Chile is the “lurker” of South America—a 2,670-mile-long strip where the world’s driest desert, tidewater glaciers, and remote Rapa Nui (Easter Island) lie within a strip no more than 110 miles wide. This incredible silhouette breeds incredible diversity: skiing in the Andean peaks before lunch, eating Pacific seafood at sunset. Fortunately, the availability for visitors to the United States is very simple, as you can stay in the country for 90 days without a visa. You will fill out your arrival card on arrival, so keep it handy. Direct flights from New York, Miami, Dallas, Houston and Atlanta take just 8 to 11 hours to reach San Diego, with only a 1 to 2 hour time difference, meaning no jet lag issues.
With the peso hovering around 950 pesos to the dollar, budgets are stretched thin at spa hotels, private astronomy guides and tables at some of Latin America’s best restaurants – often priced around 40 percent less than comparable restaurants in Europe or the United States. Infrastructure helps this cause. San Diego’s expanded airport efficiently transports tens of millions of passengers annually. The Parkway (Ruta de los Parques) connects 17 national parks for more than 1,700 miles, transforming what was once an epic adventure into a road trip. About a third of the country is protected parkland, with roads, visitor centers and tent-free lodges. Even the Wine Valley, which once required four-wheel drive, is now connected by paved roads. The end result: a destination with long latitude and low friction. Here are eight regions in Chile that reap unique rewards. Simply select your latitude and the wonders of this country will meet you there.
