Chile Travel and Tourism

Because it stretches nearly 3,000 miles north to south – nearly half the South American continent - the climate and geography of Chile is one of extremes, varying from the Atacama desert, the driest in the world, to an endless Pacific coastline, the majestic and rugged Andes Mountains, numerous active volcanoes, massive glaciers, and verdant farmlands.

Thanks to a natural barrier created by the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, much of the flora and fauna in Chile is distinct to that country. Birds such as the Chilean tinamou and mockingbird, and larger mammals such as Darwin’s fox (Lycalopex fulvipes) exist only in Chile. The country’s expansive coastline also gives visitors the opportunity to view sperm (Physeter catodon), blue (Balaenoptera musculus), and humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) whales.

Spanning 150,000 acres, Conguillío National Park was declared a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1986 for its bountiful natural resources and the largest concentration of Araucaria araucana trees in South America. Nearby is the Llaima Volcano, one of the largest and most active in Chile.

Chile is known for its hospitality, great infrastructure, and stable government. The main airport, Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, is located in the capital city of Santiago. Once in-country, busses are the most common and reliable form of transportation.

Sustainable Hotels in Chile

If you’re looking for seclusion, look no further. Chile’s vast countryside is home to a variety of eco-lodges and sustainable accommodations. You can expect to find quiet nights in the mountains, taking in the peaceful surroundings from the comfort of a rural lodge.

Plan your next vacation to Chile on SustainableTrip.org

Learn more about ecotourism and sustainable tourism in Chile on the Rainforest Alliance’s Eco-Index Web site.