Chili

Chile is a long, narrow country running along the western edge of South America. Its shape means a visitor can move from one extreme to another within a single trip, from the dry north to the cold south, and the landscape changes with every stretch of road.

The country is best known for three things: wine, the Atacama Desert, and Patagonia. Each offers a very different kind of visit, so it helps to think about what you want before choosing a route.

What draws visitors

• Wine: Chile's vineyards are a major reason many travellers come, and wine regions make a relaxed base for tastings and countryside drives.
• The Atacama Desert: One of the driest places on Earth, it offers wide, unusual scenery and a quiet, open sky for those who enjoy space and stillness.
• Patagonia: The southern region of mountains, lakes and glaciers suits travellers who like hiking, long views and remote landscapes.

Planning your trip

Because the country is so long, it is worth choosing a few areas rather than trying to cover everything. A journey that moves between the desert in the north and Patagonia in the south will involve long distances, so allow time for travel between regions.

Chile is also a country of contrasts in climate. The north is typically dry and warm, while the far south is cool and often windy, so pack with the region you plan to visit in mind.

Whether you come for the vineyards, the desert or the wild south, Chile rewards those who take their time and let the length of the country shape the journey.