The ski season lasts roughly from June to October and there is a plethora of fantastic resorts to choose from for your ski adventures. Only a few miles from Santiago, the cosmopolitan capital of Chile, are several excellent ski resorts, equipped with modern equipment and boasting incredible slopes and trails to suit amateurs and seasoned skiers alike.

The largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, and beautifully located in the heart of the Andes, Valle Nevado is arguably one of the best winter resorts in the world. Situated at a dizzying height of over 9,840 feet (3,000 meters), the resort boasts an ideal climate for skiing, with fresh snow all throughout the season. Inspired by some of the best French resorts in the Alps, Valle Nevado features modern infrastructure, over 23,000 acres of skiable domain, and several hotels, restaurants, and ski schools.

True adventurers can also take advantage of the resort’s heli-port. An impressive Bell 407 helicopter transports skiers up to the most remote spots in the heart of the Andes. Here virgin powder and magnificent landscapes await the most audacious.

Another of Chile’s best ski resort is Portillo, also easily accessible from Santiago. Located in the Valparaiso region about 101 miles (164 kilometers) from the capital, the Portillo Ski Resort towers at over 9,186 feet (2,800 meters) right next to the awe-inspiring Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere. This is Chile’s oldest ski resort. It is probably also its most famous, and thousands of skiers from all over the world travel to Portillo to enjoy the scenery, the thrill of skiing down the slopes of the Andes, and the elegant atmosphere.

Boasting slopes of every difficulty level to suit novices, amateurs, and professionals alike, the beautiful Termas de Chillan Ski & Spa Resort is located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the city of Chillan south of Santiago. The ski center is situated at 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) and boasts pristine forest and beautiful landscapes all around.

The resort is ranked among the best in the country and is home to South America’s longest run, Las Tres Marias, which stretches over 8 miles (13 kilometers). It’s also a perfect place for those who like to complement their ski vacation with relaxation and pampering, as the site boasts natural hot springs and spas. The springs, featuring 9 pools open year round, are renowned for their therapeutic properties.

El Colorado Ski Resort, rightly named after the United States’ best ski region, is one of the most accessible skiing spots, only 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Santiago. With its singular corn-shape peak, El Colorado provides great opportunities to ski in the region around Santiago, and is also connected to the larger Valle Nevado Ski Resort in. It is located at over 8,850 feet (2,700) meters and boasts an ideal climate with fresh powder and sun throughout the ski season.

These are only a few of the ski resorts available in Chile, not to mention throughout South America, so don’t wait until the season is over, hop on your skis and start your adventurous Chile vacation.

For specific questions about skiing in Chile or in South America in general, please contact one of our expert Chile travel advisors.

Just like most countries in the world, the majority of countries in Latin America require travelers to have a passport valid up until at least 6 months after they enter the country. So before you even start booking your trip to South America, make sure you have a passport and that it is valid for this duration of time. It can take up to 6 weeks to get a new passport, so don’t wait until the last minute (although there are some emergency procedures for specific cases).

Now, for country specific regulations:

Peru

Nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union do not need a visa to visit Peru. Touristic stays of up to 183 days are allowed in Peru. You will generally be given a 90-day stamp upon arrival at the international airport, but if you wish to stay longer and travel in the country, you can just ask the immigration officer for a 6-month stamp.

The airport in Lima—so far the only international airport in Peru—charges an international tax of approximately $30 USD upon departure from the country. However, most international airlines now include this fee in the flight ticket, but if it is not included when you purchase your flight, you’ll be required to pay it before you leave.

Argentina

Nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union do not require a visa to visit Argentina, and touristic stays of up to 3 months are allowed in Argentina. Touristic stamps are valid for several entries in the country within their period of validity, making it easier to travel cross country on your Argentina vacation. But, be aware that all citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia will be charged a reciprocity fee upon entry in Argentina. As of 2011, the tax amounts to $100 USD for Australians, $70 USD for Canadians, and $140 USD for Americans.

Brazil

Citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia must have a visa to visit Brazil. Make sure to contact the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your home country in order to obtain your visa prior to travel. Check out the list of Brazilian embassies and consulates in the world and find the one closest to your home. Procedures take approximately 2-3 weeks, so it is important to submit your visa application about 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date. But don’t do it too early either because your visa is only valid 90 days after its issuance.

US citizens need to fill in an e-application form, print it, and make an appointment with the Brazilian embassy using the online scheduling system. You’ll need to bring the form with a passport, picture, and travel documents. Find here the online application form for Brazil visas. Disregard the security warning that will pop up when you click on the link as this is a secure site and the error message only comes from the Brazil channel which is not automatically recognized by international internet browsers yet.

Nationals of the United States will need to pay a $140 USD reciprocity fee to enter Brazil; the fee is $65 USD for Canadians. Citizens of European Union countries are exempts from any visa requirements and entrance fees.

Chile

Nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union do not need a visa for touristic stays up to 3 months in Chile. However, if you are from the USA, Canada, or Australia, you will need to pay a reciprocity fee of respectively $131, $132, and $61 USD.

For more information about visa and passport requirements and to start planning your exciting trip to South America, contact one of our expert travel advisors.

Semana Santa starts on Palm Sunday, and lasts throughout the week. The most important celebrations are held on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, culminating on Easter Sunday. Each day during Holy Week, processions and religious gatherings fill the streets of virtually every city in Chile. Thousands of people walk down the streets of Chile’s cities and villages carrying statues, crosses and candles, while priests bless the crowds with incense. On Palm Sunday you will also see parishioners bringing their bottles of water to church to have them blessed by the priest.

Chile has a unique tradition, called Cuasimodo, which extends Easter celebrations a week beyond the traditional Holy Week. Also known as Correr a Cristo, or Run to the Christ, this tradition derives from colonial times when parish priests would spend the Sunday after Easter visiting the sick people who could not attend church or regular Easter celebrations. The priests were usually accompanied by huasos, or cowboys, who protected the holy men from bandits. This day is celebrated nowadays mainly in Santiago by a Mass followed by a procession that includes the parish priest drawn in a carriage. Horses, carts, and bicycles mounted with people wearing the traditional huaso costume accompany the carriage along with a large number of crowds through the streets in Santiago.

Semana Santa celebrations in Chile generally include the re-enactment of the Passion Play, starting with the Last Supper and continuing on to the Betrayal, the Judgment, the Procession of the 12 Stations of the Cross, and the Crucifixion, before ending with the triumphant Resurrection of Christ. Though festivities take place throughout Chile, the most important are held in the regions of Pucon and Viña del Mar, where teeming fervent crowds gather to celebrate this religious event.

One of the main traditions of Semana Santa in Chile is the burning of Judas. A puppet representing Judas is carried around the streets for several days and coins are deposited inside. When the puppet is burned, children split the coins that falls from its insides.

If you plan on attending the beautiful and moving celebrations of Holy Week in Chile, you should be aware that prices tend to increase during this period. This is also a time when most Chileans retreat to their homes to spend time with their families, attend church, and participate in the numerous religious processions. Therefore, you can expect to find many bars, restaurants, and shops closed from Maundy Thursday to the Monday following Easter Sunday. Santiago is usually deserted, but this can be a great time to wander around the city’s lovely barrios and explore its colorful streets in total peace.

Semana Santa is also celebrated with great pomp in other Latin American countries, particularly in Ecuador and Peru. Read our blog post about Semana Santa in Ayacucho, Peru, to learn more about the colorful celebrations of Holy Week.

To plan your trip to Chile and participate in the grandiose festivities of Semana Santa, and to learn more about Chile travel opportunities, contact one of our expert travel advisors.

Yet Aleksandar Jankovic, one of our hard-working Latin America For Less travel advisors, came close to successful replication with the above photo, which made him a winner in our 2011 Latin America For Less Photo Contest.

The kaleidoscopic cotton candy sky melts over the horizon and across the ground, swirling around flamingos and disappearing only when confronted by the distant but looming Andean mountain range. The Atacama salt flat, Salar de Atacama, stretches over 1,860 square miles, making it the second largest salt flat in the world, and one of the most bizarrely beautiful areas of the 40,600-square mile northern Chilean desert.

“The landscape in the Atacama is like nothing I’d ever seen before,” says Aleks, who snapped the photo during a break from his studies back in 2007.  His comment rings with authority, as Aleksandar is no stranger to deserts. A native of Serbia, Aleks spent four years studying international tourism management in Qatar, a sandy country roughly the size of Connecticut and home to the renowned UNESCO Khor Al-Adaid natural reserve. “The desert in Qatar has nothing on the Atacama,” he declares.

The Atacama Desert is known for being extremely dry and arid—some parts of the desert have never felt recorded rainfall—and its high altitude and regularly clear skies makes it one of the best places in the world for astronomy studies.

This particular photo opportunity came at the end of a guided desert tour, just as the sun was starting to set.

“It was a unique day because there were clouds, and that made all the difference,” Aleks says. “My camera isn’t that great, but every picture was turning out amazing. I didn’t use any special effects or anything; it was pretty unreal.”

Aleks has been part of the Latin America For Less team for six months and says he loves his job because of the clients. “Every day is something different: a new question, a new client, a new destination. It is never boring.”

He recommends that those interested in traveling to Chile schedule at least 10 days, if possible, in order to fully appreciate the diversity the country has to offer. “If you go to Chile, you have to see: Santiago, Patagonia, and the Atacama Desert. These are must sees.”

After the Atacama Desert, Aleks thinks the Colca Canyon in Peru also has great natural beauty, and highly recommends the destination.

He also carries a flame for Buenos Aires, Argentina, which he has visited twice and is where he hopes to live one day.

To make your own magical memories of the Atacama Desert, contact Aleks or any of our other expert travel advisors and ask about our San Pedro de Atacama tour.

Located a mere 450 miles (725 km) from the southern tip of the world, Eolo Lodge is a drop of refinement clinging to the wild, rugged steppe of Argentina’s Patagonia. The 17 room estancia-style lodge is fitted with a whitewashed exterior that matches the distant ice capped peaks, but blazes defiantly against the 9,885 acres (4,000 hectares) of burnished La Anita Valley landscape. Large windows offer astonishing views of the desolate landscape, but to truly appreciate the sweeping isolation, hop on a horse, gallop across the void and experience a real Patagonia travel adventure.

Argentina, El Calafate: Eolo

2. Peru, Puno: Casa Andina Isla Suasi

Isla Suasi, a private island ringed by the pristine waters of Lake Titicaca, tempts visitors with its stunning scenery, lulling isolation, and five star eco-resort. Casa Andina Private Collection Isla Suasi, the only accommodation on this serene island, is an indulgent treat of rustic luxury, outdoor adventure, and culinary delight. Its 24 rooms contain cloud-like beds, wood burning fireplaces, and panoramic lake views. Cozy up under the covers, meanderer the cobblestone courtyards, or explore the rugged island outskirts; wherever you go, the view will follow. Explore this spectacular region in style on your Lake Titicaca tour.

Peru, Puno: Casa Andina Isla Suasi

3. Chile, San Pedro de Atacama: Alto Atacama Desert Lodge

The Atacama Desert is the driest place on earth, but don’t let that stop you from visiting Alto Atacama Desert Lodge, because its barren, rain-deprived landscape is one of the most stunning and humbling places in the world. The Lodge is so skillfully designed that it seems to merge with the rust-colored Salt Mountain Range, concealing the hotel’s interior modern luxury.

Chile, San Pedro de Atacama: Alto Atacama Lodge

4. Ecuador, Baños: Luna Runtun

No place is better for soaking up the scenery in Baños, Ecuador, than Hotel Luna Runtun. The picturesque mountaintop cottage complex faces the mighty Tungurahua Volcano and the verdant Llanganates National Park. Lavish pools and spas carved into the cliff overlook the town below, creating the elevated aura of a Mount Olympus playground with Greek god guests lounging in luxury. Enhance your Ecuador vacation with a stay at this excellent hotel.

Ecuador, Baños: Luna Runtun

5. Brazil, Ilha Grande: Pousada Naturalia

Surrounded by lush rainforest and lapping azul waters, a stay at Pousada Naturalia Hotel is like accepting a hug from Mother Nature. Bask on your balcony or lounge in your hammock and remind yourself that the tranquil island’s scenery isn’t a postcard, it’s real.

Brazil, Ilha Grande: Pousada Naturalia

6. Peru, Machu Picchu: Sanctuary Lodge

Machu Picchu. Need we say more? One of the 7 New Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is the most spectacular historical destination in South America. Secluded and separated from modern development by a laborious trek and imposing mountain peaks, the site remains as impressive now as it was decades ago. Only one hotel, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, neighbors the citadel. Several rooms have mountain views and show a sliver of the site, but the real attraction is the ability to linger at the ruins before, and long after, everyone else is gone.

Peru, Machu Picchu: Sanctuary Lodge

7. Costa Rica, Arenal: Arenal Observatory Lodge

Experience a bedroom eruption like none other at Arenal Observatory Lodge, one of the most luxurious Arenal hotels. Here guests can lounge in bed and admire the active Arenal Volcano, just two miles from the hotel, as it seeps glowing lava and puffs black smoke.  Now that’s hot.

Costa Rica, Arenal: Arenal Observatory Lodge

8. Peru, Puno: Libertador Lake Titicaca

Watch the sun creep over the horizon and crawl across the calm waters of the highest navigable lake in the world, turning the already vibrantly-colored waters into a sparkling sapphire sea. Hotel Libertador rests on the shore of Isla Esteves on Lake Titicaca. Its 123 rooms are all luxurious with elegant décor, but no man-made design can compare to the natural display flaunted just outside the panoramic windows.

Peru, Puno: Libertador Lake Titicaca

9. Argentina, Iguazú Falls: Sheraton

Guests at the Sheraton Iguazú Resort can marvel at the mighty Iguazú Falls, hear its roaring torrent, and almost taste the spray, all without leaving their room. Tucked inside the Iguazú National Park, this large and luxurious hotel is only a mile from the waterfalls and walking distance from all of the park’s exciting attractions.

Argentina, Iguazú Falls: Sheraton

10. Peru, Colca Canyon: Colca Lodge

At Colca Lodge, a glance out your window is a time machine back to ancient times. Situated in a river valley ringed by pre-Inca agricultural terraces, this luxurious nature-inspired lodge is an ideal place to experience an exciting Colca Canyon tour. Relax in natural hot springs and admire how the hotel’s adobe walls, thatched roofs, and stone pathways harmonize with the agrarian landscape.

Peru, Colca Canyon: Colca Lodge

For help planning a Latin America vacation to one of these spectacular locations, contact a Latin America For Less travel advisor.

Amazon, Brazil: The United Nations have declared 2011 the International Year of the Forest. Sounds like the perfect time to hug a tree. As global warming and deforestation continues, the chances to spot fascinating wildlife in the rainforest become smaller so hurry to the beautiful region before it is too late.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina: This force of nature is made up of 275 separate cascades which thunder over basalt rock down 250 feet. Be splashed by the powerful cascade’s mist at this unforgettable sight. Iguazu Falls are set on the border of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay so you can easily make it to at least three countries before the apocalypse.

Iguazu Falls

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: As Charles Darwin did some 200 years ago, marvel at the creatures found nowhere else on earth. These rough and rocky isles are home to a wonderfully strange, abundant, and extraordinarily fearless wildlife.

Machu Picchu, Peru: Follow the path of the Incas into the Sacred Valley to the sun gate outside of Machu Picchu, or take the train through the cloud forests. In an almost impossible location high in the Andes, you can admire the mysterious and well preserved site. Machu Picchu survived the Spanish conquest, and it may not be a bad place to hide out in December 2012.

Machu Picchu

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: The highest and largest salt lake in the world is at a dizzying altitude of 3,650 meters. Driving across it may be one of the most peculiar experiences around. If the bright blue skies contrasting with the white salt crust aren’t enough for you, visit the striking soda lakes. The red Laguna Colorada and the jade green Laguna Verde are located in a surreal desert landscape.

Easter Island, Chile: Nearly 2,500 miles west of Chile’s coast is one of the world’s most legendary sites. Easter Island is a nature and culture lover’s dream destination in the Pacific Ocean. Be amazed by the 20,000 archeological sites, rich culture of the Rapa Nui, volcanoes, marine wildlife, and white sand beaches.

Patagonia, Chile: In South America’s southern frontier, nature grows wild, barren, and beautiful. On this crowded planet it is strangely satisfying to encounter silence, large spaces, jagged peaks, and pristine waters. Get away from it all and enjoy the serenity of the spectacular infinite landscapes of Patagonia.

Torres del Paine in Patagonia

La Paz, Bolivia: Have your breath taken away by the highest capital city in the world. This city’s eccentric beauty sets it apart from other South American cities. Fly into the world’s highest commercial airport, golf at the highest golf course, and ski on the highest slope, just to say that you did.

Lake Titicaca, Peru: While you’re making your round of the “highest” destinations, be sure to hit up the highest navigable lake in the world. Shared by Peru and Bolivia, this shimmering blue lake is home to fascinating native communities living on floating reed islands in complete isolation from the rest of the world.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: The most attractive capital in South America, Buenos Aires is a bustling and cosmopolitan city with countless attractions and a unique atmosphere. Be transported in a whirl of thrills as you explore the buzzing capital of tango.

To start planning your Latin America travel adventure contact one of our expert travel advisors who can help customize your travel plans.

To start, Santiago is the capital of Chile, and is the financial, administrative and cultural center, making it the most important metropolis in the country.  The city itself possesses a cool, continental, Mediterranean-type climate with an average temperature of about 57 degrees Fahrenheit.  In the summertime (late November to March) temperatures can reach up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter (May to September) the temperature can drop to 46 degrees Fahrenheit and Santiago receives most of its rain (about 12 inches annually) during this time as well.

A view of the Andes Mountains from Santiago, Chile

Santiago has been selected as a site to host numerous summits as well as concerts. The annual music festival, Lollapalooza, will be held in Santiago this year.  The city has a well-developed system of transportation that connects its most distant points. The metro of Santiago is one of the most modern metros in the world and the city has a fleet of recently renovated urban buses as well.  Northwest of the city you will find the international airport Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez, which receives numerous flights daily from all parts of the world, and for those of you interested in traveling to Santiago by land, there are buses available from Argentina.

Infrastructure aside, Santiago also has an incredibly vibrant cultural life.  There are close to 40 art galleries and some 30 different museums from which you can choose to visit.  Downtown Santiago has a number of fascinating attractions.  The most popular sites in this part of the city are the Palacio de la Moneda (Currency Palace), the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the Iglesia Catedral (church cathedral), the Museo de Arte PreColombino (Museum of Pre-Columbian Art) and the Casa Colorada (Colored House).

The Bohemian neighborhood Bella Vista, meaning beautiful view, stands out among the other neighborhoods due to its unique restaurants, art galleries, bars and the homes of some recognized writers.  Perhaps the most notable example of this last attraction would be one of the homes of Pablo Neruda, the Nobel Prize winning Chilean poet.  The boat-styled house is called Chascona (a term unique to Chile that is synonymous with despeinada, meaning disheveled) which could be a reference to the fact that Neruda originally built the house for his lover Dona Matilde Urrutia, who would later become his third wife.

A couple of other neighborhoods of interest are Las Condes and Providencia, both of which have modern-styled buildings and a generally relaxed atmosphere.  Some other places worth your time to visit are the Cerro San Cristobal (Saint Christopher Hill), which affords you an amazing panoramic view of the city, and the Jardin Zoologico (Garden Zoo).

For those of you who have a taste for fine wine, many famed Chilean vineyards can be found in the surrounding valleys just a short distance outside of Santiago.  One winery you may be familiar with is Concha Y Toro, located just 45 minutes from Santiago in a century-old park in the area known as Pirque. There are tours available daily with bilingual guides who will take you throughout the hacienda of the Concha y Toro family, explaining the history and importance of the house, the parks, and the vineyards.

And, if you follow those same valleys a bit further, you’ll discover the Andes Mountains are actually quite close and that great skiing spots like Valle Nevado, La Parva, Farallones, El Colorado and Lagunillas with their powdered snow are all within reach of Santiago.  The most popular of the ski destinations would be El Colorado, which at just 39 kilometers from the Santiago became the birthplace of skiing in Chile when, in the 1930’s, the first skis brought from Switzerland were put to use there.  Ever since then, more and more people have discovered the area and made it what it is today: the largest and most skiable area in South America.

To find out about more about an exciting Santiago tour contact one of our knowledgeable travel advisors, available to help you customize your Chile vacation.

Pink flamingoes wander the salt flats of San Pedro de Atacama.

Located in the heart of the Atacama Desert, the small village of San Pedro de Atacama, former center of the Atacama culture in the area, is a charming place to spend a few days, and the perfect base to explore the region and its unique wildlife. With a population of only 1,000, this oasis village provides a tranquil getaway destination surrounded by amazing landscapes. From here, you can easily access the many fascinating sights available on a San Pedro de Atacama tour.

About 50 miles (82km) from San Pedro, located at 14,764 feet (4,500m) above sea level and surrounded by volcanoes, are the Tatio Geysers, an astonishing geothermal field. Make sure to be there at dawn, when the vapor from dozens of fumaroles springs up before decomposing into thousands of colors spread across the sky, making for the most awe-inspiring spectacle. Relax in the nearby naturally heated thermal baths as you enjoy the show!

One of the most enchanting and magical experiences is sunset in the Valley of the Moon, with rays superbly lighting the desolate and arid landscape with color. Centuries under the wind’s perpetual bite have carved fascinating moon-like stone shapes in the valley. Climb up the highest dune to get the best view and enjoy a moment of pure serenity lost in these endless landscapes.

The moon rising over the wind swept cliffs of the Valley de Luna.

Travel 34 miles (55km) to reach the impressive Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile, dominated by dizzying volcano peaks. Covering over 3,000 square kilometers, this salt flat is also the second largest in the world. The extraordinarily dry air making for a diaphanous atmosphere will allow you to see the entire salt flat until the horizon and appreciate its immensity. Below the salt flat, hidden by a thick, irregular layer of salt, and oddly blackened by the desert dust, lies a lake which contains the largest reserve of lithium in the world. Over the years, the salt crust has opened to give way to small lagoons which are a favorite of water birds, such as flamingoes, coots, and guallatas.

Don’t forget to stop in Toconao on the way back, a charming Andean village boasting a beautiful church bell tower and lovely narrow alleys filled with small artisan workshops. If after a long day of exploring you are looking to indulge in a moment of relaxation, a dip in the thermal baths of Puritama is the perfect way to unwind. Heated by underground geothermal activity, these natural pools and falls offer a beautiful setting in the heart of a small canyon.

For more Chile travel opportunities and information, contact a Chile For Less Travel Advisor who can help you customize your vacation.