So, she mixed it all together and created Chile. The rest is made up of cities that will steal your heart, and that have inspired some of the greatest creative minds of all time.
If you like a decent tipple, Chile is also known for its superb wine and there are a number of wine valleys to explore, both to sample their wares and marvel at the surrounding countryside.
Read on for the ultimate guide to backpacking Chile. Your best bet is to establish the right time to visit based on where you will be spending the majority of your time, and which activities you plan to enjoy while you are there.
If you plan on skiing in the resorts close to the city, you will need to visit during winter. However, summer is also when the majority of tourists pour in, making accommodation and guided tours much more expensive and harder to book. For better prices and less of a queue around the telescope, visit during spring or autumn, when temperatures are still a thoroughly reasonable degrees. Avoid late autumn and winter if you can, as some areas of Chilean Patagonia become completely inaccessible and most of the best attractions are closed for business due to temperatures of as low as degrees.
No matter what time you schedule in your visit to this spectacular corner of the world, be sure to pack layers and a sturdy wind-breaker. Patagonia is known for its icy winds, particularly in Torres del Paine, where wind speeds can reach up to mph and have been known to knock hikers off their feet. These powerful winds, caused by warm air from the equator meeting cold air travelling north from Antarctica, also mean the weather can turn in an instant.
