Valparaiso, Chile (VAP)

Advantages: AMAZING scenery
Disadvantages: food's a bit boring

...I went to Chile last year and spent a fantastic month visiting the central and northern regions. There are two disadvantages to visiting Chile - firstly, it is a bit expensive so is not that well-suited to backpackers or those travelling on a shoe-string, and secondly it is such a long/thin country that travelling around it can be a bit difficult. Having got these out the way, I can tell you some of the numerous advantages. For a start, Chile has all the basics you want from a holiday destination - attractive cities (like Santiago), fun nightlife, good beaches. Also, I have travelled around a lot and Chile is unquestionably the most beautiful country I have visited. The landscape is amazing - partly due to the fact that the country runs between two stunning mountain ranges so you are always surrounded by mountains. One great experience... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: A relatively gentle introduction to South America.
Disadvantages: For such a big city it lacks a little in visitor attractions.

...and a really high ceiling which meant you could ignore the crumbling paint. The best thing about it though was the huge windows that looked out on calle Londres. There were flowers in bloom on the window sill which added to the allure. Residential Londres is quoted as being the best budget option in the whole of the city by both the Lonely Planet and the Rough Guide. It is easy to see why. Security is excellent, in order to get in you must buzz reception from downstairs and access to the main building is via the reception desk. There is a safety deposit box for valuables and the curfew of 2 am aims and succeeds in keeping the noise levels down. Facilities available include a good second hand travel book shelf. We bought a slightly battered Rough Guide to Chile for just $3,500. Considering the lack of English language titles that are available... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: stunning scenery and wildlife,unspoilt,great ice cream,chocolate,beef,fish,beer,fruit,and wine (all home produced and cheap by european standards).
Disadvantages: long flying time,still not a cheap destination but good value.

...Chile is one of the best countries i have ever visited aswell and i too am very widely travelled.you must be a lover of the great outdoors and adventure though,to experience chile at its best.i can only speak for the southern part of chile that is santiago down to punta arenas,patagonia.in chile due to the thinness of the country and also due to the glaciation that still is found down south,flying is the best way around the country.one of the national carriers is lanchile (www.lanchile.com surprisingly!) and on their website you can obtain last minute offers or book super apex fares within chile-this is what i did.if i had have booked with lanchile offices in gatwick,surrey or one of the uks travel agencies my flight within chile would have cost about double what it did which is crazy!the reason is,lanchile's website is based... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful