Chile

Landscape

Chile is a long, narrow country between the Andes and the Pacific, with additional island territories. The north includes extremely dry desert, the centre has valleys and Mediterranean conditions, and the south contains forests, lakes, fjords and glaciers.

The Atacama Desert contrasts sharply with the mountain and glacial scenery around Torres del Paine. Coastal ranges and the Andes enclose important central valleys. The country’s great length creates strong climatic differences even before elevation is considered.

Climate & seasons

The north includes extremely dry desert, central Chile has Mediterranean conditions, and the south is cooler and wetter. The Andes create colder climates at high elevations.

Mountains & ocean

The Pacific, cold ocean currents and high Andes all influence rainfall. Rivers are often short and steep because the ocean lies close to the mountains. Earthquakes and volcanic activity are significant parts of Chile’s physical setting.