Chile!!

Well, we're just one month and a handful of days away from our big move to South America...our first stop: Chile. I was wondering if anyone out there had any great suggestions for this first leg of the trip...we don't even know where to stay the first night! We arrive in Santiago, so I figured we bounce around the city for a day or two...but where should we go from there??? (We've got a month to one and a half months to travel before heading to Argentina)

*BB*

One my favourite places in Chile, and also one of my favourites places at all, is Chiloé. One of theonly places in Chile where you cann see the roots in people's faces and folklore alla round. It's beautiful, it's a 'people's place', and while it may not have landscapes filled with huge volvanoes or picture-like beaches, it is indeed breathtaking. It may not be grand, but it's sure great...

There's this thread with ideas on Chile where I posted something brief on Chiloé.

And also Phillip Blazdell once made this Chiloé guide on Bootsnall. It paints a good picture.

My personal views on CHiloé is that although you can 'see' it ina few days, it is one of those places that the more you linger the more you enjoy. Also, forget about Castro, the capital. I mean, the island is reasonably small, and buses are frequent. Base yourself in the smaller towns (my favourites: Achao, Dalcahue and Chonchi) to see the rest.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this info with me...SO informative and helpful! I will definitely go see Chiloe, as this is exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for!

*BB*

I've never been in Chile but my sister always recommends me to go to La Serena and Zapallar (I guess they are in the south)

when are you coming to Argentina?


have fun

Ga

I will be in Argentina from October on...we rented an apartment near Recoleta...we would love to meet people for drinks or what not since we won't know a soul! Send me a message..

*BB*

San Pedro De Atacama in the north is pretty cool. The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is absolutly fantastic. As is the Torres Del Paine national park in southern Chile. Those were my two favorite places.

Swede
http://erik.granstrom.org

I'll be back from Europe on October 16
after that make sure I'll drop you a line to go for some drinks

Ga

quote:

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Originally posted by boulderbritt:
I will be in Argentina from October on...we rented an apartment near Recoleta...we would love to meet people for drinks or what not since we won't know a soul! Send me a message..

*BB*

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As Ga mentioned, La Serena is quite nice too. The city itself is not that much, but there's the Elqui Valley around, filled with pictoresque villages and grape plantations. The road that goes along the valley is super pictoresque. Cool to rent a car and do it in your own terms, instead of joinning a tour.

Agree with Swede, the Salar de Uyuni is one of the most amazing and absolutelly fantastic places I've ever seen. Deffinetelly worthes any detour.

Valparaiso is worth a visit as a unique seaside town and La Isla Negra, one of Pablo Nerudas homes, both not far north of Santiago. (can get public transport to both).
The Atacama Desert is pretty amazing, as Swede mentioned San Pedro de Atacama. You can do several tours from the town so make time to spend a few (5?) days, as well as a nice walk to the Inca ruins just out of town.

I put in my vote for Vina del Mar, Renaca, and Valparaiso. Great places.
Whatever you do meet the locals; I’ve never met such wonderful, friendly people.

The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only one page.--Saint Augustine