extraordinarily diverse range of terrainbetween its Andean spine on one side, andthe ocean to the other. Sweeping from theworld's highest and driest desert downthrough rolling vineyards, past snow-dustedvolcanoes, narrow fjords and turquoise lakesup to sharp granite peaks towering aboveblue icebergs, this slender slice of land is alsobursting with culture and charm. Chileansare proud and friendly, fiercely protective of their traditions, and more than happy toenjoy a glass of the fiery national cocktail,pisco sour, with visitors. Add to all this themysterious statues of Easter Island,marooned five hours' flight away out in the Pacific Ocean, and you have everyimaginable ingredient for a wealth of sights and experiences.Chilean legend has it that when God had finished creating earth, he walkedback across the heavens and a little ofeverything that was left; mountains, deserts,lakes, glaciers, volcanoes and valleys, trickledout through a hole in his pocket, and thusChile was born. So, this implausibly long,thin ribbon of land unfurls down the Pacificcoast of South America and compresses an100Chile

Audley in ChileThe sheer size and diversity of Chile means it is something of a feat to cover all elementsin one trip. Our specialist knowledge ensuresthat whatever your preference for sights andactivities, we will strike the right balance foryou to see as much as possible withoutspending too much time on the road or inthe air. Due to the length of their sharedborder, Chile lends itself perfectly to acombined trip with Argentina. We can adviseyou about the many options for crossingfrom one to the other via the desert in thenorth, Santiago, the Lake District orPatagonia, all are remarkably beautifuljourneys. As well as knowing the classichighlights of Chile in considerable depth, wepride ourselves on our knowledge of lesser-known regions and places to stay, and aremore than happy to discuss specialistinterests such as golf, wine, astronomy andskiing. Private excursions throughout a tripcan prove to be rather expensive due to thesize and remoteness of the country, so wecan make use of small group tours to keepcosts down if required.AccommodationHotels in Chile are as interestingly varied asthe country's distinct regions, and we alwaystry to seek out character properties thatreflect this. The country is home to theunique and outstanding Explora hotels, ofwhich there are now three, and the Explora'sconcept of high quality accommodationmarried to explorations of the surroundinglandscape has inspired a plethora of similarproperties, all of which are striving for thehighest standards. Therefore Chile has somebeautiful and unique hotels dottedthroughout the country. There are also manyequally charming, more simple properties,offering good value for money and highstandards of service.Find out more For suggested itineraries and practicalinformation about travel in Chile, please seepages 114-115.www.audleytravel.comInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries,accommodation, climate informationand articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our Chilespecialists 01993 838 640?Chile10112345678Atacama DesertA stunning moonscapewilderness of volcanoes, saltlakes, multi-coloured lagoons,hot springs and geysers.Stargazing, Elqui ValleyAn area with incredibly clearnight skies, with severalinternational observatories that can be visited.Easter IslandA tiny speck in the vast PacificOcean, a remote and mysticalplace, famous for the broodingstone statues that litter thevolcanic landscape.Vineyards and wineriesThe Colchagua Valley is theideal place to start to learnabout (and taste) some of thebest wine in Chile.Lake DistrictA pretty region of the bluestwaters, white-tipped volcanoes,waterfalls and ancient forests,perfect for gentle hiking, bikeriding, fishing or just relaxing.AisénA beautiful and lush region with very few visitors, great forenjoying outdoor activities andstunning scenery.Torres del PaineChile's most beautiful national park, a magnificentplace of towering granite peaks, turquoise lakes, condorsand guanacos. Isla NavarinoA small island located off thesouthernmost tip of the SouthAmerican continent, for theultimate in peace and quiet. Adventure cruisingAs befits a country with such a long and varied coastline,being on a boat can providesome wonderful sights andexperiences. 87654321Moai, Easter Island