This pinprick of an island dropped into the Pacific Ocean 2300 miles from mainland Chile is a stepping stone away from Tahiti and Bora Bora. Easter Island (or Rapa Nui) is frozen in a world of its own. Over 1000 Moai statues gaze at Pacific horizons from their grassy verges. Though you will almost certainly have seen images of these mysterious figures before arriving, standing in front of the real thing is a moving experience. Travellers must respect and understand the delicate culture of Rapa Nui, and it is crucial to explore with a local guide to understand the customs and cultures of its people. Scuba divers will enjoy the crystal-clear water filled with marine life, and the gentle gradient makes this a wonderful place for walking.
In our opinion, it is worth spending a full day in Santiago de Chile. While this capital city may lack the glamour of Rio or the grit of Buenos Aires, there are some fantastic restaurants and museums, and it is a city easy to explore at your own pace.
From the deep cobalt lakes in the north of Patagonia to the icy fjords and glaciers in the south, few first-time visitors to Chile come without exploring the natural beauty of this region. Dramatic mountain peaks in the Torres del Paine National Park are perfect for hiking and walking, with never-ending lofty views and landscapes that defy the imagination.
The largest island on the Chiloe Archipelago, Chiloe is a beautiful wilderness of forests, wetlands and rolling foothills that lead to craggy mountains. Separated from the mainland by the Chacao Strait, this timeless island is a haven for wildlife and pre-Columbian culture left mostly untouched by the draw of tourism.
The Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert on earth. Despite the lack of rain, you will discover a surprising array of wildlife thriving against all the odds.
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