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 3 – Zona Central
This central region houses the three main developed metropolitan cities in Chile. Your home base will be in Valparaíso/Viña del Mar where you could spend your entire time abroad if you felt like it!
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Get lost in your own city! Explore the hills (los cerros) of Valparaíso and you will not be disappointed. A hard working port city, “Little San Francisco,” as sailors used to call it, boasts tasteful graffiti covering the walls, stairs and doorways. If you’re looking to give your calves a break, attend ISA’s included excursions to the historical fishing villages north of the city.
Splurge
If you’re itching to get out of the cities and escape to the mountains, you’re in luck! The longest mountain range in the world, the Andes, lies less than 4 hours away to the east by bus. Head to ski or snowboard in the East in the historic Andes and experience a bucket list adventure. Housed on the Incan Lagoon, the Portillo Ski Resort was the proud host of the first ever World Ski Championships in the Southern Hemisphere in 1966. Keep in mind that Chile has opposite seasons as the northern hemisphere and that ideal snow conditions occur between June and October.
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.
