Chile

[Prawn_86]

Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in South America occupying a long and narrow coastal strip wedged between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage at the country's southernmost tip. It is one of only two countries in South America that does not have a border with Brazil. The Pacific forms the country's entire western border, with a coastline that stretches over 6,435 kilometres. Chilean territory extends to the Pacific Ocean which includes the overseas territories of Juan Fernández Islands, the Sala y Gómez islands, the Desventuradas Islands and Easter Island located in Polynesia. Chile claims 1,250,000 km² of territory in Antarctica

[kennas]

I'm planning a short trip to Chile next month which I'm looking forward to. Haven't been there since we moved to Peru, but I did visit about 5 years ago as part of an around the world adventure.

Flying into Santiago and meeting up with an Intrepid group who are travelling from Santiago to BA. We travel south to Pucon and then we are leaving the group to go to the Latin America Travel Mart at Puerto Varas, just near the more populace Puerot Montt. We're spending a few days at the travel mart and then taking a detour to Baliloche just ovr the Andes in Argentina, a beautiful town on a lake surrounded by mountains with some awesome skiing. Haven't been there before so really looking forward to it.

Depart around 10 Sept I think.

Whoohoo!!

:)

[EverNothing]

Chili would be awesome. Seeing Licancabur up close would be mind-blowing as well. I'm sure i'll go...

Someday. :(

[kennas]

It will always be there. If you're flying to South America, Qantas/LAN hub through Santiago, so add it to the trip. Santiago is an OK capital, mainly for a couple of the old colonial Barios that have some nice bars and restaurants. The best thing about it is the proximity to the ski fields. You literally leave Santiago to the east and start climbing and within an hour in some of the best skiing in the world. South of Santiago, the Lakes District around Villarica is really nice. Especially Pucon. It was my first stop on an around the world tour I did a few years ago, and I almost didn't leave!

[kennas]

Arrived in Chile yesterday for a 2 week holiday.

Santiago isn't a bad South American city. Certainly nicer that Lima but not up there with BA or Rio. It mas some sensational colonial arcitecture and is a pretty clean and afluent place. Lots of restaurants and is well organised.

We've joined an Intrepid group trip and there about 6 others on it, which is a nice number. Most are Australian with a French girl and a pom.

Heading out to Bario Bellavista for lunch in a few moments which is the 'bohemian' part of town, and where I would choose to stay.

We are with the Intrepid group which is a 'Basix' trip so we're in a cheaper area in a hostal called Eco Hostal. It's a surprisingly nice place however. Very clean, comfortable beds, and some nice open common areas and court yards. Shared bathrooms unfortunately which means it would be crossed of my list of plces to stay if I was travelling independently.

Now, off to lucnh in Bellavista for something Chilean. Not sure what that is except seafood and avocado.

Tonight we're on an overnight bus at 11.30pm for the beautiful Lakes District and Pucon.

[kennas]

Had an awesome week and really enjoying the change in weather and scenery. Southern Chile must be one of the greenest places on Earth.

You must visit!

Photos on blog.

[kennas]

Chile holiday done. :-)

Scores:

Scenery 10 (Southern Andes and the Lakes District are hard to beat)
Wine 8 (Not as good as Oz, but cheaper)
Food 7 (World's best empanadas and salmon)
Smoking -5 (Come on, even Greece has public no smoking areas!)
Club Sandwich 0 (didn't find one - even in the nice hotels - losers)
Drivers 9 (Cars give way to people even away from zebra crossings)
People 7 (Friendly but have a funny accent)
Overall 7 (Awesome country let down by antiquated smoking laws and a serious lack of Club Sandwiches)

Back home to Lima in the morning.

[chrissylewis03]

Chile holiday done. :-)

Scores:

Scenery 10 (Southern Andes and the Lakes District are hard to beat)
Wine 8 (Not as good as Oz, but cheaper)
Food 7 (World's best empanadas and salmon)
Smoking -5 (Come on, even Greece has public no smoking areas!)
Club Sandwich 0 (didn't find one - even in the nice hotels - losers)
Drivers 9 (Cars give way to people even away from zebra crossings)
People 7 (Friendly but have a funny accent)
Overall 7 (Awesome country let down by antiquated smoking laws and a serious lack of Club Sandwiches)

Back home to Lima in the morning.

haha thanks kennas, dont know what i'd do without your advice! i'll make sure i take my own club sandwhich when i go there!!