The long ribbon of land which makes up Chile extends from 18° South latitude, in the Altiplano abutting Bolivia and Peru, to 56° South latitude where the Andes sink into the stormy southern ocean at Navarino Island, south of the Beagle Channel.  That corresponds roughly to the distance from Belize to Hudson's Bay.

Isolated from the world by the high Andean chain and vast sea routes, the Chileans developed an independent pioneer mentality.  In recent decades they have transformed their country into a modern, prosperous export-oriented nation.  Visitors enjoy the sublime wines and abundant fresh fruits and vegetables of the heartland, and the fresh seafood in any part of the country.

Whether your taste runs to rewarding hiking amid the glaciated towers of famed Torres del Paine National Park, to cultural exploration on Easter Island, or amid the Aymara villages of the Atacama desert, you'll discover a beautiful land with gracious and vivacious people.

Fishing boats, Puerto Natales (Missy Shay)

Torres del Paine guide (Bob Shay)