Hotels in Chile

Chile is one of the South American countries with the most economically stable and diverse nations. Chile already leads Latin American nations in rankings income per capita, globalization, economic freedom, and increasing democratic development as well as competitiveness. Currently, it also has the lowest homicide rate in South America. Chile is a founding member of the United Nations, the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). It is also a member of the OECD, the group of the most developed countries by current international standards and Chile becomes the first country in South America to do so.

According to the World Bank 2016, the total population of Chile is 17.91 million and Chile currently has the largest population of British descendants in Latin America and larger than that in neighbouring Argentina. Historically, northern Chile was under Inca rule while the indigenous Mapuche inhabited central and southern Chile before the arrival of Spanish in the 16th century. Although Chile declared independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not achieved until 1818 due to a joint attack with Rioplatense forces. After that, the Transandine Army headed to liberate Peru from Spanish forces, eliminating the Spanish influence from the region. From 1879 to 1883, Chile invaded parts of Peru and Bolivia and kept territory that subsequently became its present northern regions in the War of the Pacific.

Santiago acts as the capital and the largest city of the country while Concepcion is the second largest. There is main tourists centre in Northern Chile which called Iquique and Valparaiso is the major Chilean port and awarded as UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those who love to tour around the city, La Serena is the place to be whereas beaches, casino and an iconic music festival can be found at Vina del Mar.

Chile has a varied climate like dry, Mediterranean and rainy. The Atacama is located at north side of Chile has the driest desert in the world, the centre of Chile has a Mediterranean climate and raining season at the southern side. Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, has a tropical climate all year round. The northern desert contains great mineral wealth, including copper, gold, arsenic, and lithium reserves.

Spanish is the official language in the country and is spoken everywhere. Chileans use a distinct dialect called Castellano de Chile with a variety of differences in pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary usage. Besides that, English is also widely understood in large cities, especially in Santiago and also to a (very much) lesser extent in Valparaíso, Concepción or La Serena. This language is mostly used in school and corporate companies. English is a mandatory subject in schools in Chile and according to research, youth can speak more fluent English compared to older people. Besides Spanish and English languages, there are also other indigenous languages spoken in Chile like Mapudungun (in Araucanía and Bíobío regions), Quechua (in Atacama and Tarapacá regions) and Rapa Nui (in Easter Island).  Italian and Portuguese languages are also used due to its similarity in words with Spanish and there are also some German speakers, especially in the south of the country.

As for Chile cuisines, Chile is the world's second largest producer of salmon and other seafood such as oysters, scallops, mussels, trout and turbot. Besides that, there are also abundant local fish include corvina (sea bass), congrio (conger eel), lenguado (flounder), albacora (swordfish), and yellowfin tuna. Besides seafood, vegetables are also a common food at central of Chile. In addition, Central Chile is  also a major fruit producer where you can easily get fruit for dessert, including apples, oranges, peaches, grapes, watermelons, strawberries, raspberries and chirimoyas. There is also traditional dessert besides fruits like Sopaipillas. In Santiago, Sopaipillas is a pumpkin pastry served and covered with a sweet syrup (chancaca) as a dessert, or as a savoury snack with pebre, spicy yellow mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup and other spicy sauces. On top of that, hotdog or complete is also available around the country. This satisfying and delicious hot dog is served with mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, tomato, mashed avocado (palta), sauerkraut (chucrut) and chilli (ají). These ingredients make a full sandwich called un completo.

Citizens from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mauricio, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Vietnam may be exempted from tourist and business visa requirements up to 90 days. Besides that, citizens from Grenada, Greece, Indonesia and Peru are up to 60 days, Belize, Bolivia, Jamaica, Macau, Malaysia and Singapore are up to 30 days and Dominica is up to 21 days. For more information, travellers can visit the website of the Chilean Embassy to the US or the website of the Chilean Embassy to the United Kingdom.

How To Get There?

By Plane

Most travellers from around the world reach Chile by plane. The main airport in Chile is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport or commonly referred to Santiago Airport. It is the busiest airport in the country and was rated 6th busiest of South America passenger traffic in 2010 in a total of 11 million passengers. It is the largest aviation facility in Chile and major connecting point for air traffic between Oceania and Latin America. Santiago International Airport serves both domestic and international flights and the largest carrier is LATAM Airlines. This airline flies to several cities in Auckland, Sydney, America and many more. Besides that, there are also other airlines that fly to Santiago International Airport such as Aeromexico, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, Avianca and British Airways. Other airports with international services are in Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta, Concepción, Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas and all of them fly to neighbouring countries.

What To Do There?

The Grey Glacier and San Rafael Glacier

The glaciers are one of the most amazing phenomena in Chile and also one of the main attractions that are popular among locals and international tourists. Every year, thousands of people come to witness this phenomenon and the best time to visit is during the spring season from October to November when winter season just ended and left glaciers in good conditions. The most popular place to view the glaciers is The Grey Glacier, in the southern Patagonia ice field that covers over 270 square kilometres, 6 kilometres wide and 30 metres in height. Besides Patagonia, there is also San Rafael Glacier at a further north spread over a 760 square kilometres area. Unfortunately, the glaciers continue to shrink as the years go by due to human environmental activity.

Los Pinguinos Natural Monument

For those who would like to meet penguins, you can visit Los Pinguinos Natural Monument in Chile. This is the largest penguin colony in southern Chile, and it is located on the small Magdalena Island. The best time to visit Magdalena Island is from November until March because the boat tours are only available during this time. The tours also offer a boat ride and tour guide to lead visitors to the best place to play with penguins.

Cajon del Maipo

Cajon del Maipo is located at the southeast of Santiago and it offers breathtaking mountain scenery. It is nestled on the western edge of the Andes and the natural beauty of this place is the reason many travellers come here for a sweet escape. You will see the marks of a man at the reservoir of Embalse del Yeso which has a height of 2,500 metres above sea level. This reservoir acts as a supplier of water to Santiago city. Besides that, there also various activities you can find here such as trekking in the mountains, skiing during the winter season, and horse riding.

Where To Stay?

Hotel Neruda

Hotel Neruda is a 4- star hotel that offers top- class accommodation in Santiago. This hotel has its own style of classical and contemporary and provides comfortable and luxurious ambience. Located around 17 kilometres away from Benitez Airport, this hotel offers spacious guestrooms fitted with television, wardrobe and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Besides free Wi-Fi, there are other facilities like 24-hour reception desk, free parking, daily housekeeping and laundry services and a well- equipped gym and indoor pool.

Boulevard Suites Hotel

Situated in the exclusive Las Condes, Boulevard Suites is situated on the top floors of Boulevard Kennedy complex and offers 5-star accommodation. The units start on the 26th floor and each guest suite features impeccable amenities such as seating and dining area, fully- equipped kitchen, and heating and air-conditioning. This top- class hotel also provides a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and the spa facilities, including a sauna and a hot tub. Guests also can relax in the lounge enjoying the panoramic city and mountain views.

Hotel Oceanic

Located nearby Renaca Beach, Hotel Oceanic is a perfect choice of accommodation for local and international tourists. It offers guestrooms with television, heating and air conditioner, work desk and private bathroom with facilities. Most of the rooms are fitted with large windows and overlooking the beautiful sea. Besides that, guests can enjoy dining at the Rendez-Vous Restaurant where it serves continental breakfast daily and international cuisines for lunch and dinner. Hotel Oceanic also features a pool and a hot tub where guests can lounge with family and friends.