Chile

Due to its elongated shape, Chile is often referred to as the "elongated country". It stretches along the entire western edge of the southern half of South America. Chile is therefore around 4200 kilometres long, but on average no more than 200 kilometres wide. Isolated Pacific islands, e.g. Easter Island, are also part of the national territory, as is part of Antarctica.

This expanse means that Chile's climate and vegetation zones are very different. From the Antarctic to the rainforest, Chile is home to both the world's highest volcano and the world's driest desert. At the same time, Chile is nestled between the Andes in the east and the Pacific Ocean in the west.

Chile has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts: While mountain bikers explore the Andes, kayakers glide along the most beautiful and clearest glacial rivers in Chile. Hiking enthusiasts can either explore one of the many national parks or hike from the steppe of Patagonia across the glacier-carved mountains to the eternal ice in the south. And winter sports enthusiasts will find their happiness from June to October in the ski resorts east of Santiago.

Arid deserts, glaciers and rainforests - Chile's nature seems endlessly diverse and the special importance of Chilean ecosystems is strictly protected today. The country has numerous national and nature parks such as La Campana National Park or Bernando O'Higgins.

UNESCO has declared a total of eight areas as biosphere reserves, including the Torres del Paine National Park. Like the Rapa Nui National Park on Easter Island, this is recognised as a World Heritage Site.

Chilean culture is just as colourful and diverse as its nature. It is strongly influenced by the music, art and traditions of the indigenous peoples, but the colonisation of Spain as a colonial power has also left its mark on the country's culture.

Numerous museums, especially in the capital Santiago, provide an interesting and detailed insight into the country's history. Whether natural, national or art history - there is something for everyone! The Chileó National Park and the historic quarter of the port city of Valparaiso have been recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

It is the driest desert outside the polar regions - the Atacama Desert. The coastal desert stretches along the Pacific coast in the north of Chile. It is framed by the coastal mountains to the west and the Andes massif to the east. The rain shadow of the Andes and the Humboldt Current on the coastal side are responsible for the fact that it has not rained in some regions of the desert for decades.

But even the extreme dryness does not stop travellers from exploring the adventurous desert. Salt lakes, warm springs, historical ruins of indigenous peoples and the desert's gorge landscapes fascinate every nature lover.