Chile

Although only 110 miles wide, Chile is 2,700 miles in length or roughly the distance from Baja to Alaska. The country has an area about twice the size of the state of California. From the world's driest desert in the north, to the sub-antarctic zone in the south, and including the world's most isolated island, Rapa Nui or Easter Island, the nation's ecosystems vary from glacier to temperate rainforest and include everything in between. The country has about 15.5 million residents made up largely of Spanish descendants with strong influences from northern European immigrants. There are approximately a half million Mapuche Indians living in the country (mostly in the Araucanía region) and 20,000 indigenous Aymara and Atacameño in the Andean foothills and deserts of the north. Easter Island's population of approximately 3,800 is primarily Polynesian.

The Andes run the length of the country, forming its border with Argentina. They start in the north at the eastern edge of the Atacama Desert, and end in the sea at Tierra del Fuego. In the north, desolate landscapes are scattered with deeply incised canyons, smoldering volcanos, geysers and salt flats. Although the land is utterly barren from the Andes to the sea, irrigated agriculture continues to sustain relatively dense population centers in the oasis towns of Calama and San Pedro de Atacama. Conspicuous pre-Hispanic archaeological monuments complement those in Peru and Bolivia.

Following the mountains south, lies the fertile central valley where the country's capital, Santiago is located. This is one of the nicest cities in South America with modern museums, delightful wide avenues, quaint cafes and excellent shopping. On the coast, about an hour's drive from Santiago, is the resort city of Viña del Mar and the harbor town, Valparaíso. Maipo Canyon, southeast of the capital, is a great weekend or full day escape. Horseback riding, hiking and raft trips are all available in this scenic destination. Many of Chile's famous wineries such as Concha y Toro or Undurraga are easily visited in a day, and the vineyards in the Colchagua and Maule valley are cooperating to promote visitors and overnight guests on their Ruta del Vino, wine routes.

Further south we encounter the fertile valleys, dense forests, myriad lakes and volcanic peaks of northern Patagonia's Lake District. An exquisitely scenic and temperate region, resort towns such as Pucón and Puerto Varas attract vacationing Chileans from Santiago as well as foreign guests. Rafting, biking, hiking, fly fishing and climbing all appeal to adventurous travelers. The area's abundant natural hot springs are being converted into charming spas such as Puyehue and Puyuhuapi and charming Bavarian-influenced villages like Frutillar offer a range of galleries, shopping and restaurants. South of the Lake District, in what is referred to as central Patagonia, the land begins to break apart into thousands of islands and fjords. Glaciers like San Rafael and countless others roll down from the Continental Ice Cap to the sea. Accessible primarily by boat, this untraveled region features some of the country's most pristine wilderness (and some of its wettest weather). Local cruise companies now promote their glaciers or fjords tours internationally.

Southern Patagonia, home to world-renowned Torres del Paine Park, is located at the southernmost tip of Chile. Flights arrive to Punta Arenas from where it is an overland drive north to one of South America's showcase reserves. Paine Park is home to a variety of wildlife and bird species, powerful waterfalls, dozens of lakes, turquoise glaciers and the impressive granite spires or towers that are its namesake. Cozy lodges are an excellent base for hiking excursions or horseback riding, allowing guests to comfortably enjoy this wild and rugged land whose weather can vary from mild and sunny to torrential rains and gale winds within a few hours. Small catamarans and boats ply the waters of Pehoe and Grey Lakes providing access to some of the park's most notable features.

A six-hour flight across the Pacific Ocean from Santiago lands at Hanga Roa, the largest village on Easter Island. In addition fascinating archaeological sites and hundreds of Moai, or immense stone statues, visitors to the island during the hot months of January and February enjoy snorkeling , swimming or sunbathing on some of the islands lovely beaches.