Coasts of Chile. My favorite beaches near Santiago are Maitencillo and Cachagua. Territorial distribution of population
Chile is a state located between the Pacific Ocean and mountain ranges Andes on the southwest coast of South America. There are different options for where the name of this unique country came from. Even the Chileans themselves cannot choose a single generally accepted version. According to the first theory, the name comes from the language of the Aymaru tribe and means “the place where the earth ends.” According to the second, translated from the Quechua language it means “cold”. The material culture of the Chilean people is a combination of elements of Spanish culture and indigenous culture.
Chile is not only the narrowest and longest country on the planet, but also the southernmost, because it is located 900 km from Antarctica. In the east it borders with Argentina, in the west it is washed by the Pacific Ocean, in the north it neighbors Peru, in the northeast it borders with Bolivia, and through the Strait of Magellan it enters the Atlantic Ocean.
Chile has three climatic and geographical regions. Northern desert, fairly cold south of the country and humid area Central Chile, which is the most economically developed. Santiago- industrial and financial center, capital of the country. Large cities also include Valparaiso, Antofagasta And Punta Arenas. The official language is Spanish and is spoken by most Chileans.
More than 80% of the population is Roman Catholic, but Chile has large Protestant and Jewish groups.
An important industry is mining. More than 80% of all minerals come from copper mining, and the iron ore industry is in second place.
Capital |
Santiago |
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Population |
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Population density |
22.81 people/km² |
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Spanish |
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Religion |
Catholics, Protestants |
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Form of government |
presidential republic |
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Chilean peso |
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Timezone |
UTC-4 (in summer UTC-3) |
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International dialing code |
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Domain zone |
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Electricity |
Climate and weather
The climatic conditions of Chile are extremely diverse, and this is explained by the large extent of the country from north to south and the direct influence of the ocean. Average monthly temperatures can vary significantly: from +12…+16 °C to +18…+22 °С. In the south of the country the climate is subtropical, with large amounts of precipitation falling in the form of rain. The temperature here ranges from +3 °С to +14 °С. In the north, the climate is mostly dry and desert. The average temperature here is +12…+22 °C. The Mediterranean type of climate predominates in the center. There are four seasons characteristic of Chile: summer (December - February), autumn (March - May), spring (September - November), winter (June - August). The average temperature in Chilean winter is around +3…+15 °С. In the summer in Chile the weather is quite hot. The air temperature can reach +22 °C, but there is practically no sweltering heat here due to the cold current Humboldt.
Sea holidays in Chile are most favorable in the southern and middle parts of the country. The resort is considered the best place for a beach holiday Vina del Mar, next to which the national botanical garden is located. In the high mountainous regions of the country the climate is cool and characterized by temperatures that often do not rise above +3 °С. This makes ski holidays in Chile accessible all year round.
Nature
The country's territory is a narrow strip of coastal plain, bounded on the east by ridges Andes, among which lies the Longitudinal (Central) Valley. Often mountain ranges break the cones of dormant and active volcanoes ( Llullaillaco, Ojos del Salado, Tupungato etc.), and in the area of the Tierra del Fuego island they go under water and form a system of fjords. The highest point in the country is Mt. Ojos del Salado(height - 6,880 meters).
The flora of Chile depends on the climate zone. In the north of the country, thorns and cacti grow - desert flora. In the central valley of Chile, several types of cacti are common, and you can find Chilean pine. South of Valdivia the jungle is located. There grow: magnolia, laurel, several types of conifers and beech. The far south of the country is covered by steppes.
Representatives of the animal world that you can meet: alpaca, llama, vicuna, puma, guanaco.
Birds are quite widely represented, but among the larger species only ostriches are found.
Attractions
Sights, both natural and man-made, can be found at almost every step in Chile. The most popular are: lakes Miscanti And Chungara, geysers El Tatio, volcano Parinacota, granite “towers” Torres del Paine, desert Atacama, Easter Island and Patagonia, archaeological sites Sapauira And Copacilla.
A frequently visited attraction in Chile is the National Park Lauca, located at an altitude of more than 4,500 kilometers above sea level, almost on the border with Bolivia.
This wonderful reserve contains a huge collection of rare representatives of flora and fauna.
Another interesting attraction is the volcano Maipo, still active today, is one of the southernmost peaks of the Andes. It is located on the border with Argentina, 100 kilometers from the capital and 90 kilometers from Tupungato. Maipo gained popularity due to its unusual, almost perfectly symmetrical conical shape.
It is impossible not to say about Municipal Opera and Ballet Theater V Santiago, built in 1857, considered one of the best on the entire continent. In addition, they attract attention Museum of History and Weapons V Arike, National Museum of Fine Arts, which is the oldest museum in Latin America.
Nutrition
Chile is a country famous for its amazing seafood, which you can enjoy not only in good hotels, but also in most restaurants throughout the country. The crabs and abalone shellfish are especially tasty. In addition to seafood, Chilean cuisine is famous for its dishes made from beef, fresh vegetables and fruits. The country is associated with the name of hot pepper, and many people mistakenly believe that the national cuisine is very spicy. This is wrong. The food here is quite familiar to Europeans. Chileans eat quite a lot of meat and love lamb. Prepared from beef asado- a common dish of fried meat.
Chicken is on most menus, although Chileans consider chicken a second-class meat. Popular Chilean dishes include:
- Empanada de pino(pies with beef, raisins, onions, olives and egg);
- Empanada de Queso(cheese in dough);
- Lomo a lo pobre(steak, fried eggs, fried potatoes);
- Cazuela de vacuno(soup with beef, potatoes, a piece of bread, pumpkin and rice), etc.
Chile is known for its wonderful wines, the most famous of which are the red varieties Carmenere And Cabernet Sauvignon as well as white wine Casablanca. Among the strong alcoholic drinks, one can highlight pisco - grape brandy, on the basis of which various cocktails are prepared, such as Pisco Sour(Pisco with lemon juice and sugar).
The best and most popular restaurants are in Santiago, in the areas Bellavista, Suesia, Las Condes, where dinner for one guest costs about $30-55.
Accommodation
In Chile, you will have a wide variety of accommodation options - from cheap hostels, guest houses and small family hotels to upscale hotels from global chains such as Hyatt, Kempinski, Ritz, Sheraton etc. Inexpensive hotels are called Residential and there is one in almost every city. Most of them work according to the well-known system All Inclusive("all inclusive").
Hotel prices are moderate for a European, but high by Latin American standards. In Santiago, a single room in the cheapest hotels costs from 7,000-8,000 Chilean pesos ($14-16) per night.
Average cost of a double room in a three-star hotel Santiago is 80-90 $ per day, in Valparaiso - 60-70 $, on Easter Island - 100-120 $. Price for a double room in a five-star hotel in Santiago equals approximately $200.
If we talk about rental housing, then a 1-room apartment in the center Santiago will cost $300-500 per month, and a 3-room apartment will cost $600-900.
Entertainment and relaxation
The country is known for its excellent ski resorts. One of the most popular is the resort Valle Nevado, located 60 kilometers from the capital. There are more than 30 well-equipped trails of varying difficulty levels. The resort also attracts attention Portillo, located 145 kilometers from Santiago, where there are many slopes that are suitable for skiers of all skill levels.
Beach holidays are very common. Most beaches in Chile are free, except those in parks. The most popular beaches in resorts Vilna del Mar, beach La Virgen in English Coast Bay, beach Playa Blanca- on the territory of the park LLanos de Challe, beach Las Piscinas- near the cape El Morro, Anakena- on Easter Island, as well as the beach Los Piqueros located within the park Sugarloaf.
Chile is famous for its bars, clubs and numerous restaurants, which are scattered throughout the country. The largest number of them is concentrated in Santiago. The most famous of them are "Trampoline" and bar "Cathedral"(for rock fans), wine restaurant "Camino Real", "Casino Cumbre" and many others.
Like many other Latin American countries, Chile celebrates a huge number of different festivals and holidays. In January in the city Angola you can visit the Folklore Festival, in Valdivia— an interesting classical music festival, in Ovalle- festival del Juazo, V San Bernardo— International Folklore Festival, festival Joronadas de Villarica- in Villarique, and this is not the entire list.
Purchases
When visiting another country, everyone wants to bring home gifts that reflect the local flavor and traditional culture. Chile is certainly not a country popular in the world of shopping, but the trip will not be considered complete if you do not bring souvenirs that symbolize this country.
Chile has rich deposits of lapis lazuli, which is considered the national stone and occupies a special place in Chilean culture. Since lapis lazuli is mined in Chile, it can be purchased much cheaper in markets and Chilean stores. It is worth paying attention to earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and many other jewelry with a special blue color.
Another popular souvenir are Statues moai. They can be purchased in any form: mini statues for the table, keychains, earrings, beads, etc. Moai can be expensive or cheap depending on the size, type of wood or type of stone. High-quality moai are quite expensive - they cost from $50 and above. It also cannot be ignored Mapuche poncho, indio picaro- wooden figurines with a wide smile of Mapuche Indians, as well as a huge number of copper souvenirs.
Transport
If we talk about intercity buses, this type of service is provided by several companies. Their branches are in all cities of Chile. These companies provide a high level of service and work according to convenient schedules. A city bus can be easily recognized by its bright yellow and white colors. But during rush hours this is not the best way to travel. Taxis, which are distinguished by their yellow and black color, are popular in the country. Each car has a meter and registration number. Politeness and attentiveness are the hallmarks of Chilean taxi drivers. Smoking in public transport (including taxis) is strictly prohibited.
The state railway transport system (EFE) stretches from Santiago to the south of the country. It passes through most cities such as Rancagua, Chillan, Concepcion, Talca and to the final station - Temuco.
There is also a metro in Santiago, which is the standard of excellent service and cleanliness. It is a fast, cheap and safe form of transport. The local metro has three lines: the Red Line runs from West to East through the city center, the Yellow Line from the city center to the South-West, and the Green Line from the center to the South-East.
Connection
Mobile communication (standard GSM 1900) is quite well developed in Chile. Operators Entel, Claro, Movistar and others almost completely cover the lowland areas of Chile and the capital. In mountainous areas, coverage is spotty, even along most major highways the connection is not very stable. One minute of conversation on a local cellular connection costs $0.2-0.4. Local telephone communications are well developed, with telephone booths everywhere. It is profitable to buy a telephone card, because the rates for calls from hotels are greatly inflated.
International calls are very cheap. You can make a call from any phone. Use a public telephone in hotel lobbies or call from telephone booths on the street. There are points in commercial and shopping centers
for international calls.
The Internet is widespread in Chile. Large hotels provide this service in their business centers. You can also use the Internet in an Internet cafe.
Safety
You can feel safe in Chile. Although, as everywhere else, you should beware of pickpockets on buses and subways. In cafes and restaurants, especially those located on the street, you should not leave your belongings unattended.
You need to store your jewelry and passport in a safe (all hotels have one). Also take care of your migration cards and identity documents. If documents are lost, you must immediately report this to the police by calling 133 and to the consulate of your country.
On the health front, routine vaccinations for mumps, measles, rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (DTP) and polio should be given. In addition, it is wise to check the vaccination requirements at the consular office of the host country.
In general, Chileans are very friendly and welcoming people, so you will receive a warm welcome everywhere, especially in small towns.
Business climate
Taxation in Chile is characterized by a small number of direct and indirect taxes and a minimum of tax incentives that are extended to exporters.
The Chilean income tax system includes: tax on business income - 17%, tax on total income of individuals - from 0% to 40%, tax on wages and remuneration, tax on non-resident income - 35%.
Another interesting fact is that Chile is part of the American Free Trade Area ( FTAA - Free Trade Agreement of the Americas), which stretches from the outskirts of South America to Alaska and was created to stimulate the development of more lagging regions. In this regard, in the two extreme regions (in the north, in the port Iquique, and in the south, in the city Punta Arenas) introduced a preferential tax system. There is no sales tax, no percentage duty on the import of goods.
Currently, a government program in Chile called Start-Up Chile, created to attract entrepreneurs from all over the world to create startups in the country and use it as a platform to enter the global market. For program participants, the Chilean government allocates $40,000 to come to the country and start a business. The main goal of this program is to transform Chile into an innovation and entrepreneurial center in Latin America.
Real estate
Apartments in the capital and in the regions Providencia And Las Condes(considered prestigious areas) a living area of 50 square meters can be purchased at a price of $85,000. Housing with an area of 80-100 m2 costs an average of $190,000-200,000. IN Vigne Del Mar real estate is a little cheaper.
Cottages with a fairly large plot (living space from 180 m2 and a plot from 500 m2) in the private sector cost from $160,000-80,000 and above. There are cheaper options, even for $70,000-80,000, but safety and comfort will be lower. In the north and south of Chile, housing is cheaper.
Rent an apartment in Santiago possible for $500 (unfurnished, in a normal area). Furnished apartments are a little more expensive. When renting, you need to add about $400-600: this amount will cost the maintenance of the apartment (gas, water, electricity, Internet and television).
If we talk about real estate for doing business, today it has become more difficult to find and rent commercial premises in an area good for business (coffee shops, restaurants, hairdressers, etc.). In good areas there is an oversaturation of the real estate market - there are practically no premises, and the remaining ones are quite expensive to rent.
In Chile, guides and hotel staff expect tips. Their size will depend on the service and financial well-being of the country's guests. The receptionist's tip is $1. The restaurant adds about 10% to the bill, but tips may already be included in the cost of the order.
It is better to pay in Chile with pesos. In medium-sized large stores you can use credit cards from all known banking systems.
On weekends, Chilean cities become quiet: many shops close, even stalls with newspapers and cigarettes.
Swimming in the ocean is permitted only in strictly designated areas.
As for customs regulations, Chile does not limit the amount of foreign and national currency transported across the border. Amounts above $10,000 must be declared. You cannot transport uncanned food, seedlings and plants, weapons, insects, parrots and wild animals. It is prohibited to export cultural or architectural values of the country, rare representatives of animals and plants.
Visa information
A visa to Chile is not required if you intend to visit the country as a tourist or guest (visiting relatives, friends) or if you are transiting the country. In this case, your period of stay in the country should not exceed 90 days within six months. If you plan to work or stay in Chile beyond the specified period, you must apply for a visa in advance at the Chilean consulates in Moscow, St. Petersburg or Vladivostok.
When crossing the border you will need the following documents: a passport valid at the time of entry; confirmation of sufficient funds for the entire stay in Chile; return ticket or bank card with funds for its purchase; migration card, which is filled out in Spanish or English (valid for 90 days).
Address of the Consulate of Chile in Moscow: 121002, Moscow, Denezhny Lane, building 7, building 1. Tel.: 241-01-45, 241-04-14, 241-10-34, 241-12-45, 241-31- 51, 241-43-11. The consulate is open every day from 10:00 to 13:00.
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general information
State structure: presidential republic. The highest legislative body is National Congress, consisting of 2 chambers: the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies; supreme executive body yavl. The Cabinet of Ministers is headed by the President, who, since 2006, has been elected by popular vote for a 4-year term, without the right of re-election for a second term. The current president is (Spanish: Sebastián Piñera Echenique). For a complete list of Chilean presidents, see.
In territorial and administrative terms, the state is divided into 15 regions (Regiones).
State Language: The official language of Chile is Spanish. Many residents who speak Spanish continue to communicate with each other in German and Araucano; by the way, most Chileans speak English quite well. Also spoken here are Mapudungun (Mapuche language), Aymara (in the northern region of the country) and Rapa Nui (in the Polynesian Easter Island area).
P.S. Chileans speak Spanish very quickly and incomprehensibly, often swallowing the last letters of words, and they also like to include the English-style ending “s” in plural meanings. In addition, slang terms and expressions are often used in everyday life, which even native speakers of traditional Spanish do not understand without explanation.
Religion: The dominant religion is Catholicism: more than 70% of the population are adherents of the Roman Catholic Church. In addition to Catholics, there are quite influential groups of Protestants (about 15% of the population), there are also believers professing Judaism (1.06%), Mormons (0.92%) and representatives of other religions. 4.4% of Chileans identify themselves as atheists.
Currency: State currency: (CLP).
Favorite sports games: Football is almost everything in Chile. Every local resident is simply obliged to have their favorite football team (in 60% of cases it is Universidad de Chile); sports such as rugby, tennis, running, cycling, etc. are also quite popular.
Population
The population of the state is about 18.05 million people, which are evenly distributed along the entire length of the country. The main concentration of the population is concentrated in the central regions: in the cities of Santiago, Concepcion, Valparaiso, Viña del Mar, Antofagasta, Temuco, etc.
Chileans of the 21st century. consist of 3 main groups: Spanish-speaking Chileans; immigrants and their descendants from the countries of America, Europe and Asia who arrived here in the 20th century; indigenous Indian peoples.
It is also necessary to mention the Polynesians - Rapanui (Easter) - the indigenous inhabitants of the island. Easter.
The racial composition of Chile's population is approximately as follows: about 25% of the inhabitants belong to the white race (descendants of Spaniards, Italians, Germans), almost 70% are mestizos - descendants of mixed marriages of Indians with whites, indigenous Indians make up about 6.6%.
The national composition of immigrants is very diverse, but Spaniards and Italians predominate. In recent decades, immigrants have mainly arrived here from neighboring countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Peru.
Most of Chile's population is employed primarily in mining, agriculture and fishing.
Chileans have an average of 10 years of education, the country has one of the lowest illiteracy rates in the entire continent (no more than 4%), and the country boasts two Nobel Prize winners in literature: (Spanish: Gabriela Mistral) and (Spanish: Pablo Neruda). Average life expectancy is 79 years, with low rates of infant mortality (7.9%) and malnutrition.
The most characteristic physical attributes of local residents include a fairly dark skin tone, average height (160 cm for women and 170 cm for men) and black thick hair.
Excursion into history
Before the Spanish invasion, the territory of Chile was inhabited by numerous nomadic Indian tribes. The most powerful and influential tribes were the Araucans or Mapuches, inhabiting the Central part. Being very independent and warlike, they were the only major Indian tribal association of Indians that did not submit to the Spanish crown. Only at the end of the 19th century. the Spanish conquistadors managed to push them into the southern forests and force them to submit.
The first attempt to conquer the country dates back to 1535, when the Spanish adelantado (Spanish: Diego de Almagro), a comrade (Spanish: Francisco Pizarro) of the conqueror of Peru, led a military expedition, leading it through the glaciers of the Andes. The Spaniards reached the Central Valley of the country, but not finding treasures and encountering desperate resistance from the Araucans, they returned to Peru.
In 1540, Pizarro sent his lieutenant (Spanish Pedro de Valdivia) to conquer Chile, who on February 12, 1541 founded the city of Santiago on the banks of the Mapocho River (Spanish Río Mapocho), making it the capital of the Spanish colony, which was home to about 1000 Spaniards. Then, moving further south, Valdivia founded several more cities, incl. (Spanish: Concepción) and Valdivia. In 1553, Pedro de Valdivia was captured and executed by Indians led by the Araucanian leader Lautaro (Spanish: Lautaro). Lautaro became the hero of Chilean legends and went down in history thanks to the heroic-epic poem “Araucana” by the Spanish conquistador and poet Alonso de Ercilla y Zúñiga (Spanish: Alonso de Ercilla y Zúñiga, 1533-1594)
There was too little gold in Chile to attract large numbers of settlers from Europe. The colonists were engaged in growing wheat; cattle ranches, vineyards and orchards also provided good income. Gradually the Spaniards penetrated south to the river. Bio-Bio and through the Andes chain to the east, into the territory of what is now Argentina. In 1778, the colony was given the status of captaincy general; the captain general was appointed personally by the King of Spain.
Despite the territorial isolation, the country experienced steady population growth. Many of the Catalans or Basques who settled here formed an influential class of landowning aristocrats, which to this day plays an important role in the political and cultural life of the state. Since, according to the laws, all trade was conducted through Peru, there were illegal contacts with English and Dutch smugglers who reached here through the Strait of Magellan.
One adventure from the life of smugglers served as the basis for Defoe's novel about Robinson Crusoe: the case of the Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk, thrown by a storm onto the uninhabited islands of the Juan Fernandez archipelago. The flow of smuggling decreased somewhat when the country gained the right to trade with the rest of the Spanish colonies.
When Napoleon overthrew King Ferdinand VII in 1808, the country was still a Spanish colony. On July 14, 1810, the Chilean Creoles rebelled, removing the Spanish protege and installing a Creole aristocrat as governor, and in September the National Government Junta was formed. After 4 years of rebellion and anarchy, the Peruvian viceroy regained control over Chile, but she had already tasted freedom.
Chile includes various geographical zones: valleys, desert, fjords, glaciers, archipelagos and islands.
By latitude, the entire territory is divided into 3 regions, sharply different from each other in the structure of the relief and climatic conditions:
- Desert region in the north, where the peaks of the Andes are highest;
- Middle China is a high-mountain region of the Central Andes, where the northern mountain plateau turns into a valley almost 1 thousand km long. and 40-80 km wide, is the most densely populated region of the country;
- Southern China is the foothills of the Southern Andes, a zone of hills covered with dense forests, and a system of narrow straits and rocky islands in the far south. Almost 80% of the continental territory of Chile is occupied by mountains, there are about 600 volcanoes (this is 1/10 of the number of all volcanoes on Earth), of which 47 are active, so earthquakes are very frequent here. The highest point of the country is considered to be (Spanish: Volcano Ojos del Salado; 6.9 thousand m), located on the border with Argentina.
Rivers and lakes
All rivers originate in either the Andes or the Coastal Cordillera and flow into the Pacific Ocean. Most rivers are quite short. The most important rivers of the country include: Loa (Spanish: Río Loa) - the longest (440 km) Chilean river, (Spanish: Río Bío Bío, 380 km) - the second largest river, Elqui (Spanish: Río Elqui, 170 km) and etc. For more information about the rivers of Chile, see.
Most of the lakes, predominantly of tectonic-glacial origin, are located in the picturesque “Lake District”, in the valleys and foothills of the Andes in southern Chile. Buenos Aires or General Carrera (Spanish: Lago General Carrera, area 1.9 thousand km²), the largest lake of glacial origin, is located on the border of Chile and Argentina (the eastern part of the lake belongs to Argentina).
Lake Llanquihue (Spanish: Lago Llanquihue, area 840 km²), the second largest, is entirely within Chilean territory. In the central part there are high-altitude freshwater lakes and coastal salt lakes, into which sea waters penetrate during high tides. Table salt is mined in coastal lakes, for example, in Lake Bucalemu (Spanish: el Lago Bucalemu) near Valparaiso. In the north of the country, virtually all lakes are drainless and salty (so-called “salar”, Spanish Salar).
"Lake Region" in the foothills of the Andes
In addition to the main, continental part, the state includes several groups of coastal islands and islands located at a considerable distance from the mainland: the western part of the island "" (Spanish: Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego), Easter Island, the Juan Fernandez archipelago, Wellington Island (Spanish: Isla Wellington), etc. The islands of Chile have long attracted tourists from all over the world. For example, a Scottish sailor (Alexander Selkirk, 1676-1721), who became the prototype of the well-known Robinson, spent 4 years and 4 months (1704-1709) on a desert island (Spanish Isla Mas a Tierra, now the island of Robinson Crusoe). Easter Island is famous for its colossal stone figures erected by unknown masters of ancient civilization.
Territorial distribution of population
About 9/10 of the country's inhabitants live in the area between the cities (Spanish: Puerto Montt) and Coquimbo (Spanish: Coquimbo), accounting for less than a third of the total area of the state. Most of the population is concentrated around the capital, where natural conditions are favorable for the development of agriculture.
Almost 2/3 of the state's population lives in Central Chile, north of the Bio-Bio River. In most of the Central Valley (between the cities of Santiago (Spanish: Santiago) and Concepción, the rural population density reaches 50 people/1 km². In the Metropolitan Region, the population density exceeds 355 people/1 km².
There are large cities here (Santiago, Valparaiso, Concepcion), where government agencies, financial, scientific and educational centers are located. Most of the fertile arable land is concentrated here. The majority of industrial state enterprises are located in the capital and its environs. enterprises. The overpopulation of the central regions led, in particular, to the fact that immigrants began to settle in the forest areas south of Bio-Bio, which for a long time remained under the control of the Araucanians, the indigenous Indian tribes. The growth of such settlements accelerated significantly due to the fact that the country's government began to implement a policy of supporting colonists engaged in agriculture.
Santiago
The southern third of the state is sparsely populated, the existing population is mainly concentrated near the eastern part of the Strait of Magellan, in the area (Spanish: Punta Arenas), the southernmost city of all major cities on the planet. Almost 7% of the population lives in 3 regions of Northern Chile (Tarapaca, Antofagasta and Atacama), whose area is about 1/3 of the territory. The Atacama Desert region is inhabited by about 1 million people living in small mining and port towns. Most of the local population consists of workers and specialists recruited under contract in Central Chile. Also in the northern regions live specialists from around the world who work in copper mines.
Nature and climate
Chile is a completely unique country in terms of climate and nature. It stretches from south to north along the entire South American continent. Such an unusual extent allows the state to have almost all natural and climatic zones existing on the globe, with the exception of the humid tropics.
The north is characterized by a predominant tropical desert climate, where average monthly temperatures range from +12 °C (mid-May-August) to +26 °C (December-mid-March). To the south, the climate becomes subtropical, with summer temperatures ranging from +22-24°C, and winter temperatures around +12-18°C. The weather is similar on the Easter and Juan Fernandez islands.
The central part is dominated by a temperate oceanic climate, with temperatures ranging from +3-15°C in winter to +25°C in summer. In the south, the climate is humid, subtropical, with heavy rainfall. In the north, in the Atacama Desert, there are places that have not seen a drop of precipitation for centuries. There are other areas in the Atacama where short periods of winter rainfall produce an incredible burst of blooms in the spring, a natural phenomenon known as the Desert Bloom. The coast of this part of the country is characterized by a temperate climate.
As the altitude increases, the daytime temperature increases, while the nighttime temperature decreases. In the area, even in summer, night temperatures can drop below 0°C. In summer, a natural phenomenon called "Bolivian winter", which is characterized by sudden severe thunderstorms with hail.
To the south, delightful Mediterranean landscapes prevail with a mild climate, dry, warm summers and rainy winters: in summer (December-February) the average air temperature is + 28°C, in winter + 10°C. The coast is usually cloudy, humid and windy, and can be colder than inland areas.
Vast areas of this zone are covered with lush virgin forests. From May to August, the rainy season lasts in the interior regions of Chile; in the mountainous regions, precipitation, regardless of the season, falls more evenly; here the climate is rainy and cool. Strong winds often blow on the coast and in the Patagonian pampa. In the high mountainous regions of the state it is much colder: in some places the temperature even in summer does not rise above +3°C, and in winter it drops to −27°C.
The further south you go, the less precipitation and lower temperatures you get. The climate of the Antarctic part of Chile is polar, with frequent heavy snowfalls.
In the area of the Strait of Magellan and on the island of Tierra del Fuego, the climate is polar, in winter temperatures range from −16 to −4 °C, in summer temperatures do not exceed +18 °C. Even in summer, strong winds prevail here, fog and rain are common, and unpredictable sudden changes in weather are observed. It is cold in the mountains and there is heavy rainfall.
On Easter Island and the islands of the Juan Fernandez archipelago, the climate is subtropical, mild, with moderate humidity, pleasant temperatures and little difference between the seasons.
Largest cities
Chile is one of the longest countries in the world, so the distances between northern and southern cities can reach several thousand kilometers. Due to the very long coastline, many cities are ports.
It is considered one of the most urbanized Latin American countries. For example, in 2010, about 89% of the population lived in cities, and more than half of the inhabitants lived in the central regions of Santiago and Valparaiso.
| Name | Population |
|---|---|
| (Spanish Santiago) | 6.2 million |
| (Spanish: Viña del Mar) | 322.2 thousand |
| (Spanish: Valparaíso) | OK. 300 thousand |
(Spanish: Puerto Montt) Flora and faunaThe vegetation of the country varies depending on the climate zone. In the north, where the Atacama Desert is located, all kinds of cacti and thorns predominate. In Central Chile, subtropical vegetation predominates (evergreen forests and shrubs). In the south, the mountain slopes turning into valleys are covered with densely growing beech and coniferous forests, and Chilean pine trees appear here. The Central Plains is home to Copihue, a vibrant red flower with a bell-shaped cup that has become the national flower. Then the landscape gives way to the jungle, where beech, magnolia, laurel and several types of coniferous trees grow. In the far south there are steppes covered with forbs. The fauna of Chile is not as rich as in other Latin American countries, since the Andes ridges, forming a natural barrier, prevent the natural migration of animals. The most common mammals here are alpaca, llama, vicuña, two types of deer, guanaco, puma, wolf, chinchilla, otter, nutria, and skunk. Birds are represented quite widely; even ostriches are found here. In rivers and lakes, except for introduced trout, there are almost no freshwater fish. Due to the proximity of the Humboldt Current, coastal Pacific waters are rich in fish and other marine life, which in turn support a wide variety of waterfowl, including various species of penguins. Whales are also found in abundance: about six (!) species of whales live off the coast. Chile is a country of wonders!
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Chile is an interesting country and remarkable for its local color of nature and the mentality of the inhabitants of this country. The unusualness of its location is its length along the Pacific coast for 4329 kilometers, with a width of only 170 kilometers, which determines the extraordinary diversity of the landscapes of this country. The nature of Chile is diverse: the lifeless Atacama Desert is replaced by the central part of the country and southern regions with forests, lakes and volcanoes. Chile owns more than ten large islands in the Pacific Ocean. The mysterious Easter Island, the legendary island of Robinson Crusoe - all this is Chile. It is not surprising that tourists from all over the world flock here. The most attractive are the ski slopes and numerous beaches of Chile, located on the southern coast, where Mediterranean landscapes and a mild climate predominate.
The beach season here lasts from September to February, and the air temperature reaches 28°C. Viña del Mar is the main tourist center and the most famous resort on the Pacific coast. This is a stunningly beautiful city, with white sand beaches and coastal cliffs on which hotels and hotels are located. There are also magnificent SPA centers and entertainment complexes located here. Parks, museums and promenades harmoniously blend into the natural splendor, and further from the coast you can admire lakes located in forested areas. Most beautiful beaches of Chile are located in the city of Arica and are considered the cleanest on the entire coast, which is due to the complete absence of industry in this region. The largest number of tourists are concentrated here. Thanks to the infrastructure and flat landscape, this place is ideally suited for a family holiday with children. Due to its proximity to the Peruvian border, trade relations are especially developed here, which contributes to profitable shopping. Arica has a developed leisure industry and has an observation deck that offers beautiful views of the whole of Chile. 
De Anakena beach is the most popular on Easter Island. With white sand and palm trees along the coast, it has the historical legend that King Hoto Matua came ashore here. Picnics for tourists are often held here. Punta de Lobos is a famous stone beach located in the town of Pichilemu. Here you can not only enjoy the sea air and sun, but also admire the seals reclining on rocky ledges. It is worth noting that in this city all entertainment is concentrated on the coast. The beach infrastructure is arranged according to all the rules: showers, changing cabins, toilets, parking for cars. There are excellent surfing conditions and a viewpoint on the south side. This city is also famous for Infiernillo beach with picturesque landscapes. And fishing lovers will love the Playa Hermosa beach, famous for its extraordinary bite and variety of catch. The Balneario Municipal beach located in the Antafagasta region has a particularly high rating. Playa Principal beach combines gently sloping water with golden sand and rocky outcroppings plunging into the ocean. 
Beaches Playa Grande, Playa Miramar, De la Serena, Chinchorro, Playa Las Salinas, La Herradura,PlayaElQuisco,
PlayaLasSalinas,
BalnearioCovadonga,
CaletaCamarones,
Cartagena,
PlayaAcapulco ,
PlayaCochoa,
PlayaElEncanto,
Caleta Abarca– all this diversity for beach lovers is provided by the Pacific coast of Chilean cities. There are many hotels and inns on the coast that welcome guests and tourists. Most of the beaches here are public, offering their infrastructure free of charge. Only a few hotels in the Delux and Luxury categories offer a private beach with sun loungers, umbrellas and towels. But since the main feature of the coast is the high environmental friendliness of the areas and cleanliness, the predominant number of public beaches should not become an obstacle to visiting them. The main thing is to be careful and not leave valuables unattended, since theft is, alas, not uncommon here.
Punta Arenas is our first Chilean city. In the central square there is a monument to Magellan.
Once upon a time, Punta Arenas was a prosperous city on the shores of the Strait of Magellan. Port on the way from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Then, after the construction of the Panama Canal, Punta Arenas declined, although now oil fields have been found not far from it and it cannot be called a backwater.
Chilean military:) Apparently, since the time of Pinachet, Chile has maintained a very respectful attitude towards people in uniform. And the shape itself doesn’t look like it, although it certainly resembles something... In the city, during our visit, some kind of holiday was taking place. These two were apparently responsible for raising the flag.
The former residence of the governor, now a museum and the most beautiful mansion in the city.
Yes, this city still cannot be called a metropolis! With the arrival of our ship, the population seems to double!
Further north, near the town of Puerto Montt, on the slopes of the Osorno volcano, lies the Vicente Pérez Rosales Nature Reserve. This is an area of virgin rain forest - selva. Selva is truly impressive. Some incredible pile of vegetation on black volcanic rocks and dripping from everywhere!
Rivers of lava flowed along the slopes of the volcano during eruptions hundreds of years ago. Then they froze and now ordinary water flows along the same channels. The guide told us that it was still dry. Usually stones are not visible under the flow of water.
Water breaks through cracks in the lava. Everything around is literally boiling. Over all this there are bridges on which tourists can move.
Of course, we were unlucky with the weather. Much of the landscape was obscured by a veil of rain and fog. After an hour in the park we felt like wet... ostriches... :)
The clouds clear only in the evening, when we are already back in Puerto Montt.
Thanks to this, we finally see the Calbuco volcano, whose cone towering above the harbor gave its name to the city of Puerto Montt.
Urban Valparaiso. Industrial and commercial port. Valparaiso absorbed a fair portion of our fellow travelers who flew home, but new tourists arrived instead.
The city, I must say, is not too rich in attractions...
So we limited ourselves to a stroll through the picturesque favelas, following our Danish-born tradition, stopping at a local port bar for refueling! :)
Our journey to the equator continues, now we can hide our warm clothes away. After passing through industrial Valparaiso we approach the last stop on the Chilean coast: the twin cities of Cojimbo and La Serena. Cojimbo is a port city. In itself, it does not have any special attractions, so usually all tourists immediately go to La Serena.
La Serena is a very friendly city; it is loved by tourists who come both from Santiago and from all over the world. They are attracted here by wonderful beaches, good weather and mild climate. The entire central part of the city is pedestrian. The pavement is laid with smooth tiled tiles - very elegant and neat. There are mermaids in the middle of the main square :)
Old Franciscan Church.
The city lies in a valley facing the sea. There are small hills within the city, and the Cordillera on the horizon...
Not far from the center of La Serena we liked a very interesting church. The old wooden bell tower is unlike any I have seen in Latin America.
Residence of city authorities?
MOSCOW, September 23 – RIA Novosti, Tatyana Pichugina. During storms around the world, dozens of dead marine animals, sometimes very strange ones, wash ashore. Due to decomposition, lack of tissue, and skeleton, even specialists often cannot identify them, and human imagination creates mysterious creatures that have so far eluded our eyes. “This is a monster”, “It is covered with fur”, “It looks alive” - this is the first reaction of eyewitnesses. RIA Novosti's selection includes the most mysterious monsters thrown up by the ocean.
Centennial Globster
In July 2003, a huge shapeless organic mass washed ashore on the coast of Chile and spread across the ground. The dimensions were amazing: the length of the terrible “jelly” was 12 meters, weight – 13 tons. World media headlines trumpeted: “Chilean Globster Baffles Scientists.”
A globster is an unidentified carcass washed up by the sea. In the old days, before the development of genetic methods, it was difficult to determine the species of an animal, so globsters served as a source of inspiration for cryptozoologists - amateur enthusiasts looking for creatures unknown to science, like Bigfoot and aliens tortured by the American military.
The Chilean Globster was lucky. It was visited by employees of the local marine mammal research center and visually determined that it was probably the carcass of a whale.
Then scientists from the USA and New Zealand, led by Sidney Pierce, took a sample of organic matter from the carcass and conducted a histological analysis. DNA was restored using the polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that these are definitely the tissues of a sperm whale, and not, for example, a squid.
A few years earlier, Pierce became famous for solving two mysteries at once - the "Bermuda blob", found in 1988, and the "St. Augustine monster", washed up on a Florida beach in 1896.
The tissues of the “Monster of St. Augustine” were stored in scientific laboratories for a hundred years. Many researchers have tried to determine the type of creature, suspecting it to be a giant squid. Pierce, using modern methods, established that these were the remains of a warm-blooded vertebrate animal, like the carcass of the "Bermuda blob".
Log with tentacles
A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.8 in New Zealand, which occurred on November 14, 2016, exposed part of the seabed along with its inhabitants. Most quickly crawled away on their own into their familiar aquatic environment, but the huge two-meter-tall creature covered with tentacles remained. A month later, local residents found him.
The object was in terrible condition, it was still moving and smelled terrible. Scientists were called to the scene, who quickly found out that in front of them were myriads of barnacles of the species Lepas anatifera, clinging to a log.
Balanuses love to attach themselves to the bottoms of ships and debris and thus travel across the ocean. The muscles with which crustaceans hold onto the surface can stretch almost a meter.
Hairy monster from Kamchatka
In August of this year, after a strong storm, a strange carcass twice the height of a man, covered with wool, washed up on the shore of Kamchatka.
A local resident posted photos of the sea monster on social networks, recorded a video on YouTube and asked everyone to find out what kind of creature it was. It has been suggested that the remains belong to a woolly mammoth or a giant squid.
KamchatNIRO employees refuted these speculations and reported that the photo shows the carcass of a whale or a huge shark, which, in the process of decomposition, lost its fat layer and was overgrown with marine organisms.
Pink wiggle jelly
This week, on September 17, another “monster” was discovered on the coast of New Zealand, north of Auckland. The family that found him was amazed at the size and color of the creature, which looked like a giant jellyfish.
Photos of the find were sent to the media and scientists from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA). The “monster” turned out to be a hairy cyanide, the largest jellyfish known on Earth.
Cyanea lives in the Arctic seas, the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. Its dome reaches two meters in diameter, and its tentacles, studded with stinging cells, are more than twenty meters in length. This dangerous predator swims in the open sea and never voluntarily approaches the shore.