Chile - Useful information for your trip

Chile is a South American country located between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean, where it hosts some islands, such as the islands of Juan Fernández, Sala y Gómez, Desventuradas and Easter Island.

The country is generally divided into big geographical regions. The Far North is the northermost part; here it is possible to admire the Atacama desert, the most arid zone in the world, and the Cordillera Domeyko, with its high Cerro Quimby. Norte Chico is mainly characterized by mountains and transverse valleys. The Central area includes the principal urban areas. This part boasts two mountain ranges, the Cordillera de la Costa and Andes, among which a central valley suitable for agriculture is located: fruits and vines are the main cultivations. Patagonia, with its amazing fjords and series of archipelagos. Island of Tierra del Fuego with flat plains. The consequence of the long extension of Chile, which meets different climate zones, is to boast uncountable amazing landscapes, very different from each other.

Due to the long shape of Chile it is not possible to define a common climate, each region is characterized by different weather conditions with various micro-climate. Generally, it is possible to admit that the northern zone is very dry, the center has a Mediterranean climate and the southern part boasts an oceanic climate.

At the beginning of its history, Chile was inhabitated by local indigenous populations with several cultures and traditions. In 1520  the process of occupation and colonization by the Spanish people began; they took control of the country and imposed their own customs and language. Only on 12 February 1818, after many fights, could the Chilean people declare their independence.

Many archaeological sites are still present in Chile, such as Ahu Akivi, with its seven stone moai; Tahai Ceremonial Complex, declared World Heritage Site by Unesco, both on the Easter Islands and the Atacama Giant, a big anthropomorphic geoglyph.