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Bookmark & sharePlay hard in the scorching sun or Andean snow in this land of extremes.
From salty desert top to glacier-crowded bottom, Chile is a gobsmacking reminder of nature's beauty and power. This narrow trickle of a country is jammed with enough geysers, mountains, beaches, forests and volcanoes to keep adventure nuts slavering for a lifetime.
Travelers are mostly drawn to this string-bean country because of its spectacular Pacific coastline and Andean highlands, as well as the adventure sports on offer. But if you're here for more than that, then Chile will have gastronomes going gaga over its good food and cracking wines.
Travel Warning: Volcano Alert
Chile is located in an active seismic region, prone to the occasional earthquake and volcanic eruption. On 3 May, Volcán Chaiten - in the country's south - erupted without warning, forcing thousands of evacuations. On 14 May, the government restricted all access within 50km of the volcano: this restriction will remain in place for 90 days. On 1 January, Volcán Llaima in the Conguillo National Park erupted, also resulting in evacuations. Travelers should heed the advice of local authorities when visiting areas near volcanoes.
severity: Mid-level alert
Fast Facts
Country Full Name
República de Chile/Republic of Chile
Population
16,284,741
Currency
Name: Chilean Peso
Code: CLP
Symbol: Ch$
Electrical Plugs
220V 50Hz
Languages Spoken
Official: Spanish
Time Zones
GMT/UTC -4
Country Dialing Code
+56
Weights & Measures
Metric
Chile & Easter Island - Pick & Mix Chapters
Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our Chile & Easter Island guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the Chile & Easter Island download page.
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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
