Chile is a very long and narrow territory, located on the western side of Souh America and stretches for 4.200 kms (2.672 miles) from Arica the northernmost city , to Cape Horn in the south.

It has an area of 756.096 km2 on the south american continent and 1.250,000 km2 in Antarctica, plus the islands of San Felix, San Ambrosio, Salas y Gomez, Easter Island, Juan Fernandez Archipelago, with an estimated population over 14.000.000 inhabitants. Most of the population are Spaniard discendants together with German, French and Italian influence.
Together we have the Aymaras in the Altiplano – north of Chile ; the Pascuenses at Easter Island and the Mapuches, located south of Santiago.

Chile has a highly varied geography as numerous climates. In the North , between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean lies the Atacama desert, the most arid desert in the world, with very hot and dry temperatures and no rain. The central area has a very agreable climate with very hot months december to february and cold months in winter, june to august. In the Lakes Region and Patagonia temperatures are cold and rainy during winter and cool weather during summer.

Our capital city, Santiago, is also the heart of the economics and political activities of the country.

The impressive and strong economical growing , makes Chile to be one of the most attractive countries for new investments. Together with the low rates of inflation , Chile exports many products to the five continents, such us copper, fruits, wines, cellulose, minerals, etc.

CURRENCY:

-The chilean currency is the peso($) whith coins of $ 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and notes of $ 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 and 20000.
All mayor Credit Cards are accepted in the country such as Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express.
Travellers cheques and notes are suggested out of cities.
Banking hours : Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 14:00 hrs.
Shoping hours : Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 19:00 hrs. Shoppinng Malls are open daily..

SCHEDULES

Banks: Monday to Friday of 09:00 to 14:00 hrs.
Trade: of 09:00 to 20:00 hrs and the Shoppings until 21:00 hrs., every day.

TRANSPORTATION

-Three air companies operate daily with many domestic Flights to mayor cities in the country. Ground transportation is provided in three different classes, covering the whole country with modern de-luxe buses, with sleeping berth, excecutive service and pullman service.
Train service covers Santiago to Temuco to the south and Arica to La Paz and Calama to Oruru in Bolivia..This service is non reliable in its operation days and not very comfortable.
Taxies are available in all cities, black cars with yellow roof.They are sheep and use taximeter.

CAR RENTAL

-Available in all mayor cities. Credit card, 25 years old and drivers licence are requested.

HEALTH

-Bottled mineral water is suggested. A complete acclimatization is required to avoid the Puna problems when visiting the Altiplano. The private Health system stands among the best world standards.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Jan 01/March/Nov 01/April Easter movable/May 01/May 21/Jun 22/Jun 29/Aug 15/Sep 04/Sep 18-19/Oct 12/Nov 01/Dec 08/Dec 25.

DATOS UTILES

Museums: Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00 hrs.
Electricity :220 Volts - 50 cycles, A.C -- Video: VHS/NTSC