After the spin of a wheel — which sounds like an interesting way to travel one day — it landed on Chile. I can honestly say I don’t know much about Chile, besides its location in South America and the fact that it’s long and thin! So much so that you could drive from the Andes to the Pacific in a single afternoon. So here are some facts about the country:
Name: Republic of Chile
Capital: Santiago
Language: Spanish
Currency: Chilean Peso
Population: 17,574,003 (based on the 2017 census)
Total Area (Sq Km): 756,096
Total Area (Sq Mi): 291,929
Islands: 43,471
From north to south, Chile stretches over 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometers), yet it’s only about 61 miles (91 kilometers) wide. Within all that land are some of the most diverse landscapes imaginable — deserts, forests, mountains, volcanoes, and glaciers all within one country. It’s hard to believe you’d still be in the same place!
🏜️ Northern Chile — Desert and Stars
At the very top of Chile lies the Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert in the world. Not only that, but at its northernmost point sits the tripoint with Bolivia and Peru, meaning you can literally step into three countries within minutes! One side faces the coastline, the other hugs the mountains, and small settlements lie within the breaks of the range. Don’t forget to acclimatise in towns like San Pedro de Atacama, the main hub for travellers wanting to explore geysers and lagoons.
Stargazing here is taken to a whole new level. With some of the clearest night skies on Earth and several high-altitude observatories, astronomers from around the world come here to study the heavens. But even without fancy equipment, you can see the Milky Way shining bright. I’d love to look up at that crystal-clear sky — especially during a meteor shower. Erika would love it too, so maybe we’ll get lucky.
🌳 Central Chile — City Life and Coastlines
Next on the map is Santiago, the capital city. It sits in a valley surrounded by mountains and has amazing views, whether from the cable cars or from Sky Costanera, Latin America’s highest viewing point. Below, the city blends historic landmarks like the Palacio de La Moneda and the Metropolitan Cathedral with leafy parks. I’d love to explore museums such as the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, or perhaps tour Viña Cousiño Macul, the only winery in Santiago still under full family control.
A short journey away is Valparaíso, one of the most colourful coastal cities imaginable. Its hills are covered in houses painted every colour of the rainbow. Paseo Gervasoni is full of street art, vintage buildings, and hidden cafés. I can see Erika and me stopping for a drink before heading down to the shore to gaze out to sea — or maybe build a sandcastle or two.
🏔️ Southern Chile — Forests, Lakes and Volcanoes
From sea to lakes to snow-topped volcanoes — Chile’s Lake District is picture-perfect. It’s full of lush forests and more monkey puzzle trees than you can count, with endless hiking and horse-riding trails. In winter, it transforms into a snowy resort where you can ski down the Villarrica Volcano. Towns like Puerto Varas and Pucón offer plenty of water activities, from kayaking and hot springs to exploring the mystical Bosque Encantado Pucón.
To the west begins the Chiloé Archipelago. On the main island, you’ll find three national parks and Senda Darwin, an institute honouring Charles Darwin’s time here. They offer organised tours, though these need booking in advance. The island is also home to colourful palafitos (houses on stilts), something I’d love to see since my own home is firmly planted in the ground! Scattered across the islands are about 70 wooden churches, with 16 recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
❄️ Far South — Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego
At Chile’s southern tip, Patagonia greets you with endless glaciers, fjords, and icy peaks — as well as the world’s southernmost populated town, Puerto Williams. The Museo Antropológico Martín Gusinde tells the story of the Indigenous Yaghan people who once thrived here before colonisation nearly wiped them out. Today, only a small number remain.
The other locals are a little cuter — penguins, dolphins, whales, and wildcats roam the land and sea. Boat tours let you spot them up close, and you can also visit ranches to meet farm animals, hike, ride horses, or learn how sustainable wool clothing is made.
✨ Closing Thoughts
I had no idea Chile held so much within it. From sand to snow and everything in between, it’s a country of stunning contrasts. It might be best known for its scenic beauty, but I’m sure Erika and I will find plenty of quirky adventures to suit our fun style of travel. Skiing down a volcano sounds like a thrilling first — let’s just hope it doesn’t erupt while we’re there!
And as for those islands — well, that’s a story for next week. 🌊
Couch Potato to World Getter 
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