Fierce volcanoes, massive peaks, wild deserts and charming valleys; there's enough to leave every spectator in awe. Planning a vacation to Chile? The summertime in the southern hemisphere begins from November which is the peak travel season attracting large crowds until March. To escape the chaos, visit during the spring months of September and October, when nature reforms and colours bloom, or during autumn months of April-May, accompanied by mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Chile hosts over 6 million tourists annually leaving many without even a single scratch. Overall, the security environment in the country is generally safe. Nonetheless, pickpocketing and scams are common, especially in places like Santiago and Valparaiso, so make sure you carry your bag facing away from the street and preferably always close to you. With its varied geography, Chile is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and floods; however, they are unpredictable and for the most part very rare in its occurrence.

Just like other countries in the Southern American Continent, Spanish is a widely spoken language. Mapudungún (in the south) the Aymará (in the Andes Region in the north) and the Rapanui (of Easter Island) are other dialects used by locals. Make sure to learn a few words in Spanish to avoid language barriers as only a minority of the population speaks or can understand English. 

The growth of the travel industry has produced uninterrupted connectivity across the globe. International carriers such as Emirates, British Airways, Air India, Singapore Airlines and Etihad Airways offer consistent flights between India and Chile, usually with one or more stopovers. Chile is equipped with quite a few international airports, each having a wide range of transportation services such as taxis, buses and shuttle services, available at all times to travellers. 

What to see in Chile

The capital, Santiago is packed with places to visit. Check-in to your hotel, relax, grab a cup coffee from a nearby cafe and head over to the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts. It was built with architectural knowledge schooled in Paris. Two centuries old, it still retains its charm, showcasing modern and contemporary artwork by renowned Chilean as well as international artists. Ride a cable cart and visit a zoo at the Parque Metropolitano de Santiago (The Santiago Metropolitan Park). During dusk, San Cristóbal Hill is the perfect spot to be at. About 300 metres high from the rest of the Santiago, it offers beautiful panoramic views.

Stargaze at San Pedro de Atacama, a small town nestled in the Andes region. While you are here, visit Valle de la Luna, a moon-like landscape amidst the Atacama Desert. Licancabur, a stratovolcano, borders of Chile and makes for an exceptional site to explore. Licancabur Lake is a crater lake caused by volcanic activity and is also among the highest lakes on the planet.

 If you are an avid hiker, the Torres del Paine Mountains in Chilean Patagonia has to be on your bucket list. Cordillera Paine is a This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most remote destinations in the world. Explore the untouched wilderness and experience nature in first hand. 

In Chiloé, stroll through the lush green forests and find you in a beautiful wooden church, many which have been preserved by the UNESCO. Moai of Rapa Nui in Isla de Pascua portrays 887 stone statues of ancient tribes that resemble heads and torsos. Lauca National Park tucked far north is also a great option to consider.

Influenced by the Spanish culture, corn, paprika, lard and meat are staple ingredients. Empanadas (pastry with cheese, mussels or meat filling), Cazuela (a homemade stew containing corn, rice, chicken, beef, and potatoes), Pastel de Choclo (this is a corn casserole stuffed with meat), and Asado (barbecue made of chicken, beef or pork) are the must-try delicacies. For vegetarian lovers, cafes and restaurants are unlimited in number serving non-meat delicacies. 

For shopping, Santiago offers many local markets and plazas such as Persa Bío Bío, Centro Artesanal Santa Lucía, and Pueblito De Los Dominicos. Grab yourself a souvenir and one for your friends and families back home. Spices, coffee, handicrafts and jewellery are the commodities you could expect.