Chile is the longest country in the world and is located in South America. This amazing country has something for everyone, from deserts to glaciers and everything in between. There are endless reasons to visit Chile, but here are some of our favorites:
1. The world’s driest desert
The Atacama desert is unlike anywhere else in the world. Featuring immense salt flats, active geysers and blue lakes, it is the perfect destination for an active adventurer. Visit the famous Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna), the old desert town San Pedro de Atacama for sandboarding, mountain biking and more!
2. Torres del Paine
One of the top reasons to visit Chile is the famous Patagonia region, home to Torres del Paine National Park. Some of the most famous and beautiful images of Chile are of the park’s immense granite cliffs, glaciers and impossibly blue lakes. Head there during the summer months for amazing backpacking and wildlife watching.
3. Easter Island
Located 3,600 kilometers from Chilean mainland, Easter Island is one of the most remote destinations in the world. The island is famous for its Moai statues, enormous carvings made of compacted volcanic ash that are dotted throughout the island and the surrounding ocean. Furthermore, explore sandy beaches, climb volcanic craters and snorkel or scuba dive in the nearby reefs.
4. Carretera Austral
The Austral Road covers more than 1,000 kilometers in the south of Chile, and can be visited by car or bicycle. Some of the top reasons to visit Chile are located along the famous road, such as the Marble Caverns and the hot springs of Puyuhuapi.
5. Alma Observatory
The Alma Observatory is located high in the Atacama desert, and is the largest astronomical project on the planet. Alma (Atacama Large Millimeter Array), exists to study the formation of the universe. The observatory is made possible because of international collaboration, and is open to public visits on weekends.
6. Andes Mountains
The Andes mountain range is the longest in the world, stretching through seven countries in South America. They are also home to South America’s tallest mountain, Aconcagua. A day trip in the Chilean Andes could also include trekking, skiing or soaking in hot springs.
7. The tallest building in South America
For panoramic views of the Andes mountains and the Santiago region, climb to the top of the Costanera Center, South America’s tallest building. Head to the Sky Deck for beautiful sunsets and a bird’s eye view of the largest city in Chile. When you’re done, hit the Costanera mall for shopping and food!
Now that you know these reasons to visit Chile, apply now for an international internship!
Sources:
http://chile.travel/en/
http://www.almaobservatory.org/en/about-alma-at-first-glance/
Photos:
1. based on Easter Island, by Jay Leal, CC-by-2.0
2. based on Torres del Paine, by Liam Quinn, CC-by-2.0
3. based on The milky way above the antennas of Alma, by European Southern Observatory, CC-by-2.0
