Types of trips: Adventure, Geographical, Exploration, Relaxation, Cultural

Best known for: Easter Island, Geographical diversity, Physical location, Wine

Why Go?: Chile is a country of diversity; the sheer number of landscapes, destinations and historical sites will make any trip here both exciting and educational whatever your passion is!

Fact File

Population: 18,000,000

Capital: Santiago

Language(s): Spanish

Ties to the UK?: Good political relationship, popular travel destination

Landscape: As the country is over 4000km long from north to south, it has a wide range of landscapes - it includes northern deserts, mountains along the eastern border and forests, volcanoes and lakes in the south.

Climate/Seasons: Very dry and hot in the north, becoming more humid and tropical in the centre and cold/icy in the very south. 

When to Go: Chile can be an excellent destination at all times of the year, but the different regions of the country vary in peak season. The south is best visited in the summer December - March period, while the winter months of July - September are great for winter sports at the resorts in the country. The northern desert area can be visited all year round but can get extremely hot in peak summer - make sure to pick your destination wisely!

Reasons to Visit: Geographical education, cultural experiences

How to Get There: There are many international airports in the country you can travel to, with some smaller ones for internal travel.

Places to Go: Juan Fernandez Islands, Valparaiso, Pucon, Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts, Tierra del Fuego (the group of islands at the tip of Chile which forms the most southerly landmass on the planet outside Antarctica)

Famous People: Marcelo Rios, Michelle Bachelet, Pablo Neruda, Alexis Sanchez

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Torres del Paine National Park, Cerro San Cristobal, San Rafael Glacier, Valle de la Luna

History: Under Spanish control for a period until 1818 when it gained independence, with some political unrest in the 60s/70s - now one of the most stable nations in South America

Architecture: Wooden Churches of Chiloe Island, La Moneda Palace, Costanera Centre

Culture: Spanish, English, French and German influences

Sport: Football, Tennis, Rodeo, Basketball

Events: Many musical and food events in January/February, including Semana Ancuditana, Fiesta de la Candelaria and Brotes de Chile

Watch Out For: Local weather such as earthquakes and floods can sometimes affect borders, and pickpocketing/muggings can be fairly common in tourist hotspots - be careful about having belongings on show/bags open.

Medical Issues: Some vaccines and boosters are advised for travelling to Chile - see here for a good general overview, but always talk to a doctor.