Ahhh, The Places Maria Will Go! – Part 3

Editor’s Note: This column is divided into three parts. [READ: Ahhh, The Places Maria Will Go! – Part 1]

South America

Chile. Chile is located on the western side of Argentina and Bolivia and the southern side of Peru. It is double the size of Montana. At least one-third of Chile is covered by the towering ranges of the Andes. The Atacama Desert is in the North and is considered to be the driest place on earth. At the centre, is Chile’s most populated valley, a 700-mile-long (1,127 km) arable land. Punta Arenas is at the most Southern tip mainland, and beyond that lies the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego, an island divided between Chile and Argentina. At the Southernmost point is Cape Horn, a 1,390-foot (424 m) rock on Horn Island in the Wollaston group.

Chile has a republic government, which was adopted in 1980. There was a period of transition to democracy from the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet. Since the turn of the new millennium, the democratic process has been much stronger. For most of the 1990s, Chile was the best-performing economy in Latin America, though the legacy of Pinochet’s reforms continues to be in dispute. By the time of Pinochet’s death on 10 December 2006, about 300 criminal charges were still pending against him in Chile for numerous human rights violations during his 17-year rule and tax evasion and embezzlement during and after his rule. However, Chile is one of South America’s most stable and prosperous nations. It has been relatively free of the coups and arbitrary governments that have blighted the continent. You can safely travel alone as a single woman in the country. It is considered the safest travel destination in South America.

Chile is known for its literature and music. Isabel Allende is perhaps the most famous Spanish speaking writer and was honored with a Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. Chile has a strong cultural heritage from its indigenous peoples, especially the Mapuche, Patagonians, and the Rapa Nui. Chile is a multi-ethnic society, including people of European and Indian ancestry. It is also world famous for its wineries. 

Things to Do:

Visit the North and the Atacama Desert. Go on a bike trail through the Valle de la Luna, which literally translates as “Valley of the Moon,” where it lies 13 kilometers west of San Pedro de Atacama at the north end of the country, near its border with Bolivia. Among its most interesting features are its dry lake beds — this is, after all, one of the driest places on the planet-which are dazzlingly white due to deposited salt, and prone to producing fascinating natural saline outcrops. You can also visit the Atacama Desert’s many caverns, where some of the world’s oldest mummies, preserved by the area’s aridity, were found. 

Easter Island & Rapa Nui National Park. This fascinating island with its remarkable 887 stone sculptures remains as the country’s most recognizable attraction. The most impressive collection is at Ahu Tongariki where 15 of them have been re-erected on the island’s largest Moai platform, or “ahu.” Rapa Nui is also where you’ll find one of the country’s best beaches, Anakena, a beautiful yet short stretch of white coral sand that’s the perfect spot for a break from hiking.

Santiago. It is the capital city of Chile, a bustling city that sits in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean Coast Range. Plaza de Armas, the grand heart of the city’s old colonial core, is home to 2 neoclassical landmarks: the 1808 Palacio de la Real Audiencia, housing the National History Museum, and the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral. 

The Chilean Lake District. The Chilean Lake District is a beautiful region characterized by snow-capped volcanoes, ancient forests and clear-blue waters. Many come here for the outdoor life and its beauty has made it one of the most popular regions to visit. 

Valparaíso. Valparaíso is a port city on Chile’s coast. It’s known for its steep funiculars and colorful, clifftop homes. La Sebastiana, the quirky former residence of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, is now a museum with far-reaching Pacific views. During the 19th century, an influx of European immigrants left their mark on the city’s architecture and cultural institutions, many of which congregated around downtown’s Plaza Sotomayor.

Valle Nevado. Valle Nevado ski resort has some of the highest quality snow in Chile, because of its location at 3 thousand meters of height. It counts with modern infrastructure and the best equipment to give an excellent service to its visitors, who want to enjoy the white sports in the wonderful summits of the Chilean Mountain.

Best restaurants:

Zanzibar. (San J.M. Escriva de Balaguer 6400 Santiago, 76450 Chile) Offering Moroccan, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Arabic cuisine. From chicken to lamb and seafood delicacies, you can’t go wrong! $$$

Lorenza Bistro. (Avenida Alonso de Cordova 3854 Santiago 7630448 Chile) It offers Steakhouse, Seafood, Mediterranean, Contemporary, Fusion cuisine with a Wine Bar. $$$

Miraolas. (Avenida Vitacura 4171, Santiago, Chile) The best Seafood, Mediterranean, and Chilean cuisine. Their Crab, Salmon and Gabardinas are a must try! $$$

Best Places to Stay In: 

Enjoy Chiloé Hotel De La Isla. (Ruta 5 Sur 2053, Castro, Chile) Overlooking an inlet in the South Pacific Ocean, this contemporary hotel is a 15-minute walk from the Churches of Chiloé and a 3-minute walk from a bus stop. Sleek rooms offer free Wi-Fi, wood decor and floor-to-ceiling windows, along with flat-screens and minifridges. Suites add living rooms, and studios have kitchenettes. Upgraded apartments feature kitchens, dining rooms and offices. Room service is available.

A breakfast buffet and parking are free. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

W Santiago. (Isidora Goyenechea 3000, Las Condes, Región Metropolitana, Chile) An 8-minute walk from El Golf metro station, this contemporary hotel is 6 km from the Museo Nacional Bellas Artes. Polished rooms offer flat-screen TVs, iPod docks and Wi-Fi, plus floor-to-ceiling windows with city or mountain views. Bathrooms have rainfall showers, and some feature soaking tubs. Suites add separate living rooms; some include balconies and/or in-room soaking tubs. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Vik Chile Hotel. (Avda. Alonso de Córdova 5320, Oficina 301, Las Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile) In a striking, ultramodern building with views over vineyards and wetlands, this trendy hotel is 26 km from the city of San Vicente de Tagua Tagua and 40 km from Route 5. The eclectic, art-filled rooms are individually decorated, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows with vineyard views. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️