Chile may look like a long string bean but it is among South America's richest countries, both economically and culturally. For years exploited internally by unsavoury leadership and externally by the great powers of the northern continent, Chile has surfaced as vibrant, economically stable and resilient. It boasts a myriad of sights and cultures - from post-Columbian architecture to ancient sites in Easter Island - and is well recognised as a safe destination for travellers, who feel right at home thanks to the Chileans' warmth and generosity.

Best time to visit

September to December (spring).

Essential experiences

Driving a 4WD across the sand dunes of the Atacama desert; watching cosmopolitan life in Santiago; skiing the slopes of the high Cordillera in Middle Chile; standing next to one of the colossal moai of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) and wondering how the heck they got there; travelling to Chile's rugged southern tip, considered to be ‘the end of the world', to watch whales.

In a few words, Chile is

The Andean condor, cowboys, the Allendes, Pinochet, micro buses, magic realism, street vendors and great wine.

Did you know?

Reality TV is an unexpected hit in Chile, and Chileans often work six days a week, but are always ready for a carrete (party).