The final step in progressive and localized deconfinement, the reopening of Chile's borders on November 23 marked a further step towards a return to a certain normality.
Closed since March 18, this distant Andean country has fought in recent months a difficult battle against Covid-19, the pandemic having affected more than 620,000 people, and killed more than 16,000 according to official figures (John University Hopkins).
"
The virus is still with us and we cannot neglect it
", reminded the Chilean President Sebastian Piñera during an official ceremony organized on the day of the reopening, at the Arturo Benitez airport in Santiago, the only point of entry to date authorized.
If no discrimination based on the country of origin has been established, all foreign nationals must however present a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours upon arrival on Chilean soil, special Covid-19 health insurance and a declaration. on their honor certifying that they are not carriers of the virus.
Strict conditions, of course, but far from insurmountable, which give us excellent reasons to come and explore the slenderest of South American countries.
Read also: Araucania, Chile for insiders
Walk on the moon in the Atacama desert
The Valley of the Moon, at the gates of the Atacama Desert, immediately propels us to another planet.
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Village-oasis of the
precordillera
perched at an altitude of 2,478 m, San Pedro de Atacama is the meeting point for any excursion through the arid desert of the same name.
Thousand-year-old volcanoes such as Lascár and Licancabur, altiplanic lagoons with impenetrable waters, fumaroles of geysers at the foot of the imposing El Tatio, rainbow mountains surrounded by petroglyphic remains or even
salt flats
populated by pink flamingos: the richness of the lunar landscapes of this region of northern Chile is matched only by its surreal beauty.
Popular with large-scale astronomical observatories such as the ALMA center, the Atacamian horizons will also appeal to star-lovers who, at nightfall, will be able to admire the spectacle of one of the purest skies in the whole world.
Read also: Chile: four timeless experiences to live in the Atacama Desert
Unravel the mystery of the Moaïs on Easter Island
Tuff quarry from which the Moai rock was extracted,
the Rano Raraku volcano on Easter Island offers a lesson in archeology in situ.
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Preserved from mass tourism, this confetti of land of 163 km² lost in the middle of the Pacific has something to seduce those passionate about archeology and mystical legends.
And for good reason, its some 900 Moaï, monolithic remains dating from the 15th century, continue to give rise to all kinds of theories and conspiracies.
Renamed Rapa Nui in 2019, in reference to the indigenous people who originally conquered it, the Polynesian island also allows, between two
ceremonial
ahu
visits
, to laze on a tropical beach like that of Anakena, to get lost in hidden caves or contemplate the sublime coral reefs during a guided snorkeling session.
Our final recommendation?
Visit Easter Island in early February during the Tapati Festival, two weeks of traditional festivals highlighting the Pascuan heritage.
Be careful, however, the reopening of the island to non-residents has still not been confirmed.
Follow in the footsteps of Pablo Neruda in Valparaíso
Colorful tin houses, street art on every street corner and a bohemian atmosphere: Valparaiso seduces with its authentic charm.
Chile Travel
Once nicknamed the Pearl of the Pacific, the legendary port city with its disenchanted charm has never ceased to inspire artists, filmmakers and intellectuals with its brightly colored barracks built on rolling hills.
Fed by a maze of labyrinthine streets and picturesque funiculars, Valparaíso was also the muse and the sanctuary of the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, whose astonishing residence resembling a motley trawler overlooks the bay from the top of Cerro Bellavista.
Now transformed into an astonishing museum, La Sebastiana is the starting point for endless strolls through these
cerros
classified as World Heritage by Unesco, whose countless murals make them high places of contemporary street art.
A captivating stroll, which ends in a bohemian
bar in
the
plano
or in one of the trendy rooftop bars of Cerro Concepción and Allegre.
Go on a road trip through the Carretera Australe
30,000 years old, the San Rafael Glacier is a must for explorers from the top of its 60 meters.
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Holy Grail for backpackers in search of authentic adventures, this 1240 km Pan-American route stands out as the prelude to a rural Patagonia, off the beaten track.
From Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins via Coyhaique, the course is punctuated by demanding sporting excursions, in communion with astonishing nature and an unpredictable climate.
Equestrian initiation with
gauchos
at the foot of the splendid Cerro Castillo, kayaking session under the vaults of the photogenic Marble Cathedrals, crampons hike on the Exploradores Glacier or even thrilling rafting on the blue waters of the Rio Baker: impossible to be bored in these remote areas!
The most memorable experience?
Navigate through the lake fjords and approach the imposing facade of the San Rafael Glacier to scrutinize its impressive detachments of blocks of ice.
Touching the end of the world in Tierra del Fuego
Rare species of penguins and penguins can be observed in Tierra del Fuego, in the extreme south of Chile.
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Like the first navigators to brave this extreme tip of the South American continent, the Tierra del Fuego archipelago attracts intrepid tourists every year in search of wild, hostile and sparsely populated steppes.
Facing Antarctica, this southern territory shared by Argentina and Chile presents emblematic panoramas, such as the Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan, all in a slate-colored decor, mixing chiseled rocky peaks, Fuegian forests and stormy seas.
If the curious will continue the journey to the other side of Argentina, towards Ushuaia, the more courageous will dare to venture towards the perilous Cape Horn under often stormy weather.
A mythical crossing point for experienced adventurers, today it is the place for cruises through the neighboring Shetland Islands, the scene of awe-inspiring nature and abundant maritime fauna.
What to forget the endless weeks of confinement.