The best pointers for trip planning include researching your options before forming a decision, yet also being prompt in booking deals to avoid them being sold out.

Not avoiding travel planning, but instead working from a listing of what to order and when will help you keep on track to making the best trip achievable. Building a sound relationship with tour agents who are informed about the areas you would like to go to can make your trip planning more accurate. Informed agents can counsel you which trips that seem to be bargains really are as well as ones that really are not. As an example, a reduction cruise can look attractive till you allow for the hot climate conditions at that point of year joined with the proven fact that the cabin being discounted has no air-conditioning. For some folk, conditions like this will ruin their holiday by making it a lot less pleasurable, so it is important to get a precise notion of what precisely a certain travel offer entails, rather than merely getting swayed by the cost. Some travel agents have checklists available for organizing a trip. These can be intensely beneficial in trip planning.

It can be straightforward to get wrapped up in planning what sights to see or which hostels would be great to remain at and forget having a smart travel back-up plan.

Being organised with a back-up plan in case something goes pear shaped is among the most vital trip planning tips. Being as prepared as feasible needn’t involve a large amount of additional planning time or take the pleasure out of predicting a great holiday or business trip.

It’s usually a good idea to leave your travel check-list with a reliable buddy or member of the family before you leave. Preparing copies of your crucial travel papers and identification and leaving a set with the friend or relation is also sensible. If something occurs and you are without the documents or identification you want because your purse or wallet was stolen or your luggage was lost by the airlines, you can ask your contact at home to send you copies. While copies of I. D and documents are not always satisfactory as the real items, having them frequently speeds up the method of answering the problem. Make efforts to organize for travel insurance and traveler’s checks instead of money only during your trip planning.

There is a conflict that exists within regards to the first inhabitants of The Easter Islands with differing dates stating that the first islanders arrived in the 4th or 5th century which conflicts with recent archaeological findings that predict that inhabitants were in existence from as early as 800 AD.

King HotuMatua led the first settlers from the east and landed at Anakena, which is situated on the island’s northern coastline.  In may be of interest to learn that Matua is a Polynesian word for father or ancestor.

Over the centuries the population rose significantly and resulted in a hierarchy of a priestly class system, inclusive of the Artisans and labourers who produced the Moai statues for their ceremonial platform, the ahu.  There was even a warrior class.  Due to the expanding population and the restriction of the physical size of the island, conflicts over land and resources became common-place, and with the arrival of the Europeans in the late 17th century, the population began to decline in numbers.

Warfare between the different clans and classes led to cannibalism and horrific fighting, which resulted in tit-for-tat toppling of the Moai from their ahu, however, as earthquakes and tsunamis have not been uncommon over the centuries, natural disasters cannot be ruled out from a good proportion of the damage.

After the aforementioned War of the Pacific against Bolivia and Peru in 1879-1884, Chile officially claimed and annexed the island in 1888.  By 1897, Rapa Nui was controlled by one single wool company, which due to maintaining the islands only means of economy quickly became the island’s de facto government.  This continued until the middle of the 20th century.

By 1953, the Chilean government took control of the island, continuing the onslaught of slave labour and human rights restrictions.  Military rule remained in place until the mid 1960’s when it was replaced by a civilian government for just under a decade, until, once again, the military coup of 1973 brought direct military control.   Human rights complaints of ineligibility to vote,  unpaid/slave labour,  suppression of the Rap Nui language were common amongst the inhabitants until, in 1967,  a regular commercial air link between Santiago and Tahiti was established,  incorporating Rapa Nui as a refueling stop.  Rapa Nui was now accessible to the world and brought many benefits to the Rapa Nui people, inclusive of basic human rights.

Today,  Rapa Nui is still considered to be part of Valparaiso although it is situated some 3700 km away from the mainland of Chile.  Islanders would prefer autonomy and eventually independence from Valparaiso although they still rely heavily on the economy of Chile.

Rapu Nui

RAPU NUI
Volcanic in origin, Easter Island is globally, one of the most famous archaeological sites due to the huge Maoi statues, yet, is one of the least affected by tourism, so has managed to maintain it’s original heritage and traditions. Fairly small, with many hills, Easter Island has no trees and is volcanic in origin. South of the equator, situated in the Pacific Ocean, it lies approximately 3600 km, or 2200 miles, from the coast of Chile, and is considered by many to be the remotest, inhabited island in the world. With a mass of only sixty-three square miles, Easter Island boasts three volcanoes that are now extinct. The tallest reaches heights of 1674 feet above sea level. Originally called TePito o TeHenua by its original inhabitants, which roughly translated means “The Centre of the World” or precisely translated means “The Navel of the World”, it was soon to be changed to Rapa Nui by the Tahitian sailors of the 1860’s. Rapa Nui means “Great Rapa” as the Easter Island had similarities to another Polynesian island called Rapa Iti, which roughly translated means “Little Rapa”. However, upon the arrival of the first European, Jacob Roggeveen, on April 5th, 1722, the island received it’s current name of Easter Island.
Easter Island, of course, is most famous for the extremely large and impressive stone statues that are called the Moai. Originally, these statues were stood upon enormous stone platforms called Ahu. With 288 different statues, and 250 Ahu platforms, the perimeter of the island consisted of an unbroken ring of Moai and Ahu around the outskirts, each one placed approximately half a mile from the other. Interestingly, there are approximately 600 further statues that are scattered across the island, mainly found within the quarries where they would have been sculpted, or along the historical roads that journey from the quarry to the coastline. Carved from the stone from the RanoRaraku volcano, the statues weigh approximately 14 tons and average a height of 14 feet and 6 inches. However, some of the Moai reached weights in excess of 80 tons and heights of 33 feet.
FESTIVALS
Tapati Rapa Nui festival is held in late January or early February. Comprising of traditional culture inclusive of dancing, canoe racing, fishing tournaments, stature-carving, horse racing, sporting events, examples of body painting, reinactments of past battles, cuisine and feasts, and a finale of the crowning of Queen Tapati Rapa Nui, spectacularly highlighted under a spot-lit AhuThail.
RanoRaraku is one of the major events that take place here. Consisting of a unique triathlon, the contestants paint their bodies, build and sail on hand-built crafts made of reeds across the lake to collect bunches of bananas on their poles. They then have to circle the crater by running around the circumference and up the hill, where they collect large bundles of reeds, before finally swimming back across the water.
Haa Pei, another traditional event, consists of the young male contestants sliding down the grassy mountain on sleds made of banana tree trunks. These sleds gain great speed. The main access street is lit-up with a variety of different coloured lights. Please be advised that flights tend to be booked up far in advance for both of the aforementioned events.
In July, there is the Tokerau Singing Festival.
As the Chilean Independence Day is on September the 18th, the town celebrates with carnival parades. A three day public holiday is given for this large fiesta. It is traditional that on the day of their Patron Saint, families will hold a traditional feast that is cooked within their traditional earth oven which is known as an umutao.

SANTIAGO

Santiago maybe a busy metropolis and on the surface appear to be foggy and rather ‘loud’, however, once the surface has been scratched, there is plenty for the cultured traveller to discover.  Colonial buildings can still be found within the city centre, the Plaza de Armas boasts stately buildings.   Bellavista is renowned for its cool and fashionable dance clubs and funky bistro’s and cafes.   Rio Mapocho with Forest Park.   Art is highly appreciate amongst the Santiago culture,  collections range from contemporary through to pre-Columbian,  the architecture has a diverse mix of mirrored office towers and 16th century religious buildings.   The Andes Mountain Range is visible from the Cerro San Cristobal, Santiago’s highest point, and hosts an array of activities for the more adventurous wanting to escape the urban city centre.   Horseback riding, skiing, kayaking, and trekking, along with various wine tours are just a handful of the excursions on offer at the doorstep of Santiago.

One of the many bicycle tour companies can provide you with the means to experience some of the hidden gems that can be found off-the-beaten track in Chile and Santiago.   With routes pre-planned, they will ensure that you can experience un-touched local culture and cuisine, first-hand experience of any traditional festivals or celebrations that are taking place.  Volcanoes, fjords, lakes, and vineyards are in abundance.

The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (MuseoChileno de Arte Precolombino) within the old Royal Customs House harbors show-cases an abundant collection of Latin American artifacts and paintings spanning over the past 4500 years.

VALPARAISO

One of the more “authentic” cities within Chile,  Valparaiso is approximately seventy mile northwest of Santiago.   As Chile’s main port, it comprises of various colonial architecture,  seafood restaurants, markets, and shops, but please be warned,  some areas are stricken with poverty and can be rather dilapidated.  Climb Cerro Concepcion or AscnesorArtilleria for stunning views of the ocean and city or travel back to street level and visit the home of the famous writer, Pablo Neruda.

PUCON

Based deep within the Patagonian Andes, visitingPucon is an unbeatable base for adventure seekers.  Hordes of visitors frequent Pucon during the summer months of December, January, and February, travelling either by airplane or taking the nine-hour drive from Santiago.   Opportunities to explore the Andes on horseback, or watch as molten lava/magna oozes down Mount Villarica.TermasGeometricas offers the chance to experience both hot and cold thermal pools.  Car rental and mountain bike rental is also widely available.

LozPolones boasts beautiful rustic hot springs with approximately six pools of differing temperatures with the beauty of a cold rushing river close by and surrounded by forested hills.  Certainly not overcrowded with commercialism or amenities.

Mount Villarica is an active volcano within the Andes, and with many tour operators offering guided tours to the peak to view the molten magna this has to be an unbeatable experience.   It is advisable for any traveller to ensure their fitness level before embarking on the five to six hour trek up the mountain side and a further three hours hike downwards, especially within the summer months.

TermasGeometricasthermal baths is the perfect location to visit on cloudy days.  Set within an abundance of natural greenery and nestled next to a river it gives the impression of being situated within a jungle.  Extremely clean and hygienically maintained, towels and changing rooms are provided.  One consideration may be to remember that they do not accept credit cards, cash only.

PUERTO VARAS

Boasting a wide variety of outdoor sports such as whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, fly fishing, and horse-riding, it is also graced with outstanding views across the second largest lake in Chile, LagosLlanquihue, to the two snowy volcanoes, Osorno and Calbuco.  Puerto Varas is home to many wooden colonial homes built by the German immigrants in the early 1900’s and several are designated as national monuments.  Recommended to be explored on foot,  PuertoVaras has an abundance of decent bars, restaurant, and accommodation.

With a few experienced, qualified, and British Canoe Union certified expedition tour operators within Puerto Varas, discovering the beauty of the Chilean lakes and Patagonian fjords, island and glaciers by sea kayak, horseback, or even on foot, is now possible, providing you with a chance to meet the local people to enhance your cultural experience by travelling off the beaten track.

PUNTA ARENAS

A fairly isolated city in southern Patagonia that overlooks the Strait of Magellan.  Generally busy with hikers and trekkers en-route to Torres del Paine National Park or an Antarctic cruise to view the glaciers.  There is a mansion-lined square, Plaz Munoz Gamero; elaborate tombstones can be found within the City Cemetery.  Flights from Santiago and Ushuaia are available on a daily basis.

Although Punta Arenas is believed to be the lowest point of the Americas, Chile claims a certain amount of Antarctica as it’s own that leads all the way to the South Pole.  Just below Punta Arenas, there is a monument to mark the nominal midpoint of the Chilean nation.  With a few attractions for visitors such as museums, cultural areas of interest, and penguin colonies,  Punta Arenas really serves as the transportation and departure point for Tierra del Fuego and Puerto Natales, which is the gateway for the ParqueNacional Torres del Paine.

Originally, the Americas were thought to have been first populated approximately 11,500 years ago via the Bering land bridge, as highlighted in the Clovis paradigm.   However, during the 1980’s, a discovery of a small child’s footprint in a marshy field in Chile’s Monte Verde,  situated close to Puerto Montt,  was to undermine the current archaeological evidence when estimated to be approximately 12,500 years old.   Further exploration of the area provided evidence of human habitation in Chile is dated back to as far as 33,000 years.    In 1988, the Monte Verde site was acknowledged as the oldest inhabited site within the Americas, giving rise to new theories of multiple entries to the Americas via coastal landings and the use of different routes to those previously thought.   Further archaeological findings in New Mexico have been dated as far back as 40,000 years.

Most archaeological discoveries have been located in northern Chile due to the extreme aridity of the desert.  Preserved mummies were intentionally created by the Chinchorro culture and are the oldest in existence today.

It has been established that the Aymara farmers grew potatoes and maize, raised livestock of llama and alpaca within the canyons of the north desert.  Within the ParqueNacionalLauca, you will still see this practice being carried out by their descendants using very similar techniques.  The Atacameno culture was another important civilization within Chile’s history; well-preserved remains ranging from mummified corpses to tablets that explain the preparation of hallucinogenic substances are still in existence.   Modern-day cultures that have existed since these earlier times are the El Molle and the Tiwanaku and are responsible for many geoglyphs, ceramics, and etchings from the era.

The Inca culture attempted an invasion into Chile, and enjoyed a brief ascendancy within northern Chile, though the Picunche farmers and Mapuche cultivators prevented their ascent further into Chile with fierce resistance.

In 1495, Spain and Portugal were regarded as highly powerful countries.    The Treaty of Tordesillas delivered all territory west of Brazil to Spain.   By the mid 16th century, Florida, Mexico, and central Chile were dominated by the Spaniards who were ruthless in exploiting, frightening, and ultimately controlling the native people.  Although horses and firearms were of great benefit to the Spaniards quest, their main form of attack was infectious disease, to which the natives had no immunity.

Although the Andes Mountain Range proved to be an almost impenetrably access route, with many Spaniards and their horses freezing to death on the mountain sides,  eventually, Pedro de Valdivia gained access by trawling through the arid desert, in 1540.  Finally reaching the more fertile Mapocho Valley in 1541, the city of Santiago was founded.     Despite various attempts from the native inhabitants, Spain managed to maintain control and the population steadily increased.  Although Spain’s original interest was gold and silver, it soon became apparent that the New World offered much more besides; Enslaving the indigenous people to carry out physical labor.   Although a fairly simple task in northern Chile to an already existing hierarchy of command within their cultures, the indigenous people of central Chile mounted resistance.  Even into the late 19th century, central Chile remained an area of unease and became notoriously unsafe for white settlers.

Due to the mix in races, Mestizo children, a combination of indigenous and Spanish parentage quickly outnumbered the indigenous population.   Slavery abuse, warfare, and infection soon decreased their numbers.

Between 1808 and 1810, a revolution was spawned from the criollo (creole) class – American born Spaniards who would fight for self-government.  Madrid had decreed that all trade to and from Spain must pass overland through Panama to enable tax collection.  Transportation via ships was strictly over-ruled, eventually causing the downfall of the Spanish empire.  Independent movements joined forces throughout South America to expel Spain from Chile by the 1820’s and driving Spain back across Peru.

The War of the Pacific in 1879 – 1884 was to determine Chile’s expansion in mineral wealth.  The war began when Bolivia prevented a Chilean company from mining the nitrate deposits in Atacama, which was then owned by Bolivia.   Chile began a successful attack on Antofagasta, the main Bolivian port, along with Tacna and Arica from Peru.  In retaliation, Chile has effectively blocked the Bolivian’s access to the Pacific.    Chile prospered through the imminent nitrate boom, Chile’s transportation system was vastly improved, and the economy boomed.    Although the nitrate industry slowed with the invention of petroleum based fertilizers, this very land was to provide Chile with a vast copper mining industry, which is still one of the main contributors to Chile’s economy.

Through-out January and February, most Chilean towns have a celebration in the form of a show or live music, accompanied by food festivals and generally a grand fireworks display.   Please consult with a travel agent or tour guide to determine the exact dates:

JANUARY

Heralding a variety of music from classical through to jazz, the Semana Musical is held in Frutillar from late January to early February.

A popular music festival is held in Pucon in mid-January, Jornadas Musicales de Pucon.

During the second week in January, the SemanaAncuditana Chiloe, and Ancud, involves a number of celebrations across the island, highlighting its unique music, dance, cuisine and culture.

Across Chile during the second week in January you will also find plenty of food, drink, dancing, and crafts in the Brotes de Chile.

Later in the month, the Festival de HuasoChilote, Castro, in Chile, the local huasos, more commonly known as the cowboys.

FEBRUARY

A busy month for festivals, concerts, and get-togethers:

EncuentroFolklorico de Chiloe promotes the cultural music, dance and cuisine of Chiloe, usually held within the first week of February.

Fiesta de la Candelaria is a more religious festival that is celebrated in Copiapo by thousands of pilgrims and dancers, Held in early February.

Festival Costumbrista is an authentic Patagonian rodeo held in Villa Cerro Castillo.

Festival  Internacional de la Cancion is variety of concerts that showcases the headlining names in Latin American music.  Held in Vina del Mar.

Carnaval Highland is a celebration inclusive of merriment, flour bombs, and the grand finale results in the burning of the momo.  The carnival is held in Putre, and it may be of interest that the Momo  represents the frivolity of Carnaval.

Festival Costumbrista is a combination of folk music, dance, culture, and cuisinge.  Held in Castro during mid-February.

CarnavalGinga is held in mid-February and features dancing, live music displays.

Held on the third Saturday in February is the Noche de Vladivia, a celebration inclusive of riverboats and fireworks.

MARCH-DECEMBER

National Rodeo Championshipr or  locally known as the CampeonatoNacional de Rodeo is a festival of cowboys of Chilean descent showing-off their skills with horse skills, alongside the obligatory cueco dancing and cuisine.   Late March in Rancagua.

Festival de la VirgenDel Carmen, in excess of 40000 pilgrims pay homage to Chile’s virgin with dancing, devil masks and spangly cloaks.   Tirana in mid-July.

Held on June the 29th,  is a religious festival that is held in San Pedro de Atacama called the Fiesta de San Pedroy San Pablo.  Folk dancing shows,  live rodeo and many processions.

Carnaval de Invierno,  parades and fireworks are held in Punta Arenas in late July

New Years Eve is one of the largest celebrations of the year.  Renowned for spectacular firework displays, dancing and cuisine.

Chile stretches along 4300km (2700 miles), with a width of only 240 km (150 miles), makes Chile the most slender country in the world.  Renowned for its diverse and stunning scenery, Chile is bordered by the majestic Andes Mountain Range, inclusive of over 50 active volcanic peaks.   Ancient forestry is in abundance. You can find the most hostile and arid landscape in and around the desert Atacama in the South,  travelling northward you will find one of the most beautiful arrangement of mountains, glaciers, and an archipelago of scattered islands between the mountains and the ocean, finally resulting in Cape Horn,  infamous for it’s violent stormy seas. In-between the two extremes, you will find volcanoes, beaches, lakes, rivers, and geysers, offering a variety of activities and culture for the adventurous traveller. Considering the diversity of the lush forests of the fjords, the craggy and treacherous summits, the fascination of one of the most inhospitable places on earth, Atacama, along with some of the most stunning beaches of South America, choosing an itinerary will be the hardest challenge.

With all the amazing scenery it would be easy to forget that Chile is steeped in both culture and character too, renowned for firing the imagination of the most steadfast and foolhardy people.  Although Chile always has a suitable region for any season, be sure to choose your holiday dates with some consideration:

Chile’s high season is between December and March.

Skiing in Chile attracts visitors in their thousands from July through to September, providing a winter wonderland for all those participating.    Visiting Mid-Chile is best in spring-time (September through to November), or during autumn (February through to April).

Southern Chile includes the Lakes District and Torres Del Paine. Best visited in summer as during the winter months access is virtually impossible. Spring and autumn, especially the months November and March, can be just as hospitable and welcoming.

A place of interest may be the Atacama Desert, one of the most inhospitable places on earth. Exploring through-out the year is possibly, however during the summer months (December through to March), the days are extremely hot with bitterly cold nights.

Although Chile is in South America it has links with many european traditions and cultures and this is

reflected in the types of food you can expect to eat whilst visiting Chile. Immigration from other European

countries also brought a fusion of spanish, italian and german cooking styles.

The 20th century so a change in Chilean cooking and with the influence of French cuisine a culinary method was

created called ‘Criollo’.

Britain has also had it influences on the Chilean food culture. Chileans also take ‘onces’ which translated

means elevenses. This traditional british tea break is also celebrated by all classes of Chilean.

Chile has a huge coastline which unsurprisingly means that fish and seafood feature quite heavily in Chilean

cuisine.

Chilean Wine and Pisco which is a traditional Chilean grape brandy are widely drunk and Chilean wine is also

exported all over the world!