Chilean Patagonia is worldly known for its beautiful landscapes that captivate everyone that comes to visit; enormous and dense forests, imposing mountains that seem to be sculpt by hand and ancient glaciers surrounded by beautiful lagoons. Though it is one of the most popular places to visit within the national territory, it is necessary to have always in mind that it is also the home for hundred of animals, that make this land even more special.

Guanaco: This animal can be found in the higher areas throughout the whole territory. Patagonia is where you can find them in higher numbers, as it is a protected species in many National Reserves. This camel-like species can grow up to 2 meters high, and usually have a very friendly personality.

Antoine Hubert | Flickr

Puma: Popularly known as the Lion of the Americas, there are many sub-species of this animal living throughout the whole American continent; but it is the Puma concolor puma the one that chose Chile as its home. In this category it is possible to find the Puma concolor patagonica, or Patagonian Puma, and the Puma concolor pearsoni, or puma of the Patagonian steppe. These two subspecies have developed to adapt to the cold southern weather and are considered among the biggest natural predators of the area.

Gonzalo Baeza | Flickr

Huemul: One of the national symbols of our country, this deer-relative can be found throughout the whole southern Chilean territory, but most part of its population is in the Patagonia. It belongs to the list of endangered species, therefore protected in 13 parks and National Reserves in our country.

Mariano Mantel | Flickr

Quirquincho peludo (big hairy armadillo): This armadillo lives in different countries of South America, but in Chile can only be found in Patagonia. It is an animal with a heavy body, short legs and a shell formed by small bony parts used as protection against predators. It is a night mammal that feeds itself with insects, worms, small animals and also carrion.

Sergio Britan M. | Flickr

Pudu: This small mammal also belongs to the family of deers. It is no taller than 41 cm of height and it only reaches 10 kl. It has thick and rough fur and a very small tail. The male has small horns, while the female does not. Although the number of pudus is quite high in Chiloé, it is possible to observe this animal in almost the whole Patagonia.

JFCV | Flickr

Pingüino de Magallanes (Magellanic Penguin): This small bird nests exclusively in the shore and islands of the Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia. This specimen is about 35 cm height and it only weights around 3 kl. Its feathers are mainly black in the back and white in the abdomen. Although it does not have the ability to fly, it is a great swimmer as most of penguin species.

Liam Quinn| Flickr

Chingue Patagonico: This carnivorour mammal is an endemic animal of the Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia. This small animal feeds itself mainly from bird eggs and small mammals, but it prefers insects and worms that it is able to reach with its nose. It is a night animal, that when feeling under threat expels a very disgusting smell.

Sergio Britan M. | Flickr

Eating is another way to discover Chile: our cuisine is a reflection of our identity, a product of the mixture between our indigenous traditions and the spaniards. The ingredients used on these plates also speak about our geography, which delivers the product that make our gastronomy so unique.

Most of the dishes on this list can be enjoyed throughout Chile, from north to south. But if you want to make them yourself grab a piece of paper and a pen; and learn how to prepare them on your own.

Cazuela

One of the most classic dishes. The cazuela has the power of taking us back to the most precious memories of our childhood, while spending winter surrounded by our family.

Beside the traditional “cazuela de vacuna” (beef soup), in the Coquimbo Region we can enjoy the “cazuela de salón”, that is prepared with beef ribs, tomatoes, and wheat instead of rice.

In Valdivia they also have their own version of this dish made with jerky, onion and dry chilli. This preparation known as “Valdiviano]” appeared during the colonial period, and it’s still enjoyed to this date. If you want to try it and compare it to more traditional “cazuelas”, you can find this and many more delicious dishes near its Mercado Municipal.

Charquicán

Eladio Hurtado | Flickr

Another classic during the cold winter days is the “charquicán”. It is said that this is the most national and traditional dish of our country, which origins are dated to the precolumbian era. The southern indigenous people used to make it with potatoes, squash and guanaco’s jerky. The Spaniards added the salt and cumin.

Along with the previously mentioned ingredients; onion, corn, and grinded meat are also added. In some part of the north they put rice on the side, and near the coast they make it with cochayuyo.

If you want to enjoy the best seaweed “charquicán” of your life, each winter Pichilemu celebrates the “Fiesta del Cochayuyo”. The perfect excuse to travel and enjoy some delicious food!

Caldillo de Congrio (Conger Chowder)

La Nueva Cocina Chilena | Flickr

But not only beef is enjoyed during winter. Prepared with a special fish that can be found on the Pacific coast, the red cusk-eel (congrío colorado) or the pink cusk-eel (congrío dorado), this chowder is so popular than Neruda dedicated one of his poems.

Ideally, the conger chowder is served on a clay plate to keep the dish warm. In order to prepare it; onions, potatoes, carrots, lemons and coriander are added, making it the perfect dish for those who love the see products.

The best way to enjoy this dish is after walking across Pablo Neruda’s house on Isla Negra, in the Valparaíso Region.

Curanto

Harured | Flickr

Chiloe’s gastronomy, which is influenced by the mapuche culture, is known for its different types of potatoes, which are part of many different and classical dishes from the Los Lagos Region. The famous curanto, along with the potatoes, is made with pork and beef, sausages, fish, seashells and many other vegetables. It’s traditionally cooked over some hot stones located on a wide hole in the ground.

You can enjoy it with some chapalele, a dough made with some cooked potatoes and wheat flour. There’s also a sweet version, where you can add sugar or honey and are served warm, perfect for a cold winter day.

If you are in Chiloé and already enjoy its beautiful architecture, end this experience with a delicious curanto and its incredible cooking process.

Carbonada

cathydelponi | Flickr

Carbonada is a easy, delicious and satisfying soup that has big pieces of vegetables and meat, perfect during those days in which the cold weather takes the best of us. There are several theories about its origin and name, but what we do know is that it was initially prepared in Lota, in the Biobío Region, in the coal mines during the XIX century.

This dish is easy to prepare, and provides enough energy to visit the most traditional places of the region, like Lota’s Historical Museum or “Chiflón del Diablo”, one of the oldest coal mines in Chile.

This dish also has many other ingredients, like potatoes, squash, meat, onion, carrots and some soup. We add some peas and rice and we have a delicious carbonada; and with some “sopaipillas” on the side even better!

Source: www.chileestuyo.cl

The capital of the fifth region, Valparaíso, is nationally known for its cultural, historical and heritage values. Its hills invite us to discover them and to fall in love with the different works of arts that cover its walls and stairs. A city that has known how to keep its essence, despite the passing of time, and it has become one of a kind.

In 2003, the historical center of the city was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, organization that decided to highlight the different and unique aspects of Valparaíso. Its architecture influenced by immigrants and developed according to the geographical aspects of the city, unique landscapes, a vibrant artistic scene, and means of transport that definitely don’t go unnoticed, such as the trolley and funiculars, internationally known as funicular railways of Valparaíso

It was after 1883 that the authorities decided to implement a new way of moving around the city, in order to lighten the burden of those inhabitants that had to walk dozens of steps to reach the city’s center or walk back to their home. Around 30 funiculars were created, which were located in different parts of the city.

They are currently 16 funiculars throughout the city, all them declared Historical National Monuments, but only 7 of these are working. Due to the great value of these lifts, authorities are currently undertaking the restoration and modernization of 9 of them, while also maintaining the unique elements of each of them.

Juan Ernesto Jaeger | Imagen de Chile

Among these monuments, a few of them stand out above the others, whether it is because of the place where they are located, their beauty, the amazing view that they provide or their unique structure. Some of them are:

Polanco Lift: Although these monuments are commonly known as “ascensores” (elevators in Spanish), the Polanco is the only one that actually works as one, since it moves in a vertical way. In order to access to this elevator, people have to go through a tunnel; after reaching to the elevator they will ascend a total of 60 meters. The top part of it offers an amazing panoramic view of the city. To get off the lift, people have to cross a bridge to the Cerro Polanco.

Artillería funicular railway: The most popular and the most photographed funicular of Valparaíso. It was built with the purpose of transporting officials and sailors from the Naval School, and is known for its wide and colourful carts. It also provides a spectacular view of Valparaíso.

Reina Victoria Lift: This funicular runs through the famous Cerro Alegre, a popular area for its variety of services, such as restaurants and accommodation. One of the biggest attractions of this elevator is the privileged view of Cerro Concepción and Cerro Cárcel. It is also recognized as the steepest lift in Valparaíso.

El Peral lift: This funicular connects different patrimonial parts of the city, joining the Plaza de la Justicia and the Yugoslavo walk located in Cerro Alegre. From its top station it is possible to admire the Pacific Ocean, along with enjoying its exhibition room.

Concepción lift: It was the first funicular in being inaugurated and located on the hill by the same name. This lift connects Prat street and the Gervasoni walk, one of the most important lookout of the city, offering a complete view of the financial district and the ocean.

This June 21 not only marks the beginning of winter, since this day until June 24th different indigenous communities in our country will carry out their celebrations of the Indigenous New Year, which occurs at the same time that the Winter Solstice. This date represents the return of the Sun to the Earth. The light returns, the nights will become shorter and the days longer over the next six months.

For the indigenous communities, the solstices and equinoxes always played an important role, based on the behaviour of the sun they were able to understand nature, which was very important for their agriculture and cattle. It is a period considered as a new beginning; the harvesting has finished and now the land prepares itself for the sowing season. The sprouts begin to appear, the animals change their fur and the rivers grow due to the rain and the thaw.

Several communities begin their New Year rituals by thanking Mother Earth and Father Sun, asking for a productive year and full prosperity for their cattle and harvests. The Aymara people celebrate the “Machaq Mara” or division of the year. During this celebration, gifts are offered to Mother Earth or Pachamama to reestablish harmony and to thank her for her generosity. All of this is done in a spirit of community, along with dances, music and traditional food.

The quechua community celebrates this date under the name of “Inti Raymi” where they thank nature and the heavenly star Inti, ritual inherited from the Inca culture. The Kolla community also celebrates this occasion under the name of “Huata Mosoj”, celebration that takes place during the morning and is carried out by a Yatiri, wise person chosen by the spiritual forces.

Another community at the north of Chile that carries a celebration is the Atacameños, naming it “Likan Antai”. During this event they lit a big bonfire to fight the cold weather and to gather around it, reciting in their kunza language “Aijate, aijate al jumor”, meaning “move closer to the fire”, while praying to the Pata Hoiri (Mother Earth)

This is also an important date for the Rapa Nui people. They celebrate the “Aringa Ora o Koro”, which can be translate as “The living face of the patriarch”. During this rite they celebrate the beginning of a new season and life’s umbilical cord, as a symbol of fertility and productivity. They also pay homage to the heads of the families, along with the lineages and relatives of the community.

One of the celebrations that has gained a lot of popularity is the one of the mapuche community, often referred to as “We Tripantu” or “Wiñoi Tripantu”, which means “the new coming of the sun” in mapudungun. It is usually celebrated during the eve of June 24th, where everyone gathers in one house and each attendant brings their own yewüm (their collaboration, it can be food or presents), and as a group their share stories and tales of their culture. They also perform ceremonial dances around a big bonfire and practice different traditional games, while also enjoying traditional mapuche food, such as muday or mültrun.

When the dawn comes the first thing they do is go to the river to wash out everything that is old along with the bad spirits, then they gather around to receive the sun and they shout “¡Akuy we tripantu!” and “Wiñoi tripantu” (“The New Year arrived!” and “The sunrise comes back!”). During the rest of the day they carry out different activities to start the new year with prosperity.

The different climates and ecosystems of Chile have allowed several species of penguins to inhabit our territory. These flightless birds tend to live in cold waters and due to the currents that affect our country, Chile has become an ideal place for their development and reproduction.

Humboldt penguin

This species lives in places that are affected by the Humboldt current, in the Pacific Ocean. In Chile, is possible to find them from the Arica and Parinacota Region to the Chiloé Archipelago. Worldwide, Chile has the biggest colony of this kind of penguin, which is located in a national reserve dedicated to the protection of it, in the Coquimbo Region.

King penguin

It is the second largest species within the penguin family and a migratory bird that can be found from the subantarctic islands to the antarctic circumpolar waters. As an exception, Chile has a small colony that inhabits the Inútil Bay (Tierra del Fuego), where the King Penguin Park is located.This park was inaugurated in 2011 in order to protect and shelter the limited population of this species in the area.

Southern rockhopper penguin

As one of the smallest type of penguins, on average they reach a length of 55 cm and a weight of 3.35 kg. They are easily recognisable by their yellow feathers located at the level of their eyebrows. Colonies of this species are found in the Diego Ramirez Archipelago, Noir Island and Ildefonso Island, all of them in the southern end of our country.

Macaroni penguin

Similar to the Southern rockhopper penguin, the Macaroni penguin is also recognised by its long eyebrows, but this species’ feathers are orange. In Chile, they are found in the southernmost islands, but due to its migratory characteristics they can also be found in antarctic areas.

Adélie penguin

It is known as the white eyed penguin, nickname given to it due to the white border that surround its eyes and that stands out even more because of the black colour of its head. This species only inhabits the antarctic continent, but in rare occasions it can be found in some surrounding islands.

Chinstrap penguin

One of the easiest penguins to identify due to the unique colours of its head, highlighting the thin black stripe that borders its face; similar to a helmet. This specimen lives in different parts of the southern hemisphere, but in Chile it is distributed between the southern extreme continental y and our Antarctic territory.

Gentoo penguin

It is asily recognised because of white mark above its eyes, and known as the fastest species under water, reaching a 36 km/h speed. In Chile, and during its migration period, they are found in the subantarctic islands of the southernmost part of our country.

Magellanic penguin

Also know as Patagonian penguin, this species lives in the patagonian coasts and islands of our country, but during winter they tend to migrate to warmer climates, even reaching the coast of the Peruvian territory. The biggest of this species in the national territory can be found in the Magdalena Island, which has over 60.000 specimen in average.

Emperor penguin

The largest penguin of all, reaching over 120 cm and weighing between 20 and 45 kilos. It is the only species of this family that reproduces during the winter, walking between fifty and one hundred and twenty kilometer through ice in order to reach their colonies. It is possible to find them in the Antarctica, including the territory over which Chile has sovereignty.

Little Penguin

This small specimen does not live in the Chilean territory, but it is considered a frequent visitor of the central coast of our country. It owns its name to its small size, reaching no more than 45 centimeters and making it the smallest penguin of all species. Different to other penguins, its feather are of a dark blue colour, instead of black; a feature that gave it the name of “Blue Penguin”.

Chile is known for being a territory with a extreme and varied geography, climate and biodiversity. The Atacama desert takes place in between the Arica and Parinacota Region and Coquimbo Region, with a weather that has given it the title of the driest desert in the world and begin the home for native flora and fauna species. But not only mountains, volcanoes and a huge variety of colors due to the minerals, is what we can find in the Atacama desert; here we introduce you to a “coastal circuit”; unmissable destinations in the coast and beaches of our desert.

Isla Pan de Azúcar

Daniela Snow / Flickr

24 km away from the coast of Pan de Azúcar National Park, placed at the north of Chañaral, it emerges in the sea the Isla Pan de Azúcar. This place is home for Humboldt Penguins mainly, that get together in higher numbers in the nesting and change of feather seasons, this island is also home for other animals such as sea lions, marine otters and pelicans, besides typical vegetation of desert zones.
In order to get to the area, it is necessary to get sail from Pan de Azúcar. It is possible to get around the island but not to stay there.

Bahía Inglesa

ArmanMesh /Flickr

With white sand and warm, crystal and turquoise waters, Bahía Inglesa is without a doubt one of the most popular beaches of the zone. Their beaches are an invitation to rest and also count with all the services for the tourists or anyone that would like to enjoy some days in the surrounding cities. The most popular beaches are; La Piscina, Las Machas, Blanca and El Chuncho.

Llanos de Challe National Park

Gabriel Campos / Flickr

In the coast of the Atacama Region, Llanos de Challe National Park is and ecological heritage site of our country and practically a paradise for endemic flora species, mainly of coastal desertic climate.
When the desert gets full of colors during the Blooming Desert (Desierto Florido), all the eyes are put in Llanos de Challe, that becomes the home for flowers that only bloom in this point and in this moment; such as Garra de Leon, which is considered one of the most beautiful.

Chañaral de Aceituno

cristinaharboephotography / Instagram

Near the famous Punta de Choros, you can find this quiet place that for a long time has remained hidden as a secret in the Atacama Region. With a nice cuisine and beaches that are an invitation to rest, step by step Chañaral de Aceituno has became a new option for the tourists of the desert; but that is not everything, this small place is the paradise for sighting at least 6 different species of whales that travel through the Humboldt current, including the majestic blue whale.

Portofino beach

Only 25 km from Chañaral it is possible to find this idyllic beach in the north of Chile. With crystal waters, rocks in the depths and white and grey sands; Portofino beach is also a perfect destination for surf, diving and fishing enthusiasts.
The tranquility of the desert is the perfect combination for sunsets in this beach.

Changos petroglyph or Caleta Obispito

www.chileprecolombino.cl

In the north of Calera, in the renowned Obispito, it is possible to find these cave paintings of the Changos, and indigenous group that lived in the desert. Most of them correspond to petroglyphs of underwater motifs, such as fishes, shells and sharks, they are unique in their kind; besides other objects of ritual connotation, such as clay and pottery.

Chile is recognized for the contrasts of its territory, from the Andes to the sea; with the most surprising scenarios between the driest desert in the world and the enormous ice fields in the southern territory. With unique cities, comparable to real “pearls” that have their own shine, this cities have a special value for either their history, natural beauty, architecture or their people.

True hidden treasures that we invite you to discover. Come and get to know the “Seven Pearls” that you can find in Chile:

Antofagasta, the Norte Grande pearl.

This mining capital is considered as the city with the biggest income in Chile, with a constant growing in the construction sector, trade and hotel industry during the last decades.

Owning a long history, the north has a cultural and heritage richness that goes from the first pre hispanic settlements to its economic relevance concerning mining. This gives identity to the north and to its people at an international level.

Felipe Cantillana | Fundación Imagen de Chile

Ovalle, the Limarí pearl.

Beautiful city that stands out for it Plaza de Armas and its Alameda with leafy trees, palms and gardens; having exuberant water mirrors and a privileged weather. Its territory is perfect for fruit farming and pisco production.

The Limarí pearl is the nest of the Diaguita, Ánimas and Molle cultures, whose history and legacy is preserved in the Museo Arqueológico del Limarí and in the Valle del Encanto, where it is possible to find petroglyphs, pictographs and cup stones. It is said that in this valley you can travel back in time to the first indigenous settlements, that is the reason of its name.

Valparaíso, the Pacific pearl.

This city, one of the most popular, gets its nickname because of the beauty of its surroundings, specially the beaches, the colorful houses that climb the mountains and its kind people.

Juan Ernesto Jaeger | Imagen de Chile

Constitución, Del Maule Pearl

Famous city of the Maule coast, with large beaches of black sand and rocky formations that are also a Sanctuary of Nature, the most known are Piedra de la Iglesia and Arco de los Enamorados.

Besides the beach, it also counts with attractions with a a great touristic value such as: boat trips to isla Orrego; Putú dunes, considered the biggest in Chile and the cost wetlands, that are the home for native and migratory birds, such as flamingos and swans; the Ramal, the last train that connects Talca and Constitución that travels across traditional towns by the Maule River, with a view to the most beautiful and green countryside landscapes of the central part of Chile and that allows to cross the Banco Arena bridge designed by the famous Gustave Eiffel.

Concepción, The Biobío Pearl

Since its foundation, the city has been one of the 3 biggest city of Chile.. With a great university and cultural tradition, it combines a modern city with an important cultural heritage and natural beauties. Important characters of the Chilean cultural scene such as Gonzalo Rojas were known in the city before being famous.

Wikicommons

Valdivia, The Southern Pearl

Multicultural and university city, with natural landscapes of exuberant beauty and a river that surrounds it, Valdivia gather the greatest number of Spanish buildings of the 17th and 18th century such as forts, palaces and towers. It also has a great and attractive gastronomic and cultural offer, being known for its German pastry-making and its different kind of craft beers.

Ideal destination for young people that looks for sports, adventure and entertainment.

Punta Arenas, The Strait Pearl

The city is a source of inspiration of great national musicians such as José Bohr,, Enrique “Chilote” Campos and Nicanor Molinare whose song highlight the beauty and unique landscapes of the city, its fjords, glaciers and islands.

Fundación Imagen de Chile

In the southernmost regions of the national territory there are two areas widely known for being two of the biggest ice sheets in the world; outside of the polar territories; the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.

These huge ice fields are remains of what once was the Patagonian Ice Sheet, that covered great part of the Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia during the last ice age, also known as the Llanquihue glaciation. Due to different climate changes, this big sheet started to break and transformed into the two ice fields that we currently have.

Located in the Aysén Region, the Northern Patagonian Ice Field it’s the third biggest ice layer in the world, comprising a total of 4.200 square kilometers. This area has a total of 28 different glaciers, the most popular ones are the San Quintín and the San Rafael, located near the Pacific Ocean. It also includes other small glaciers, such as the Nef and the San Valentín, whose job is to feed the rivers and lakes that are found in the region.

For tourists, the biggest attractions that this ice field has to offer is the Laguna San Rafael National Park, which offers several tours across the lake and the chance to appreciate first hand the magnificent beauty of the San Rafael Glacier. Within the park, adventurers have the chance to walk on an through the ice of a glacier, the Exploradores. For those who have more experience and resistance to cold weather, they can climb to the top of the San Valentín Hill, the highest mountain in the Chilean Patagonia.

Glaciar San Rafael | SERNATUR

In the Magallanes Region it’s located the second biggest extrapolar ice field of the whole world, exceeded only by Greenland; the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. This sheet covers a total of 12.363 square kilometers, with a 85% of it located within Chilean territory, while the rest is in Argentina. This field has a total of 49 glaciers.

Among the different attractions of this field, it’s the fourth biggest glacier in the world, and the biggest in the southern hemisphere, the Pío XI or Brüggen Glacier, which currently has a total of 1265 square kilometers. Its size constantly changes, since it continues to grow, opposite to most glaciers.

Great part of this field covers both the Torres del Paine and the Bernardo O’Higgins National Parks, turning into a protected land. Within the most popular glaciers of this area is the Grey, located in the Torres del Paine National Park, and from where it is possible to admire the great magnitude of these millenary ice.

Glaciar Grey |Miguel Vieira, Flickr

Another place of great interest is the Monte Fitz Roy or Cerro Chaitén, in the border between both Patagonian countries. Its height surpasses the 3.400 meters above sea level, and it is considered one of the most defying climbs by hikers from different parts of the world; it owes its fame to its changing and unstable weather, along with its unique geography.

Currently, both ice fields are considered of great scientific relevance; providing information of the effects and consequences of global warming. Scientifics from all over the world have dedicated their careers to the study of the land, geography and behavior of these ice fields, in order to stop the retreat of these glaciers.

One of the most visited region in the north of our country for tourists that seek to escape the routine on Iquique’s beautiful beaches, to feel amazed by the landscapes of the Andean plateau, to enjoy the remains of ancient cultures or to learn about the different events that took part in our history. We give you some of the most attractive destinations of this region:

Cavancha Beach

One of the most popular beaches in the north of our country, that charms visitors for its white sand and warm and peaceful water that allow swimming. There are areas of the beach that are open for other types of activities, such as animal exhibitions, an aquarium and a few parks.

Corbeta Esmeralda Museum

Located at Iquique’ shore, this historical museum is a real-sized representation of the ship that took part in the Battle of Iquique in 1879. It was created with the purpose of providing an inside look to the community, so they will learn about their culture and history. With several reproductions and copies within the Esmeralda, it is possible to have a clear idea of how life was for the sailors inside the ship, specially during war times.

Paseo Baquedano

Road in the middle of Iquique that through its architecture takes us back to other times. It was considered to be one of the most important urban areas of the city during the saltpeter era. The architecture of these buildings reflect a blending of the northern traditions of our country, with the foreign influences of migrants that arrived to this city. Nowadays it’s considered as a “Zona Típica” (Traditional area) of Iquique, including its historical trolley that takes passengers through the most colourful streets of this road.

Cerro Dragón

Located in the region’s capital, Iquique, this is the name of a great dune that emerged due to strong winds that date back to 20.000 years ago. This Nature Sanctuary has become a great attraction of the city, where different activities and sports take place, such as sandboard and paragliding. From the top of this place, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city.

Atacama Giant

A big hieroglyph located next to the Unita Hill, a few kilometers away from Huara. Shaped as a person and with over 100 meter in length, is it believed that it’s a representation of what indigenous groups of the area called “chamán” (someone with a magical powers); there’s also a theory that it could represent some kind of deity. Based on indigenous traditions, this figure also provided information about the moon’s position and the seasons: allowing farmer to determine when it was crop season.

Volcán Isluga National Park

Located above 4.000 meters above sea level, this national park comprises a total of 174.744 hectares, filled with traditional flora and fauna of the Andean plateau. Yaretas, tolares and queñuales are often spotted in this place, the first one being one of the oldest plants in the world. This vegetation is complete by the presence of animals such as the guanaco, the vicuña, the llama, the alpaca, the zorro culpeo and vizcachas. But without a doubt, one of the most visited attractions is the Puchuldiza geothermal field, formed by geysers and hot springs that reach high temperatures.

La Tirana

This town located in Pozo Almonte is national and internationally known for its party of the same name, which takes place on July 16 of every year, in which people honoured Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The second biggest religious celebration of the country, that year after year welcomes more than 250.000 believers during a whole week, who come from different parts of Chile and neighbouring countries. Parades, dances and chants take over this small town of no more than 800 inhabitants.

Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works

Located 47 kilometers away from Iquique, this ancient saltpeter works are a reflection of the different refineries that peaked during the end of the XIX century and the beginning of the XX century. Today, they are considered World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO, due to their historical value. Within these places it is possible to observe the headquarters, a theatre, a church, a store, and different houses were workers used to live.