First let's set the record straight about Patagonia...all those amazing photos you see of Patagonia and assume it must be in Argentina...no...it's Chile. Aside from the town of El Chalten, the Patagonia's Argentina landscape is desolate. As soon as you cross the border from Argentina into Chile the change is instantaneous, literally, everyone in our tour group thought the same thing. In the lower half of Patagonia the main "attraction" is Torres del Paine; in the upper half it's the Carretera Austral...both are in Chile. Unfortunately both are more difficult too reach...and counter-intuitively, if the Carretera Austral becomes easier to reach it will lose it's charm and reason for visiting - it's remote beauty.
Chile is a "B" personality type country and suffers from a lack of marketing and glossy brochures that it's "A" personality neighbors - Brazil and Argentina - seem to release. It's not this up and coming "cool" spot like Colombia and it's primary archaeological site, Easter Island, is much more expensive to reach then a hike to Peru's Machu Pichu. The countries impossibly long, skinny shape makes it a struggle to see all of the country in a single visit. Fortunately it's an amazing spot and the first country in South America I'd revisit - that's about as close to an endorsement or country recommendation as I'll ever give - I'd just need to figure out if I want to drive North or South from Santiago - a very, very tough decision.
On top of all that Chile has the best beer too - the Cerveza Austral brands of Pale Ale, Calafate Ale, etc. were much better than Quilmes.
Chile is a "B" personality type country and suffers from a lack of marketing and glossy brochures that it's "A" personality neighbors - Brazil and Argentina - seem to release. It's not this up and coming "cool" spot like Colombia and it's primary archaeological site, Easter Island, is much more expensive to reach then a hike to Peru's Machu Pichu. The countries impossibly long, skinny shape makes it a struggle to see all of the country in a single visit. Fortunately it's an amazing spot and the first country in South America I'd revisit - that's about as close to an endorsement or country recommendation as I'll ever give - I'd just need to figure out if I want to drive North or South from Santiago - a very, very tough decision.
On top of all that Chile has the best beer too - the Cerveza Austral brands of Pale Ale, Calafate Ale, etc. were much better than Quilmes.
DESTINATION PAGES
SANTIAGO
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TORRES DEL PAINE
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EASTER ISLAND
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CARRETERA AUSTRAL
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PUCON
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TIERRA DEL FUEGO
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TRAVEL INFORMATION
- As of November 2013 a visa is required only if you arrive at Santiago's international airport. If you arrive via a land crossing no visa is necessary although be sure to check for current requirements.
- Chile has a lot to see, unfortunately the country's unusual shape will make it difficult to cover everything in a single trip.