Easter Island is the most remote piece of land on Earth. The Chilean island lies 2200 miles off the coast of Chile. It is the home of the Moai. They are giant stone heads carved by the native Polynesian people as a form of ancestor worship. Easter Island can only be reached by an Lan Chile Airlines flight from Santiago that flies on to Tahiti then back. You can only arrive on and depart Easter Island on certain days of the week depending on the flight schedule.
Valparaiso is stunning city built on hills towering over the Pacific Ocean. Funicular trains run up and down the steep hillsides. Get lost wandering around its maze like cobblestone streets. The architecture is so impressive it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered Chile's cultural capital.
To experience Chile's natural beauty, visit the Seven Lakes district in the southern part of the country. It extends from Lake Villarrrica and Pucon. The water of the lakes are crystal clear and perfect for water sports. They are surrounded by the Lanin, Mocho-Choshuenco, Quetrupillan and Villarrica volcanos. In every direction you look there is a dramatic view of a snow capped volcano reflected off of pristine lake water.
The mountains of Chile provide perfect conditions for skiing and snowboarding. World class ski resorts dot the Andes Mountain range that extends through the entire country. The Antillanca Ski Resort is near the rain forest of Puyehue National Park. The Termas De Chillan Ski Resort is on a volcano. You can bathe in hot pools when you are done skiing. The Pucon Villarrica Resort is also on a volcano. You can hike to the crater then ski back down to the bottom.
Most visits to Chile start in Santiago since most international flights land in the capital city. Everything centers around Santiago's main square, Plaza de Armas. Stunning colonial architecture can be seen at Moneda Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio Cousino and La Chascona. Wander around the Bellavista neighborhood to see the French inspired motifs. The National History Museum and Palace of Fine Arts are worth a visit. For shopping, check out Los Dominicos Market. Climb Cerro San Cristobal for a pleasant view of Santiago.
