We not only stayed here because of the lanscapes but also because of the people.
The Chileans are a very welcoming people though a little bit more introverted than their neighbour the Argentinians. This side of their personality added to honesty is one of the reasons why Chile is a perfectly safe place to be travelling to. Of course, you should always stay alert in big cities but we can say that travellers can relax while here.
Police takes its role very seriously and police officers are very mindful and not at all corrupted. Nonetheless, we recommand that you do not break the law !

September 18th is Chile’s National Day. It commemorates the day when Bernardo O’Higgins (Irish origins) had the first Independent Government meeting take place.
The country celebrates its independence with asados” (barbecues), « fondas » (outdoors « party » with dances, buffets, etc), chilean horse races, « rodeos » (two horseriders teams run after a calf in a half-circle bullring) and « chicha» ( grape or apple fermented alcohol).
It really is a blast to experience living a “Dieciocho”. The following day is a public holiday too and though it is said to be a national « hung over day », it is in fact the Army Day.

Foreign citizens will be delivered a visaof a three month lenght at their arrival in the country, US residents must pay a tax at the entrance ask the exact amount at your Chilean embassy.
Passeports must be valid at least 6 months after the date of your return. Please check your local authorities to make sure you have the right documents.

The currency in use is the Chilean peso worthing in March 2007 : US $ = 535 Pesos.
Time zone : GMT - 4 hours.
Stores generally open from Monday to Saturday from 9am until 1pm and from 3pm until 9pm. Banks are open between 9am and 2pm from Monday until Friday.



Chilean Cuisine is varied thanks to multiples food resources such as sea products, cattles and fruits and vegetables.
Coriander spice is much used.
Chile boasts many very good wines at a very good value.

Down below is a list of typical meals:
La Cazuela is the typical meal: it is a soup of chicken or beef with corn, potatoes, rice and marrow.
Ensalada Chilena  often accompanies meals or is a starter with tomatoes, oignons and coriander spice.
Corn cake: a crust covers a mix of beef with oignons and is served with a piece of chicken.
Empanada : typical South American fritter stuff with chicken, beef or sea food.
El Curanto : Chiloe Island’s typical meal with a mix of seafood , sausages, chicken, fritters and white wine.  (definitely a must try!)
Asado : barbecue with ten time bigger portions than in the rest of the world, accompanied with a lot of wine. Eating Asado is a real pleasure in Chile, to be shared in family or with friends.

Eventually, the most important: El Pisco Sour, national aperitif.
Here is how to make it : Throw in a mixer some Straight Pisco (Alto Del Carmen for example) with lemon juice, sugar powder and an egg white. Add scrumbled ice and serve.
Remenber : one, two, three I am happy… four and after is disaster !...

Wine is a growing activity in Chile and there are hundreds of grape variety and brands. The grape variety Carmenere was (re)discovered here by a french oenologist after it had disappeared in France because of the phylloxera disease.
If you are in a hurry at the supermarket, Casillero Del Diablo Carmenere will not disappoint you since it has a very good value for money.

Cerveza or beer is also greatly prized in Chile, in the North because of thirst and in the South because of German influence. Cristal is the most popular, the best is “Colonos Del Llanquihe”, made by a little brewerie by the eponymous lake.

Lots of other recipes and drinks to be discovered out here, for alcoholic drinks almost all of our guides can help you as experts...