As soon as our plane began to descend and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes appeared, I could no longer tear myself away from the window! Chile. Geography, description and characteristics of the country What is the head of state called in Chile

Geographical position

The Republic of Chile is located in the southwest of South America, between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes ridges. The height of the Andes in some places in northern Chile reaches 6880 m. The highest point in the country is Mount Ojos del Salado (6893 m) on the border with Argentina. There are many volcanoes throughout the country. In the area of ​​the island of Tierra del Fuego there is an extensive system of fjords. Between the ridges of the Andes is the Longitudinal Valley, which is the main economic region of the state.

Mainland Chile shares borders with Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. The western part of the country is washed by the Pacific Ocean.

The capital of Chile is Santiago (4.6 million inhabitants). The area of ​​the republic is 756.6 thousand square meters. km. The length of Chile from the city of Arica, located in the north, to Cape Horn in the south is 4025 km.

The Republic of Chile has access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Magellan.

Chile owns several small islands in the Pacific Ocean. These are: Easter Island, the Sala y Gomez Islands, San Felix, San Ambrosio, the Juan Fernandez Island group, and the Diego Ramirez Islands, which are located 100 km southwest of Cape Horn.

By latitude, the country's territory is divided into three regions, which have different climates and topography. These are: Northern Desert (Atacama desert region), Central Chile (Andean highlands) and Southern Chile (hilly zone of dense forests in the foothills of the Southern Andes with narrow straits and mountainous islands in the far south). Chile is the longest and narrowest country on the planet. In addition, it is also the southernmost country in the world, because... located just 900 km from Antarctica. The Chilean city of Puerto Williams is considered the southernmost city on the planet. The Atacama Desert is the driest place on earth.

Almost all rivers in the country belong to the Pacific Ocean basin. The largest river in the middle part of the country is the Bio-Bio. The largest lakes in Chile are Llanquihue and Ranco. The Patagonian lakes are located in the eastern foothills of the Andes, on the border with Argentina. For this reason, most of them have double names: Chilean and Argentine.

The climate in Chile is quite diverse: tropical desert in the north, Mediterranean in the center and temperate oceanic in the south. This is due to the large extent of the country from north to south. Climate zones can be divided into three groups. In the north of the country, a tropical, desert type of climate predominates. The northern region of the country is considered one of the driest places in the world. Under the influence of the Humboldt Current, the temperature there softens.

In Santiago in January the temperature ranges from 12°C to 29°C, and in July - from 3°C to 15°C.

The central part of Chile is dominated by a temperate oceanic climate. The air temperature in these places ranges from +3-12 in winter to +22 °C in summer. In this case, precipitation falls from 100 to 800 mm. per year, mainly in winter. On mountain slopes up to an altitude of 1 thousand m above sea level, the amount of precipitation can reach up to 2500 mm. in year.

The high mountainous regions of the country have a cooler climate than the coastal plain. Here the temperature even in summer may not exceed +3 °C, and in winter it drops to -27 °C) and there is an insignificant amount of precipitation. To the south there are colder regions, where it even snows sometimes.

The average annual temperature in the city of Punta Arenas is around 7°C.

Easter Island has a mild subtropical hot climate. The coolest time here is from July to August. The average monthly air temperature is +18° C. The hottest month is February with an average temperature of + 24° C. On this island, the greatest part of the precipitation will fall in May. It is cold in the Strait of Magellan area and on the island of Tierra del Fuego. Strong winds blow there and there is little precipitation.

The best time to visit Santiago and the central region of Chile is from September to November. It is better to go to Easter Island in March, and to the ski resorts in June-August.

Chile is one of the countries in Latin America with the highest quality roads. In addition, this country has a fairly extensive railway network and convenient air connections.

Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport is located 26 km west of Santiago.

To travel around the city, tourists can use buses. They are colored yellow-white. However, the movement speed is low. In addition, city buses are not very comfortable.

Intercity buses are offered by several companies in all cities of the country. The level of service is quite high, they come regularly.

The capital has a metro with three lines. It should be noted that the metro there is distinguished by its speed, cleanliness, safety and cheapness. On weekdays and Saturdays, the metro is open from 6:30 to 22:30, on Sundays and holidays - from 8:00 to 22:30.

Taxis are quite popular in Chile. To make them easy to recognize, these cars are brightly colored: black underneath and yellow on top. Each car is equipped with a meter and has its own registration number. Chilean taxi drivers are distinguished by their politeness.

Railways stretch from Santiago to the south of the country. Pass through cities such as: Rancagua, Talca, Chillan, Concepcion and to the final station - Temuco. Chilean trains have several types of passenger cars. They vary in degree of comfort. Train delays occur quite often in the country.

Tourists in Chile can also rent a car. A large number of different companies do this. The driver must be at least 21 years old and not older than 75. He must have a passport, an international driving license and a credit card that will serve as a guarantee.

Some companies offer such a convenient service as returning a car in any city in the country. You need to know that when returning the car, it must have the same level of fuel with which it was rented.

Most often, renting a car includes unlimited mileage, insurance, 24-hour rental, a child seat, a trunk, equipment for transporting skis, as well as a rope and a map.

In Chile, the driver and passenger must always wear seat belts. Smoking and using a cell phone or player while driving is prohibited. Chilean drivers often use their left hand to further indicate their intentions. If traffic rules have been violated, the driver will lose his license and will have to meet with a judge. In Chile, checking driver's licenses and documents quite often happens on the roads. Drunk driving is considered a serious offense. You will have to pay a large fine for it. Such a driver may even be arrested.

If necessary, tourists also have the opportunity to rent a car with a driver. However, you need to know that the payment will be higher if the driver speaks one of the European languages.

Maritime transport is of great importance, providing 95% of the country’s total foreign trade turnover. Large ports: Huasco, Valparaiso, Tocopilla.

Minerals

Chile has a large amount of mineral resources. Among industrialized and developing countries, the country ranks first in terms of reserves of copper (over 97 million tons) and saltpeter. The country ranks second after America in molybdenum reserves. Chile is in 3rd place after Iraq and the United States in terms of sulfur reserves. Molybdenum reserves amount to 2,500 thousand tons. The country also has reserves of gold, silver, rare earth elements, lithium, iron, coal, and natural gas. On Tierra del Fuego there are oil and gas fields (oil - 51 million tons, gas - 70 billion m 3). Coal deposits (Lota, Coronel, etc.) are located near the city of Concepcion. The total reserves are 3.9 billion tons. The coal mined is mainly brown coal of low quality. Table salt, sodium nitrate and iodine salts, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten, zinc and aluminum are mined in the foothill depressions.

Agriculture

Only 8% of the country's area is occupied by crop cultivation. Approximately 3/4 of the cultivated land is devoted to grains and vegetables. Main crops: wheat, barley, oats, potatoes and sugar beets. Methods of cultivating the land and harvesting are quite primitive. However, the wheat harvest is high. Wheat crops occupy almost half of the arable land in Central Chile. Corn (maize) is a traditional feed crop in Chile. Clover, alfalfa, vetch, legumes, rice and pepper are also grown in the country. Fruit grows in the northern part of Central Chile. Vineyards occupy 2% of the total area of ​​cultivated land. They are located mainly in the provinces of Talca, Santiago and Linares. Chile sells wines for export to the United States and Europe.

Livestock farming is quite important for the country's economy. The southern part of Central Chile mainly raises cattle and dairy animals. Sheep farming is carried out mainly in the far south of the country, in the Punta Arenas region.

Healthcare

To travel to Chile, tourists are recommended to take out international health insurance. To protect your health, it is best to get vaccinated against tetanus and hepatitis. Sometimes epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis are recorded in the country. Chagas disease can occur in rural areas of Chile. Other diseases spread by insects are virtually absent in Chile. Occasionally, cases of rabies infection may occur.

The milk sold in Chile is pasteurized and is safe to drink even when not pasteurized. The only exception is some remote mountainous areas of the country. Meat and fish must be heat treated. Pork, salad and sauces may pose some risk. Vegetables should be washed thoroughly before use. It is best to peel fruits and vegetables. All water must be boiled.

Republic of Chile.

The name of the country in the language of the local Arawak Indians means “cold, winter.”

Capital of Chile. Santiago.

Area of ​​Chile. 756945 km2.

Population of Chile. 17.95 million (

Chile GDP. $258.1 billion (

Location of Chile. State in the southwest. The territory of Chile stretches along the coast from north to south for 4300 km. There are two stretching across the entire country. In the east - , in the west along the coast - coastal. In the north, Chile borders with, in the east - with and, in the south and west it is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Chile also owns the island of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) and the Juan Fernandez Archipelago.

Administrative divisions of Chile. The state is divided into 12 regions.

Chilean form of government. Republic.

Head of State of Chile. The president.

Supreme legislative body of Chile. National Congress (two chambers: Senate and Chamber of Deputies).

Supreme executive body of Chile. Cabinet of Ministers (headed by the president).

Major cities in Chile. Concepcion, Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, Talcahuano, Antofagasta.

National language of Chile. Spanish.

Fauna of Chile. Among the representatives of the animal world, Chile is characterized by puma, wolf, chinchilla, llama, kudu deer, skunk, otter, nutria, and rodents. A large number of birds live here, including ostriches.

and lakes of Chile. The largest rivers are Bio-Bio, Loa. In the south of the country there is the Large Lakes Zone.

Sights of Chile. The most beautiful and famous sights of Chile - Chungara, Parinacota, San Pedro de Atacama, Tatio geysers, mountain lake Miscan-ti, granite towers of Torres del Paine, archaeological sites of Copaquilla and Zapauira, as well as the southernmost region of the American continent . National museums are famous in the capital - history, art, natural history, as well as the Museum of the Peoples of America and the Museum of Modern Art.

Useful information for tourists

You can bargain at markets and private shops. Chile's main beach resort, Viña del Mar, is located just 10 km north of Valparaiso and is commonly referred to as the "Garden City" due to its subtropical landscape, palms and banana trees. Horse-drawn carriages travel between attractive mansions from the last century, the beach and the riverbank. Other attractions include pristine sand beaches, numerous parks and excellent museums housed in restored colonial mansions. The National Botanical Garden of Chile is also located here, displaying many hundreds of species of local and exotic plants on its 61 hectares.

Tips are 10% of the bill, often already included in the total. Taxi drivers do not require tips, but it is advisable to round up the fare for convenience.

Chile is a state located between the Pacific Ocean and mountain ranges Andes on the southwest coast of South America. There are different options for where the name of this unique country came from. Even the Chileans themselves cannot choose a single generally accepted version. According to the first theory, the name comes from the language of the Aymaru tribe and means “the place where the earth ends.” According to the second, translated from the Quechua language it means “cold”. The material culture of the Chilean people is a combination of elements of Spanish culture and indigenous culture.

Chile is not only the narrowest and longest country on the planet, but also the southernmost, because it is located 900 km from Antarctica. In the east it borders with Argentina, in the west it is washed by the Pacific Ocean, in the north it neighbors Peru, in the northeast it borders with Bolivia, and through the Strait of Magellan it enters the Atlantic Ocean.

Chile has three climatic and geographical regions. Northern desert, fairly cold south of the country and humid area Central Chile, which is the most economically developed. Santiago- industrial and financial center, capital of the country. Large cities also include Valparaiso, Antofagasta And Punta Arenas. The official language is Spanish and is spoken by most Chileans.

More than 80% of the population is Roman Catholic, but Chile has large Protestant and Jewish groups.

An important industry is mining. More than 80% of all minerals come from copper mining, and the iron ore industry is in second place.

Climate and weather

The climatic conditions of Chile are extremely diverse, and this is explained by the large extent of the country from north to south and the direct influence of the ocean. Average monthly temperatures can vary significantly: from +12…+16 °C to +18…+22 °С. In the south of the country the climate is subtropical, with large amounts of precipitation falling in the form of rain. The temperature here ranges from +3 °С to +14 °С. In the north, the climate is mostly dry and desert. The average temperature here is +12…+22 °C. The Mediterranean type of climate predominates in the center. There are four seasons characteristic of Chile: summer (December - February), autumn (March - May), spring (September - November), winter (June - August). The average temperature in Chilean winter is around +3…+15 °С. In the summer in Chile the weather is quite hot. The air temperature can reach +22 °C, but there is practically no sweltering heat here due to the cold current Humboldt.

Sea holidays in Chile are most favorable in the southern and middle parts of the country. The resort is considered the best place for a beach holiday Vina del Mar, next to which the national botanical garden is located. In the high mountainous regions of the country the climate is cool and characterized by temperatures that often do not rise above +3 °С. This makes ski holidays in Chile accessible all year round.

Nature

The country's territory is a narrow strip of coastal plain, bounded on the east by ridges Andes, among which lies the Longitudinal (Central) Valley. Often mountain ranges break the cones of dormant and active volcanoes ( Llullaillaco, Ojos del Salado, Tupungato etc.), and in the area of ​​the Tierra del Fuego island they go under water and form a system of fjords. The highest point in the country is Mt. Ojos del Salado(height - 6,880 meters).

The flora of Chile depends on the climate zone. In the north of the country, thorns and cacti grow - desert flora. In the central valley of Chile, several types of cacti are common, and you can find Chilean pine. South of Valdivia the jungle is located. There grow: magnolia, laurel, several types of conifers and beech. The far south of the country is covered by steppes.

Representatives of the animal world that you can meet: alpaca, llama, vicuna, puma, guanaco.

Birds are quite widely represented, but among the larger species only ostriches are found.

Attractions

Sights, both natural and man-made, can be found at almost every step in Chile. The most popular are: lakes Miscanti And Chungara, geysers El Tatio, volcano Parinacota, granite “towers” Torres del Paine, desert Atacama, Easter Island and Patagonia, archaeological sites Sapauira And Copacilla.

A frequently visited attraction in Chile is the National Park Lauca, located at an altitude of more than 4,500 kilometers above sea level, almost on the border with Bolivia.

This wonderful reserve contains a huge collection of rare representatives of flora and fauna.

Another interesting attraction is the volcano Maipo, still active today, is one of the southernmost peaks of the Andes. It is located on the border with Argentina, 100 kilometers from the capital and 90 kilometers from Tupungato. Maipo gained popularity due to its unusual, almost perfectly symmetrical conical shape.

It is impossible not to say about Municipal Opera and Ballet Theater V Santiago, built in 1857, considered one of the best on the entire continent. In addition, they attract attention Museum of History and Weapons V Arike, National Museum of Fine Arts, which is the oldest museum in Latin America.

Nutrition

Chile is a country famous for its amazing seafood, which you can enjoy not only in good hotels, but also in most restaurants throughout the country. The crabs and abalone shellfish are especially tasty. In addition to seafood, Chilean cuisine is famous for its dishes made from beef, fresh vegetables and fruits. The country is associated with the name of hot pepper, and many people mistakenly believe that the national cuisine is very spicy. This is wrong. The food here is quite familiar to Europeans. Chileans eat quite a lot of meat and love lamb. Prepared from beef asado- a common dish of fried meat.

Chicken is on most menus, although Chileans consider chicken a second-class meat. Popular Chilean dishes include:

• Empanada de pino(pies with beef, raisins, onions, olives and egg);
• Empanada de Queso(cheese in dough);
• Lomo a lo pobre(steak, fried eggs, fried potatoes);
• Cazuela de vacuno(soup with beef, potatoes, a piece of bread, pumpkin and rice), etc.

Chile is known for its wonderful wines, the most famous of which are the red varieties Carmenere And Cabernet Sauvignon as well as white wine Casablanca. Among the strong alcoholic drinks, one can highlight pisco - grape brandy, on the basis of which various cocktails are prepared, such as Pisco Sour(Pisco with lemon juice and sugar).

The best and most popular restaurants are in Santiago, in the areas Bellavista, Suesia, Las Condes, where dinner for one guest costs about $30-55.

Accommodation

In Chile, you will have a wide variety of accommodation options - from cheap hostels, guest houses and small family hotels to upscale hotels from global chains such as Hyatt, Kempinski, Ritz, Sheraton etc. Inexpensive hotels are called Residential and there is one in almost every city. Most of them work according to the well-known system All Inclusive("all inclusive").

Hotel prices are moderate for a European, but high by Latin American standards. In Santiago, a single room in the cheapest hotels costs from 7,000-8,000 Chilean pesos ($14-16) per night.

Average cost of a double room in a three-star hotel Santiago is 80-90 $ per day, in Valparaiso - 60-70 $, on Easter Island - 100-120 $. Price for a double room in a five-star hotel in Santiago equals approximately $200.

If we talk about rental housing, then a 1-room apartment in the center Santiago will cost $300-500 per month, and a 3-room apartment will cost $600-900.

Entertainment and relaxation

The country is known for its excellent ski resorts. One of the most popular is the resort Valle Nevado, located 60 kilometers from the capital. There are more than 30 well-equipped trails of varying difficulty levels. The resort also attracts attention Portillo, located 145 kilometers from Santiago, where there are many slopes that are suitable for skiers of all skill levels.

Beach holidays are very common. Most beaches in Chile are free, except those in parks. The most popular beaches in resorts Vilna del Mar, beach La Virgen in English Coast Bay, beach Playa Blanca- on the territory of the park LLanos de Challe, beach Las Piscinas- near the cape El Morro, Anakena- on Easter Island, as well as the beach Los Piqueros located within the park Sugarloaf.

Chile is famous for its bars, clubs and numerous restaurants, which are scattered throughout the country. The largest number of them is concentrated in Santiago. The most famous of them are "Trampoline" and bar "Cathedral"(for rock fans), wine restaurant "Camino Real", "Casino Cumbre" and many others.

Like many other Latin American countries, Chile celebrates a huge number of different festivals and holidays. In January in the city Angola you can visit the Folklore Festival, in Valdivia— an interesting classical music festival, in Ovalle- festival del Juazo, V San Bernardo— International Folklore Festival, festival Joronadas de Villarica- in Villarique, and this is not the entire list.

Purchases

When visiting another country, everyone wants to bring home gifts that reflect the local flavor and traditional culture. Chile is certainly not a country popular in the world of shopping, but the trip will not be considered complete if you do not bring souvenirs that symbolize this country.

Chile has rich deposits of lapis lazuli, which is considered the national stone and occupies a special place in Chilean culture. Since lapis lazuli is mined in Chile, it can be purchased much cheaper in markets and Chilean stores. It is worth paying attention to earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and many other jewelry with a special blue color.

Another popular souvenir are Statues moai. They can be purchased in any form: mini statues for the table, keychains, earrings, beads, etc. Moai can be expensive or cheap depending on the size, type of wood or type of stone. High-quality moai are quite expensive - they cost from $50 and above. It also cannot be ignored Mapuche poncho, indio picaro- wooden figurines with a wide smile of Mapuche Indians, as well as a huge number of copper souvenirs.

Transport

If we talk about intercity buses, this type of service is provided by several companies. Their branches are in all cities of Chile. These companies provide a high level of service and work according to convenient schedules. A city bus can be easily recognized by its bright yellow and white colors. But during rush hours this is not the best way to travel. Taxis, which are distinguished by their yellow and black color, are popular in the country. Each car has a meter and registration number. Politeness and attentiveness are the hallmarks of Chilean taxi drivers. Smoking on public transport (including taxis) is strictly prohibited.

The state railway transport system (EFE) stretches from Santiago to the south of the country. It passes through most cities such as Rancagua, Chillan, Concepcion, Talca and to the final station - Temuco.

There is also a metro in Santiago, which is the standard of excellent service and cleanliness. It is a fast, cheap and safe form of transport. The local metro has three lines: the Red Line runs from West to East through the city center, the Yellow Line from the city center to the South-West, and the Green Line from the center to the South-East.

Connection

Mobile communication (standard GSM 1900) is quite well developed in Chile. Operators Entel, Claro, Movistar and others almost completely cover the lowland areas of Chile and the capital. In mountainous areas, coverage is spotty, even along most major highways the connection is not very stable. One minute of conversation on a local cellular connection costs $0.2-0.4. Local telephone communications are well developed, with telephone booths everywhere. It is profitable to buy a telephone card, because the rates for calls from hotels are greatly inflated.

International calls are very cheap. You can make a call from any phone. Use a public telephone in hotel lobbies or call from telephone booths on the street. There are points in commercial and shopping centers

for international calls.

The Internet is widespread in Chile. Large hotels provide this service in their business centers. You can also use the Internet in an Internet cafe.

Safety

You can feel safe in Chile. Although, as everywhere else, you should beware of pickpockets on buses and subways. In cafes and restaurants, especially those located on the street, you should not leave your belongings unattended.

You need to store your jewelry and passport in a safe (all hotels have one). Also take care of your migration cards and identity documents. If documents are lost, you must immediately report this to the police by calling 133 and to the consulate of your country.

On the health front, routine vaccinations for mumps, measles, rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (DTP) and polio should be given. In addition, it is wise to check the vaccination requirements at the consular office of the host country.

In general, Chileans are very friendly and welcoming people, so you will receive a warm welcome everywhere, especially in small towns.

Business climate

Taxation in Chile is characterized by a small number of direct and indirect taxes and a minimum of tax incentives that are extended to exporters.

The Chilean income tax system includes: tax on business income - 17%, tax on total income of individuals - from 0% to 40%, tax on wages and remuneration, tax on non-resident income - 35%.

Another interesting fact is that Chile is part of the American Free Trade Area ( FTAA - Free Trade Agreement of the Americas), which stretches from the outskirts of South America to Alaska and was created to stimulate the development of more lagging regions. In this regard, in the two extreme regions (in the north, in the port Iquique, and in the south, in the city Punta Arenas) introduced a preferential tax system. There is no sales tax, no percentage duty on the import of goods.

Currently, a government program in Chile called Start-Up Chile, created to attract entrepreneurs from all over the world to create startups in the country and use it as a platform to enter the global market. For program participants, the Chilean government allocates $40,000 to come to the country and start a business. The main goal of this program is to transform Chile into an innovation and entrepreneurial center in Latin America.

Real estate

Apartments in the capital and in the regions Providencia And Las Condes(considered prestigious areas) a living area of ​​50 square meters can be purchased at a price of $85,000. Housing with an area of ​​80-100 m2 costs an average of $190,000-200,000. IN Vigne Del Mar real estate is a little cheaper.

Cottages with a fairly large plot (living space from 180 m2 and a plot from 500 m2) in the private sector cost from $160,000-80,000 and above. There are cheaper options, even for $70,000-80,000, but safety and comfort will be lower. In the north and south of Chile, housing is cheaper.

Rent an apartment in Santiago possible for $500 (unfurnished, in a normal area). Furnished apartments are a little more expensive. When renting, you need to add about $400-600: this amount will cost the maintenance of the apartment (gas, water, electricity, Internet and television).

If we talk about real estate for doing business, today it has become more difficult to find and rent commercial premises in an area good for business (coffee shops, restaurants, hairdressers, etc.). In good areas there is an oversaturation of the real estate market - there are practically no premises, and the remaining ones are quite expensive to rent.

In Chile, guides and hotel staff expect tips. Their size will depend on the service and financial well-being of the country's guests. The receptionist's tip is $1. The restaurant adds about 10% to the bill, but tips may already be included in the cost of the order.

It is better to pay in Chile with pesos. In medium-sized large stores you can use credit cards from all known banking systems.

On weekends, Chilean cities become quiet: many shops close, even stalls with newspapers and cigarettes.

Swimming in the ocean is permitted only in strictly designated areas.

As for customs regulations, Chile does not limit the amount of foreign and national currency transported across the border. Amounts above $10,000 must be declared. You cannot transport uncanned food, seedlings and plants, weapons, insects, parrots and wild animals. It is prohibited to export cultural or architectural values ​​of the country, rare representatives of animals and plants.

Visa information

A visa to Chile is not required if you intend to visit the country as a tourist or guest (visiting relatives, friends) or if you are transiting the country. In this case, your period of stay in the country should not exceed 90 days within six months. If you plan to work or stay in Chile beyond the specified period, you must apply for a visa in advance at the Chilean consulates in Moscow, St. Petersburg or Vladivostok.

When crossing the border you will need the following documents: a passport valid at the time of entry; confirmation of sufficient funds for the entire stay in Chile; return ticket or bank card with funds for its purchase; migration card, which is filled out in Spanish or English (valid for 90 days).

Address of the Consulate of Chile in Moscow: 121002, Moscow, Denezhny Lane, building 7, building 1. Tel.: 241-01-45, 241-04-14, 241-10-34, 241-12-45, 241-31- 51, 241-43-11. The consulate is open every day from 10:00 to 13:00.

As soon as our plane began to descend and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes appeared, I could no longer tear myself away from the window!

Such a mysterious and such a distant country of Chile. But whoever decides to conquer it, I assure you, will definitely not be disappointed. With a length of more than 4,000 km and a width not exceeding 430 km, the territory of Chile stretches in a narrow strip in South America, sandwiched between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. Without leaving the borders of one state, you can soak up the sun on the beaches of the Pacific coast and ski at first-class ski resorts, see the amazing landscapes of the Atacama Desert and enjoy the views of the lakes and volcanoes of Chile, watch the life of king penguins on Tierra del Fuego and admire the size of the glaciers of Patagonia . And if all this is accompanied by a glass of first-class Chilean wine...

By bus

Bus service in Latin American countries is very developed. Therefore, you can get to Chile from neighboring countries by bus. So, let’s say, an almost 24-hour trip from Buenos Aires to Santiago will cost 60,000 pesos ($90). And from the capital to the capital of Chile 75,000 pesos ($110) and 2 days on the road. However, it is worth noting that the buses are very comfortable, and the views from the window will not let you regret the time spent.

Buses arrive at the main bus terminal in the center of Santiago at Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins, 3850. The Universidad de Santiago metro station is conveniently located nearby. There you can change to a domestic bus and continue exploring the amazing lands of this country. The two largest bus companies are Pullman Bus and Tur Bus.

By car

Of course, Chile is connected by roads to neighboring Latin American countries. But personally, I would not recommend this method. Firstly, large areas without any roadside infrastructure, secondly, expensive gasoline, and thirdly, in Chile there are toll and expensive roads.

Tourist regions

In Chile, if not a place, it is a tourist region. Therefore, no matter where you start exploring the country, amazing, primarily natural, beauty awaits you. Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on the planet. But when you gradually explore these lands, dissonance arises: you encounter lakes, salt marshes, and a fairly rich world of fauna and flora. This is simply because the tourist region is closer to the Andes, where it sometimes rains and mountain rivers descend. Thus, this region offers many different excursions.

central region visited by almost every tourist who comes to Chile, since the capital of the state, Santiago, is located here. There are many national parks and ski resorts around the city. The nearest cities on the ocean - and Vina del Mar - are just over 100 km away. And of course, you can spend more than one week getting to know all the vineyards and wineries that are countless in this region. IN lake area, which is located south of the capital, united the cultures of the local Mapuche Indians and the Germans, whose wave of emigration occurred in the 19th century. The influence of immigrants from Germany is felt in everything: architecture, cuisine and even in the faces of many local residents. White hair and skin contrast greatly with the dark complexion of the Chileans. The region is ready to offer such types of entertainment as hiking and rafting, mountaineering and hot springs. And the always cold water in the ocean makes the lakes a popular vacation spot during the summer months. You can book a hotel, rent a cabana on the beach, or pitch a tent at one of the many campsites. Just don't forget to book in advance, guys. I usually look for hotels on, and you can compare prices from different sites. For those who want to immerse themselves in the local flavor, there is the opportunity to rent an apartment from private owners -.

Easter Island

It is the most remote island in the world where people live, and is known to us thanks to its stone idols - moai. You can find a detailed history of this island and practical information in another.

Tierra del Fuego

This romantic name was given to the island by Ferdinand Magellan. Or rather, its name was no less romantic Tierra del Umo (Land of Smoke), because of the smoke that rose from the fires of the local residents. The navigator mistook the fires for fires of volcanic origin. Later the island was given the name Tierra del Fuego ().

This island is divided between two countries - Chile and Argentina. The Argentine part is more popular, however, the Chileans also offer quite interesting one-day tours. You can buy it from numerous agencies in Punta Arenas. It will cost you about $80 per person. I do not recommend doing this in advance via the Internet, since ferries may be canceled due to strong winds. The journey takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on where you cross the Strait of Magellan. Tierra del Fuego is usually visited because of the colony of king penguins that live on the island. It is simply impossible to get close to them in the National Park, but watching these important individuals, of which there are a lot, and lying on the grass, escaping from the strongest, knocking down winds, is an adventure that you will never forget. And the fact that you are at the ends of the earth? Pack your bags, friends!

Chiloe

The island of Chiloe is part of the Chilean archipelago and until the mid-19th century was practically isolated from the mainland, which allowed the formation of a unique culture, unlike the rest of the country. These places are very humid and rainy, so the best time to visit is from November to March.
From Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, which, by the way, also deserve your attention, you can buy a one-day tour to the island of Chiloe. It costs about $50 and includes an introduction to the cities of Chacao and Castro or Ancud to choose from. The town of Kastro is the administrative center of the island and is famous for its houses on stilts - palafitos. There were once similar houses in Ancud, but the powerful earthquake of 1960 destroyed most of them. But the city has several beautiful beaches and the San Antonio fortress, built in 1770. And excursion bureaus from Ancud offer tours to the natural penguin park Puñihuil, which is located in a small bay.

You can save money in the standard way, without buying a tour, go by bus. So, let’s say a ticket from Puerto Montt to Castro, including ferry crossing, will cost 6,500 pesos ($10) and will take about 3.5 hours. And from here buses, sometimes in combination with ferries, go to any point, including neighboring islands.

Top attractions

Due to the endless struggle of the Spanish conquistadors with local Indians for three hundred years and countless earthquakes, Chile cannot boast of an abundance of historical monuments. But thanks to the variety of climatic conditions, it is ready to offer the sophisticated tourist many national natural parks and other natural beauties.

• Geysers of El Tatio(géiseres el tatio) are considered the third largest in the world and are the highest - 4300 meters above sea level. You can get here from San Pedro de Atacama, but you should arrive before 5 am. The most beautiful time is before dawn, when geysers throw water up to a height of 30 meters. But it should be noted that the temperature in the morning can reach -10 degrees. So don't forget to dress warmly. And keep in mind that at this altitude you may be susceptible to altitude sickness.

• If you want to see Moon Valley(valle de la Luna), then welcome again to the Atacama Desert. I think this is great - why go to the moon when it is cheaper and easier to see a similar landscape in Chile. There are sand dunes, oddly shaped rocks, and dry salt lakes. Typically, excursions begin in the afternoon so that when you finish trekking, you can enjoy a surreal sunset.

• And in order not to go far from the desert, visit Salar de Atacama(Salar de Atacama). This 3,000 km² salt marsh is one of the largest in the world and has several lagoons filled with water. In one of these you will feel like you are in the Dead Sea, where the concentration of salt is so high that it prevents you from submerging in the water and you dangle like a float.

• The Chilean land is rich in volcanoes, but the most famous of them are Villarrica(Villarica) and Osorno(Osorno). Both of them are operational, which does not prevent tourists from offering a fairly large selection of entertainment: hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, mountaineering and winter sports, depending on the time of year. Around volcanoes, as a rule, there are national natural parks where you can get acquainted with a variety of flora and fauna. Well, the best time to tickle your nerves by sliding down the crater of an active volcano on skis or snowboard is in July or August.

Weather

The elongation of the country, as well as the proximity of the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, determine the climate of Chile. Therefore, from north to south it differs dramatically. Do not forget that the country is located in the Southern Hemisphere, which means that summer here lasts from the end of December to the end of March, and winter, on the contrary, occurs in June, July and August.
The coastal areas of the north are characterized by cool and dry weather, slightly warmer in the summer. And the Peruvian Current in the part of the Pacific Ocean washing the shores of Chile makes swimming uncomfortable even in the most intense heat. But it allows you to see the penguins that live in northern Chile!

In the central part of the country, where the capital is located, all four seasons are distinguished. And no matter how Latin America is associated with endless warmth and sun, warm weather lasts only from November to March, and even then it is accompanied by a sharp change in temperature day and night, which cannot be ignored. That’s why it’s so easy to meet girls in boots and jackets on the street in 30-degree heat. Winter is not so much cold as it is rainy and damp. And the lack of heating in houses makes this time unattractive for tourists. It only attracts winter sports enthusiasts. Where else can you go skiing and snowboarding when the rest of the world is in hot summer?

In the south of Chile (and the south is considered to be the territory south of Santiago, up to Patagonia), the climate is more familiar to residents of the central part of Russia: summers are not very hot, accompanied by rains, which become more frequent towards winter.
In Patagonia, you can see all four seasons in one day, and high in the mountains snow can fall regardless of the season. Therefore, if you are planning to conquer the mysterious land even in the middle of summer, expect that you will need a fairly warm jacket during the day.

Money

The country's national banknote is the Chilean peso. You may encounter banknotes in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000 pesos and coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 pesos. I was never able to find a use for the 1, 5 and 10 pesos coins, considering that on average prices start at 100 pesos. For example, a 0.5 liter bottle of water will cost 600 pesos. Please note that the peso sign is the same as the dollar sign so you won't be shocked at the store.

You can exchange currency at banks, which close early, or at currency exchange offices, which are usually open late and are found where tourists are found. In any case, it is better to bring dollars. They are quite often accepted as payment in tourist places. Other types of currencies are quite difficult to exchange, only in large cities.

Where there are ATMs, and this is quite common, you can withdraw money from the card. The commission will cost $5-7. The only negative is the limit on the number of banknotes you can withdraw per day - up to 200,000 pesos (about $300).

Moving around the country

As we have already learned, Chile is an elongated country, attractions are scattered throughout the country, and, accordingly, long distances will have to be covered.

• It's easier and faster to do it by plane. The two main airlines serving domestic flights are LATAM and Sky Airline. The latter is positioned as a low-cost airline. And both companies often organize special, very good promotions - so, by monitoring tickets three or four months before the intended trip, you can buy, for example, a ticket Santiago - San Pedro de Atacama - Santiago for $40 instead of the usual $120. In general, plane tickets are very, very expensive.

• Rent automobile You can visit the representative offices of one of the international companies or use the services of a local one, which is always cheaper. Renting a small car is not the best option; you are probably going on a trip not to the cities of Chile, but to sights that are sometimes not so easy to get to. Therefore, a jeep or camioneta, as this type of car is called here. Again, diesel is better - a liter of gasoline will cost you from $1. Rent - from $50-80 per day with insurance. Prices for different car models can be found at. Keep in mind that companies may block a certain amount on the card as collateral. They can provide you with a car if you are over 21 years old, but if you are over 25, you can save a lot. Plus the cost of toll roads and the fact that it is impossible to travel completely across the country from north to south due to glaciers in Patagonia, you will have to go to Argentina. The only positive thing is that you don’t need an international license; you can drive on Russian ones, because Chile is a party to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. And as a rule, Chileans are not interested in driving experience. In general, it’s worth rethinking the feasibility of renting. Maybe a plane and a glass of Chilean wine with dinner would be better?

Connection

There are three major mobile operators in Chile - Entel, Movistar and Claro. In terms of coverage area, the first company is preferable, but keep in mind that in a country covered length and breadth by cordilleras, it is not possible to get a connection everywhere.
You can buy a SIM card at any mobile phone store. There are two types of tariffs - contract (planes), available only to residents of the country, and prepaid (prepago), available to everyone, you only need a passport. As the name implies, the principle of operation is this: we put money into the account and use it. As a rule, the more you put in, the cheaper the calls will be. You can purchase additional options in separate packages (bolsas), for example, an Internet package. Lately, traffic to all social networks and WhatsApp is free.

Language and communication

In my mind there has always been the idea that Latin America is dominated by Spanish, with the exception of Brazil with its own destiny. This is due to the Spanish colonial past. And its characteristics are quite clear. But because of these features, neighboring countries cannot understand Chilean friends! And a real Chilean will recognize a relative anywhere in the world. So if you think (like me) that you speak Spanish, you risk not understanding a word from a native Chilean. The so-called Chilinisms are to blame.

If some words, such as “bakan”, “la raja” (excellent, wonderful), “altiro” (quickly, immediately), “fome” (boring) and many others have a more or less clear translation, then find a suitable explanation for the word "weón" is impossible. Used in both good and bad senses. They use it everywhere and through the word, all that remains is to guess the meaning of the phrase. Also very Chilean and interesting for the Russian ear is the question word “cachai?” (“download?”), which can be translated as “got it?”. All these words are widely used in everyday speech and on television.

Many fruits and vegetables have a name that is different from the Spanish one. So strawberry is not “fresa”, but “frutilla”, peach is not “melocotón”, but “durazno”, cabbage is not “col”, but “repollo”, beets are not “remolacha”, but “betarraga”. So my advice is to stock up on a Spanish-Chilean dictionary, it will be much easier.
Another feature of spoken Chilean is the particle "poh". Don't think that these guys don't give a damn, it's correct to read it as "by". The particle has no meaning, but here and there you hear instead of “Si” - “Si poh” (“si po”), which means “yes”.

But if you don't speak Spanish at all, and you're in the middle of nowhere where they don't speak English, then the following words and phrases will help you a little:

• Hola! What do you think? (ola! como estas?) = hello! How are you?
• Si / No (si / but) = yes / no
• Gracias (gracias) = ​​thank you
• Pequeño / Grande (pequeño / grande) = small / large
• Frio / Caliente (frio / caliente) = cold / hot
• Qué? / Porque? (ke?/ spanking?) = what? / Why?
• No hablo español (but ablo español) = I don't speak Spanish
• No entiendo (but entiendo) = I don’t understand
• Donde esta restaurante/ supermercado/ baño? (donde esta restaurante/ super mercado/ bagno?) = where is the restaurant/ supermarket/ toilet?
• Cuanto cuesta? (quanto questa?) = how much does it cost?

Features of mentality

Arriving in Chile for the first time, I noted how close the Chileans are to us, and these are residents of almost the most distant country from us. Having lived here, of course, you notice our differences, but they are not as strong as with the inhabitants of Europe, for example. So, about the distinctive features.
Chileans are very cheerful and optimistic people who love their country very much. Every time they meet, they will definitely kiss you, which is what they expect from you. And it doesn’t matter whether you came to a friends party or to a dance class where you see everyone for the first time - you are connected by a common cause. It’s normal to hear on a bus, for example, how some passenger says hello and is interested in the driver’s affairs - that’s how polite they are.
Residents of Chile, of course, are good family men, although they are not necessarily married. Divorce in this country has been allowed recently, apparently, this influenced the fact that, as a rule, brides and grooms have adult sons and daughters - they test their feelings, so to speak, for a long time. In general, people here really love their children, mothers and other relatives.
Local residents are not known for their punctuality - they are always late, everywhere. You can only come to terms with this and understand if you were told “tomorrow” - this could mean the day after tomorrow and next week or never, since Chileans do not know how to say “no”. They will come up with something, make excuses, but not because they are so bad, but because they do not want to offend you with a refusal.

Among the interesting features, it is impossible not to note that these guys never take off their street shoes when they come home. And it doesn't matter what's going on on the street. Very often in apartments and houses there are nanas - women who help with housework, cleaning and cooking. This phenomenon is common and is not at all an indicator of high income.
In general, anyone will get the impression of the friendliness and openness of these people. Smile, thank, prove to them that we are not at all as cold as they think about us in Latin America.

Food and drink

In Chile, two cuisines dominate almost equally - Chilean and Peruvian. If the first one is simple, then the second one can be called more sophisticated, which is probably why it is so popular in the country. And there are almost more restaurants serving Peruvian cuisine than local ones. Although Chilean is very different depending on the region - in the south, the homeland of the Mapuche Indians, it is more authentic.
If breakfast and lunch are familiar to us, then instead of dinner, Chileans prefer “once” - a meal around seven o’clock in the evening, a kind of afternoon snack. Usually for this they buy a large amount of white bread - marracheta and eat it with avocado, ham and cheese. In general, it is worth noting that they are not at all adherents of a healthy diet and happily consume huge portions of buns, French fries, pizza, washed down with various sodas. Such nutrition cannot but affect the shape of the local population, although they try to actively engage in sports.
And I have never seen such a variety of seafood in any country in the world, all because the Pacific coast covers the entire territory. Shrimp, mussels, oysters, sea urchins and scallops, many types of fish will be prepared for you in any form. It is better to buy such products in markets, although there are special seafood stores everywhere where you will always find fresh goods. In a restaurant, the average bill for two will be 40,000-60,000 pesos ($60-90). But there are also simpler establishments - picadas with home cooking, where it is not so pompous, but tasty and the prices are more reasonable - the bill for two is 20,000-40,000 ($30-60). As a rule, before meals they always bring bread with pebre sauce made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro and olive oil with lime juice. You can eat in peace - you don’t have to pay for it. But if you liked the service, it’s worth leaving a tip - 10% of the amount. If you don't have change, don't worry, they can be included when you pay by credit card.

5 dishes worth trying

• Empanadas are pies with different fillings: meat, chicken, pinot (minced meat with onions), cheese, seafood and various combinations of these products. For example, you should try empanadas with cheese and shrimp. They come fried and baked, small and large. And you can find it in street eateries on trays, and in expensive restaurants as a snack. Price from 700 to 3000 pesos ($1-4).

• Pastel de choclo is a corn casserole with minced meat. Some housewives can add egg and olives to the filling. It usually comes with added sugar, which gives the dish a special taste. Prepared and served in earthenware. The dish is very filling and will cost you 4,000-10,000 pesos ($6-15) depending on the establishment.

• Cazuela. This dish is widespread in the south of the country, and it’s understandable - eating a bowl of hot soup in cold weather is priceless. As a rule, the broth is made from chicken or beef, but it can also be made from lamb and turkey with the addition of a large amount of vegetables: potatoes, corn, pumpkin, onions, etc. It should be noted that they don’t really bother themselves with cutting all this up. So, they bring you soup with a huge piece of meat, most often on the bone, and large, sometimes whole, vegetables. The portion is large and the soup itself is very tasty. The cost is similar to Pastel de Choclo.

• Asado. Chileans are incredible lovers of meat, especially beef. And not a single holiday passes without asado - this is a way of cooking meat on the grill, something like a barbecue. Without marinating the meat or adding anything, how they manage to reach such heights is unclear. And asado in Patagonia is a whole show; they mainly use lamb, which is cooked entirely over fire or coals.

• Ceviche is raw fish marinated in lemon juice and onions. Unlike previous Chilean dishes, this is already Peruvian cuisine. It comes from white fish, salmon, and also “mixto” - a mixture of various seafood. The dish can be an appetizer or a separate dish; it is better to check the serving size with the waiter. Price from 4000 to 14000 ($6-20).

5 drinks worth trying

• Mote con ueshiyo(mote con huesillo) is a popular refreshing Chilean soft drink, a kind of dried fruit compote with peaches and wheat. Mostly canned peaches are used. Chileans love it very much, while ours consider it a compote with the addition of pearl barley. In any case, it's worth a try to form your own opinion.

• Wine(vino) is considered one of the symbols of Chile. Favorable conditions for growing wine are determined by its geographical location; the country has natural borders: desert in the north, ocean in the west, mountains in the east, Antarctica in the south. Only in Chile, for example, is the Carmenère wine grown, which has been destroyed throughout the world by harmful insects. This is already a great reason to try local wine.
• Pisco sour(pisco sour). Like pisco, there is debate over this cocktail between Chile. But the fact that it is one of the best cocktails in Latin America is a fact. In any restaurant you will be served it as an aperitif. Although it won’t be too difficult to prepare it yourself: 1 serving of lime juice, 2 servings of pisco, 1 serving of sweet syrup, ice and egg white, then mix everything in a blender. There are cocktails with the addition of mango, passion fruit, mint and much more.

• Terremoto(terremoto) - translated means earthquake, which is true. This traditional Chilean cocktail is made with sweet wine, grenadine and pineapple ice cream and is usually served in a large glass. After the first one, you already begin to feel how the ground begins to move under your feet, but the Chileans are a people accustomed to such natural phenomena and usually decide to respond.

• Cola de mono(cola de mono) has nothing to do with the famous carbonated drink and is translated from Spanish as “monkey tail.” This traditional Christmas drink is made from milk, coffee, vodka or pisco, vanilla, cinnamon and cloves. You can cook it yourself or buy it ready-made at the supermarket. They drink it chilled, apparently because New Year and Christmas here fall at the height of summer.

Shopping

Chile is hardly suitable for shopping. Of course, here you will find all the world's famous brands, but, firstly, only in the largest cities, and secondly, the prices leave much to be desired. The country cannot be called cheap, and accordingly, prices for world brands are high. But if you need to buy something, then you should choose one of the three largest retail chains - Ripley, Paris, Falabella. These stores are present throughout the country and sell almost everything, including clothing, sports equipment, electronics, furniture, and household goods. Each of the networks has its own Visa or MasterCard, keep in mind that almost all discounts (and they are sometimes up to 90%) are on these cards. But you shouldn’t look for Tax Free in Chile, it simply doesn’t exist here.

From everything we conclude that it is better to limit ourselves to buying souvenirs, while leaving the rest of the shopping to the recognized leaders in this matter. As a rule, finding souvenirs in tourist regions is not difficult. If this is a market, bargaining is welcome; if this is a store with fixed prices, you understand.

There is no particular ban on exporting anything from the country, and there will not be much checking. It’s better to worry about how to bring it to us. For example, the Chilean side is unlikely to limit you in the amount of alcohol or the availability of coca leaf tea, but Russian or European customs officers will probably have many questions. And maybe not only questions.

What to bring from this country

• Products from lapis lazuli or lapis lazuli(lapis lazuli) you will find both in expensive jewelry stores and at artisans. Jewelry is made from this rare stone: necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, and is also used to create interior items.
• Wool products They are made not only from sheep wool, but also from alpaca wool. You can buy a scarf or socks as an inexpensive souvenir in a tourist shop. Or spend money at the Kuna store and buy an amazingly beautiful coat or sweater made from young alpaca wool.

• According to one version, homeland poncho is just Chile, a tribe of Mapuche Indians. Even if you don’t want to be particularly close to this tribe, it’s worth paying attention to this wardrobe item. The fact is that here you will find not only a multi-colored cape, which you cannot wear except for a costume party, but also stylized ponchos, quite modern and stylish things.
• Chile is one of the leaders in copper mining, so you will also find products made from it on souvenir counters, and most often this copper utensils.

Safety

Chile is one of the safest countries in Latin America. But as anywhere else, in crowded places, scammers can operate, so you should be attentive to your belongings and wallets. The center of Santiago and the port city of Valparaiso are considered unfavorable areas, where you should not walk alone in the evenings and at night and do not bring trouble with jewelry.
Natural disasters are much more dangerous for this country. This is how Chile pays for the amazing landscapes it has:

• Volcanic eruption. A large number of volcanoes in the country are accompanied by a special warning system - volcano traffic lights. If the light is green, there is nothing to worry about. Yellow - Prepare essentials, including documents and water, and listen for information. A red light means immediate evacuation. There are signs everywhere indicating a safe route.
• Forest fires usually occur in the central region due to dry summers.
• Heavy rainfall may result in flooding in some regions of the country.

• Chile is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. Thus, the strongest earthquake in the world was recorded in the Chilean city of Valdivia in 1960 - 9.5 points on the Richter scale. But, as a rule, tremors of 5-6 points are practically the norm, and this does not affect local residents. But those who are not used to it will be scared, I assure you. You should know that buildings are built using a special “flexible” technology, so during earthquakes they can sway strongly, but they are strong and will not collapse. And yet, before the trip, it is worth refreshing your memory of the school curriculum on the basics of life safety, the section “my actions during an earthquake.”
• Earthquakes provoke tsunamis, and almost more people die from this. With such a threat, coastal areas are always evacuated. In any case, in dangerous areas you can find special street signs indicating that you should not be in this part of the city when there are large waves.

It is worth noting that the sun in Chile is very dangerous, due to its proximity to the ozone hole and strong ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, be sure to use sunscreen even if you want to tan. The sun here is “burning” and not “sunbathing”, unfortunately.

5 things you must do in this country

Nearby countries

Friends, you often ask, so we remind you! 😉

Flights- you can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!

Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Anything to add?