Must-see attractions in vibrant Chile
Set on a thin sliver of land between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, Chile should be on everybody's bucket list. Stretching from the Atacama Desert in the north to lush Patagonia in the south, there are activities and attractions to suit all tastes in this exciting, vibrant country. Take some time to visit Santiago, the hip and happening capital city, but whether culture, nature or adventure are on the agenda, Chile vacation rentals place you in the heart of the action.
South American cool in Chile's capital city
For a change of scenery, Santiago comes up trumps. Once little more than a launchpad for the rest of the country, Chile's capital has cast its backwater reputation aside and blossomed into the coolest of South American cities. Renowned museums, the neoclassical Metropolitan Cathedral and Palace of the Real Audiencia and an array of dazzling street art serve up culture aplenty, though for a truly local flavor, it's worth exploring the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista, an edgy spot teeming with upmarket galleries, bars and independent boutiques. At weekends, the open-air crafts market that runs along Pio Nono is well worth a visit.
Outdoor adventures in Chile
Outdoor adventure comes easy in this part of the world. For many travelers, this means a trip to Cajon del Maipo, a stunning gorge just a short hop from Santiago. Here, you can enjoy everything from climbing and cycling to hiking and horseback riding amid amazing mountain scenery. When you've had your fill, a quick trip to the nearby hot pools, such as the Banos Morales thermal springs, will refresh the senses before you return to Cajon del Maipo, where trendy restaurants and breweries provide the perfect excuse to overindulge.
Seasonal appeal in Chile
Extreme weather variations are part of the deal in Chile. The country's north is home to the driest non-polar desert on earth, while in the south, cool and damp conditions are par for the course. In comparison, central Chile has a touch of the Mediterranean to it, with temperatures in the 80s during the summer season. During winter, particularly in June and July, there's a spike in demand for Chile vacation rentals, as winter sports fans flock to the area to make the most of the snowfall at the Osorno Volcano and Valle Nevado ski resorts.