Learn Spanish & Study Spanish In Chile

Overview: Chile Country Guide

Chile’s unique combination of limited width combined with an extended length across the South America Pacific Coast provides Chile with a dramatic differential in climates and landscapes.

You can find the 2nd driest desert in the world in one part of the country, along with some the highest peaks in South America, and glaciers at the southern tip. These great disparities in environments make Chile a geographer’s wonderland. It also provides for a variety of travel activities that can meet the needs of any person whether it be skiing in the Andes or Penguin or whale watching in the Straits of Megellan.

The Andes make up a big part of Chile’s northern land mass with its towering peaks. These extreme heights create a rain shadow that blocks precipitation from reaching the Atacama Desert making it one of the driest places on earth. The southern part of the country includes thousands of islands and Patagonia.

The most populated area like in most civilizations is centered around a huge river valley. This is where you will find the largest city and capital of Santiago as well as the wine vineyards that Chile is now famously known given their massive exports. Chile also lays claim to the mystical Easter Island which a distant, but once in a lifetime travel destination.

Despite its extreme changes in geography and climatein some areas, large parts of the country provide amiable temperatures and reasonable precipitation.

Given the struggles many countries have in building their industry and infrastructure, Chile has been a great example to developing countries in South America. The modernity of Chilean cities combined with its rich history and tradition makes Chile one of the more comfortable locations to travel to and learn Spanish.

The majority of the population of Chile are of mixed heritage which is popularly known as Mestizo. There are still completely indigenous peoples within the country. You can also find people whose ancestry is only related to immigrants from Europe, as well as those from other parts of South America and the World. You can definitely feel the European influence in Santiago and other cities, much more so than many parts of South America where the influence is predominantly indigenous.

Santiago may be your only destination and for many travelers this is the case. While Chile offers much more, this is not necessary a bad choice. The capital provides a great feel for the country’s culture and is home to some of the best nightlife. The cities modern amenities provide for an easy lifestyle as well as accommodation means of public transportation. You can find world class shopping as well as museums and architecture tied to its colonial past.

For those more adventurous travelers it is a must to explore the sprawling countryside. It is also certainly possible to travel by land to other countries such as Peru, Bolivia, or Argentina.  It is certainly worthwhile to explore the Andes and visit some of the best ski resorts in the world. With enough time you can also head to the Lake District in the south and take in the stunning lush scenery.

All along the way you will find the people of Chile to be some of the most welcoming people. This not only provides for a warm and enlightening experience but also allows Chile to be one of the best locations in the world to learn Spanish.