Chile: Travelling & Vacation

Chile is a wonderful holiday destination in the southwest of South America. The country is characterized by the elongated surface, that runs from the southernmost tip of the continent to about halfway. The country is relatively very narrow for its length.
Chile has a common border with Peru to the north, Bolivia and Argentina to the east, the west is the Pacific Ocean, and to the south is the South Pole.

The territory of Chile has a varied climate, which is determined by the width, the proximity of the sea and the height. In the north of the country is dominated by irregular rainfall, an average temperature of 16 ° C, which goes down as the traveler comes nearer the Andes.
In the center of the country it is slightly colder. The average temperature is 15 ° C, with a slightly increased precipitation.
In the south it is still colder, an average temperature of 12 ° C and an increased level of rainfall, about 1500mm per year. It is very wet, as the comparison to England is about a Third. Deep in the south it is still wet, due to there being a heavy 2800 mm rain fall, and the temperature can drop to around 9 degrees.

The current constitution dates from 1980. The state is divided into three branches: the executive, which is vested in the President of the Republic, the legislative power is shared by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the Gerechterlijke Power. The current President is Sebastian Pinera Echenique of Chile.

According to the most recent archaeological research, the Chilean territory inhabited since 10,000 BC. In the 16th century was a part of the country belonging to the Inca Empire. Yet in the same century Chile was discovered and conquered by the Spaniards. The country began its period of autonomy from Spain from the declaration of the First National Assembly Government in 1810, which culminated with the declaration of independence on 12 February 1818. The language is still Spanish.

To be able to travel to Chile, all international passengers must show police their identification documents, an identity card or passport, and visa. Not all countries require a visa, just have regular information and ask questions first. From England, a visa is required if you want to stay more than 90 days.

Upon arrival in Chile, the visitor will receive from the international police a Tourist card (Tarjeta de Turismo). This is a non-transferable and personal document, which is valid for 90 days, but can be extended for another 90 days. Tourists must have their card in hand when they leave the country. The expansion of this card can be requested in the Foreign Office.

Credit cards are widely accepted by business establishments and there is no charge for using it. The most used are Visa, American Express, Diners Club International and Master Card.

To travel through the vast country, the highway is suitable. This is Pan-American, and extends from Arica to Chiloe in Chile. There are other roads that cross into neighboring countries. Most roads are in excellent condition. In the city of Puerto Montt the Austral begins the highway that joins the southern region, with fjords and channels. This road is 1,200 km long and goes through the beautiful countryside. The road takes you to Chilean Patagonia, where the real adventure begins. On the highways the maximum speed is 70-75 MPH on the roads 50-55 MPH and in cities 35-40 MPH.

There are regular speed traps by radars and cameras, and especially alot of permanent police checks by the "Carabineros" or civilian police (in their pristine green uniforms), which is quite strict. A 'carabinero' (policeman) is very accessible if you have problems, but remember to follow correct and polite procedures. As any little mistake might not go over to well. It is mild when it comes to tourists.

Chile is a wonderful holiday destination and has a rich tradition and history there are many attractions. Hospitality is in the Chileans DNA, as there are many great feasts and celebration. The country is politically stable, making major advances in tourism. The natural beauty, both flora and fauna, is brilliant.

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