A land of contrasts...
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Fast Facts
Population: 17,067,369
Capital City: Santiago
Climate: Temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south
Time Zone: GMT-4
Chile Articles
News from Around the World…Historic GranadaPosted on February 25, 2013 by International Living
Panama is the world’s most upbeat country. That’s according to a recent Gallup poll measuring people’s positive emotions in 148 countries. The poll asked locals questions like whether they felt respected and well-rested… whether they smiled or laughed…or learned something interesting the previous day.
News & Notes from Around the WorldPosted on September 27, 2012 by International Living
For over 400 years, the temple city of Angkor Wat in northern Cambodia served as the capital of the vast and powerful Khmer Empire. From the 9th century, successive kings tried to outdo each other with ever grander designs, and you’ll find their legacy spread across 150 square miles. Ornate carvings, decorated palaces and symbolic temples are everywhere, much of it covered in jungle. At times it feels as if you’ve walked onto the set of Indiana Jones.
Outdoor Adventure PadsPosted on August 24, 2012 by International Living
Your perfect oceanfront retreat is just a five-minute boat ride from one of the world’s premier diving destinations, the Belize Barrier Reef. It’s on Ambergris Caye, with the Caribbean spread out before you. Diving spots nearby include the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, known for its formations of elkhorn, brain, and staghorn corals. The coral is 20 to 40 feet tall, providing the perfect habitat for reef sharks, yellowtail snapper, lobster, grouper, sea turtles, and many other species.
Latin American Lake HomesPosted on July 26, 2012 by International Living
Chile’s Lake District is all about spectacular scenery…forests, snowcapped volcanoes, the towering Andes, and hundreds of deep blue mountain lakes…German emigrants brought their distinctive traditions to the region and it’s been compared to Switzerland for its beauty and cosmopolitan resort towns…
Chile’s Lake District: Civilized Wild at the End of the WorldPosted on June 28, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
It’s early evening, about 7:30, but the sun is still high above the horizon. A kayaker glides with smooth, even strokes across the lake’s placid surface. Nearby a lone swimmer braves the waters, chilly now in mid-March. The terrace of the hotel, which looks out on the lake, is packed with people sipping beer or coffee as they dig into cakes and pies—the kuchen for which this region is famous.
What You Need to Know About ChilePosted on June 28, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
If you’re interested in Chile, then our “nuts and bolts” information on accommodation, taxes and residency visas will help you take your plans to the next level.
Getting Paid to Take a Trip of a Lifetime…Posted on June 27, 2012 by Hauke Steinberg
Pucón is wedged between a beautiful lake and a spectacular volcano. Its extreme location combined with its stable weather, have helped make it Chile’s adventure tourism capital. Water skiing…snow skiing…backpacking…white water rafting…kayaking…horseback riding…zip line rides…natural hot springs…if it involves excitement and the outdoors, it happens in Pucón.
The World’s Most Scenic Border CrossingPosted on May 28, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
For a border crossing that you’ll remember forever, travel from Chile to Argentina (or vice-versa) via the Cruce Andino, a boat journey on freshwater lakes from one country to the other.
The lakes lie amid green hills and snow-capped volcanoes and mountains that stretch right across the South American cone about 600 miles south of Santiago, Chile. Running down the middle of this green swath is the rugged spine of the Andes.
The lakes lie amid green hills and snow-capped volcanoes and mountains that stretch right across the South American cone about 600 miles south of Santiago, Chile. Running down the middle of this green swath is the rugged spine of the Andes.
Video of Puerto Varas: Chile’s Lake RegionPosted on May 24, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
International Living editor Glynna Prentice is in Puerto Varas, a resort town in Chile’s Lake District. Puerto Varas is a popular summer vacation region for Chileans (January and February). Right on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, Puerto Varas looks out on the lake and, beyond it, on two snow-capped volcanoes. The town is about 550 miles south of Santiago and is just half an hour from Puerto Montt, the jumping-off point for Chilean Patagonia.
Chile’s Lake DistrictPosted on May 14, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
The Lake District is one of Chile’s most popular vacation areas, with cool, freshwater lakes for summertime vacations and, in some parts, wintertime skiing, as well. It’s long had a smattering of mostly European expats. Now adventurous U.S. and Canadian expats are putting down roots in this region, too…Join Glynna as she tells IL Managing Editor, Eoin Bassett, why.
Video Postcard: Chile’s Lake DistrictPosted on May 10, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
In this video, IL editor Glynna Prentice is in Frutillar in Chile’s Lake District. This region is a popular summertime destination for Chileans, thanks to its unspoiled beauty—plenty of lakes and volcanoes—cool summertime weather, and wealth of outdoor activities, from boating to hiking to fishing to horseback riding. Frutillar lies along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, a large fresh-water lake.
Chile: A Photographer’s DreamPosted on April 21, 2012 by Hauke Steinberg
I knew very little about Chile—I had an idea of a long, thin country full of lamas, Spanish colonial architecture and Indians dressed in homespun wool. But, I was about to find out a whole lot more about the South American nation—I had just agreed to accompany a friend on a trip there.
Traveling Well in ChilePosted on April 3, 2012 by Kristin Henning
For many years it was the “Jewel of the Pacific.” Even today, long after the Golden Age of the port city has passed, the brightly-painted hillside houses, cobblestone alleyways, and winding streets of Valparaíso, on Chile’s central coast, are among the country’s most enchanting finds.
A Dream Job – on Your Own TermsPosted on March 29, 2012 by Efraín M. Padró
There are so many different ways to make money from photography. Needless to say, not all efforts are well rewarded – but many are.
Grand Views and Artisan Shopping in Santiago, ChilePosted on March 27, 2012 by Vickie De Lillo
Look in any direction from Santa Lucía Hill in downtown Santiago and you’ll immediately see why the Spanish built their fortress here—the views are phenomenal. Nowadays the skyline is crowded with new skyscrapers and towering church steeples, but the snow-capped Andes are where they’ve always been—reflected in the glass and metal towers that rise above the city’s 16th-century colonial buildings. The ascent begins at the junction of Santa Lucía and Avenida Bernardo O’Higgins. Depending on your route, you’ll have 180 to 200 steps to the summit. Before going up, check out the Centro de Exposición de Arte Indígena, where you’ll find miniature Rapa Nui carvings and Mapuche masks.
An Off-Season Tour of Chile’s Central CoastPosted on February 21, 2012 by Kristin Henning
For many years it was the “Jewel of the Pacific.” Even today, long after the Golden Age of the port city has passed, the brightly-painted hillside houses, cobblestone alleyways, and winding streets of Valparaíso, on Chile’s central coast, are among the country’s most enchanting finds.
A Diversified Income Play in This Resource-Rich LandPosted on October 27, 2011 by Chris Hunter
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.
Window on the World: The Gauchos of Torres del PainePosted on October 27, 2011 by Robert Carry
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.
A New Life and a Successful Business in ChilePosted on July 13, 2011 by Jody Hanson
“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.
How (and Where) to Meet Expats in Santiago, ChilePosted on May 12, 2011 by Jody Hanson
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.
Santiago’s Cost of Living: Less Than $1,000 a MonthPosted on April 27, 2011 by Jody Hanson
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.
Chile: South America for BeginnersPosted on April 18, 2011 by Jody Hanson
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.
Why You Should Invest in This “Miracle from God”Posted on October 15, 2010 by Chris Hunter
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.
On the House Travel…Here’s HowPosted on July 29, 2010 by Sandra Kennedy
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.
Five New Retirement Havens We’re Scouting in 2010Posted on January 1, 2010 by International Living
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.
Travel Press Talks: January 2009 IssuePosted on December 17, 2008 by Anna Skellern
This month, travel writers have been crooning about the joys of European skiing vacations.
A ski trip without the masses: 6 of the bestPosted on November 30, 2007 by Hannah Roberts
International Living selects 6 of the best ski resorts in the world.
Ocean-view Apartments in My Favorite Chilean City–$49,000Posted on November 21, 2007 by International Living
Explore the labyrinth of narrow streets, sidewalk cafés, and galleries in the old town of Valparaiso
Spotlight on…La Serena, ChilePosted on November 20, 2007 by International Living
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 ChilePosted on October 27, 2007 by International Living
This month in International Living, we shine the spotlight on Ecuador, Argentina and Chile
Get CookingPosted on September 4, 2007 by International Living
Learn how to produce mouth watering culinary delights with our selection of cookery schools from around the globe.
Chile: Latin America’s premier First World venuePosted on May 23, 2007 by International Living
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.
Spanish lessons with a differencePosted on May 22, 2007 by International Living
Bring the language to life with activities as diverse as sangria tasting or salsa lessons at these six inspiring education centers
Real Estate Discovery Tour of Argentina and ChilePosted on May 9, 2007 by International Living
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.
The Most Lifeless Place on EarthPosted on May 9, 2007 by International Living
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.
The "Cadillac" of Beachfront TownsPosted on May 9, 2007 by International Living
Built around a quiet sheltered cove, and surrounded by ancient oaks and pines, the beach here is excellent for swimming and sunbathing.
Beachfront and Old Colonials for Less Than $100,000Posted on May 9, 2007 by International Living
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.
A recent downturn makes now one of the best times in the past 15 years to buy a home… start a business… or retire in ChilePosted on May 9, 2007 by International Living
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.
Surf City, ChilePosted on July 13, 2006 by International Living
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.
Does Chile Have the Best City in Latin America?Posted on April 10, 2006 by International Living
Santiago, Chile–the next city to fall under our Roving Latin America Editor’s grueling review. How will it fare? Read on…
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