About Chile
First, a bit about Chile’s history. Ruled by the Inca Empire, the region was conquered and colonized by the Spanish in the mid-16th century. At the time, it was estimated that more than 500,000 indigenous people lived in the area, with the majority of those in the north making their living from fishing and farming. Chile declared its independence from Spain in 1818.
Getting to Chile
Turkish Airlines operates flights from Istanbul to Santiago, Chile’s capital, via Bogota (Colombia), Panama City (Panama), and Sao Paulo (Brazil). You can check out flight times and other details on our flight ticket page.
When to visit Chile?
As Chile is in the southern hemisphere, the country’s summer months are December and January. Many travelers believe that the spring months – September, October and November – are the best time for a visit to Chile. On the other hand, keep in mind that the seasons and the weather may vary depending on where you are in the country.
Where is Chile?
Chile has a long Pacific Ocean coastline and is alongside Argentina on the southern tip of the South American continent. The Andes Mountains form Chile’s border with Argentina, and the Drake Strait, one of the world’s most challenging bodies of water to cross, separates Chili from Antarctica.
The capital, Santiago, and other Chilean cities
The Chilean capital, founded in 1541, is home to 40% of the country’s population. Let’s take a look at Chile’s capital, Santiago, and some of the country’s most popular cities one by one.
Chile’s capital: Santiago
Founded in 1541, Santiago is the Chilean capital and the country’s largest city as home to 40% of the country’s population. Established along the banks of the Mapocho River and featuring breathtaking views of the Andes rising in the east, Santiago is a colorful and crowded metropolis, a tourist attraction and an important cultural center. The highlights of Santiago include the Plaza de las Armas, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of Fine Arts, Cerro San Cristobal Hill, and La Chascona House. Let us reiterate that the best time to visit Chile’s capital, Santiago, is during the spring – unless you plan to ski, in which case, the winter months are ideal.
Antofagasta
The northern port city of Antofagasta is Chile’s second largest city and the capital of Antofagasta Province. Bordered to the east by Bolivia and Argentina, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean, the vast majority of the province’s population live in towns such as Tacopilla and Calama. Antofagasta has a cold desert climate while being saturated by the sea and the sun. In July – the coldest month of the year in the region – the average temperature is around 12 degrees. Some highlights in Antofagasta are the Centro Cultural Estacion Antofagasta, an important cultural center, and Museo Regional. There’s also the majestic Monumento Natural La Portada, a natural stone arch in an oceanside park about a 20-minute drive from the city center.
Valparaiso
Valparaiso, the capital of the Valparaiso region, is one of the most important port cities in the South Pacific, with a substantial cruise and container ship presence. Located 120 kilometers from Santiago. Valparaiso is an appealing city that has inspired a great deal of art – particularly street art. It is often referred to as Chile’s cultural capital and its historical district, which reflects its colonial period, was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003. Valparaiso has a Mediterranean climate that features hot summers and wet winters. We suggest visiting the region during the spring months. While in Valparaiso, we recommend an excursion to Viña del Mar. Often referred to as ‘the garden city’, Viña del Mar is a picturesque town with several museums and an amphitheater.
Dining in Chile
Chile has a diverse seafood industry due to its long coastline. Furthermore, as in the rest of South America, red meat is widely consumed. Some of the country’s notable dishes include the following.
- Cazuela, a hot dish featuringchicken, meat or seafood along with vegetables and a broth.
- Pastel de choclo, a pie made of sweetcorn flour and basil, and filled with minced meat, onions and spices.
- Sopapilla, a sweet Chilean street delicacy similar to pumpkin bread
- Dulce de leche cookies, shortbread cookies with a filling of caramel or caramelized milk
Buen apetito!
Practical information about Chile
Chile’s capital city: Santiago
Chili’s official language: Spanish
Chilean currency: Chilean peso
