Chile is a unique and awe-inspiring country, sandwiched on a narrow strip of land between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Stretching for more than 2,600 miles – but only spanning 217 miles at its widest point – this skinny slice of South America offers a great introduction into the vast continent. On a Chile holiday, you can discover everything from vibrant cities and pin-striped vineyards, to arid deserts and snow-capped peaks. And, with over 40 national parks, this beautiful country is a nature lover’s dream.

The hardest part of any Chile holiday will be deciding where to go. There are four main areas to choose from – the north, the middle, the south, and Easter Island. In the north, you can explore the driest place on the planet, the Atacama Desert. Made up of rugged valleys and cone-shaped volcanoes, this lunar-like landscape feels like another world. Plus, thanks to the lack of light pollution, it’s a fabulous spot for star-gazing – you can even see the Milky Way.

About half way down the country, you’ll find Chile’s bustling capital, Santiago. Made up of sun-soaked plazas and grand cathedrals, the city has a distinctly European feel. Get your bearings on a walking tour, or hop between the capital’s museums and micro-breweries. Make sure you also take a daytrip to Valparaiso – a nearby port famous for its surfing and street art-covered lanes. And, surrounding both cities, there’s Chile’s biggest wine region, Valle de Maipo. A vineyard visit is a must during your Chile holiday, as you can sample fruity cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc.

Or you could travel to Chile’s southern tip. Forming one half of dramatic Patagonia – with the other half lying across the border in Argentina – this landscape is simply jaw-dropping, boasting age-old glaciers, turquoise lakes and enormous mountains. You can spend time hiking through Torres del Paine National Park, follow in Charles Darwin’s footsteps on a sailing through Tierra del Fuego, or see thousands of penguins on Isla Magdalena.

The final piece of the jigsaw is Easter Island. Chile holidays are synonymous with the isle’s mysterious statues – known as ‘moai’ – which were carved out of volcanic ash around 800 years ago. Today, about 900 statues remain. Learn more on a guided tour, hire bikes to explore solo, or get up early and head to Tongariki, where you can watch the sunrise behind 15 of these ancient sculptures.

Want to discover this South American gem for yourself? Speak to our Travel Specialists to find out more about our Chile holidays.