Chile

Chile is a ribbon of land more than 4,000 km long between the Andes and the Pacific, taking in desert, glaciers and vineyards. In the north lies the Atacama, the driest desert on Earth: the salt flats of the Salar de Atacama, the El Tatio geysers, Altiplano lagoons and night skies clear enough for serious stargazing, as in the Elqui Valley further south. In the far south, Patagonia brings the granite towers of Torres del Paine National Park, glaciers, lakes and the fjords around Puerto Natales, home to guanacos and condors.

Far out in the Pacific, Easter Island – Rapa Nui – is watched over by its stone moai. The Central Valley is Chile’s wine country, its estates set among the vines, while the island of Chiloé is known for its wooden churches and palafitos, houses raised on stilts. Santiago is a modern capital with the Andes on its doorstep. Many lodges sell all-inclusive programmes of guided hikes and excursions.

Seasons follow the southern hemisphere: Patagonia is best in the austral spring and summer, roughly October to April; the Atacama works year-round; and Santiago enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Chile suits nature and adventure lovers, hikers, stargazers, wine lovers and honeymooners.