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Chile is
geographically gifted with over 2500 miles (4200 km) of coastline and mountains,
beaches, great skiing, hundreds of hot springs, a fascinating desert and
more. Even with all of this Chile is relatively new to tourism. Due to Chile's
poverty and location in the world in the 1900's, few travelers visited.
Once
the Panama Canal opened in 1914, it was no longer necessary to travel through the Straight of Magellan. Then, in 1973, the infamous dictator
General Pinochet took over the country in a bloody coup. For the next
17 years he ruled with an iron fist and the country was isolated from the
international community.
When democracy was
restored in 1989 (in reality this has been a slow process as Chile becomes
more democratic with each election) the country began to partake much more in
the global community.
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With this a boom
developed in
foreign investment and tourism. The wilds of
Patagonia, the snow of the Andes, the history and beauty of the high
desert - they all began to call to adventurers looking for something unique
and not
"over traveled". Chile offers many options for every
level of traveler, from high-end hot spring and ski resorts to hiking,
horseback riding, home stays and cultural immersions. |
