AEV

PERU La Paz Brasília BOLIVIA Iquiqui BRAZIL PARAGUAY Asunción CHILE Valparaiso Santiago Buenos URUGUAY Aires Montevideo ARGENTINA SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN SOUTH ATL ANTIC OCEAN Falkland Islands 0 miles 0 Punta Arenas km 500 500 Cape Horn CHILE Because Chile is the longest country in the world, it's not much of a stretch to say that you've "seen it all" once you've explored the many landscapes along its 4,000-mile coastline. The north contains the driest desert in the world, while the south is home to remarkable glaciers and fjords. In between lies a quintessential South American adventure experience. The majority of Chile's people are a product of diversity, descending from Mestizos who are part of both indigenous and Spanish lineage. The modern capital city of Santiago is completely surrounded by the Andes Mountains, but it basks in a Mediterranean climate and a very European sensibility with large boulevards, sidewalk cafés and a culture of quaint pubs and jazz music. In fact, the Parque Forestal was designed by a French landscaper to resemble parks in Paris. If you want to stretch your legs a little, take on the Andes directly with unforgettable hiking and climbing, or take a tour of a vineyard in the wine-growing valleys that surround Santiago. Chilean wines are among the best in the world and go quite well with the delicious seafood that comes with their vast coastline. Punta Arenas, the world's southernmost major city, lies in Tierra del Fuego – a series of islands and straits in Chile's southern tip. It's one of the few places in the world where you can snow ski while looking at the ocean. Because the city has historically been a stop for many trade routes, Punta Arenas reflects cultures ranging from Portuguese sailors to British sheep herders. Much of the city is opulent with historic mansions - the result of past gold rushes - but penguin and whale colonies also make it their home. The nearby Magellan Forest Reserve promises good hiking and biking, plus great views of the Strait of Magellan, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Pacific. VACATION ENHANCING TOURS SANTIAGO CITY TOUR WITH SANTA LUCÍA HILL This half day tour begins with a trip to the Santiago city center where you will have panoramic views of the Bellavista neighborhood, Mercado Central, Estación Mapocho and the Museum of Fine Art. In addition, you will see the Cerro Santa Lucía, the Santiago Cathedral, Municipality building, Post Office, the National History Museum and the Governor's Palace. The excursion continues with view to Club Hípico, University Neighborhood and visit to Concha y Toro neighborhood. On the return trip, you will have a view of modern Santiago and stop at a handicraft shop, specializing in lapis lazuli jewelry, a stone found only in Chile and one other location. PUERTO MONTT AND PUERTO VARAS PUYEHUE, LAKE & HOT SPRINGS (FULL DAY) On this tour, you will follow the "settler's route," arriving at Frutillar and visiting the tribute to German Settlers. From the monument, there is a view of volcanoes Calbuco, Osorno, Puntiagudo. Puyehue. Frutillar is also renowned for their delicious confectionery of European origin, such as kuchen and strudel. Upon arrival to Puerto Fonk, you will visit Hacienda Rupanco. Later on, you will have the opportunity to witness Puyehue Lake, which is near the Termas de Puyehue, a thermal centre, hotel and one of the most complete Spas in southern Chile. PENGUIN COLONY PUÑIHUIL (FULL DAY) The journey starts with a visit of the church of Chiloe as well as the small fishing port of "Caleta de Caulín", where aquatic birds may be observed. Then it's on to Ancud to visit the main square as well as the pacific coast and bay in Puñuhuil, where we will sail to its islands to witness the highlight of the trip: a colony of penguins. This tour operates September to March. Water covers. Consult your American Express travel counselor for more details on these and other tours, as well as for available airport transfers. Chile 45

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