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Chile: escape to the untamed

Chile...A ribbon of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. 4.329 kms long and 180 kms wide across a variety of landscapes and climates. From the driest place on earth, Atacama Desert, vineyards, volcanoes, lakes and rivers, to the amazing rainforests of Patagonia.

Isolated from the rest of South America gives the country an atmosphere as unique as its geography. A country of extremes reaches Antarctica and Easter Island. Let us show you our pride and embrace the intense sensation of Chile.

Chile offers almost every type of special interest tourism. From hiking  in the Atacama Desert or fly fishing in Yelcho, from exclusive wineries to the best spa resorts, from mountain climbing to cruising into glaciers and untamed forests. All in one country. Because Chile is one destination that has it all and much, much more. From the haunting, windswept deserts of the north to the ancient mysteries of Easter Island on your way to the End of the World: breathtaking Patagonia. Along the way, enjoy Chile's renowned cuisine, including its award-winning wines.

Information of Chile

Chile includes a long narrow strip of land known as continental Chile, between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, bordered in the north with Peru, the east by Bolivia and Argentina, and south by the Drake Passage.

In addition, island territories in the Pacific Ocean as the Juan Fernandez archipelago, the islands Desventuradas Sala y Gomez Island and Easter Island, the last two located in Polynesia, a total area of 755,838.7 km ².

The climate of Chile comprises a broad range of climatic conditions over a large geographical scale that spans nearly 40 degrees latitude (and almost 73 degrees when we consider the Chilean Antarctic Territory claimed).

Generalizing, when analyzing the different areas of the geography of Chile, the north has a drier climate with relatively high temperatures. To the south, the climate is cooler and wetter. Rainfall is most common during the winter months.

Also must mention the tropical rainy climate, Easter Island, maritime climate in the Juan Fernandez Archipelago and the Chilean Antarctic Territory, with a polar climate.

 

Self DrivesLast update: 3/15/2011 Self Drives
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Carefully designed, MT Chile has created impressive itineraries for you to drive across Chile; one specially made for the north: desert, flamingos, salt flats, Andean lagoons and remarkable volcanoes. The other particularly in Aysen (Austral Road) and a mixture between the Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia: green immensity, rivers, lagoons, condor and snow caped volcanoes.
   
Fixed DeparturesLast update: 3/15/2011 Fixed Departures
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Combine the driest desert in the world with the ageless glaciers and granite rocks of Torres del Paine National Park. Maybe experience our newest itinerary: 3 Nations; where you will be able to cross Chile, Bolivia and Argentina in unique Travesia trough the world’s most magnificent landscapes. Or maybe transport you to hidden salt flats, stunning volcanoes and off course the unique kind of life of the Aymaras.
   
Modular ProgramsLast update: 3/15/2011 Modular Programs
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Our modular programs offer the opportunity to quickly assemble a long journey along Chile or just a simple Pre or Post tour for your trip. The idea is to offer basic, yet complete, itineraries at a competitive price and make selling Chile easier for our clients. These modular programs include optional transfers to the major touristic cities in Argentina where you can continue putting together these modular’s and complete your south American journey in a easy way!
   
Unique JourneysLast update: 4/29/2010 Unique Journeys
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Metropolitan Touring Chile encourages tourism to remote places, different experiences and different destinations. Come and enjoy Chile trough its magnificent green treasures away from tourism masses and civilization.
   
SKI in the Southern AndesLast update: 3/8/2010 SKI in the Southern Andes
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CHILE is blessed with an extraordinary abundance of active volcanoes. These create some of the world's best spots for cross-country skiing and horseback riding within virgin forests, as well as miles of majestic landscapes. Chile's fame as a ski destination grows with every year, so let Metropolitan Touring Chile be your partner in organising trips for this summer 2011 season.
   
Special Programs to ChileLast update: Special Programs to Chile
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Check the special programs and departures to the main attractions and events of Chile. The best alternatives to combine esquisite destinations.
   
Destinations in ChileLast update: 11/9/2009 Destinations in Chile
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Chile is a land of rolling hills, rich green valleys, stately ranches and vineyards. The cities are modern, the hotels and restaurants first-class, and as one might expect from a nation with so much coastline the seafood is second-to-none. Chile: escape to the untamed.
   
Why Travel with usLast update: 11/9/2009 Why Travel with us
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Metropolitan Touring is one of South America’s best-known and respected Travel Corporations. Founded in Ecuador in 1953, Metropolitan Touring has been turning dreams into memories for decades, providing first-class service to thousands of visitors.
   
Chile Spotlight News
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Chile Spotlight
   

General Facts

  • Oficial Name: Republic of Chile
  • Area: 756,102 Km2
  • Capital: Santiago de Chile
  • Government: Democratic based on 3 powers: Executive, Legislative and Judicial
  • President: Michelle Bachelet (2005 - 2009)
  • Main Cities: Santiago, Concepción, Valparaíso/Viña del Mar.
  • Official Languages: Spanish and Mapudungun
  • Independence Day: February 12, 1818 (We Celebrate September 18)
  • Currency: Chilean Peso
  • Religion: Majority Roman Catholic

Demographic Facts

  • Population: 16,601,707 (July 2009 est.)
  • Population Density: 20 hab/km2 aprox. 40% lives in Santiago
  • Population Growth: 0.881% (2009 est.)
  • Urban Population: 88% of total population (2008)
  • Birth Rate: 14.64 births/1,000 population (2009 est.)
  • Mortality: 5.84 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.)
  • Fertility: 1.92 children born/woman (2009 est.)
  • Life Expectancy: 77.34 years
  • Literacy rate: 95.7%
  • Education Expenditures: 3.2% of GDP (2006)
  • Ethnicity: white and white-Amerindian 95.4%, Mapuche 4%, other indigenous groups 0.6% (2002 census).

 

The People

Chilean population belongs to two major ethnic groups, Criollos and Mestizos, who together constitute about 95% of the population. The Criollos are mainly from the former Spanish immigration and European immigration occurred since the eighteenth century to the twentieth century. The Mestizo population comes mainly from Spanish mixture of Castilian origin, Extremadura and the Basque and indigenous peoples belonging mainly Diaguita picunche and Mapuche first two having disappeared during the Colony.

 

Banks and Businesses

The Chilean economy is internationally known as one of the strongest in the continent. Although throughout its history has faced several crisis periods in recent years, it has had a significant and sustained growth. The neoliberal economic model, which was established during the military regime, has been maintained. After years in isolation, Chile is now open to the world market, with an economy characterized by the export and exploitation of raw materials.

 

 

Currency

The "Chilean Peso" served 30 years as the national currency, but not the only name of money in Chile. Other names used, ranging from Escudo to the Condor.

 

Customs

Each passenger is allowed two bags of up to 70 pounds (31.8 kilos) each, plus carry-on luggage, photo or video camera, and binoculars. Professional filming equipment, diving and climbing gear require special permits.

 

Electricity

220 volts, 50 cycles AC is used. Most outlets are for two cylindrical prongs. For TV and video equipment, Chile uses the NTSC system.

 

Language

Chile´s official language is Spanish, but also Mapudungun, the official language of the Mapuche Culture, is the tongue of the majority of the Indian population.  German and English are spoken in major visitor centers. 

 

Passport and Visas

Valid passports are required for entry into Chile.  No visas are needed for stays of up to 90 days.  All passengers with passports from Australia, Canada, United States, Mexico and Albania, must pay a reciprocity tax before making their entrance through immigration.

 

Taxes

There is a sales tax added to purchases equivalent to 19%.

 

Food

The Chilean cuisine is derived from a combination of indigenous traditions throughout Chile, with the influx of Spanish colonial, combining their food, customs and culinary habits. Has had minor contributions from European cuisines by immigrants, as Italian and German, but in the twentieth century had an important and heavily influenced the renowned French cuisine. These elements form what is now known as the Creole cuisine of Chile, which is noteworthy for its varied flavour and colour, together with alcoholic beverages such as wine and Chilean pisco.

 

Tipping

As in many places, gratuities are customary, but entirely at guest's discretion.  Usually you tip 10%.

 

Time

Standard Time is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-4).  Chile operates Daylight Saving Time from mid-October (First Sunday on or after 9 October) until mid-March (First Sunday on or after 9 March) when the time is 3 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-3).

 

Park Fees

Visitors to the National Parks and Natural Reserves must pay entrance fees.  Such prices vary and are not included in expedition rates.

 

Health

No inoculations are required for entry.  Travellers with heart conditions or high blood pressure should check with their physicians about high-altitude travel, as well as preventive measures for visiting tropical areas.  Bottled water is advised and available everywhere.

 

Drinking Water and Drinks

Bottled mineral water, with or without carbonation, is available at all hotels, ships and lodges.  Chilean beer is excellent, and bottled soft drinks are available everywhere.  Coffee and tea are usually served at the end of meals. Pisco and Wine is a must.

 

Clothing

Lightweight woolens are ideal; and warm jackets are essential after dusk.  Dress is informal.  Dressing in layers is ideal.  Do not forget swimming wear and comfortable hiking shoes. We recommend bringing all that's necessary for protection from the sun.

 

Children

Some expeditions and programs are not suitable for smaller children, and thus not recommended for them.  Children over eight will have no problem. Hotels in the major cities cater to children of all ages, providing children's menus, baby sitters and extra beds.

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New Activities on Santa Cruz Island

Our guests are enjoying their new, alternative and more active visits to Santa Cruz Island on board the M/V Santa Cruz. Find out more!

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Metropolitan Touring is one of South America’s most known and respected travel companies, providing unrivalled service to our guests for nearly 60 years. Along with our operations in Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Chile and Colombia, we also own and operate the finest ships for Galapagos Island cruises - the M/V Santa Cruz, Yacht Isabella II and Yacht La Pinta - as well as the Finch Bay Eco Hotel. Come explore with us!
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