ARICA | EASTER ISLAND | IQUIQUE | SANTIAGO | LA SERENA |
Chile narrowly stretches along the southern half of the west coast of South America. The bordering countries are Bolivia, and Peru in the north and over the Andes, to the east, lies Argentina. Chile has over 5,000 km (3,100 mi) of coast on the South Pacific Ocean. It also has a claim to a portion of Antarctica.
About 10,000 years ago, migrating Native Americans settled in fertile valleys and coastal areas of what is present day Chile. Example settlement sites from the very early human habitation are Cueva del Milodon and the Pali Aike Crater's lava tube. The Incas briefly extended their empire into what is now northern Chile, but the local indigenous population know as the Mapuche successfully resisted many attempts by the Inca Empire to subjugate them, despite their lack of state organization. They fought against the Sapa Inca Tupac Yupanqui and his army. The result of the bloody three-day confrontation known as the Battle of the Maule was that the Inca conquest of the territories of Chile ended at the Maule river.
Currently, Chile is one of South America's most stable and prosperous nations. Within the greater Latin American context it leads in terms of human development, competitiveness, quality of life, political stability, globalization, economic freedom, low perception of corruption and comparatively low poverty rates. It also ranks high regionally in freedom of the press and democratic development. Its status as the region's richest country in terms of gross domestic product per capita (at market prices and purchasing power parity) is however countered by its high level of income inequality, as measured by the Gini index.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - The most common entry point for overseas visitors is the international airport of the capital Santiago. There are airports in major towns, but Santiago offers the best connections. LAN Airlines is Chile's flagship airline.
By bus - If you are already in South America, a cheaper and reliable way is to go by bus to Chile. Chile borders Argentina (daily bus from Mendoza), Peru (bus from Arequipa) and Bolivia. Buses also originate from Brazil (bus from São Paulo, on Mondays and Thursdays). Be aware that crossing into Chile may take place at high altitude--up to 4000 m (13,000 ft). Also, the roads from Peru and Bolivia are a bit poor in quality, so be patient. During the winter season, which begins in June and ends in August, it is not uncommon for the passage from Mendoza to close for days at a time.
STAY SAFE
As most big cities, Santiago suffers from a high rate of pickpocketing and muggings. It's advisable not to travel in the downtown area wearing expensive-looking jewelry or watches, even during the day. Stay alert and be especially careful in all crowded areas in Santiago. If you have a laptop it can be relaxing being outside in a café doing some work but thieves can see you. For your own best, go to a internet café if you need to be connected and leave your laptop at home. It will save you from losing it and it can rescue you from a violent attack from thieves.
For tourists or other "beginners" lacking experience in over-the-counter transactions with hard Chilean currency, you can reduce the chance of your wallet getting stolen by following some advice:
Separate coins and bills. Coins are frequently used when paying for public transport, newspapers or snacks, store them in a small handbag so that your bills will remain concealed.
1000-, 2000- and 5000-peso notes should be easily accessible. Bills with higher value should be stored in another, more secure place in your wallet so you don't accidentally pay 10000 pesos instead of 1000, for example. Keep in mind that all bills are the same size, yet, they all are very differently colored and designed.
Do not reach for your wallet until the vendor tells you the price.
If a souvenir costs, for example, 1300 pesos, pay with a 2000-peso bill or two 1000-peso bills. Don't pay with, say, a 1000-peso bill and 300 pesos in loose change.
Chilean Carabineros (National Police) are very trustworthy--call 133 if you need assistance. If you have a GSM mobile phone, call 112. Some municipalities (such as Santiago or Las Condes) have private guards; however, they usually don't speak English. Do not try to bribe a carabinero--it will get you into serious trouble! Unlike other South American police corps, Chilean Carabineros are very proud and honest, and bribery would be a serious offense against their creed.
Regarding driving conditions: Chilean drivers tend to be not as erratic and volatile as those in neighboring countries.
RESPECT
Although modern in many ways Chile remains basically traditional. You will fare better if you do not openly denigrate or flout those traditions. Ladies wear dresses or skirts of modest design, and men wear long pants, at least in the cities. People speak in conversational tones.
Unlike other countries in Latin America, the Chilean police force is admired for its honesty and competence. Report any complaints to the police the moment you receive them, including criminal activity. Bribing is not acceptable in Chile, in comparison with the rest of the Latin America, and you'll likely get arrested for it.
Do not assume that your hosts in Chile will have a low opinion of Pinochet. He still has many supporters, so be careful when raising the issue. Even if you want to talk other political subjects than Pinochet, people can get very aggressive when it comes to politics. Depending on your opinions, they can either call you "communist" or "fascist."
Chileans are very friendly people. Use your common sense to avoid danger.
Be careful: many people can speak and understand English, be polite.
Chileans hate arrogance. Be arrogant and you will have problems; be kind and everyone will try to help you.
Chileans will know that you are a foreigner no matter how good your Spanish is. Don't get upset if they call you "gringo"-- most foreigners are called that, it's not meant to be offensive.
The border dispute in northern Chile, a territory which the country won after the War of the Pacific, is still controversial. Peru and especially Bolivia still claim northern parts of the country which has angered the Chileans. If Pinochet splits the whole country, the border dispute unites the Chileans. Be careful talking about it and expect the Chileans to talk offensively about Peruvians and Bolivians. Don't criticize Chile's navy since many are proud of its traditions and victories. If you happen to be a foreigner of Peruvian or Bolivian heritage (but with another country's passport) expect either some jokes or the worst: racist comments.
