TRAVEL GUIDE IN CHILE: THE BEST PLACES AND CITIES OF THE COUNTRY.

Holidays in Chile include a variety of rich natural landscapes, with a combination of ecological and active, off-the-beaten-path travel for individual or group travelers. The country of Chile is unique in its variety of climatic zones- in one vacation you can see the pure power of nature- from the orange moonscapes of the San Pedro de Atacama Desert or the icy blue glaciers of South Patagonia. And between them lie picturesque coastal roads hugging the Andes, a scenic drive that promises not to disappoint. From the port of Punta Arenas, you can start your exciting route through Patagonia via the Lake District (Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas) with its secluded and quiet chalets away from the main tourist areas. Hike the Parque Nacional Patagonia, in search of the unique wildlife of the area. And cruise through the fjords of Patagonia by boat to see local residents such as penguins and sea lions. Then you will arrive at Puerto Natales, which is the starting point of the Torres del Paine National Park, which is also where cruise ships launch into the Strait of Last Hope or to visit the Serrano and Balmaceda Glaciers. Imagine dense forests with caves and grottoes, framed by jutting glaciers, as well as farmlands and fishing spots, thermal springs, volcanoes, as well as adventurous motorcycle tours on stunning mountain roads await you in this unique region of Latin America. When traveling in Chile, an excursion to the famous Easter Island (Rapa Nui) in Polynesia is an exciting addition. This mysterious island, with its majestic monumental sculptures of stone "moai" made of volcanic rock, still haunts the imaginative minds of both enthusiastic tourists and inquisitive scientists.Take in the numerous legends and theories on the origin of these curious stone idols, or the lore of the original civilization that inhabited Easter Island in antiquity, or just enjoy the endless brilliant stars over this remote volcanic island. For the more active there are trekking tours in the Torres del Paine park, a campground with a view of Fitz Roy, also hiking, sandboarding and off-road biking in the Atacama Desert, plus glacier storming or climbing volcanoes. Chile is also well-known for their winter skiing in the beautiful Andes, as well as surfing on the Pacific Coast, for the more sporty. The adrenaline of the scenic Chilean roads will appeal to motorcycle travelers, as the conditions of the roads and highways are excellent, but also a full off-road enduro course is available to the most adventurous. Jeep tours in the Atacama Desert to the east of Antofagasta will allow you to see lagoons dotted with pink flamingos, huge salt marshes, fascinating geological geysers and the famous Valley of the Moon. The colorful houses that paint the city of Valparaiso, the exquisite facades of the colonial mixed with modern buildings of the capital, Santiago de Chile, will satisfy your thirst for a bit of culture and history. Experience the charming cities on the river, at the "Region of the Rivers.” And of course a trip to Chile would not be complete without wine tours of the Central Valley and a sampling of some exquisite local gastronomy. And for the history/archaeology buffs- did you know that Chile has mummies that are 2000 years older that Egyptian mummies? You can see them at a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Arica.