Five Diverse Regions, One Country: Chile.
2,690 miles in length and no more than 112 miles wide, there are 5 distinct geographical regions in Chile, just waiting to be explored! Whether you’re on a tight budget or have some extra money to spend, these save and splurge ideas are sure to enhance your study abroad experience in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Follow us on a five part journey through the Norte Grande, Norte Chico, Zona Central, Zona Sur and Zona Austral.
Part Two – Norte Chico
This region is known for many rivers that flow from the Andes mountains, creating luscious greenery and valleys. The “Napa Valley of Chile” houses the majority of the country’s Pisco distilleries, which one will quickly learn is a source of Chilean pride. La Serena is the most notable stop, putting you in the perfect location to make the leap into the Elqui Valley (best visited between Oct-March). For the astronomers at heart, the cloudless Norte Chico region is the prime location to view the stars!
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Spend the day discovering the intercultural secrets of the Chilean Pisco distilleries. Tours are available to learn the about distilling process – allow yourself to taste the subtle differences. If poetry interests you, visit the Gabriela Mistral museum in the city of Vicuña. The museum pays tribute to the Nobel Prize winner by showcasing some of her personal belongings, awards and works.
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A few hours away from La Serena is the Mamalluca Observatory, which offers evening observatory tours and allow for breathtaking views through world class telescopes. If you’re the camping type, a night under the stars in Vicuña could be the night away from the city that you’ve been craving. Camping sites are relatively cheap allowing for the beauty of the stars to shine through.
For more information about Chile, check out the ISA Chile website.
See more posts in the Save and Splurge series:
Part One – Norte Grande
Part Two – Norte Chico
Part Three – Zona Central
Part Four – Zona Sur
Stay tuned for Part Five on 5/29.
