Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral - the first Latin American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945 - was once moved to write this wonderful and varied landscape of his country: "Do not trample the earth, not to crush the fruit scented . For his sake, stoop, smell it and give your mouth. "These sentiments are still echoed today in travelers visiting Chile from around the world. They just walk through salt marshes and deserts, active volcanoes rising Andean drink of fresh water from melting glaciers, and the taste of wine is matured for a drop of oak barrell. Chile is a long narrow strip of land on the western edge of South America. It is surrounded by the imposing Andes mountains along its eastern border, the arid Atacama Desert in far north, Cape Horn and a stretch of islands in the south and 4,000 km from the Pacific Ocean at its west.Just recently, Conde Nast Traveller high in Chile in 5th place in the top 20 travel destinations in the world for 2009. Lonely Planet said the southern island of Chiloe as the third most important destination in the world to know in 2009. The Lodge and Spa Puyuhuapi with Chile Puyehue hot springs, have been highlighted among the top 50 "wellness" destinations throughout the world by the prestigious National Geographic Traveler in 2009. In addition, Frommer's travel guide named Chilean cities Puttre, Pucón, Frutillar, Puerto Varas, Tortel and that some of the most charming small town known worldwide. In addition to the praise given above, Chile is also, undoubtedly, one of the safest countries and more relaxing to travel in South America is well developed and its buses are comfortable and are on time. And, as mentioned Condé Nast polite people in the country, "Chileans combine northern calm and measured with the European Latin American warmth and friendliness." With such a variety of natural landscapes, remote towns, and activities to be performed, it is impossible to see everything Chile has to offer in one trip. But after careful consideration, I chose the top 5 must see while visiting this South American fun. These 5 hot spots are: 1) Santiago, 2) Torres del Paine, 3) Valparaiso, 4) San Pedro de Atacama, and 5) of the Colchagua Wine Route. 1. Santiago, Chile - We start with the capital, the first place that you experience when you travel from abroad. This very modern South American city in the heart of the Central Valley of Chile, contains many gems secret that international travelers may spend as they quickly escape to the natural wonders in the south and north. The best way to get an overview of this dispersion, urban metropolis nestled between the Andes mountains and others is to rise to the top of Cerro San Cristobal. At the bottom of cerro 860-meters, or hill, you will see the platform to jump on the funicular, which takes you up along the hill. Midway at the top of the funicular stop at a small zoo for those who want to quickly check some monkeys and zebras. Then, after you exit the funicular to the "Terraza Bellavista," near the summit of Cerro San Cristobal, you will quickly remember why cable cars are always fun. Here at the Terraza, buy snacks and coffee from Chile and the scope to view. However, for the best panoramic of the entire city, you go up the steep walk to the statue of 22 meters high of the Virgin Mary. Even if she offers her blessing as a powerful guardian spirit of Saint-Jacques, it can not always obvious smog impressive as you try to perceive the surrounding mountains in the background. Cerro also includes a Teleférico, or cable, which provides a way of scare you ski-lift circulating around the hill.When you return to ground level, you are placed in a different charm right "must-see" Santiago, the Barrio Bellavista. It is a bohemian longtime artists' neighborhood, which includes various theaters, wonderful restaurants, stylish, and houses painted funkily. You should also visit one of the oldest houses of the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, La Chascona, when you are in Bellavista and you can take a tour of entertainment in English or Spanish.For meal, you should head to the central market animated, aptly named Mercado Central. Here, suppliers and customers as well hide nothing to hawking fresh whole fish and seafood, which includes Congress bright, the salt-crusted oysters, clams, Renetta, squid tentacles, and the base Chilean salmon . Even if you are shy to see the gray lines hooked-up and the pink fish laying around, you still have to bite your teeth into a net in one of the many nearby restaurants. Then after lunch, a look at the nearby La Feria de Vega, a dynamic market full of weird vegetables, and fruit color edge.If river right you have another day in town, or some time now, you should also check central Santiago Plaza de Armas, the name historically given to the mall and city of Spanish colonial city. Here you can see some of the first buildings ever built in Chile, dated to around the 18th and early 19th century. Of course, after seeing this you'll agree, they do not build them like they did. "The complex architecture of colonial Catedral de Santiago, Chile central post office (Correo Central), and National Historical Museum now contrast with the threat hyper-modern buildings of 50-75 floors of downtown Santiago today, right in the background. While you're here, you can also plant your back and rest on benches up nice looking older play chess and I wonder at the beautiful paintings done by the street artists.With few days stay in Santiago and a healthy budget can not afford a rental car, you do yourself a favor by excursioning tranquility and magnificent Cajon del Maipo, a canyon along the main river of Santiago (Mapocho) arising from the Andes . There you can go trekking exceptional riding and whitewater rafting. Or, you can travel to Portillo for skiing, high quality, or select some Pomaire Chilean handicrafts and see how they are made. 2. Torres del Paine - After experiencing the exciting introduction to the country by staying in the city of Santiago, many travelers, especially during the summer, embarking on the serious nature adventure travel in southern Chile. Parque Nacional Torres del Paine in Patagonia South, for example, is a glorious national park 180 000 hectares of spectacular landscapes full beauty in the deepest, most southern edges of the continent. In fact, some international travelers coming to Chile to experience glaciers, ice fields, fjords lurching, huge masses of rock, forest, and drama of the Magellan region alone. You can walk along a number of trails, hiking through forests and tundra Lenga Patagonia, walking alongside pumas, guanacos (llamas southern Chile), the peaks and Nandu (S. American ostrich) with condors flying overhead. With hiking and mountaineering, tourism businesses located in Torres del Paine offers horseback riding, kayaking, hiking and relaxing ferry where you can just sit and try to take all the landscapes are breathtaking in.There course , beautiful campsites. But even if you're not in the hard way, there are many cottages and upscale resorts luxurious inclined. Remember, you not only need to stay warm with gear such as leggings, fleece jackets, socks polartech, and a waterproof layer, you must also remain financially very hot with padded, stuffed wallet. In addition to visiting this UNESCO declared "Biosphere Reserve" called Torres del Paine, it is also strongly recommended to travel to the enchanting, near the towns of Puerto Natales and Puerto Williams. It is also very useful to explore the beautiful, European-esque Punta Arenas, the small city of 120,000 inhabitants in which you have just arrived in the Santiago area by plane. Punta Arenas is the southernmost city of the planet (except for posts dedicated scientists in Antarctica) and its sights include a cemetery weird, a Naval History Museum, and day trips for penguins watching.3. Valparaiso - Back to the central region we go, we visit the third most populous urban area in the country, Valparaiso-Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, a port city extending 120 km west of Santiago, the jewel is unique here it really is unlike any city on our North American continent. Funky, old houses, cabins, and homes of all colors, shapes, and draped in quality during the 45 steep hills looking straight into the Pacific, apparently clinging for dear life structural. Yes, Chile receives many earthquakes, and no, these homes simply do not fall. I think that's where we can say the "magic" of Valpo (as it is locally called) begins. A Spanish captain named Juan de Saavedra first settled in this bay in 1536. In 1544, Pedro de Valdivia has confirmed the name of the city of Valparaiso and defines it as the natural, the main port of Santiago. The town grew very slowly for several centuries during the colonial period. But in the 19th century, Valparaiso has started to become a center of South America's dynamic economic activity. In fact, the city has grown to become the largest port in all of Latin America - a mandatory stop for ships going around Cape Horn, then north. That is, until the Panama Canal was completed and inaugurated in 1914. It is said that in 1849, one year after the discovery of gold in California, up to 800 vessels could be counted at any time on traffic Valparaiso shore.With such international and mingle, the native of Chile, with Spanish and other European immigrants, became the new inhabitants of Valparaiso, creating a unique culture, memories of molding and developing an inimitable space and forms that characterize the city today. As guides describe Valparaiso Ruta, "The city has never been officially planned ... (But) built by its inhabitants spontaneusly up the slopes of the hills ... different architectural styles coexist naturally, without any prejudice. "On the way, Valpo developed its identity and soul as a source of inspiration, romantic city. Feeding a home for poets and painters, pirates and fishermen, sailors and gypsies. Charles Darwin visited Valparaiso, after crossing the Cape Horn, Nicaraguan writer Ruben Diario worked as a clerk at the customs of Valparaiso, Sir Francis Drake made landfall here, as did Spanish civil war refugees in 1939, and winner Nobel poet Pablo Neruda lived in one of his houses here, "La Sebastiana" (now a museum) overlooking the bay.Among the "must-do" here in Valpo takes the one of 15 external elevators or ascensores that go on top of 15 hills, or cerros for amazing, beautiful view. The elevators will crack and crank, as they have been taken directly from Ridge Robinson Island to Disneyland, but yes, they are still functional and safe and actually provide daily, effective public transport for local residents. You do yourself a favor by exploring the museums and walking the hills of Cerro Concepción, with spectacular views over the port of Cerro Playa Ancha. I think my current favorite is Cerro Cerro Alegre with its various art exhibitions, lively bars, and curiosities generally closely related to recently renovated and beautifully painted homes financed by the good people of Valparaiso Foundation, El Sendero bicentennial, and the Chilean government. Be sure to catch the colors of red and purple of a sunset here in any number of points of view off the city (or viewpoints) over the hills. Then, for the night, the harbor lights up. Valparaiso is famous for its nightlife and culture in pubs, restaurants, cafes, poetry, and nightclubs. There is no shortage of places to drink, get lost (literally or figuratively) in the middle of the night. It can be a ball of a sailor, but also try to make an effort to be safe. And if you happen to pass by Valparaiso for the New Year, you will not be disappointed by the music, dance, fireworks and festivities. Just be sure to eat lentils right at midnight to ensure a year of economic prosperity! 4. San Pedro de Atacama - The fourth major destination in Chile is located in the far north, in the mesmerizing, vast landscape of very dry Atacama Desert. The Atacama, a length of 1000 km covering much of northern Chile and parts of Bolivia, Argentina, is on record as the driest desert in the world in terms of less precipitation per year . In this desert of sand dunes rising, Stark white salt flats, geysers spewing, flamingos (true!) And pre-Columbian archaeological objects, there is a small village surreal - an international, cosmopolitan oasis of sorts called San Pedro. Located 1,575 km north of Santiago, San Pedro is a picturesque hamlet providing a center of tourism infrastructure and services to the growing number of international visitors to embark on excursions to breathtaking in the region. The city has an official population of only 2500 inhabitants of Chile, mostly descendants of indigenous Atamaceño. Yet it is hard to tell who is working, staying, and who is only passing. You will probably hear more German than Spanish being spoken on a few days, and the English you hear in bars and alleys are generally varieties in the United Kingdom. And finally, because this city is a starting point of tourist activity in the vicinity, there is a wide variety of inns, hotels, tourist agencies, and many internet cafes (although I do not understand really how things can get connected out here). There are also pubs chic and hip - even organic - restaurants. While in town, it's nice to meet fellow travelers and the villagers as well as checking the old Spanish colonial adobe church of San Pedro, dating from 1774, and Gustavo LePaige Museum of Archaeology. But the real hypnotic, natural sights are seen outside the city, either with a local tourist outift takes small groups of people in the mini-vans, or as a solitary explorer ... granted, you need an off-road vehicle to get to most of these places. The important highlights of the surrounding altiplano are: Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), El Tatio geysers, and the trip to Toconao and the Salar de Atacama. First, you need to reach a trip to Valle de la Luna, with possibly one or the other Caracoles Cunza Ecoturismo, domingo Cactus Atienza, and other tourist agencies reputable. (You do not want to make the same mistake that my wife and I were visiting the high altitude El Tatio geysers on your first day in the city before allowing your body to an adjustment of one or two days at altitude local.) The valley looks extraordinarily lunar landscape - as those who crossed the moon, I suppose - with the wind beaten hills surrounding a valley bottom in layers. There is also a large dune that sweep the valley, from which you can have a tremendous appreciation from all around, especially after the rise with your traveling companions at the place sitting on top. The sunset is, other-worldly, or perhaps a hint to the essence of what this world really is when we have a good time, space and place for reflection. Cyclists also have the opportunity to hire a bike for a serious trek all the way, 14 km from the center of the valley of San Pedro and return it before sunset. On your second or third day in the city you can visit the El Tatio Geyser, and it's an experience you will never forget! Typically, you pay about $ 20 U.S. per person with a local circuit for a day trip to Geyser Tatio. El Tatio Geyser is a very active geothermal area located high in the Andes, which, at sunrise, exhibits impressive bursts of steam, or "fumaroles", blasting the earth because of high temperatures of underground craters water. First, a mini-van picks you up at your hotel (or hostel) to about 4 hours. It can get very cold at this time in the high desert, so be sure to dress warmly. In addition, for reasons explained later, wearing a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, bottled water, and lemons.After pick you and some others, the van then began the journey of three hours, climbing 4,200 meters. Remember to chew lemons you brought one or the other, or you are offered, in their efforts to mitigate any altitude sickness (or "puna") that you may incur. In addition, officers in the van can offer tea mate, that works as well. You arrive at the height of this place, the largest geothermal field in the world, just as the sun itself together. Here, you'll be amazed at the wonderful vents bubbling water spray here and there. But beware, the earth's crust is very thin in some areas, and people fell. Finally, take a bath in the natural pool near the hot springs pool. It's refreshing, therapeutic, and at this hour, it will be a good treatment in the warm bright sun. The third essential travel to San Pedro de Atacama is traveling 38 km south of Toconao and inspiration Salar de Atacama. Thick layers of sea salt bright white ancient cover large tracts of land that you are in the presence of geological history. Go ahead, break a piece and take a lick. It tastes like the sea salt which is now hundreds of kilometers. Along the way you have wonderful views of two volcanoes towering Licancabur and Lascar, with sweet and upclose encounters with llamas and alpacas. You can exit the van and trying to pet them if they do not run away timidly at first. (They can be a little shy because for centuries the local Atacameño raised llamas and alpacas make good use of their meat and wool.) Enjoy your time in San Pedro and the surrounding area. Just be aware of your footprint on the various ecological reserves and breathtaking landscapes, because with the increased international tourist traffic, some of its inhabitants had to make further efforts for cleaning, etc.. 5. Ruta del Vino Colchagua, Santa Cruz Unless you lived under a rock for the last 5-7 years, you learned that Chile produces some of the best wines around. Therefore, what better to soak the fruit native to Chile and then visiting a few vineyards in the region? (It's also a perfect conversation starter - to tell others about your travels in the heart of wine producers in Chile the next time someone opens a bottle of Santa Rita and Concha y Toro, dinner for your friend.) So, back to the central region of Chile, Santiago closer again, where you will most likely take the plane back international recognition home.Although Chile as wine-producing nation that has emerged recently, wine has actually been grown here since the 1540s. That's when the first Catholic missionaries planted vines so they can participate in the drink during mass Spanish settlers continued small-scale production of wine until 1851, when the first winery was created good . The first winery was developed by Silvestre Ochagavía, but shortly after, my Spanish-Chilean aristocratic families followed in his footsteps, to build beautiful homes and parks next to their vineyards. Today there are over 250 vineyards total in Chile, producing different wines for both domestic consumption and export. The principal grapes grown in the fertile Central Valley are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Carmenere. Many wineries set in lush vineyards around Santiago Tours offers and tastings. In total there are 11 famous Rutas de Vino, or Wine Road, across the country. Here, we focus on one of the best trips around the world with the Colchagua Wine Route Vino by the city of Santa Cruz, which is about 2 hours south of Santiago. As Pablo Neruda wrote, "The wine opens with astonishment, and in the shelter for months, it works on your body soaked in red wings." The doors of the Colchagua Valley can be reached and opened, or by a rental car through a tour van, or to conduct more pastoral, by a locomotive of the early 20th century. The train picks you up at Santiago, serves traditional cheese and nuts, and includes Chilean folk singers on board that you stop and taste to different wineries.Once you reach the lush valley of Colchagua, you have achieved what some call , a paradise for wine in Chile. There are a total of 18 wineries in the valley is full of attractions, which include endless views of coastal mountains, a carriage ride through the vineyards at Viña Viu Manent, and the chance to harvest grapes and make your own wine Wine, a Montgras. Cabernet, Carmenere, Syrah are varieties that grow here because of their attraction to local hot summers. Therefore, you should try these types of wines at Viña Montes, a pioneer in exporing Chilean wines 15 years ago, and the award-winning winemaker Premier Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta and opulent winery.There are several places to rest overnight in the charming rural town of Santa Cruz if you've done too much wine to even think of returning to Santiago the same day. When you return to the capital, you will understand why everyone, while raising their wine glasses with joy, shouting, "De copas del mundo al sur" or "Long live, our glasses to the south of the world." So there you have the top 5 travel destinations for a vacation getaway increasingly popular in South America, Chile. Even if we "North Americans consider Chile a smaller, perhaps a medium-sized countries, there is actually much to see that it can be done in one trip. With only a few population centers and extremely varied, ranging from geography to open the surf of the Pacific to the imposition of jagged mountains, enough fertile farmland of steep glaciers, salt and hot springs to the emerald lake and Araucaria forests, there are so many people to explore natural and sophisticated tourism infrastructure to respond. In our review of the top 5 essential elements of this long, narrow strip of land called Chile, we did not even cover the growing fly fishing and visiting the Antarctic activities of the far south, nor the small-Miami as "garden" seaside town of Viña del Mar, or drive up the Central Coast, along Reñaca, Zapallar all the way to La Serena. We did not visit the mystical, if not haunted beautiful island of Chiloé and its numerous wooden churches rising above each village. Plus, it's an experiment to test the surrounding area Temuco and learn the Mapuche natives. Or, as it has bee strongly recommended to explore the charming German town of Puerto Varas and influenced the fishing center of Puerto Montt. If you happen to catch yourself in one of the top 5 issue of Chile is here, or in any other cities and regions mentioned above, chances are you seeing and doing something very out of ordinary and even having an incredible time. References mentoned above: 1. Poet Seers, "Biography Gabriela Mistral." Http://www.poetseers.org/nobel_prize_for_literature/gab/2. Conde Nast Traveller, "Top 20 Travel for 2009." Http://www.cntraveller.com/Special_Features/Top_20_Destinations_For_2009/Chile/3. Lonely Planet Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2009. "Http://www.lonelyplanet.com/press-centre/press-release.cfm?press_release_id=3884. Husna Haq, 50 destinations welfare favorite. South America and Central "National Geographic Traveler. http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/wellness-directory/south-and-central-america-text5. Frommer's, "The most charming small towns." Http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/central-and-south-america/chile/frm_chile_2319026232.html6. Valparaiso Ruta, "Valparaiso." http://www.rutavalparaiso.cl/web/win2_en.htm7. Pablo Neruda, "Estatuto del vino". http://www.neruda.uchile.cl/obra/obraresidencia2g.html
