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With its hospitable people, limitless natural wealth, and high affordability, it’s not hard to see why millions of Americans flock to Latin America each year for their international vacations.
The subcontinent is the preferred choice for US citizens seeking adventure beyond their own borders, but most choose to lounge poolside in Mexico or sunbathe on a Brazilian beach. this amazing country keeps getting overlooked.
In this article, you will learn 6 reasons why Chile should be on your bucket list and why it may well be the region’s most underrated destination:
Beautiful Pacific Beaches
We know that Chile may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of a beach getaway in Latin America, especially when there are other bigger players in the vicinity, but this is a country with a surprisingly long coastline, stretches for 6,435 km along the Pacific Ocean.
In short, it’s a coastal paradise, with countless swimming and surfing spots and modern beachfront developments that most Americans don’t even know exist.
Since Chile is located in the South Pacific, the seas may not be as warm as in Cabo or other places in the North Pacific, but they are still excellent for swimming and water sports, especially in the hot summer months when temperatures exceed 30 degrees.°C(86)°F).
The most beautiful golden sand beaches in Chile can be found around Viña del Mar, a tourist area known for its casinos and entertainment venues, and Iquique, a vibrant coastal city in the north near the border with Peru.
Bahía Inglesa, literally translated as Bahía Inglesa, is also famous for its Caribbean waters and white sands, and it is one of the warmest resorts on the Chilean coast.
World-class city breaks
Chile’s vibrant and incredibly diverse cities are a big part of its tourism offering.
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Santiago de Chile, the modern and sprawling capital, is the country’s top-rated city break, with its groups of skyscrapers against the stunning backdrop of the AndesQuirky cafes serving some of the most delicious coffee you’ll ever taste, and full of street art.
The aforementioned Viña del Mar is a sunny, up-and-coming hub distinguished by its European-style architecture and vineyards a short drive from town that are sure to keep wine managers, or just general wine lovers, busy for a long time. days.
The fairy tale of the early 20th century wolff castleone of the few in South America and certainly one of the most beautiful, it can also be found in Viña del Mar.
As the second largest conurbation area in Chile, Valparaíso also deserves a nod. A young city that is home to prestigious universities, colorful postcard streets and bohemian neighborhoods that attract young revelers and musicians on weekends, it is undoubtedly the jewel of the pacific.
Valparaíso’s Barrio Histórico, where several colonial-era buildings can be found, has been added to the ever-growing list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
diverse nature
Chilean nature is perhaps the country’s greatest attraction.
From vast desert plains where the absence of urban areas allows for a perfectly clear and unobstructed view of the starry night sky and constellations, to the lush green valleys and volcanic reserves, to the frozen wastelands of Patagonia, it boasts many diverse natural landscapes and impressive. views
He Atacama Desert it’s probably Chile’s most famous landmark, stretching for a whopping 1,600 km west of the Andes, where the salt plateaus seem to reflect the blue skies above as if you’re walking on the clouds.
It is the most popular excursion to the natural world that tourists take.
However, there are plenty of other sites not to be missed on a Chilean adventure, including Parque Nacional Conguillío, where numerous hiking trails traverse snow-capped Andean territory, the otherworldly El Colgante Glacier, a more remote but stunning location located within Queulat National Park, and the National Park Torres del Painein Chilean Patagonia, a region extremely close to the South Pole.
Easter Island
Although generally perceived as separate destinations, Easter Island and Chile are, in fact, part of a single sovereign state.
Easter Island is an autonomous community off mainland Chile with a high degree of self-government and an incredibly isolated territory in Polynesia, populated by 7,750 natives who speak Rapa Nui as their mother tongue.
Flights from Santiago de Chile to Easter Island take around 5h40and visitors are encouraged to register in advance, as accommodation options and places on group tours are extremely limited.
The most iconic sight on Easter Island, of course, are the 900 oversized head monuments scattered across the fields, resting on stone pedestals called beautiful.
The most photographed group of beautifuland the one with the easiest access for tourists is the Ahu Tongariki.
Easter Island recently lifted its pandemic-era entry regulations, which were different from those enacted by mainland Chile, making it easier for foreigners to enter.
Chile is highly developed
The following statement may surprise some readers, but it is based on social indicators such as health, education, and human development.Chile is the most developed country in all of Latin America. and one of the most developed in America as a whole.
It is defined as having a high-income economy and being an economically and politically stable nation in a region where coupand political turmoil is rampant, as is the case in Peru, its neighbor to the north.
For travelers, Chile’s status as a rapidly developing state means they should expect well-equipped modern cities with a working transportation system, improved accessibility, and most importantly, more security when traveling across the country, as stable countries tend to be less dangerous for tourists.
It’s incredibly safe
Developing the previous theme, Chile is not one of, but he the safest country in Latin America by any standard.
It has the second lowest homicide rate in the entire Americas, behind only Canada, and according to the Organized Crime Index (OCI), it has a ‘crime score’ of 4.60, the 22nd highest on the continent. american, and alone 9th highest out of 12 South American countries.
Data collected by the US State Department appears to corroborate those findings, as they listed Chile as a Tier 2 destination on their Travel Advisory. listingsonly one level below the best possible ranking of Tier 1.
This means that Americans should exercise « increased caution » when visiting Chile due to the common risk of street crime, shared by all countries in Tier 2, including France and the United Kingdom.
In this case, general safety advice applieslike being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places, and avoiding unnecessary displays of wealth.
Chile is open and unrestricted, and regular daily flights connect numerous US cities with the Chilean capital, including Atlanta, Miami, New York-JFK, Houston-International, and others.
traveler alert: Don’t forget travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
