DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Chile and Easter Island (Travel Guide)

INSPIRE / PLAN / DISCOVER / EXPERIENCE

Experience Santiago

Plaza de Armas and Santiago Centro

West of Santiago Centro

Northeast of Santiago Centro

Experience Chile

Central Valley

Norte Grande and Norte Chico

Lake District and Chilo

Northern Patagonia

Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego

Easter Island and Robinson Crusoe Island

Need to Know

Before You Go

Getting Around

Practical Information

Phrasebook

KEY TO MAIN ICONS

PRICE GUIDE

KEY TO MAPS

Acknowledgments

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key to main icons

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price guide

Throughout the guide the following price categories have been applied:

On a budget
Mid-range
Splurge

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t The sun cloaking the streets of Santiago

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t Buzzing and bustling streets of Valparasio.

From arid deserts to icy fjords, tropical beaches to snow-covered mountains, Chiles landscapes are diverse and beautiful. Yet the modern cities, provincial towns, and remote villages are also deserving of exploration. Whatever your dream trip entails, this DK Eyewitness travel guide is the perfect companion.

Stretching more than 2,653 miles (4,270 km) north to south, with the Andes to the east and the Pacific to the west, the long and thin country of Chile has something for everyone. It is particularly famous for its dramatic scenery and myriad opportunities for hiking, rafting, diving, and other adventure sports. But the country also has a fascinating history, evident in its ancient sites, architecture, and impressive museums, not to mention fantastic seafood, world-class wine, and strong artistic, literary, and musical traditions.

Northern Chile is dominated by the volcanoes, lagoons, salt flats, and sand dunes of the dusty Atacama Desert, while in the heart of Chile, the buzzing and vibrant capital Santiago lies within striking distance of the bohemian port of Valparaso and the vineyards of the fertile Central Valley. More than 2,182 miles (3,512 km) off the coast, the tiny and beautiful Easter Island is home to a dazzling array of monolithic statues. In the far south, meanwhile, Patagonias many national parks rank among the worlds finest places to hike.

With so much to see and do in Chile, it can be hard to know where to start. Weve broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge, and colorful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether youre staying for a week, a fortnight, or longer, this DK Eyewitness travel guide will ensure that you make the most of all that the country has to offer. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Chile.

Moai statue looking across the land from Easter Island.

Curious and friendly penguin on Isla Magdalena.

Hikers viewing the breathtaking Glacier Grey.

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Framed by the Andes, the Atacama Desert, and the Pacific Ocean, Chiles mesmerizing scenery, captivating cities, and beautiful landscapes are just a few of the reasons to love the country. Here are our favorites.

t Patagonia is home to endless plains, icy fjords, heaving glaciers, and raucous penguins, not to mention one of the worlds great drives, the .

discover Reasons To Love Chile and Easter Island

t is spread across a multitude of hills overlooking the Pacific. It is blessed with beautiful architecture and an array of excellent places to eat, drink, and dance.

discover Reasons To Love Chile and Easter Island

t The is one of the best white water rafting rivers in South America, with more than 40 Class IV-V rapids, including the Terminator and the Perfect Storm.

discover Reasons To Love Chile and Easter Island

t Northern Chiles lack of light pollution and cloud-free days result in the clearest skies the best places for stargazing are .