Chile

Wedged between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Chile is bordered with Peru in the north, Bolivia in the northeast, Argentina in the east and the Drake Passage at the country's southernmost tip.

Whichever holiday guide you consult, you are sure to discover that Chile is a truly unique holiday destination. Most holiday experts and seasoned travellers alike are unified in their belief that Chile defies many people's expectations of an Andean country.

It is distinct from many of its South American neighbours - it's developed, relatively affluent and has quite a long tradition of political stability - with the notable exception of General Pinochet's military regime throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

But dictatorships are nothing but a distant memory - tourists are urged to scour the internet for flight offers, book a decent hotel and make a beeline for Chile - it awaits your arrival.

Traditions and culture in Chile

True to type, Chile is also culturally different from the rest of Latin America because of the heavy influence of German and British culture.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the northern and southern regions of the country experienced heavy immigration from various different groups including English, Germans, Irish, Italians, French, Croatians and other former Yugoslavians, all of whom have left their cultural imprint.

Chile has also accomodated immigration from eastern European Jews, as well as Koreans, Palestinians, Syrians and Swiss nationals.

But it seems to be the German and British influence that is perhaps most lasting and obvious. German influences are evident in rural architecture, food and the national folklore.

The accordion and the dresses worn by Chilean women also point towards German cultural influences.

When it comes to social mores such as the laid-back reserve and names of women, the British influence is most evident. Most of the schools in Chile were also founded by the British.

Chilean cuisine is a mouth-watering blend of traditional indigenous cuisines with culinary traditions that have been introduced by successive European immigrants over the years.

In the 20th century, French cuisine marked a notable turning point in Chilean culinary methods, creating a type of Criollo style that has been implemented in Chilean gastronomy.

Recommended in Chile

The Parque Nacional Torres del Paine comes with a hearty recommendation. It is a spectacular park that draws many visitors to southern Chile.

Tourists should also ensure that they pay a visit to the Chinchorro mummies. These prehistoric mummies are remarkably intact despite having been discovered in a 7,000-year-old burial site near Arica.

To experience the best that nature has to offer in Chile, why not head to the thriving sanctuaries at Isla Magdalena and Seno Otway for an up close and personal view at local penguins.

Weather in Chile

The north of the country can be visited any time of year, while in the central and southern regions, visitors should avoid the months of June to September, when heavy snowfall often blocks access to mountains and national parks.

The peak summer months of January and February are good times to visit, as the weather is agreeable. Equally pleasant weather can also be experienced in November, December and March.

Destination checklist for Chile

The official language spoken in Chile is Spanish, so a holiday guide with a list of basic phrases is a good idea.

The currency in use is the peso. Visitors should be aware that on the whole, Chile is quite an expensive county compared to most other South American countries.

But those on a shoestring budget need not be alarmed - for a double room in a value hotel, tourists can expect to pay around US$15 per night which is very reasonable