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Latin America does one of the trendiest tourist destinations among Americans right now.
An intercontinental region stretching as far north as Mexico and as far south as Argentina, it is known for its warm culture, indigenous folklore, Luso-Spanish heritage and delectable cuisine.
While countries like the aforementioned Mexico, Brazil and Colombia make headlines as tropical getaways, other LatAm countries are often ignored, even though they have just as much to offer in terms of nature, and may even be safer to visit.
Such is the case with this lesser-known Global South country, which may not be on the Caribbean, nor have a glamorous beach as famous as Copacabana, but still makes for an incredible fall getaway…
Or should we say spring?
The most geographically unique country in the Global South
Perhaps the most unique South American country when it comes to geography, Chile’s territorial borders are elongated More than 4,000 miles along the South Pacificgiving it a strip-like shape.
It completely blocks Argentina’s access to the Pacific Ocean and is bordered to the north and northeast by Peru and Bolivia, respectively.
Aside from Chile’s unusual shape, you might be wondering why exactly anyone would feel the impetus to fly there when tickets aren’t as cheap as traveling to Central America or Colombia, and the country’s location on the Pacific Ocean and its proximity to the South Pole ensure that the country much colder.
Well, if your love for South America isn’t just limited to tropical beach resorts, and the rugged nature, majestic snow-capped Andean peaks and rolling green hills dotted with vineyards also pique your interest, then you have to give Chile a chance:
Chilean nature is a force to be reckoned with
Chilean nature is truly a force to be reckoned with, as the country boasts one of the most diverse topographies somewhere in the world.
From the salt flats and arid, moon-like landscapes of the Atacama Desert to the dramatic glaciers and ice fields of Patagonia and every valley, volcanic area and marine reserves in between, the country has an abundance of natural wonders waiting to be explored.
While autumn is already descending on the Northern Hemisphere, the Global South is about to say goodbye to winter and enter spring, which means temperatures will start to rise across Chile. flowers will be in full bloomand you probably don’t need multiple layers of clothing when you’re outside.
That of course depends on where you are going.
Take a relaxing holiday on the Chilean Pacific Ocean
If the thought of spending a week relaxing in the luxury resort of Viña del Mar gets your heart racing, you’ll find the weather surprisingly pleasant for sightseeing and you can even try a dip in the ocean. it certainly won’t be as warm as summer later in the year.
Happy, Viña del Mar has much more to offer than just beaches.
It is a popular destination among Chileans themselves for its lush gardens, high-rise buildings, casino resorts and 19th-century colonial architecture. It even has a castle – Wulff – perhaps the most picturesque in all of Latin America.
Further along the Chilean coast, Valparaíso is just as charmingfull of colorful houses perched on cliffs overlooking the azure Pacific Ocean, reached by long, steep cable cars, and home to a world-class Pablo Neruda museum, housed in La Sebastiana, one of his former homes.
The national poet of Chile, he was an influential figure of the 20th century with strong ties to Valparaíso.
The beautiful La Serena
If you are looking for a purely beach destination, La Serena is it probably where you should spend most of your time.
It is the capital of the Coquimbo region and features long sandy beaches surrounded by clear blue waters and an up-and-coming resort town with affordable overnight rates.
Staying at the oceanfront Hotel Club La Serena, Americans can expect to pay as little as $98 for a single bed with breakfast included, while rooms at the more luxurious Laguna del Mar, with a private pool and beach access, start from around $148 this autumn (or spring in Chile).
Again, spring may not be the best time for swimming or sunbathing in Chile, as the days are still colder, with daytime averages of 69.8°F and as low as 44.6°F in the evenings, but nothing stops you from admiring the sights or have incredible gastronomic experiences.
Whether you’re a meat eater, vegetarian/vegan or on a restricted diet, you’ll find relatively affordable restaurants specializing in Chile’s famous corn dishes, which can be filled with meat or vegetables. cazuelasa homemade stew with corn, rice and potatoes, and the classic asado.
Explore the fascinating Atacama Desert
San Pedro de Atacama is a favorite among adventurers We fly to Chile because it is the gateway to the desert, and it is a small, traditional Andean town at high altitude with whitewashed houses with thatched roofs.
The town of Pucón is also a popular stopover on the way to the fascinating Chilean Lake District. It is located on the shores of Lake Villarrica, where you can go rafting and kayaking, and offers views of the snow-capped Villarrica Volcano.
Nature lovers can choose from numerous hiking trails starting in Pucon, leading to forested valleys, natural hot springs and sandy lake beaches. The most famous conditionsthe geometric baths, is a hot spring with no fewer than 60 water springs, surrounded by an emerald green forest.
In Puerto Varas, in the southern lake area, you will find tourists a rural town with a distinctive German architecturethat serves as a reminder of Chile’s multicultural demographics, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, including the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, which are still active.
See glaciers in Southern Patagonia
More dramatic nature can be found near Puerto Natales, a coastal port in Southern Patagonia, close to the South Pole.
It’s a popular starting point for travelers heading to Torres del Paine, a national park chock-full towering blue icebergsglaciers and granite formations.
Tours of the Patagonian fjords are also available from Puerto Natales, with several local tour companies offering day excursions to these remote natural wonders for as little as $157, depending on the weather, such as Denomads.
Chile is safe for visitors
Then of course there is Santiago del Chile, the cosmopolitan capital of the country one of the safest in America.
Chile is currently considered a Level 2 destination by U.S. authorities, meaning Americans are neither discouraged from visiting the country nor specifically told not to go.
When walking Santiago’s skyscraper-lined boulevards or exploring the city’s historic center, they simply need to be aware of their surroundings, as pickpocketing remains a risk, and avoid unnecessarily flashing expensive valuables.
Santiago’s Sky Costanera is the tallest building in South America, 300 meters above the ground, and for just $12 you can climb to the top and enjoy a breathtaking view of the vast metropolitan zone below and the Andes mountains that surround it in the distance.
Both San Cristóbal and Santa Lucia Hills are other popular vantage points to admire Santiago’s memorable skyline.
From Santiago, popular day trips include visits to Valle Nevado, part of the Andes mountain range and a natural park with a ski station, and the historic Colchaga Valley. famous for its vineyards and wine tastings.
Is Chile affordable?
When it comes to consumer prices, it is a well-known fact that Chile is not the most affordable Latin American destination.
After all, it is the most developed country in the South, even ahead of Brazil and Argentina, and the standard of living can be significantly higher.
On average, travelers spent $113 per day on vacation to Chile BudgetYourReismainly due to the higher costs of accommodation and tourist experiences.
A hotel room for a couple costs an average of $129, but on the other hand: food can be remarkably cheap if you know where to go, with travelers spending an average of $25 per day on meals.
This fall, Americans can fly nonstop from Miami to Santiago for just $464 one-way.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
