Chile Sights

The biggest difference in the level terrain of the globe (14 000 m difference) - between the top of the mountain Ojos del Salado (Valcan Ojos del Salada) and the bottom of the Pacific is located in the III region, near the city of Copiapo (Copiapo). Lake Chungará Lake (Chungara), located in the north, 189 km. from the town of Arica (Arica) I region, at an altitude of 4 517 m above sea level - is the most high-mountain lake of the world. Moon Valley, which is located between the city of Calama (Calama) and San Pedro de Atacama (San Pedro de Atacama) II region - the only place the planet, is very reminiscent of a lunar landscape. The world's only natural laboratory, which alters its chemical composition depending on the time of year - Lake Kopaue, located near Los Angeles (Loas Angeles), in the VIII region. Hot underground water of volcanic origin, changing its chemical composition from winter to summer.

Northern region
Arica - this is the northernmost city of Chile, almost at the border with Peru. "City of Eternal Spring", as it is called Chileans. The magnificent climate and wonderful weather, the ruling here all year, plus a number of interesting sights created Arica fame and reputation of a good resort. Beautiful parks and streets filled with nothing is not comparable color, the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, and well developed tourist infrastructure creates conditions for a lovely vacation and entertainment. Replacement of Arica in the northern hemisphere, it seems, Tunisia or Egypt.

Plaza de Armas, a traditional center of Spanish and colonial cities, is the main city square. Dominates here St. Marcos, built by Gustave Eiffel in 1876. Arica hill with a breathtaking panorama of the city, here is an old Peruvian fortress, which is located the Museum of History and weapons, the exposition of the museum details the Chilean - Peruvian War (Pacific War), which resulted in Chile withdrew these territories.

Places of interest and Alakran Peninsula, where the fort, earlier defended the city from pirates, and now serves a yacht club. Among the city attractions of the old customs building, which now is a cultural center, train station, fishing pier, where there is a very colorful fish market.

From Arica is also to go on a tour of the southern Atacama desert, an excursion to the hot springs in the oasis Mamin Valley Peak, Valley Azapa with its archeological museum and the town of San Miguel de ASAP. To get to Arica most convenient flight from Santiago.

Antafogasta - a port city, this city's main attractions are the Plaza Colon with its centuries-old palm trees, monuments first settlers, the clock tower, clocks in the tower were brought from England and simulate clock Big Ben in London, the city's Cathedral, built in the beginning of the century and the Municipal Theater. You can also stroll along the port, which comes most ships sailing in the South Pacific.

From the city is to organize an excursion to the Valley of Geysers El Tatio. The valley is situated at an altitude of over 4000 meters, and looks especially beautiful at dawn, when the steam escapes from dozens of fumaroles, refracting the sunlight into the set of rainbows. You can bathe in natural hot pool with silnomineralnoy water.

Further south lies the town of Coquimbo. This town is situated in one of the most beautiful harbors of the coast. Nearby is a delightful resort of Los Bilos.

Just 15 miles north of the city of Coquimbo is La Serena - important in the historical and economic terms, the city of the country. Located on the Pacific coast, he - one of the oldest cities in Chile. Silver, copper and agriculture in the region were so important that the city even had its own mint (founded in 1544). Here, a very beautiful house, a church in neo-classical and Spanish style, cozy area, the Cathedral of St. Francis, built in 1844 of stone, a museum of religious art, archaeological museum with pre-Spanish collection, the Museum of Mineralogy, Ignazio La Recoba Domeiko market with its colorful handicrafts crafts, and of course white sand beaches, all it's worth it to spend a couple of days in La Serena. It can be organized excursions to the Elqui Valley - a region where growing variety of fruits, grapes and make excellent wine. In the river valley of great interest tours in Tololo observatory - the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Another unique place - alpine village Putra, situated in the valley of the river poured, the walls of which adorn the huge ancient geoglyphs, "depicting" human figures and animals. To the south of Putra is a salt lake Surire (in the language of the Aymara Indians - "Ostrich"), you can see rhea - ostrich Andes, as well as many other animals: llamas, vicuna, pink flamingos, condors. Those who wish can swim in hot mineral springs Surire against the backdrop of an unforgettable Andean landscape.

Easter Island (or Rapa Nui) is in the Pacific, nearly 3700 km. to the west of the Chilean coast. This is the most famous and mysterious of the Chilean islands. Geographically and culturally belongs not to America but to Polynesia. This is the most remote island on the planet, because the nearest inhabited place is 2 500 km. him. Easter Island or Rapa Nui, as the locals call it - of volcanic origin. The origins of the ancient culture of Rapa Nui is still unknown to science, and many of the existing versions and suppositions can not give answers to the riddles posed by the world Easter Island. Main island mystery - the origin of giant stone idols moai, standing with his back to the sea in various parts of Rapa Nui. You can visit volcanoes, a cult centers of the ancient inhabitants of the island, to see their petroglyphs and other signs of a vanished culture. Entire population of Easter Island lives in the village of Hanga Roa. On the island there are hotels and all tourist amenities. On the island year-round beautiful subtropical climate and magnificent beaches with warm ocean. On an island accessible only by aircraft of the Chilean airline Lanchile, several times a week flying from Santiago.

Places frequented by tourists:
• Ahu Vinapu - a temple in which the sculpture resemble stonework of the Incas - proof that the first inhabitants of the island were people from South America.
• Rano Kau - Volcano - one of camyh interesting spectacle on Easter Island.
• g. Orongo - home in the city, made from a beacon of stone, were restored, and the rock that surrounds the city, remained intact. On it are carved images of people, birds (Tangata Manu, Tha Manu Tara, Makemake).
• Ahu Tahai - fortress, restored in the late 60's by the American archaeologist William Mullou. This temple is 7 th century - the oldest architectural structure on the island, which represents 3 different types of gravestones (ahu): Ahu Ko Te Riky (a huge statue (moai) that weighs 20 tons with a symbolic stone on his head, 690 AD ), Ahu Vai Uki (group of 5 statues) and Ahu Tahai. Rano • Raraku - quarry, in which all the statues (moai) carved from soft volcanic tuff. Height of many sculptures up to 6 m and they weigh several tons. Dead members of the family are usually laid in a crypt under the statue. Ahu Akahanga - stove, which is a long stone column with 4 statues have fallen, a place which according to legend is the grave of the 1 st king of the island Hoto Matua. Ahu Tongariki - camaya large gravestone ever built on the island, was destroyed by the tsunami in 1960, then reinstated and now all 15 statues are standing together in a row.
• Anakena Beach - in this place organized picnics for tourists, according to legend it was here the first time, landed the first king of the island Hoto Matua.

Archipelago Juan Fernandez
Consists of the islands: Robinson Crusoe, Santa Clara and Alexander Selkirk. It was opened in 1574 navigator, who gave the archipelago its name. The whole life of the archipelago are concentrated on the island of Robinson Crusoe, this name and worldwide fame thanks to what it had lived a shipwrecked English sailor, Alexander Selkirk, whose story inspired Daniel Defoe to write his famous novel "Robinson Crusoe". Were only about 600 residents who live in the only village on the island of San Juan Bautista, their main activity - catching lobsters. The entire archipelago is covered by forest and is a national park, due to the presence on the islands of many endemic plants (giant prehistoric ferns, giant daisy, etc.) and birds. Of the attractions you can visit the cave of Robinson Crusoe, a platform in the wilds, which Selkirk was looking for some life-saving ship and the Spanish fort of Santa Barbara, who served in the XVIII century to repel attacks by pirates. Due to the fact that the archipelago at the time was repeatedly used by pirates, it often still finds pirate treasure and household items. On the islands of beautiful beaches and perfect weather all year. The only way to get to Robinson Crusoe Island - a small private twin-engine aircraft, from time to time, tourists were moved there from Santiago.

Chiloe Island
Located between the center and south of the country, the island differs quite a distinct culture, way of life of its people and the rare beauty of nature. Chiloé - a place most of close daily contact between the sea, impenetrable virgin forests and man. The island has a rich folklore and mythology that is part of the worldview chilotov - so call themselves residents of Chiloé. Many of Chiloé believe in the existence of "Kaleuche" - ghost ship, a meeting which leads to insanity, "Trauko" - a lame monster living in the local forests and caused the pregnant girl, "Pinkoyi" - a siren from time to time dancing on the beach facing the sea, that fills a network of fishermen, and dozens of other funny and terrible characters. Residents Chiloé are famous for their hospitality, and national parks - beauty. The bulk of the diet here are potatoes and seafood. It has its own very special tradition of building wooden churches. Very interesting, built on stilts at the water city Castro. There is still a tradition "Mingi": this is when the neighbors sobrashis together to build a neighbor's house. To get on Chiloe is very simple - just a bus or plane to get from Santiago to Puerto Montt, and from there - a ferry to cross the Chacao channel. Weather during the greater part of the moderately cool. In winter, a lot of rain. On the coast, strong winds blow. Ocean year-round cold.

Central Region
The central part of the country - the most favorable area for human life. Suffice mild climate, lush vegetation and numerous picturesque historic towns.

Santiago
Santiago de Chile - a huge city, spread out on the fertile valley of the same name, sandwiched between the mountain ranges of 100 km. from the ocean. Capital, economic and cultural center, home to more than 5.5 million residents, the city was founded on Feb. 12, 1541 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, and has since been considered one of the most unusual capitals of the world (the country's capital city was in 1818 ). The skyscrapers of glass and concrete side by side here in the numerous churches of XVIII century, the people with the same pleasure to wear as a modern business suits and traditional tribal clothes, and fashionable districts of Providencia and Las Condes side by side with slums "kalyampas. The level of life of local people is one of the highest on the continent.

Center City is the Plaza de Armas ( "Space Weapons") with a monument to the founder of the city - Pedro de Valdivia, as well as the monument "Freedom America" and a monument to the first Chilean Cardinal Jose Maria Caro. Around the area are concentrated most of the historical monuments - the Governor's House, The City, the building of the Royal Audiencia (1804-1808 gg. Now the Historical Museum is located here), Colonnade Fernandez-Concha, colorful Mercado Central (Central Market, 1868), Cathedral ( 1748-1775 gg.), post office building, pedestrian walkway Paseo Ahumada and palace complex of La Moneda (1788-1805 gg.) - the presidential palace and place of the "last battle" of President Allende.

Nearby are the Municipal Theater of Opera and Ballet (1857-1873 gg.), Mount San Cristobal (860 meters), renowned for its famous statue of the Virgin Mary (height 36 m), casino "Cumbre", an extensive park, zoo and cable cars "teleferiko" . From the foot of the statue, with the very same ground where Pope John Paul II read a mass during his visit to Santiago in 1984, offers a magnificent view of the city and the ridge of the Andes. At the foot of the mountain is divided magnificent Botanical Gardens (712 ha), which, besides extensive floral collection, you can find folklore center "Victoria" and wine bar "Camino Real". Of the numerous parks in the capital deserve attention to Central City Park (1900), which is surrounded by numerous colonial buildings, and various places of entertainment, so-called "Trade Park, which represents a green city market, the park" Quinta Normal "with numerous playgrounds as well as parks Balmaseda, Santa Lucia and the Metropolitano.

District Barrio Bellyavista, known as the "Paris Block", is one of the brightest areas of the city. This bohemian district with countless villa in colonial style, quiet walkways, "ethnic" restaurants and an active crafts fair on Friday and Saturday. Equally colorful areas of Providencia, El Golf, Vitacura and Las Condes, as well as the pedestrian street Uerfonos, Central Station and the street Repubblica. Worth visiting the Cathedral of St. Augustine (1625), the Basilica of the Virgin Mercedes, building the Catholic University (1913), the Basilica of the Angels in the park Balmaseda, Providence Church (1880), the Church of Thanksgiving (1863), the church and the College of the Holy Hearts (1849), Palace of Elgin (1861), the National Library with the mausoleum of Bernardo O'Higgins, the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a children's play complex "Mapuche" and "Alley figures.

Santiago has many museums, including the wonderful Museum of Art Chilean pre-Columbian era, the Museum of Modern Art (1947), the National Museum of History (1911), the National Museum of Fine Arts (in 1880, the oldest museum in Latin America) with a fine collection of European and Chilean art, the Museum of Santiago in the house of Casa Colorado ( "color house") and the most modern planetarium mainland. Particular attention should be given house-museum of the great Chilean poet Pablo Neruda (La Chaskona), literally embedded in the rock at the foot of San Cristobal. And all the plain south of the city is one of the world's largest wine-producing regions. On the slopes of the surrounding mountains there are many first-class ski centers.

Valparaiso
Valparaiso, or as locals say - Walpen, located 120 km northwest of Santiago, is the main port of Chile and the second largest city in the country. From here began the colonization of the country, this is why we left the ships to new islands and countries, and this is where you can find an incredible mix of cultures and peoples, so typical of today's Chile. Despite its size, is the most typical city in the country and one of the most intriguing places in South America. Occupying only a narrow strip of land between the coastline and nearby hills, intricate historical center of Valparaiso holds a lot of winding cobbled streets and surrounded, as steep cliffs, stretches of homes on the slopes of the suburbs, which are numerous walking paths, stairs, and even cable cars.

Center city is the area Sotomayor, which is a monument to Captain Arturo Pratt and the fallen heroes of the Pacific campaign, 1879-1883 gg. Sights are the Cathedral and the picturesque fountain in Victoria Square, Parliament building, the Museum of Natural History, Museum of Art and the Maritime Museum, the city pier Muela Prat, which always makes a noise rich market, many cable cars (each has its own name) as well as variety of coastal restaurants. The lower part of the seaside town, better known as "El Plan" is a series of narrow, constantly clogged streets, surrounded by shops, banks, offices and warehouses, "crowding" around the berths, which is the source of wealth Valparaiso.

Viña del Mar
Just 10 miles north of Valparaiso is the main beach resort of Chile - Vina del Mar, commonly referred to as "Garden city" because of its subtropical climate, beautiful scenery and many avenues of palms and banana trees. Horse-drawn wagons ply between colorful past century mansions, luxury beach and river bank. Main attractions of the city - the ocean beach of pure white sand, numerous parks and excellent museums, located in the restored colonial mansions. There is also a National Botanic Garden of Chile, representing, at its 61 hectare area for hundreds of species of native and exotic plants, as well as the first casino in Chile, the unique "flower clock", Vergara palace with a luxurious garden, the Castle Wolfe, Municipal Theater, the Museum of Fine Art, Museum of Culture and the excellent infrastructure of recreation.

South central part of Chile is one of the most beautiful areas of the world. The majestic Andes is framed by hundreds of rivers, the cones of ancient volcanoes and the young are reflected in the surface of the cleanest lakes, mountain slopes covered with thickets of relic plants or planted with the best in American vineyards, and the local population are descendants of the proud and militant Mapuche.

Southern Region
Area Lakes extraordinarily beautiful - change each other seemingly endless flowering alpine valley surrounded by low hills, the foothills of the Andes and the glittering, snow-capped volcanoes. Lakes formed by melting glaciers once covered this area - the real gems, and they reflected the cold waters of wondrous landscapes.

Approximately 25 km from the town of Los Angeles, in the depths of wooded valley located del Laja Falls Salta (Salta del Laja) - gate to the edge of lakes. The cold waters of the River Laja flow through one of the most beautiful places in Chile, and then fall from a height of 35 m in a deep canyon, completely wrapped in a mist spray.

Vilyarika National Park, spread out on the steep slopes of the volcano of the same name, is an odd mixture of virgin forests and barren fields of lava, have made their way through the undergrowth during a recent eruption (1989). There is an opportunity to make a lift to a height of 2200 meters and look into a smoking crater, but should be careful, because the weather at any time can change for the worse.

At the end of the South of the railway line and the Pan American Highway is a very picturesque town of Puerto Montt, founded by German colonists in the middle of the XIX-th century - one of the most important cities in southern Chile. The city is characterized by its middle-European architecture with tile roofs and tall decorative balconies. Cathedral of mahogany in the main square - the oldest building in the city, dated 1856. Puerto Montt - transport center and a starting point to the southern edge of the Lake, the island of Chiloé and Chilean Patagonia.

The nearby port - Angelmi, famous for its outstanding artisan workshops, markets and incredibly rich in seafood. In San Pedro de Atacama interesting local museum with its unique collection of mummies found in the arid desert zone and the related pre-Columbian era, Moon Valley, where thousands of years the wind has created a bizarre rock shapes and formations, unusually sharply contrasting with the dark blue sky high mountain desert.

National Park Torres del Paine, Chile, locked up far to the south of the Andes, one of the youngest of natural reserves in South America. But unlike the majority of these reserves in Peru and Bolivia, in this corner of the wilderness area of 1,630 km2 is not inhabited. Unique landscapes Peine, where many glaciers, lakes and animals, offers some of the most fascinating in the world walks. The starting point for excursions into the national park is Puerto Natales (Puerto Natales) - a small quiet town near the Gulf Ultimo Esperanza. There are several nice family hotels and restaurants serving local delicacies - "Kamchatka" crabs. Tourist vessels depart from Pueto Natales to nearby glaciers. And not far from the glacier is a huge cave, where a few years ago found a frozen prehistoric mastodon.

Fjords. To the south of Puerto Montt land and sea seem to merge, forming a single maze of islands, fjords, rivers with many tributaries, lakes and hills, covered with millennial trees. This is a wonderfully beautiful place, which somehow managed to avoid the barbaric human intervention. What is this place reminds Karelia, the Norwegian coast.

Once hidden from view of Puerto Montt, your gaze appears Chiloe Island. This is a romantic place, where about 100 small enchanting islands shrouded in mist ducts, many picturesque villages and small wooden houses. But when the sun burns away the mist, before you open lush green forests, cool waters of the Pacific Ocean and the panorama of the Andes.

Punta Arenas - a wonderful city, located on the gently sloping hills above the desert, windy Straits of Magellan. Punta Arenas is known for its monuments Yugoslav settlers and ranchers who first mastered this region. See the regional museum, you will make interesting excursions in the days when there existed the Panama Canal, and the city was a thriving port on the southern tip of the continent. From the hill of La Cruz splendid views over the city and across the Strait to Tierra del Fuego.

Archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, Magellan was opened in 1520. In the late 19 th century settled here a few farmers who came from Yugoslavia and Britain, which created a large sheep ranch. There are sheep in the center of Chile.

Porbenir - the largest city of the island of Tierra del Fuego - populated mostly Yugoslavs. The attention of the local museum. Before landing in Porbenire can swim on the ferry from Punta Arenas. Quiet and sleepy town has changed little since the beginning of the century. Hence the road throws in the Argentine side of the island and on to the icy waters of Cape Horn, passing along the southernmost inhabited land in the world.