A LAND OF MAGICAL CONTRASTS

Geographically, Chile is perhaps the most extraordinary country on earth. Stretching half the length of South America’s west coast, yet no more than 150 miles across at its widest point. Extending from the snowy peaks of the Andes to the storm-blasted Cape Horn, and encompassing the world’s driest desert, fertile valleys, beautiful beaches and lakes, spectacular volcanoes and glaciers, and a remarkable variety of flora and fauna.

The climate is equally varied. The south of Chile is one of the rainiest regions on earth, while in some parts of the Atacama Desert, in the north, no rain has ever been recorded. Temperatures range from the most delightful of Summers in the famous resort of Vina del Mar, to harsh Winters on the plains of Southern Chile.

In the middle of the country lies the Central Valley, where the milder climate and rich soil are perfectly suited to arable farming. Peaches, plums, cherries, pears and other fruits grow in abundance here, as do large areas of grape vines. The natural defences of Chile consisting of the Andes to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Altacama Desert in the north and the ice fields of southern Chile, all help to protect our crops from the pests and diseases that afflict other countries.

The Central Valley is also where the majority of our 16 million people live and where our principal cities – Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepión – are situated. The capital, Santiago, with its blend of magnificent colonial buildings and an ultra-modern business quarter, perfectly captures the harmonious meeting of the traditional and the brand new that is Chile today.