Popular Things to Do in Chile

Currently a manager director at Merrill Lynch in Ithaca, New York, Keefe Gorman spent his earlier years living, skiing, and traveling throughout South America. Although he visited Bolivia and Peru, Keefe Gorman spent most of his time on the continent in Chile, where he lived near Los Andes in the Andes Mountains.

Chile is a fascinating country that offers visitors great natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant culture. When visiting the capital of Santiago, the peak of Cerro San Cristóbal is a great place for viewing the city and the Andes Mountains on a clear day. The hill is home to Santiago’s largest public park, Parque Metropolitano, which has a zoo, two swimming pools, and a botanical garden. Visitors to Cerro San Cristóbal can either hike or ride a cable car to the summit, where a church and a 72-foot statue of the Virgin Mary stand.

Although many travelers are unaware of it, Chile is home to a thriving wine industry; the country stands as the fifth largest exporter of wine in the world. Several distinct viticultural regions can be found along the coast, in the country's central valley, and in the Andes. Guided tours of wineries in these areas offer the opportunity to learn about the different varieties of grapes and winemaking techniques, while sampling the best vintages.

Another popular destination within Chile is Chiloé Island, located in the Los Lagos Region. Due to its physical isolation from the mainland, the island has a unique culture that manifests itself in architecture, food, and local customs. Chiloé is also home to several wooden churches, many of which were built by the Spanish and Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century.