Introduction

 

Full country name: Republic of Chile

Area: 756,950 sq km (292,500 sq mi)

Length: 4,300 km,

Width: In no place does Chile exceed 400 km wide,

Population: 15 million (growth rate 1.2%)

Capital city: Santiago (pop 6,000,000)

People: 95% European descent and mestizo, 9% Indian

Language: Spanish and a handful of native languages, including Aymara, Mapuche and RapaNui

Religion: 89% Roman Catholic, 10% Protestant, less than 1% Jewish

Government: Republic President: Michelle Bachellet

GDP: US$184 billion

GDP per head: US$12,500

Annual growth: 5.3%

Inflation: 4.5%

Major industries: Copper, fish meal, wine

Major trading partners: USA, Japan, Germany, UK

Time: GMT/UTC minus 4 hours

Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz

Weights & measures: Metric

When to Go

The Lakes District is an all-season destination, with an overall temperate, if rainy, climate. Temperature fluctuating between 23 to 59 ºF. The best time to visit is the spring and summer seasons, between the drier months from November to April. But expect rain at any time and snow on the volcanoes. May to October is rather cold with heavier rains. Getting There By air from domestic flights terminal in Santiago By bus services to and from Santiago and other cities By sea. Puerto Montt is both the gateway to Chile's lake district and the departure point for cruises to Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords Cruise/Tour By lake. Lago Todos los Santos is one of South America's most popular water crossings. Visitors and residents make the crossing to and from Argentina via boats and catamarans and by bus portaging through the spectacular scenery of the Chilean/Argentine border. By land via the Pan american Highway from Chilean cities, or from Argentina via Paso Puyehue, about 4000 ft (1212 m) during the summer months

Climate Given the length of the country it is not surprising the variety of climates you will find. As a general rule, temperature drop and rainfall increases as the traveler move south, but this is highly influenced by the local topography. Northern Chile receives no rain year round, except on the Altiplano. Central Chile has a Mediterranean climate. Further south the seasons are more differentiated while rainfall is more evenly dispersed throughout the year.

Handy Data

Official Language Spanish. Although is most hotels and restaurants there are English speaking personnel.

Currency

The local currency is the Chilean Peso. 5, 50, 100, 200 and 500 pesos coins are used. Money bill exist for 1.000, 5.000, 10.000 and 20.000 pesos.

Money Exchange

Money Exchange is done at Money Exchange Bureau or Banks. Exchange can also be made at hotels and at the airports.

Tips

Although tips are no obligatory a 10% tip is normal in restaurants. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers. Time For most of the year, Chile is 4 hours behind GMT. Easter Island is two hours behind mainland. Working Hours 09.30 AM to 19.30 PM from Monday to Friday.

Commercial Hours

10.00 AM to 19.00 PM from Monday to Friday. Shopping Malls are open from 10.30 AM to 21.30 PM including Saturday and Sunday.

Passports and Visas

All foreign visitors require passports to enter and exit the country except nationals from some South American countries. If your home country requires visa we recommend approach the local consulate.

Vaccinations

No vaccination are required to enter Chile.

Health

We recommend to travel with a Health Insurance. Adequate Health Centers exists all along the country.

Communications

Chile is well covered by all kind of communication services. In most localities you can access to direct dialing system (DDI). In all cities it is possible to connect to Internet.

Credit Cards

All kind of credit cards are used and accepted. Automatic Cashiers In commercial and banking areas it is easy to find automatic teller machines (Redbanc Network) of all local banks as well as Cirrus Cards 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Electricity

220 volts, 50 Hz.

Water Drinking

water is totally safe. However foreign visitors are advised to drink mineral water.

Traveling Tips

- Bring with you only the necessary or indispensable clothing. Its always better traveling light.

- Make your money exchange only in exchange shops or banks.

- Is recommended to wear light clothing and comfortable shoes when touring.

- When going out take with you the hotel address and telephone.

- Be careful with passports, identity cards and all other personal documents.

- Hand luggage is your responsibility.

- Be punctual.

- Pay your extras at hotel before leaving.

- Leave your room keys at hotel counter before going out.

- Check that your luggage is embarked in our transporting vehicles.

- Take out old labels and stickers of all previous travels from your luggage. Only use those of the present journey.

Shopping Tips

The Lake District is the home of the Mapuche Indians, and their colorful handicrafts such as find wool knitting, basketry, wood, leather, shell, and metal works can be found in craft fairs, shops and boutiques of the area. Food and Drink For traditional Chilean seafood try the local specialties, such as; curanto (mixture of seafood, fish, meat, and sausages), conger eel ( deep water fish), Parillada de Mariscos (grilled mixed seafood) And the variety of Chilean wines…..