Central Chile

To the north, the climate grows gradually hotter and drier. The chain of beaches and resorts continues north to La Serena,, Chile's second-oldest city now known for its production of pisco, a grape brandy which follows close behind wine on the list of Chile's preferred drinks.

To the south, the central valley comes into its own. These were the fertile lands first claimed by the Spanish conquistadores; here the Chilean huaso (cowboy) still spends his day astride his horse in the traditional manta (poncho) and sombrero, honing his skills for annual rodeo rodeo competitions.

To the east, the Andes are an unforgettable presence, cloaked in white in winter and spring, storing meltwater for the rivers which irrigate Chile's heartland. Beyond that first line of peaks, visible from anywhere in the Central Valley and from many places along the coast, lies a wilderness of glacially sculpted canyons, glaciers and microclimate forests, alpine lakes and thundering rivers. Lateral roads lead into the cordillera, providing access to numerous national parks and truly endless opportunities for skiing ,hiking and mountaineering, mountain biking, horseback riding and rafting.