Chile is a land of extremes. From the snow-covered Andes gracing the landscape, to the glorious beaches and barren deserts, it’s a captivating country, full of life and opportunities for adventure.

There are many reasons to visit Chile, but here are five of the best.

Adventure

Chile was made for the adventurous, and lures in thousands each year with the thrill of opportunity.

Packing your most practical clothing, because you’re going to need it, whether you’re marvelling at the glaciers and icefields, boarding down the sand dunes, white water rafting, or hiking up a mountain. Sitting on South America’s West coast, Chile also has a well-renowned surf scene, mainly due to its 2,000 miles of stunning coastline.

Whatever your reason for visiting, make sure you sample some of the adventurous opportunities Chile has to offer.

City life

Chile has its fair share of big cities, each offering something different to the other.

Santiago, its sophisticated-yet-energetic capital city, has bustling nightlife, a fantastic food scene, historical buildings, museums, and a striking mountain backdrop in the form of the Andes.

Valparaíso is a captivating, bohemian and UNESCO-protected coastal city, with colourful cliff-top houses, rolling hillsides, and tranquil sea views.

Then there’s Arica, the port city which enjoys year-long sunshine. Nicknamed the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, it’s known for its surfing, beaches, and laidback way of life. And if you fancy injecting a bit of history into your beach getaway, travel to nearby Azapa Valley, where some of the world’s oldest mummies can be found.

Food scene

Chile has an exciting food scene, much like its surrounding South American neighbours.

Taking much of its inspiration from Spanish culture, as well as other European flavours, it specialises in fresh seafood and meat.

When visiting Chile, take advantage of its food markets, especially Mercado Central in Santiago, where locals and restaurant owners go to pick up fresh produce, such as seafood, on a daily basis.

It also has its fair share of food tours, where you can sample some of the best Chilean cuisine on a budget. Delicious.

Stargazing

Thanks to its vast areas of landscape with no light pollution, Chile is the perfect spot for stargazing. After all, it’s home to nearly 50% of all telescopes in the world.

One of the best places to see the universe in all its glory is the Elqui Valley, which enjoys 360 clear nights a year. With the next total solar eclipse due to take place on 2nd July 2019, it’s worth heading there this year if you can.

Wine regions

Chile has become a world-leader in wine, creating some of the best and winning awards left, right and centre.

Venture to the north and central vineyards of the country to sample refreshing dry whites, deep, luscious reds, and sparkling wines. Many of the wine tours will pair the experience with elegant food tastings, so it’s a must for avid foodies who want to sample some of the most exquisite tastes the country has to offer.