Quick Facts
Location: Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru.
Capital: Santiago
Language: The official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
Religions: Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, Jewish NEGL%
Climate: temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south.
Currency in Chile: Chilean peso (CLP)

Flora and Fuana
The Chilean fauna and flora is less diverse than that of some other countries, but is particularly interesting in respect to its high percentage of endemic species. This means that many of the species that are found here do not exist in any other country in the world.

These characteristics have made our biological diversity extremely vulnerable to any change or invasion of its ecosystem by man, leading many species almost to extinction. For this reason, Chile has a network of parks and natural reserves that try to protect a representative set of ecosystems that exist throughout the country. These protected areas are administrated by the National Forest Service (CONAF), which manages and protects these zones so they can be enjoyed and conditions can be improved.

Stacking Your Postcards

Pukara de Quitor National Monument
Built in the 12th century and strategically placed on the side of a hill protected by a gorge over the river, the Quitor Pukara is an old Inca fortress that was taken over by Spaniards in 1540. It was built with large and small stones kept together by mud used as mortar. Despite the construction, the Pukara had to be restored for the first time in 1981. Since then, it was restored once again in 1992 by initiative of a Spanish organization.

El Morado Natural Monument
Located an hour and a half from Santiago, in the Cajón del Maipo (canyon of the river Maipo), this protected area encompasses the Rio Morales canyon and the adjoining hills, part of the Andes mountain range.

Due to the climatic conditions the park is closed between May and September. The best months for visiting, whether for daytrips or longer camping trips, are between December and March. Of the hills which surround the canyon, El Morado is the highest at 5,060 m (16,596 ft) above sea level, and you simply cannot miss it. It dominates the landscape of the park. The fauna of the reserve is rich in bird species, some of the most notable are the large hummingbirds, the cometocino and the austral thrush. The flora is composed mainly of Andean hard-leaf thickets, but in the lower areas of the park there is also the mountain olive, the white herb and the green foxtail plant, among others.

Llanquihue Lake
It is the second largest lake in Chile after the "General Carrera". It has a surface area of 215,000 acres (86,000 ha) and its name means "submersion" (Mapuche language). The cities of Puerto Varas, Frutillar and Puerto Octay, settled along the shores of the lake, are famous for their beautiful beaches, German influenced architecture and their popular summer activities. In the summer time, these cities offer a variety of activities in which to participate, and tourists fill the towns to go refresh themselves in the calm lake waters. Another highlight to this region are the exquisite pastries, based on German recipes for "kuchenes" (pies) and marmalades from different fruits.

The Andes
The high Andes mountain range forms Chile's eastern border with Bolivia and Argentina. The Trans-Andes railway runs from Valparaíso to Buenos Aires.

Destination Guide

Valparaiso
Valparaíso is located on a wide bay of the Pacific Ocean in central Chile; north of Santiago. It's a major seaport and most people pass through here on their way to the nearby resort of Viña del Mar. Founded by the Spanish in 1536, Valparaíso grew after Chile gained independence in 1818, as ships rounding Cape Horn stopped here before the 1914 opening of the Panama Canal.

Pisco Elqui
Pisco Elqui, originally called Union but replaced in 1939 with its current name, is a small town set atop a hill in Elqui Valley. The town maintains its antique architecture through its old houses and the Chapel "Nuestra Señora del Rosario", whose steeple is visible from far away. The Pisco Elqui property is located nearby. This is the oldest distillery of pisco (Chilean liquor similar to clear brandy) in the region and it can be visited through programmed tours.

Santiago
With the Andes providing a backdrop for the city, Santiago de Chile is one of the largest cities and most fascinating cities in South America. And despite its size it has maintained small town charm since its foundation in 1541.