Countries that span a long distance in terms of latitude or longitude can give one a varied experience all in one trip. Chile, for example, spans the third longest range of latitudes (36 degrees) of any country in the world.
In one trip last September, we were able to experience different climates, terrain, wildlife and food all in the space of 10 days.
In the Atacama desert, an arid and mountainous region showed volcanic activity, fields of geysers, flamingoes and the clearest night skies in the world. Rich in lithium and copper, this is where the power supply of your Tesla and BYD comes from.
In the Lake district, the wildlife of the forests and waterfalls surrounding Lake Petrohue and Osorno volcano was again distinct. The zorro gris or grey fox was our favourite animal here.
Finally Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park was a fitting highlight to a visit to the world’s third longest country. We saw a puma and rare lenticular clouds that resembled UFOs.
The Chileans, we found, were invariably warm and very helpful people. They went out of their way to help the strange Asians despite the immense language barrier. Despite their difficulties with colonization and subsequent suffering under a cruel dictatorship, there is little bitterness and only a joyful warmth and appreciation of life.
