MAIN Travel South America Chile

Although just a sliver of the South American continent, Chile is big enough to offer its millions of visitors a year a chance to ski its mountains, laze along its sunny beaches, or trek the glaciers that lace the Chile's southern Antarctic coast.

The country's diversity is nowhere more evident that in its capital, Santiago, where it is easily possible to go skiing in the Andes in the morning, and then go swimming or snorkeling in the afternoon along the shores of the Vina del Mar.

Also don't miss the fenicular ride up to Parque Metropolitano to see the zoo, botanical gardens, and one breathtaking view of the city.

For a pleasant trip out to the countryside, spend the day at a Chilean wine vineyard and see why the country's wines have begun to win top prizes at international competitions.

With those with extra time and money to spare, the expensive journey to Easter Island off the West coast is also one to remember. Here, the colossol volcanic rock sculptures of human heads (who made them? how did they get there?) and other mysterious pictographs along the coast have survived before recorded time ...

More about Chile travel & tourism around the Web:

Chile Tourism Guide - One-stop browsing for travel tips by region including articles and practical information on travel visas, mobile phone & Internet services, currency calculator, maps.

Chile Information Project Travel Guide - Covering adventure travel in Patagonia, day hikes in the National Park, surfing, fly fishing, hotels, the Lakes Region, plus special guides to Santiago and Anaconda.

Chile & Easter Island Travel Information - Lonely Planet guide offering a brief overview and details on top attractions, how to get around, practical travel tips and visitor travel recommendations.

Santiago de Chile travel guide - Wikitravel entry including photos, major and nearby attractions, guides to bus and metro systems, suggested hotels & restaurants, safety tips.

Easter Island in worlds & pictures - History & mystery combine with stunning photos and lots of related resources for an excellent intro to the mysterious statues that inhabit the island with background controversies and noted theories.

also see -> Argentina | Bolivia | Brazil | Colombia

Ecuador | Paraguay | Peru | Uruguay | Venezuela