CHILE’S MAJOR TOURIST DESTINATIONS
The desert north
The northern part of Chile is a vast desert, with soaring volcanoes, stark lava fields, huge, rolling trackless dunes. Large modern coastal cities are linked by all weather highways and jet service, and offer an abundance of travel experiences.
San Pedro de Atacama: is easily reached by road from Antofagasta and was the center of a Paleolithic civilization which built impressive rock fortresses upon steep mountains that encircle the green oasis valley. Thousands of ancient graves rendered artifacts more than 1500 years old and an extraordinary archaeological museum has vault like rooms filled with mummies, skulls, stone age tools, ceramics, jewelry, weapons and ancient textiles. Several excursions are available: Toconao, home of famed artisans who carve in volcanic rock; Tatio volcanic geysers which erupt daily at dawn; Chiu Chiu ancient fortress and rock carvings. At least one night required to visit major sites.
The central valleys
Here in the heart of Chile are the capital, Chile’s main ski resorts, excellent vineyards and the sister cities of Viña del Mar and international port of Valparaiso.
Santiago at 1555 feet altitude and backdropped by snowcapped Andes, enjoys a charming blend of colonial and modern. Historic buildings share Santiago’s wide boulevards with new high-rise systems. Major points of interest in the city include San Cristobal and Santa Lucia hills, which have excellent views of the city. Excellent nightlife with gastronomic dining on Chile’s outstandind seafood, local specialities and international cuisine. Tours are available to visit the city, and nearby vineyards. Santiago has many excellent hotels, from tourist class to worlds class deluxe.
Valparaiso besides being a popular one day excursion, is Chile’s main international seaport and a picturesque fishing port. It is Viña’s “sister-city”, following into Viña as one continuous city. Excellent restaurants with seafood specialities.
The captivating south
The south is really comprised of three areas –the Lake District area, the far south and Antarctica.
Puerto Montt is the gateway to the scenic Lake District area and the popular surface crossing between Chile and Argentina. A charming fishing village, Puerto Montt is also the home port for one of Chile’s glacier cruises aborad the SKORPIOS. Nearby scenic Petrohue Falls offer fantastic views of onrushing water gramed by the perfect cone of Osorno volcano. Across the Chacao Straits lies storied Chiloe Island where an indigenous, friendly folk still keep many of Chile’s native dances, art and legends alive.
Punta Arenas and Payne Towers. Situated on the northern banks of the Magellan Straits with a splendid view of Tierra del Fuego just across the water, Punta Arenas is the gateway to the scenic Patagonian Payne Towers National Park, and a new southern glaciers cruise aboard the SKORPIOS II. The city has two excellent museums and several day excursions are available to visit Port Famine, Fort Bulnes and nearby penguin rookeries.
WHY SHOULD I SELL CHILE?
Much of what there is to see and do in Chile is there because of its varied topography: driest desert on earth, high altiplano, towering Andes, green forests with mountain lakes and streams and inland fjords. When you sell Chile as a vacation destination, you are selling not only a variety of travel experiences, but a well developed infrastructure with a European touch.
WHO CAN I SELL IT TO?
Chile has long been a standard stop of “Around South America” programs, and has often been on itineraries exploring the southern “Patagonia”, it is fast becoming a single destination; the Atacama Desert & Easter Island make it a must stop for archaeology.
HOW DO YOU GET THERE? HOW DO YOU GET AROUND?
CITY CODES
SCL = Santiago
CJC = Calama
IPC = Easter Island
PMC = Puerto Montt
PUQ = Punta Arenas
HOW TO OVERCOME POSSIBLE SALES OBSTACLES?
Chile has tendencies to sporadic bad press. But you may reassure travelers that places visited by tourists are NOT those that may be in the press. Chile is safe for travel.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.sernatur.cl
