A land of contrasts...
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Fast Facts
Population: 16,601,707
Capital City: Santiago
Climate: Temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south
Time Zone: GMT-4
Chile Articles
One of my favorite overseas markets to invest in for the long term is Chile. It’s a high-growth emerging market…and it’s a country that treats capital well. People often see emerging markets as Wild West-like frontiers where corruption is rife and the rule of law doesn’t exist. This can be true in some cases. But it’s not so in Chile.
Here, the mighty Andes plunge into the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find glaciated valleys, rugged granite peaks, and jade-green lakes. This is Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park in South America’s Patagonia region, down at the end of the continent. This stark and surreal landscape is home to the iconic Chilean gaucho (also known as huasos), a character as rugged and mysterious as his surroundings.
“One day I had lunch in Los Angeles with a Chilean friend. Almost on a whim, I decided to move to Santiago. Why not? No work and staring at 60, I didn’t have much to keep me in the States. It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. “I ended up ‘adopting’ a Chilean family and creating Chile Tours & Transport.
Moving to Santiago, Chile may seem daunting if you don’t know anyone and don’t speak Spanish, particularly if you are on your own. Santiago, however, is an expat haven and it is easy to get to know people.
While Chile may have the highest cost of living in South America, it also has the most developed infrastructure and a solid middle-class. For an ESL teacher, it is a logical destination because the economy is stable. I arrived in July 2010 and started work two weeks later.
At first when people asked why I bought a one-way ticket to Santiago, Chile, I told them it was because I’d never been there, didn’t know anyone and didn’t speak the language. Perfectly logical reasons for me in my search for adventure.
One country in a celebratory mood this week is Chile. It’s no wonder. Scenes of the flawless miner rescue there have brought the country together and given the world one the most heartwarming good news stories all year.
I stayed at lavish haciendas, ate the freshest foods in Ecuador, got to know the smiling, helpful locals. I went to a Shaman healing ceremony, rode horses in the Andes and learned to weave. And then I sat sipping fresh mango juice, relaxing by the pool. It’s hard to believe it costs me nothing to travel like this.
We survey 194 countries in our annual Quality of Life Index. How do we decide which of them should be on your radar screen for retirement? With an eye firmly on places where your dollars are likely to stretch, we send a scout to take a look.
This month, travel writers have been crooning about the joys of European skiing vacations.
International Living selects 6 of the best ski resorts in the world.
How you take title to and hold a piece of real estate in another country can be as important as how much you pay for it. If you’re not careful, you could end up in a situation where your heirs have to go through probate in one or more foreign countries—something that, believe me, you don’t want them to have to do.
Explore the labyrinth of narrow streets, sidewalk cafés, and galleries in the old town of Valparaiso
Chile is Latin America at its finest. Unlike its neighbors, when you land at Santiago’s clean, modern airport, speed into town via its new freeway system, drink the water from any tap in the country, or make use of the medical facilities, you’ll feel distinctly First World. It has the lowest level of corruption in Latin America, the strongest economy, the highest standard of living, and lowest level of poverty. It boasts primary and secondary roads that are fast and well maintained from one end of the country to the other, modern telephone and cell service, high-speed Internet, and quality cable TV.
The buzz of Buenos Aires, the “top dog” of Ecuador’s coastal resorts, and colonial splendor in ChileThis month in International Living, we shine the spotlight on Ecuador, Argentina and Chile
Learn how to produce mouth watering culinary delights with our selection of cookery schools from around the globe.
Chile is Latin America at its finest. Unlike its neighbors, when you land at Santiago’s clean, modern airport, speed into town via its new freeway system, drink the water from any tap in the country, or make use of the medical facilities, you’ll feel distinctly First World. It has the lowest level of corruption in Latin America, the strongest economy, the highest standard of living, and lowest level of poverty. It boasts primary and secondary roads that are fast and well-maintained from one end of the country to the other, modern telephone and cell service, high-speed Internet, and quality cable TV.
Bring the language to life with activities as diverse as sangria tasting or salsa lessons at these six inspiring education centers
We are having a blast, and the group is fantastic. And we’re seeing some of the most incredibly beautiful property, especially in the Patagonia area.
In Northern Chile, Valle de Luna’s lack of humidity means it can’t sustain any kind of life–no animals, birds, or plants. So…silence.
Built around a quiet sheltered cove, and surrounded by ancient oaks and pines, the beach here is excellent for swimming and sunbathing.
I often wish I could find an old Spanish colonial city that was also near the beach, which would satisfy two of my personal property cravings with a single purchase. Now I’ve found it.
Now is one of the best times to make an investment in Chile. I’ll explain why in just a moment. First, however, let me explain why Chile is one of my favorite places in the world.
I could see the big wave coming while it was still a long way from shore, one of those waves that reward the surfers who patiently hang around far out from the beach. I could see that one of the half dozen surfers out there had it timed just right; he paddled furiously and caught the wave perfectly while his companions were left behind.
Santiago, Chile–the next city to fall under our Roving Latin America Editor’s grueling review. How will it fare? Read on…
