The final step in progressive and localized deconfinement, the reopening of Chile's borders on October 1, 2021, marked one more step towards a return to a certain normality.
It should be noted that non-resident foreigners will again be authorized to enter Chile, subject to having previously obtained the mobility pass and to comply with health measures.
The mobility pass request is made online at the following page: mevacuno.gob.cl.
Sanitary measures applying to persons entering Chile
Travelers must present the negative result of a PCR test carried out in the 72 hours preceding the flight upon boarding (this obligation does not apply to children under 2 years of age).
A sworn declaration must be made online within 48 hours of boarding the c19.cl site.
Anyone entering the country must respect a strict isolation of 7 days, during which any interaction is prohibited.
As of October 1, 2021, the duration of isolation will be 5 days for travelers in possession of a mobility pass.
Strict conditions, of course, but far from insurmountable, which give us excellent reasons to come and explore the slenderest of South American countries.
Read alsoAraucania, 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 be able to seduce star-lovers who, at nightfall, will be able to admire the spectacle of one of the purest skies in the whole world.
Read alsoChile: 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 visits to
ahu
ceremonial, to laze on a tropical beach like that of Anakena, to get lost in hidden caves or to contemplate the sublime coral reefs during a guided snorkeling session.
Our final recommendation?
Visit Easter Island at the beginning of February during the Tapati Festival, two weeks of traditional festivals putting the Pascuan heritage in the spotlight.
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.
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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 with 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. Today transformed into an astonishing museum, La Sebastiana is the starting point for endless strolls through these
cerros
Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, whose innumerable murals make them major 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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The holy grail of 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 route 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, crampon hikes on the Exploradores Glacier or even thrilling rafting on the blue waters of the Rio Baker: impossible to get 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.
Reaching 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 raging 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. Mythical crossing point for experienced adventurers, today it isit 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.
* This article, originally published in January 2021, has been updated.