Full Description
Chile has some of the most dramatic scenery in the world and trying to decide where to go is a challenge. Attractions range from the Atacama, the world driest desert, to the snow-capped Andes mountain range, coastal rainforest, glaciers and world-class vineyards. This compact Highlights guide summarises the country's top spots and helps travellers select the best route for an organised tour or self-drive trip. It condenses into one guide material not otherwise available from a single source. Tim Burford outlines specialist holidays, hotels, restaurants, top ten souvenirs and how you can give back to the community. Detailed maps include 'the top spots' - six places most favoured by tour operators.
Contents
Introduction viIntroducing Chile 11 Background 2History 5People and culture 182 The Natural World 24Geography and climate 26Habitats and vegetation 31Wildlife 363 Planning a Trip 52When to visit 54Itinerary planning 56Your itinerary: 12 top attractions 62Red tape 68Getting there 69Health and safety 70What to take 72Organising your finances 744 On the Ground 76Health and safety in Chile 78Banking and foreign exchange 82Eating and drinking 83Shopping 89Media and communications 92Car rental and internal flights 94Cultural etiquetteHighlights 975 Santiago 98History 100Central Santiago highlights 104Outer Santiago highlights 1096 Central Chile 118Valparaiso and around 120Vina del Mar and around 132Portillo 1377 Northern Chile 138Norte Chico 140Norte Grande 146On the altiplano 1668 Santiago to the Lakes District 172South of Santiago 174Araucania and the Lakes District 1909 Chiloe and the Carretera Austral 218Chiloe 220Aysen and the Carretera Austral 22710 Magallanes and Tierra del Fuego 236Magallanes 239Tierra del Fuego 25011 Easter Island 256History 259Easter Island highlights 261Language 268Further Information 272Index 277
