Long coastline, stunning mountains, rich history – Chile has numerous faces attractive to adventurous tourists. Many of the attractions in Chile are connected to its cultural heritage as well as the remarkable wilderness. Tourism-Review.com brings top 7 places in the South American country that any traveler should not miss.
This rare gem, called Red Sea by the locals, is still in the shadow of the main attractions in Chile. 200 kilometers north of the city of Iquique (Region of Arica and Parinacota), the lagoon is a remarkable example of reversed natural order. Many legends try to explain the red color of the water, although algae and various sediments seem the most plausible cause. The temperature of the water reaches about 40 to 50°C and the locals warn all visitors not to drink it since the lagoon is connected to mysterious disappearances and deaths of people who dared to taste it.
In the Cordillera de la Sal, where the Andes and the Atacama Desert meet, this wonderful landscape reminding the visitors of the moon welcomes all adventurous tourists. Uniquely shaped rock formations and sand dunes are interspersed with thick layers of salt creating unforgettable landscape with a variety of colors and textures to be admired. Numerous caverns as well as dry lakes with white salty cover are on display as well.
This unique passenger elevator is located in Valparaiso. Unlike any other lifts, this one is the only one that ascends and descends vertically. Completed in 1915, it is accessed through a deep tunnel of 150 meters. From there the visitors are taken on a ride with one more stop in the middle eventually reaching the top of the tower overlooking the bay of the port of Valparaiso. A bridge connects the tower to nearby streets.
Those who think that in Rapa Nui (Easter Island) beaches abound, are quite wrong. The island is of volcanic origin and well rugged, full of cliffs ... except for the beach of Anakena. It is a haven of fine sand, palm trees and crystal clear waters. Moreover, seven moai statues are there welcoming the tourists, four of them with "pukao", the traditional stone hat. Anakena was also one of the film locations of the Rapa Nui movie from 1994.
In their zeal to protect the strategic city of Valdivia, the Spaniards built there a system of fortifications that eventually, during the period of Spanish rule (1552–1820), became one of the most important complexes in America. The forts were supposed to protect the city against enemies and pirates. The four largest forts were those in Corral Bay that controlled the entry to Valdivia River, thus Valdivia. Other fortifications were built to defend the city from land attacks (mostly from indigenous peoples).
This idyllic village at the mouth of the Baker River, south of Coyhaique, is built on a large network of walkways made of cypress wood. There is no trace of concrete or asphalt – only small houses in the environment of towering mountains and lush vegetation. The surrounding landscape is rugged, formed by a number of islands, fjords, channels and estuaries. This is one of the attractions in Chile offering remarkably peaceful atmosphere.
Pure contrast between solidified lava and a forest of pine, coihues and ñirres. This landscape in the region of Araucania in the Andes offers a remarkable place full of lakes and lagoons, with the majestic Llaima volcano, one of the most active volcanos in South America, dominating the region. In addition to its rich wildlife, vegetation is one of the last witnesses of the flora of the Upper Cretaceous.
Brought to you by Tourism Review Media, the leading multilingual provider of news for the travel trade professionals worldwide. Visit www.tourism-review.com.