332 miles off the coast.
Known for its Moais (stone statues), it is a must for people into ancient
mysteries. Some of these Moais weigh up to 50 tons and are over 25 feet
high. Also ancient shrines, some 240 in all, dot the island. It is about
a 3 day do. Don't expect a lot of discos and movie houses, but its natural
beauty more than makes up for their absence. There are frequent flights
from Santiago that take about 4 or 5 hours.
El Colorado, see also ski areas Farrelones, Valle
Nevado, See Map Location, (For
individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name) One
of the newer ski areas, El Colorado is located only 40 Km. from Santiago
at an altitude of 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) and is the highest of the
two sister ski villages (Farellones being the other) . This is a modern
ski complex with 19 ski lifts, lodging, ski shops, restaurants, night clubs
and artificial snow making equipment ( just in case) El Colorado is a great
place to have that weekend or longer ski holiday.
Ensenada, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
Located right on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, it is one
of the ports of call of the regular boat tours originating in Puerto Varas
or Puerto Montt. Things worth seeing are the beautiful Green Lagoon which
gets its unique color and name from a peculiar algae and the nearby Vicente
Perez Rosales National Park.
Entre Lagos, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) Located 45 Km from Osorno this
small lake port serves the timber industry of region. For some of the best
steaks available be sure and stop at the Pub de Campo.
Farellones, see also ski areas Valle Nevado,
El Colorado, See Map Location.
(For individual hotel listing and information click on the city's
name) One of the hot snow ski areas, it's only 50 Km from
Santiago and features over 16 ski lifts it shares with its sister city
El Colorado.
Frutillar , See
Map Location , (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
World renowned for it's music weeks (Semanas Musicas) held
every year in February, Fruitillar is also a summer resort. A center of
German immigration founded in 1856 it boasts of the having the most southern
living palm tree in the world. Worth seeing are the Settler's Museum and
the German Cemetery.
Iquique , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) Once the center of the mining of
nitrates ( used in explosives and fertilizer), Iquique still maintains
the nostalgic mood of that bygone era in many of the older buildings that
have been preserved. It was also the site of one of the largest naval battles
in history. It features a duty free shopping area and beautiful white sand
beaches for those who just want to relax. Just off the coast the sportsman
will find excellent salt water fishing. Iquique is located about 350 km.
south of Arica.
Isla Negra, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
This is a small and beautiful village located on a rocky
point on the coast roughly parallel to Santiago and is flanked by some
of the best beaches in Chile. The Cordoba Lagoon is one of the highlights,
but the main attraction is the former beach house of Pablo Neruda a Noble
Prize winning writer . Unique and world renown are the Isla Negra Weavers
who have created an special style of embroidered tapestry prized around
the world for its beauty.
Jahuel , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
Traveling east from Santiago one encounters Los Andes, San
Felipe, Almendral and finally at an altitude of 1180 meters Termas de Jahuel.
With a breathtaking view of the valley it features hot spring baths and
really great eating.
La Herradura , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name) Just 12 minutes south of La Serena
it is in a unique cove with a strong mining history and a heavy tourist
inclination these days. In almost no time it has grown from a 1 hotel cove
to now boasting a large selection of sophisticated hotels and restaurants.
Close to just about everything, and having some of the best beaches in
Chile it is the "in" spot of the region.
La Parva, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). A winter ski center, it is a little
over an hour by car from Santiago. It is so close to its neighboring resort
cities of Farellones and El Colorado that you can actually shift between
all three by using different lifts.
La Serena see also Coquimbo, La Herradura , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)This is one of the fastest growing
tourist areas in Chile. It is known for the beauty of its colonial and
neo colonial architecture. It also has one of the largest handicraft markets
in the area where you can find the unique Indian pottery of the Diaguitas
Indians, woolens and articles made of the beautiful Guayacan wood. It also
has great beaches and modern hotels.
La Union , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). With less than 20,000 people it
is located on the banks of the Rio Bueno ( Good River) and has a decidedly
German flavor. Founded as a support for German immigrants its main business
today is agriculture.
Lican Ray , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). Now it is a small but lively summer
tourist destination located on the shores of Lake Calafquen in the Lake
District near Villarrica. In 1958 it was a quaint village of settlers connected
to the rest of the world only by boat. In that dark year the land the town
was on was targeted to be flooded by the construction of the Pullinque
dam. Well it didn't happen so instead the government targeted it as a new
tourist development. From that dark hour to today it has developed into
a small but thriving tourist area with a complete infrastructure for enjoying
its many charms.
Linares, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). Founded in 1794, Linares is the
now center of the sugar beet industry . It is a smallish agricultural town
in the center of Chile.
Los Andes , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). Two and a half hours north of
Santiago by car, it is famous for its Chilean style rodeos and it holds
on to its cowboy traditions. Chilean cowboy traditions.
Los Angeles , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). A city of about 70,000 people
in the near south or about 340 miles from Santiago, it lies on the banks
of the Quilque river. Founded in 1739 it is now an agricultural center
with a strong emphasis on dairy products. It is just to the north of the
lake country but not actually "Lake Country" It is on Panamericana,
as is almost everything else in Chile, and has very limited and spotty
air service. It is a nice little agricultural town, just like "LA"(California)
give or take 7 million people.
Los Vilos , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). If you are going to Coquimbo or
La Serena it is a mandatory stop about three and a half hours north of
Santiago. Its largest group of inhabitants seem to be the Pelicans but
it also has a lot of summer camps, good hotels and great seafood.
Maitencillo, see also Marbella , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). Actually it is an ocean resort
made of two long beaches, interestingly broken up here and there by rock
formations and tidal pools.
Marbella, see also Vina Del Mar, Maitencillo,
See Map Location, (For
individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Actually
more of a resort than a city it is only 145 KM. by good highway from Santiago
and only 40 minutes from Vina Del Mar. It features a variety of hotels
and villas in the Mediterranean style, 18 hole championship golf course,
restaurants and night clubs. A great place to get away for a week or a
weekend. It is fashionable for the corporate vacationer and conventions.
Osorno , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). In the heart of the Lake District
and the German presence in the south, Osorno has breath taking scenery
year round but is especially nice in the summer, their summer. It is on
the Panamericana and also has fairly frequent air service from Santiago.
There is some really great fishing there. Close by Antillanca is a favored
ski area with firm snow, fine hotel and 4 ski lifts.
Panguipulli , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). The guide to pronunciation not
available, but you don't have to pronounce it to find it and it's worth
it when you do. Part of the Interlake transportation service in the south
it is located around a cove of a lake of the same name. If the beauty of
the scenery wasn't enough the inhabitants have embellished it with roses
that abound.
Peulla, see also Ensenada, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). In the Lake District, Peulla is
the eastern port of Lake Todos Los Santos. The emerald green waters that
surround it are almost as exciting as the launch rides across it. After
stopping at Ensenada, Petrohue Falls and Petrohue Village the daily ferry
takes you across All Saints Lake to Peulla. You can either stay at the
very comfortable hotel or go through Perez Rosales pass to Casa Pangue
in Argentina and continue to San Carlos Bariloche. Peulla is a great place
for honeymoons or getting away from it all.
Pichidangui, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). Another phonetic exercise it is
located very close to the Pan-American Highway just before Los Vilos on
the way to La Herradura. It has a very nice beach and is well liked by
local water sports enthusiasts
Portillo , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
This is one of the oldest and best known ski resorts in Chile,
starting operations in 1946. It is located next to the Inca Lagoon high
in the Andes 145 KM. from Santiago. It has a variety of slopes with 12
lifts and reaching a summit of 3,350 meters. Its ski slopes will challenge
both the experienced and beginning skier. The hotel with over 400 beds,
heated swimming pool, saunas, discos, solarium, movies and restaurants
insure its popularity. See also other Chilean ski areas like Valle Nevado,
El Colorado, Farellones etc.
Pucon, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
In the Lake District, set in the southeast shore of Lake
Villarrica, Villarrica Volcano provides not only a dramatic backdrop behind
the town but also slopes for skiing in the winter. Fishing here in the
summer is superb and there is gambling for the more adventurous.
Puerto Aysen, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). With only 14,000 inhabitants it
has long been pioneer country and bears the burden of its harsh climate.
When you leave Coyhaique going south to Puerto Aysen you pass by two great
scenic spots the Rio Simpson National Park and the Velo de la Novia (Bride's
Veil Falls) both worth the stop.
Puerto Montt, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). Located at the end of continental
Chile it offers everything: a gateway to Puerto Varas and the scenic lakes
of the south; launching site for the fabulous boat tours that take tourists
to the southern channels region it is also a busy port and center for the
agriculture and timber trades. You know those gigantic trout you hear about,
well fisherman come to this area for great fly fishing. It is about 1,000
KM. south of Santiago. This is a truly great place for those that love
the outdoors.
Puerto Natales , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). The biggest point from the view
of the tourist is that it is the entrance to the Torres del Paine, magnificent
and complex granite peaks in a microclimate that attract tourists from
around the world. Located in the far south, from here you can take one
of those famous boat rides to the area's glaciers where you can toast with
a scotch on the rocks, with ice over 20,000 years old. The area offers
the rugged scenic vistas Chile is known for.
Puerto Puyuhuapi, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). It is a small seaport in the south
located between Puerto Montt and Coyhaique. It offers just basic tourist
services but among them are 2 very comfortable hosterias run by German
immigrants. To relax the tourist, nearby thermal spas are just the right
thing.
Puerto Varas , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). A great vacation city in the Lake
District, just a short ride north from Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas has casinos,
restaurants and hotels. Called the city of roses, it stands beside Chile's
largest lake, Lake Llanquihue. Across the lake scenery is provided by two
magnificent volcanoes. If you are to see just one city in Chile this is
it.
Puerto Williams, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). The Southernmost city in the world.
Jumping off point for tours of Antarctica, the Darwin Mountains and the
Beagle Channel. Once the hunting grounds for nomadic indian tribes, it
first gained notoriety because of the many cruises of Charles Darwin. It
is located on Navarino Island, separated from the mainland by the Beagle
Channel.
Punta Arenas, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). The capital of the southern area
of Chile it sits on the western shore of the Straits of Magellan. It is
the world's southernmost city. Just across the big island of Tierra del
Fuego this is a busy city of around 100,000 caters to the oil, sheep and
coal industry. This is the kick off point for boat tours of the Straits
and a lot of great scenery. It can get cold here in the winter, it's very
close to Antarctica.
Putre , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
Inland and further north than Arica it's a good place to
acclimate yourself before going on an excursion of the highlands of Chungara
Lake, It's 3,500 above sea level. You won't feel crowded either, there
are only 600 inhabitants.
Puyehue, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information click on
the city's name)
Near Osorno (75Km), on the road to Argentina, and the hot springs. It has
spacious accommodations and a hotel with a hot spring fed swimming pool.
Just a bit south is the Puyehue National Park where another thermal resort,
Aguas Calientes can be found.
Quillota, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
Fifty one Km from Con Con lies this agricultural community
once the center of the Inca administration for the large valley . Quite
steeped in history, Quillota's valley is the fruit producing area of the
region. Lots of old buildings and pastoral surrounding make for a relaxing
stay.
Quintero, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). A beach resort located only minutes
north from Vina Del Mar, its quite clean beaches offer some of the finest
sun worshipping in the world.
Rancagua , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
A largely industrial and agricultural center an hour south
of Santiago, Rancagua has a very fast growing economy. Coupled with its
growth for the future it also has some important links with the past. It
was the site, actually in the town square, where patriots made a brave
stand against the Spaniards ( something like the Alamo in Texas) and today
it is called the Heroes Square. It has some interesting colonial architecture
in La Casa de Pilar de la Esquina and La Casa de la Cultura, its Regional
Museum also deserves a visit.
Renaca, see also Vina del Mar (Renaca borders it),
See Map Location, (For
individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). It's
only 6 km from Vina del Mar and halfway between Vina and Concon . Really
only starting in 1947 its recent growth and development with fashionable
hotels , restaurants, boulevards, cafes, and discos have made it the must
see of the Chilean seaside resort cities .
Rinihue, no kidding also see Rininahue which it
borders, See Map Location, (For
individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). Starting
from Villarrica, you go through Lican-Ray and then Lake Rinihue. It was
formerly a main port and ship loading area but now the main port has moved
leaving it to the vacationers. It is so close to Rininahue (they even share
area codes) even the locals sometimes end up in the wrong place.
Rininahue, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
Difficult to describe except that it is just like its sister
city Rinihue.
Robinson Crusoe Island, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name), Yes it is !! There was really
a Robinson Crusoe (actually Alexander Selkirk) and Friday and the island
where he was marooned. It's still there off the coast of Chile. Of course
with hotels and airplanes it's tough to get marooned unless you want to,
sometimes not a bad idea! If you do there is flora and fauna galore, from
brilliant red hummingbirds to the incredible number of sandalwood trees.
Salto Del Lajas Waterfalls,
See Map Location, (For
individual hotel listing and information click on the city's name). This
is really not a city but a scenic location about 400 miles south of Santiago
or about 100 Km south of Chillan. It is a beautiful waterfalls surrounded
by trees and greenery. It boasts a number of smaller resorts and the main
resort there has accommodations with a magnificent view of the falls and
all the amenities including a conference center. It is called the start
of the South of Chile.
San Antonio , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). Really a bustling and growing
seaport roughly on a line with Santiago and about an hour and some to its
west, its growth has been phenomenal. It arguable has the best seafood
restaurant in the world, La Juanita.
San Carlos , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). A small (40,000) agricultural
town on the Panamericana about 250 miles south of Santiago. This is the
home of the Hussars, a hunting and fishing club. A town noted for its friendliness,
it annually features one of the largest fairs in the region.
San Felipe, see also Jahuel , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). In the center of the northern
farming country, it offers a slice of the agricultural life. There you
can see Chile's links to the colonial period in buildings dating back to
the 1700's.
San Fernando, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). A strong agricultural past is
obvious here in this city founded in 1742. It is in a beautiful valley
noted for its warm days and cool evenings. Of special note is Los Lingues,
actually 15 Km away, a true colonial house now a hotel , but more than
a hotel it is a tradition. Managed by the descendants of the original owners
Los Lingues is now listed in Relais and Chateaux, it is really one of the
highlights of any visit to Chile.
San Pedro Atacama , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). Atacama says it all, dry hot and
your basic desert. It is at 2,440 meters and has only 900 inhabitants but
surprisingly has good accommodations and even taxis for hire. However,
near here are some incredible and mysterious monoliths and petroliths and
a bunch of other liths, "Chariot of the Gods" type stuff.. Also
not to be missed is the Archeological Museum founded by a priest, Father
Gustavo Le Paige. The story of how he built it single handed is impressive
enough until you actually visit it and see the wonders there, from mummies
to pre Inca artifacts it is a real lesson of the distant past of the area.
Santiago, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
The capital city is Santiago with 5 million people, a modern,
clean, cheap and efficient Metro, opera, modern hotels and restaurants.
It is quite cosmopolitan with shopping malls that would rival any in the
world and trendy areas like El Bosque and Bellavista with great dining
and trendy shops. Spanish is the language and there are many in Chile who
speak English, however finding them is difficult, so don't count on it.
You can count on the Chilean hospitality that almost more than makes up
for language problems you may have. Santiago is the business center with
the government offices, stock exchange and for transportation features
a large and modern International Airport at Pudahuel, about 25 KM. from
Santiago. Santiago has some great tourist things like San Cristobal hill
(mountain) that has spectacular city views if the smog doesn't get in the
way, yes they have that too. At exactly 12 noon they fire a cannon so don't
worry if you hear it, it's loaded with blanks, only worry if it shoots
more than once.
It is an easy city to get around in and has more buses per capita than
anywhere, and they are all yellow. Cabs are cheap but they are not yellow,
well the tops usually are, and the Metro (subway) is clean and very efficient
and only charges about 45 cents to go where ever you want. For airport
to hotel transfers for only $5 per person each way guaranteed click
here.
Santo Domingo, or Rocas de Santo Domingo , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). 115 Km from Santiago, roughly
west of Santiago on the coast, at the mouth of the Maipo river, it is the
elite place for summer vacation for Santiago dwellers. The golf club is
superb but most of the area is under a condominium system so access is
limited.
Socos and Termas de Socos, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). Located about 270 Km north from
Santiago, you leave the Pan-American Highway by turning right on the road
to Ovalle. After 2 Km you leave the paved road and take the dirt road where
the is a kiosk of Socos, that will take you straight to it. Seriously,
it is a bit tricky to find and once you have you encounter a vegetated
area (which here is a luxury), thermal pools, a campsite and other accommodations.
It is definitely off the beaten path, pretty nearly off any known path!!!!!
Talca , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
It is a fairly large agricultural and industrial city with
about 130,000 people. It is about 145 miles from Santiago (south) on the
Panamericana. It is not a great tourist city, mostly business. Ever been
to Lubbock, Texas?...that's about it.
Talcahuano see also Concepcion , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name), With over 200,000 inhabitants
it is the leading port in the area and actually the sea port for neighboring
Concepcion. It actually has two ports on at Concepcion Bay and one at San
Vincente Bay. Of tourist interest is the big fish market featuring small
restaurants with food that is good and even by Chilean standards cheap.
Another point of interest is a visit to the Huascar, at one time one of
the most powerful iron clads afloat. It was captured from Peru in the Pacific
War over 100 years ago.
Temuco , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
In the Lake District, 640 Km. south from Santiago, Temuco
was the capital for the Mapuches Indians, who were never actually beaten
by the settlers. They ruled most of the south of Chile and spent their
time smoking, drinking, and playing hockey...yes hockey. They let their
women do all the hard work. That was then, now it is the fastest growing
city in Chile and largely business. As to sight seeing Nielol hill and
the National Park should not be missed. In Temuco you'll find Huasos (cowboys,
Chile style)at work. There is also a large indoor flea market where you
can find that special treasure.
Tongoy , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
Located 60 Km south of La Serena in the north of Chile after
a short detour off the Panamericana you'll discover Tongoy and its beaches,
one over 14Km . It is a summer place with private summer homes but there
are also accommodations for vacationers, restaurants, and water sport facilities.
Torres Paine , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). Actually a national park in the
far south of Chile, it is accessed from Punta Arenas by road. Once you
actually enter the park you will find a park road that acts as a self guided
tour . It can boast of some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the
world. Most noted are the group of mountains known as the Cuernos (Horns)
whose dramatic rise into the clear southern skies is truly breathtaking.
Valdivia , See
Map Location (For individual hotel listing and information click
on the city's name)
A beautiful town that sits on the banks of the Calle-Calle
river it was founded in 1552 and now has a population of over 120,000.
The overwhelming beauty of the river makes sightseeing of the islands,
the ancient forts and surrounding an experience few can resist. Before
leaving be certain to try the crab dishes washed down with a crisp local
white wine. For the sportsman, go east toward the mountains you will find
the world's best fly fishing.
Valle Nevado , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name). The "IN" place to ski
in Chile. A short distance (more or less except that it is straight up!)
60 KM from Santiago by car, this is one of the newer and more popular Chilean
ski resorts. It is located in one of the most spectacular regions of the
Andes and features all the amenities one would expect in an international
class ski resort: large modern hotel; 8 lifts ( 2 chair); ski lessons;
apartments etc.
Valparaiso, See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
This is the working sister city to Vina del Mar. They actually
border on each other, more or less. It is about 120 Km west of Santiago.
This is the site of the Naval College, and it is the largest sea port for
Chile. Its older streets and buildings speak to you strongly of the days
when there was no Panama Canal and almost every ship that came around The
Horn stopped and left a little of itself and its crew here. Being situated
1/2 on the plane and 1/2 on the surrounding hills its cable cars and dwellings
perched on the bluffs offer a unique look to the city. Excellent restaurants,
old sailors bars, Viennese coffee shops...this might be your city. 120
KM. west north-west of Santiago and has excellent roads going there.
Vicuna , See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name)
About 70 Km. from La Serena to the north lies this little
village that was founded in 1821. With less than 2,000 souls it an ideal
place to relax. It is famous as the birth place of Gabriela Mistral, the
Chilean Noble prize poet.
Villarrica (see also Lican Ray), See
Map Location, (For individual hotel listing and information
click on the city's name), This small friendly town sits
on the southwest corner of the heavily wooded shores of Lake Villarrica.
In the winter fishing on the Tolten River is replaced by snow skiing as
the favorite recreation. Its views of the Villarrica volcano are part of
the inescapable charm of the city
Vina Del Mar (see also Renaca), See
Map Location(For individual hotel listing and information click
on the city's name). Sister city to the largest Chilean seaport,
Valparaiso which it actually borders "Vina" as the Chileans call
it is Chile's "Riviera"... with casinos, restaurants, night clubs,
discos ( yes discos) swimming beach and other resort facilities. Only 120
KM. by car from Santiago it is Santiago's playground and can be very crowded
in the summer, Chile's summer months (October to May). In Vina you must
dress smart, otherwise you will feel like the ugly duckling so leave your
Wrangler bluejeans cutoffs at home.
Zapallar , See
Map Location(For individual hotel listing and information click
on the city's name)
One of the treasured beaches to Santiago's elite, it is in
a sheltered cove with a tremendous boulder in the middle...very recognizable.
Beautiful trees and carefully manicured gardens surrounding mansions characterize
this resort.
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