Play 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 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

European plug with two circular metal pins
220V 50Hz

Languages Spoken

Official: Spanish

Time Zones

GMT/UTC -4 

Country Dialing Code

+56

Weights & Measures

Metric

Trekking in the Patagonian Andes - Pick & Mix Chapters

Trekking in the Patagonian Andes - Pick & Mix Chapters

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Traveller Tips & Discussion

Thorn Tree Forum

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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.

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