Being the long country that it is, Chile offers a wide diversity of geography and climate. It’s bound by the Andes to the East, the deserts to the North, the Pacific Ocean to the West, and the Patagonia and Polar region to the South. Santiago, Chile's capital, is nestled in a valley with the Andes as a backdrop.

Centrally located, it makes the perfect base from which to visit both Northern and Southern Chile, as well as to see the sights of the central region. Santiago's climate is mild and Mediterranean, very similar to Northern California.

Arid sunny summers make it one of the world’s biggest wine and fruit producers. Although winters are mild, when it rains in Santiago, it's snowing in the Andes, and for those who like to ski you’ll be glad to know that the Ski areas of Valle Nevado, Colorado and La Parva are only an hour away. The coast, west of Santiago, is beautiful and offers numerous beaches, resorts and golf courses, which are especially popular in the summer months.

In theory you could go skiing, play tennis and lie on the beach all in the same day! Founded in 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia, Santiago is now an interesting mixture of Colonial, Victorian and ultra-modern office buildings. It’s a very safe and comfortable city, where you’ll find its 5,000,000 people very friendly and hospitable to all foreigners. Here you have the charm and culture of Latin America with all the amenities of the first world!

The Atacama Desert
There are areas of this desert that have never received recorded rainfall making it the driest spot on earth. It is probably one of the most fascinating places to visit in Chile, or for that matter, all of Latin America. San Pedro de Atacama is a small village that dates back to pre-Columbian times. It is located in the northern part of the desert and is a must to visit for those students who have time after their Spanish course. San Pedro is perfect as a center from which to explore the area, and there is much to explore!

Pucón
Pucón is approximately 11 hours south of Santiago by bus. It is in the northern part of what is called the Lakes Region. This is truly beautiful country with countless things to do and see if one is an outdoors enthusiast. Pucón is a small village, but with many cozy hotels and hostels, and good restaurants. The village is towered over by Volcán Villarrica, which is one of the world’s most active volcanoes (not dangerously so). This is one of the most popular volcanoes to climb in the summer, and to ski in the winter. Just some of the activities available in the area are: sailing, canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, fishing, climbing, hiking, horseback riding, skiing, and relaxing in one of the many volcanic hot springs.

Puerto Varas
This popular town sits on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, across from two impressive volcanoes, Volcán Osorno and Volcán Calbuco. It would be difficult to find a more beautiful setting to make as your center for exploring the Lakes Region. This area is famous for its many serene lakes, cascading rivers, towering Alerce forests, volcanoes and abundant wildlife.

Chilóe
The most common phrase heard to describe this large island in southern Chile is, "Es otro mundo.", and "another world" it is. While exploring this fascinating island, you’ll find that the architecture, the landscape, the culture and the way of life are all somehow different from the rest of Chile. The best way to see the island is by four-wheel drive, but there is also ample public transportation.

Torres del Paine
The far south of Chile is not that difficult to get to though it may seem like it is a very long way from Santiago (it is). A fairly inexpensive flight will take you to Punta Arenas, which is in the center of the areas you will want to visit. To the north is Puerto Natales and Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. This is one of the most famous and most spectacular parks in all of Latin America. It is a trekker’s paradise and even day hikers will find ample trails that will astound with unparalleled vistas.

Across the Magellan Strait from Punta Arenas is the small village of Porvenir, which is the gateway to Tierra del Fuego. This is a land of expansive plains and beautiful mountain ranges.

To the south of Punta Arenas are the far extremes of the Chilean Patagonia. This is an area visited by few but well worth the effort. The wild beauty of this untouched land is breathtaking

Easter Island
Far to the west of Chile lies a little spot of land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This dot on the map is called Easter Island, Isla de Pascua or Rapa Nui, depending on where you are when speaking of this remote island. This has to be one of earth’s more special places. Whether you are contemplating the mystery of the Moi or gazing at an endless sea from Terevaca, the highest point on the island, you can’t help but experience the awe of this mystical land.

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