BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The country of Chile stretches along the Andes and the Pacific Coast for about 6500 kilometers, and due to its enormous length it enjoys all kinds of climate, from the hot dry north to the frigid south with its glaciers and fjords.

Chile became independent from Spain in 1818 after an 8-year war. From 1973 to 1990 the Pinochet dictatorship caused much suffering and hardship, but Chile has recovered and today has an enviable economic position among other countries of South America .

Its capital, Santiago, is a graceful blend of the ancient and modern that must be explored on foot to really appreciate her many charms.
Santiago offers a wealth of museums, libraries, churches and convents, public gardens, shopping centers, boutiques, gourmet restaurants, concert halls and monuments to satisfy every interest. The country’s thriving economy has provided new residential districts, such as Bellavista, Providencia and Las Condes .

Chilean wines are excellent and famous.
The most sought after tourist areas in Chile are the Atacama Desert , the most arid in the world, and the Andean Altiplano, a large area with surprising and untouched scenery, national parks and animal life, such as llamas, vicunas, flamingos, alpacas, guanacos and wild duck.

The Central Valley, where Santiago is located, is well known for its many modern wineries, the port city of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar sea resort, and Valle Nevado and Portillo ski runs.

South of the Central Valley there is the lakes and volcanoes region, with world class ski resorts, impressive blue mountain lakes and snow capped volcanoes.
The lake crossing from Chile to Argentina , the villages of Valdivia , Puerto Varas and the Island of Chiloe are some of the most visited spots in the region.

The southern most area of Chile is Patagonia with its fjords, million years glaciers, icebergs, mountains and lakes. Torres del Paine National Park with its “torres”(towers)is a must see.

Easter Island, also known as “Rapa Nui” is about 2000 miles from Chile mainland.
Easter Island is famous for its massive stone statues that surround the island. It’s main tourist attractions are the statues themselves and a dramatic landscape

• Crusing in Chile

Cruise Southern Chile ’s wonderland in the comfort of the M/V Skorpios II and III.

Choose the route that suits your requirements best:

The “Chonos Route”, the classic San Rafael itinerary aboard the Skorpios II, featuring six days and five nights of the most spectacular scenery through channels and fjords, isolated fishing villages and settlements, thermal baths, the San Rafael National Park… an experience of a life time!
This cruise starts in Puerto Montt.

The “Kaweskar Explorers Route” is a unique journey towards the glaciers of the Southern Ice Field, for the discovery of a still existing pristine world.
This cruise starts in Puerto Natales, in the Chilean Patagonia.

We will be pleased to arrange your flights and transfers, a mini-stay in Santiago , a reconnaissance tour of splendid Puerto Varas and neighboring villages and even a memorable lake crossing to Bariloche, in Argentina , if you choose the Chonos Route .

If you select the Kaweskar Explorers Route, then we recommend an optional tour to the world famous Torres del Paine National Park with extensions to the Argentine Perito Moreno Glacier – one of the most visited in the world – and charming El Calafate.

If you want to know more about the Skorpios cruises please go to www.skorpios.cl

• Wines of Chile

Chile is world known for its high quality wines.
Grapes are grown in very extensive areas of the country, but the most famous are Coquimbo, about 400 kilometers south of Santiago, Aconcagua and Casablanca Valleys, near the Argentine border and approximately 80 kilometers to the northeast of Santiago, and the Central Valley, a fertile agricultural area where Santiago is inserted.
The Coquimbo area specializes in pisco, a local type of brandy and in table grapes. It also renown for the “lapis lazuli”, a rare kind of mineral used to make beautiful items of jewelry.
The Aconcagua and Casablanca Valleys produce excellent Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot brands.
The Central Valley produces world awarded prize wines Cabernet, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Wine tours from one day to one week’s duration are available from Santiago.