Officially the Republic of Chile, this long, coastal nation is located in the southern portion of South America, wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. North to South, Chile stretches 4,630 kilometers of coastal landscape. Despite the excessive coastline, Chile has more to offer than beachfront scenery, with Atacama Desert in the north, lush national parks in the central region and the arctic climate of Grey Glacier in the far southern reaches.

While the entire west coast is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Chile shares its remaining borders with Peru to the north and Bolivia to the north east. Argentina takes up the majority of Chile's border, located to the east. At the southern tip of Chile lies the Drake Passage. In addition, Chile claims approximately 1,250,000 square kilometers of Antarctica.

It is not exactly known where Chile, in the valley of Aconcagua, got its name, though several theories have been developed concerning its origins. One states that the territory was labeled "Chili" by the Incas of Peru, corrupting the name of the lands tribal chief, Tili, who ruled the region at the time of the Incan conquest. Another theory says that similarities between Aconcagua and the Casma Valley of Peru, where laid a city by the name of "Chile", originated the name. Yet another popular theory claims Chile got its name from the indigenous Mapuche term "chilli", which is believed to mean one of several things; "where the land ends", "the deepest part of the earth", and other variations of the word meaning "cold" and "snow".

The Atacama Desert in the northern reaches of Chile boasts enormous mineral wealth, especially copper and nitrates. The central valley, including the capitol of Chile, Santiago, is the predominant home to the population of the country and its agricultural resources. Traversing south brings one to an area lush in forests and grazing lands. A host of volcanoes and lakes are strung across this region. Stretching the southern coastline is an abundance of natural beauties - fjords, canals, inlets, islands and serpentine peninsulas. The Andes Mountains run the length of Chile's eastern border. In terms of length, north to south, Chile is the longest country in the entire world, stretching over 4,200 kilometers.

Chile's tourism industry has been steadily increasing, becoming one of the main economical resources of the nation since the 1990's. By 2005, the tourism industry was bringing in a hefty $1.5 billion, 13.6% higher than 2004. According to publications by the National Service of Tourism, Chile attracts approximately 2 million tourists every year. As high as that number seems, it is still significantly lower than many neighboring Latin American countries, such as Brazil and Mexico. A good portion of these tourists arrive from other countries in the Americas, especially Argentina, however recent studies have shown an influx of European vacationers as well, mostly from Spain, France and Germany. These numbers have already soared into the hundreds of thousands annually.

Chile has much to offer in the way of tourism, with the most popular attractions being the natural beauty, found mostly in the extreme zones of Chile. Tourists often visit to admire the Incaic architecture of the San Pedro de Atacama in the north and the altiplano lakes that make up the Valley of the Moon. The Parinacota volcano, with an altitude of 6,348 meters, and the Pomerape volcano, soaring up to 6,222 meters, draw a good deal of sight-seers to Putre, also in the north.

Ski resorts are located throughout the central region, along the Andes mountain range, ranging from luxurious to quaint. Further south, tourists are attracted to the amazing natural landscapes found in the Towers of Paine national park, Chiloé Island, Patagonia and the San Rafael Lagoon, abound with sheer, majestic glaciers.

In the summer months, December through March, tourists are heavily drawn to the coastal beaches of Chile, including Antofagasta, Arica, Coquimbo, Iquique and La Serena in the north and Lake Villarrica's shores of Pucón in the south.

Vacationing In Chile

Chile's extreme diversity in beautiful landscapes, combined with its rich history and cultural background, create for an amazing vacation destination. If you seek a coastal, beach side vacation, walking the wet sands during the most magnificent sunsets - or a mountain climbing expedition or skiing trip through the most majestic of snow-capped mountain regions in the world - Chile supplies all of the natural wonders and modern comforts to accommodate any and all vacationing desires. Many nearby Latin American countries can offer a similar experience, but Chile provides yet another convenience to those who wish to avoid the overcrowding of tourists found in these outlying nations.

For those interested in planning a Chile vacation, you will find Chile.Rica24 is the perfect starting point. We provide in-depth resources regarding every aspect of a Chile vacation. From travel agencies, accommodations, dining and tourist attractions to public and private transportation - anything you may need to know before and during your stay in the wondrous landscapes of Chile can be found right here.

Moving to Chile

Moving to and/or retiring in Latin America is a prospect often drawn to other like nations - Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, etc. - Chile is commonly overlooked as an appealing destination. The reason for this is unknown - perhaps lack of advertising? - yet Chile is quite possibly the most intriguing nation to reside in. A home in the Central Valley presents a grand opportunity rarely found in the world - a short drive west for surfing, fishing and general beach-going activities combined with a short drive east for hiking, mountain climbing and skiing on the majestic peaks of the Andes mountains. Where else can such extreme diversity in recreation be found in such close proximity?

Chile.Rica24 provides Chile Real Estate listings, along with a complete Guide to Purchasing Real Estate in Chile, which includes in-depth descriptions of property rights and type, purchasing procedures and methods, taxes and fees and most importantly, how to protect your investment. You'll also find detailed materials describing how to buy a car, how to obtain a driver's license, a temporary or permanent residency visa, educational and employment opportunities - virtually everything you could possibly need to know before moving to Chile.

At Chile.Rica24, our number-one goal is to shepherd you towards, and assist in the completion, of a magnificent vacation or successful real estate acquisition in Chile. With a little help and expertise from Rica24, you can make your dreams a reality, whether they be investing your way to a wealthy future, or retiring in the naturally beautiful landscape of Chile.