Geography
Bordered by Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, Chile is sandwiched for most of its 4000 kilometre (2500 mile) length between the impressive ranges of the Andes to the east and the Pacific to the west. The country’s inhabitants are mainly Spanish speakers of European descent though Aymara Indians still farm the foothills of the Andes, and the Atacama region once the part of the Inca Empire, has many important archeological sites. Along with most of the rest of the continent, the area which now forms Chile was colonized by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century and formed part of an empire which stretched from Florida to Patagonia. The country gained independence from Spain in the early 19th century and with the significant exception of the rule of General Pinochet from 1973 to 1989, has had a constitutional government for most of that time. Though rarely exceeding185 kilometres (115 miles) in width, Chile stretches from north of the Tropic of Capricorn almost to the Antarctic and presents a tremendous variety of climates and landscapes. At the northern tip is El Norte Grande (the Big North) and the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth. Its harsh and beautiful landscape is characterized by salt lakes, lagoons, dunes, weird geological formations and volcanic peaks. Above the Laguna Verde just across the Bolivian border is Volcan Licancabur (5916m / 19400ft.) the summit of which is believed to be a sacred Inca burial ground.

Time Zone
The time in Chile is: October to March GMT -3 hours (Daylight saving time);
March to October GMT -4 hours

Climate
The Atacama has a climate characterized by blue skies and mild temperatures throughout the year. At average altitudes of around 2400 metres (8000 feet), temperatures can range from 29°C/85°F during the day to -1°C/30°F at night. In San Pedro de Atacama, the average winter temperature is 21°C/70°F during the day and 4°C/40°F at night. Higher, on the altiplano, at altitudes above 13000 feet, average daytime temperatures range from 10°C/50°F down to -9°C/15°F. We can expect little, if anything, in the way of precipitation.

Santiago
Some 500 metres (1600 feet) above sea-level and fronting the usually snowcapped Andes, Santiago, the capital of Chile, is a blend of the colonial and modern. Historic buildings share Santiago’s wide boulevards with new highrise skyscrapers. Points of interest include the hills of San Cristobal and Santa Lucia (for excellent panoramic city views), several museums, the church of San Francisco, the Plaza de Armas (including the National Cathedral), City Hall, and shopping arcades. There is excellent nightlife with superb restaurants featuring Chile’s outstanding seafood.

Santiago is a reasonably safe city, but as in all big cities of the world, there are a few simple safety precautions. Don’t walk around the streets at night, and if you do, do it in the company of fellow travelers. Leave valuables such as currency, passport, and air tickets locked in the hotel safe.

Chilean souvenirs include a wide range of goods made from copper, bronze, and leather. Jewellery made from the deep blue lapis lazuli stone is a good buy. A good selection of Chilean handicrafts can be found in the many small boutiques and malls in the Providencia district of Santiago.

Chile is famous for its many excellent brands of wine, including Undurraga, Cousino Macul, and Concha y Toro, which are exported worldwide. Seafood is abundant and outstanding, particularly exotic shellfish. Local specialties also include humitas (seasoned spiced grated corn wrapped in husks and boiled); empanadas (steaming hot meat pies); and cazuela (beef or chicken stew with Chile’s unique herbs).

Currency
Chile’s unit of currency is the peso. As of February 2006, the exchange rates are:

£1 = 909.8 Pesos
$1 = 521.0 Pesos
€1 = 628.5 Pesos

You may wish to consider taking your money in cash US dollars including some small denomination notes with ‘emergency’ or spare travellers cheques. American Express, Citibank, and Thomas Cook travellers cheques are widely accepted in Santiago, but have very limited use in smaller towns. In cities and in larger country hotels, lodges, restaurants and shops, you can use credit cards - American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Diner’s Club are accepted. In fact, you’ll usually do better by paying with a credit card because the exchange rate may be higher. You can also use your credit or certain debit cards to withdraw funds from participating banks in Chile. ATM machines are available in Santiago.

Unlike our trips to Asia, our trips in South America are not fully inclusive. Clients will be expected to pay for their own meals (other than breakfast) while in Santiago and other towns where we stay in hotels. Please allow approximately $15 to $20 per meal.

Visas
A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity is required for entry into Chile and Bolivia. Visas are NOT currently required by UK or US citizens. However, the Chilean authorities do impose an arrival tax which varies according to nationality. Currently (September 2003), there is no fee for UK citizens; $100 fee for US citizens; $55 for Canadians and US$34 for Australians

Vaccinations
You should visit your own doctor and dentist for a check-up prior to taking your trip to Chile.
The following is a ROUGH GUIDE for immunisation: (We must stress that this is only a basic guide to the most commonly required vaccinations for travel worldwide. You must seek and abide by the specific advice of your local doctor/medical professional).

(a) Polio (normally you will just need a booster.)
(b) Tetanus.
(c) Typhoid. A full course requires 2 injections separated by an interval of 4-6 weeks.
(d) Hepatitis (A) and (B).
(e) Anti-malarial prophylaxis: Please refer to your doctor for the most up to date information about anti-malarial medication for the areas that you will be visiting.
(f) Rabies pre-exposure vaccination. Please refer to your doctor for advice on whether you need rabies pre-exposure vaccination. In the unlikely case of your being bitten, this vaccination does not eliminate the need for urgent evacuation to a suitable medical facility for additional treatment,. However, it does simplify that additional treatment and also prolongs the period that you can safely delay before receiving post-exposure treatment.

Given enough notice, your doctor will be able to administer all the above vaccinations.

Additional Sources of Information

Books
Trekking and Climbing in the Andes. (Globetrotter Adventure). Val Pitkethly and Kate Harper.
The Andes – A Trekking Guide. John and Cathy Biggar.
Backpacking in Chile and Argentina. BRADT PUBLICATIONS
The South American Handbook.
South America. LONELY PLANET GUIDE
The Land and Wildlife of South America. MARSTON BATES
Voyage of the Beagle. CHARLES DARWIN
Travels in a Thin Country. SARAH WHEELER
The Old Patagonian Express. PAUL THEROUX
Land of Tempest. ERIC SHIPTON
Mischief in Patagonia. H.W TILMAN
Trekking; Great Walks of the World. JOHN CLEARE
Tschifelleys Ride Back to Cape Horn. ROSY SWALES

Our trip dossiers/itineraries give details of books and maps that are specific to a particular trip. Click here for details of book and map retailers.

Web
Lonely PLanet - www.lonelyplanet.com
Rough Guides - www.roughguides.com