Chile, located along the western edge of South America, is known for its stunning landscapes, stretching from the Atacama Desert in the north to the glaciers and fjords of Patagonia in the south. The country’s long coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, and the Andes Mountains offer incredible hiking and skiing opportunities.

Famous for its rich culture, world-class wines, and vibrant cities like Santiago and Valparaíso, Chile is a top destination for adventure and culture lovers alike.

Key Facts:

Travel Info

Climate: Varied; desert in the north, Mediterranean in the center, and subpolar in the south.

Capital City: Santiago

Main Airport: Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)

Top Airline: LATAM Airlines

Major Attraction: Torres del Paine National Park, a stunning natural reserve known for its breathtaking mountains, glaciers, and lakes.

Cultural Info

Local Greeting: “Hola” (Hello) or “¿Cómo estás?” (How are you?)

Language: Spanish

Soccer Team: Chile National Football Team (“La Roja”)

Nicknames: “The Land of Poets” (honoring its famous poets like Pablo Neruda)

Popular Athlete: Alexis Sánchez (footballer) and Cristian Garin (tennis player)

Personality: Pablo Neruda (poet and Nobel laureate) and Isabel Allende (author)

Economic Info

GDP/Per Capita: Approx. $15,000 (USD, 2023 estimate)

Top Export: Copper, wine, and fruits

Population/Rank: Approx. 19 million; ranked 62nd globally by population

Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)

Top Grub: Empanadas de Pino (savory pastries filled with ground meat, onions, olives, and boiled eggs)

Recipe: https://blog.amigofoods.com/index.php/chilean-foods/empanadas-de-pino/

Try this Grub! Pastel de Choclo (a traditional corn pie with meat, chicken, and a corn topping)

Recipe: https://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/mains/chilean-cottage-pie

Popular Beverage: Chilean wine (notably Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere) and Pisco Sour (a traditional cocktail)

Where to Grub: https://zapallarrestaurant.com// (Zapalla restaurant in NYC, famous for its wine and traditional Chilean dishes)