Chile stretches for over 2,500 miles along the spine of South America, from the parched deserts of the north to the icy waters of Tierra del Fuego in the south. Vibrant cities, spectacular mountain scenery and world class wine regions make this one of Latin America’s most rewarding countries, and the sheer distances involved mean that an escorted tour is a smart choice. Way out west in the Pacific Ocean, don’t forget about Easter Island, home to a unique Polynesian culture and the mysterious moai statues.
Chile’s sophisticated capital, Santiago, sits roughly halfway along the length of the country and is home to some 40% of the population. Northern Chile is defined by the starkly beautiful landscapes of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, while to the south are the dramatic Chilean Fjords and the jagged peaks of Patagonia. The glaciers and granite spires of Torres del Paine National Park are particularly stunning, while the chilly waters of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago are prime whale-watching country and offer a stepping stone to the icy wastes of Antarctica.