Fascinating facts about Chile – Part 2

Chile is a country full of surprises, and there is still so much more to discover! After our first collection of fascinating facts, here are ten more interesting and unexpected things you may not know about Chile. From ancient forests and blooming deserts to penguins, whales and some very Chilean traditions, discover another side of this extraordinary country.

1. From desert to sub-Antarctic landscapes in one country

Chile spans roughly 38 degrees of latitude, creating an extraordinary variety of climates and ecosystems.Travelling from north to south, you can experience the arid landscapes and salt flats of the Atacama Desert, fertile valleys and Mediterranean landscapes in Central Chile, lush temperate rainforests and countless lakes and volcanoes further south, before reaching the windswept steppes, glaciers and sub-Antarctic landscapes of Patagonia.

2. Penguins don’t only live in icy Patagonia

You don’t have to travel to the far south of Chile to see penguins. Humboldt penguins live along the Pacific coast of Chile and can be spotted in several protected areas much farther north than many visitors expect. One of the best-known colonies is around the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, north of La Serena.

3. The desert that suddenly blooms

One of the driest places on Earth can occasionally turn into a colourful sea of flowers. After unusually abundant winter rainfall, dormant seeds in the Atacama Desert awaken and produce the spectacular phenomenon known as the Desierto Florido or “flowering desert”. Vast areas can become covered in pink, purple, yellow and white blossoms, a remarkable contrast to the normally arid landscape.

4. Chile is an important destination for whale watching

Chile’s enormous coastline provides important feeding grounds and migration routes for several whale species. Depending on the region and season, travellers may encounter humpback, sei, fin and even blue whales – the largest animals ever known to have lived on Earth. Patagonia and the waters around Chiloé are particularly interesting areas for whale watching.

5. Chile has thousands of islands

Chile’s territory includes thousands of islands, particularly in the country’s far south. Here, the Pacific coastline fragments into an extraordinary labyrinth of islands, archipelagos, fjords and channels. Many of these remote areas are virtually untouched and can only be reached by boat, making southern Chile one of the wildest regions of South America.

6. Trees more than 3,000 years old

Chilean alerce trees are among the longest-living tree species on Earth. These impressive native trees grow in the temperate rainforests of southern Chile and can live for more than 3,000 years. Some have been standing since long before the Roman Empire. Today, the alerce is a protected species and an extraordinary symbol of Chile’s ancient forests.

7. A record-breaking swimming pool

Chile is home to one of the most famous giant swimming pools in the world. The enormous crystal-clear lagoon at San Alfonso del Mar in Algarrobo, on Chile’s central coast, was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest swimming pool by area. Stretching for more than a kilometre, it looks more like an artificial lagoon than a conventional swimming pool.

8. “Once” doesn’t necessarily mean eleven

If a Chilean invites you to tomar once, don’t turn up at eleven o’clock! La once is a traditional light meal enjoyed in the late afternoon or evening, usually with tea or coffee, bread and toppings such as cheese, ham, avocado or jam. For many Chilean families, it can even replace dinner altogether.

9. Chileans have their own version of the hot dog

Forget the simple hot dog – in Chile, there is the completo. This popular fast-food classic consists of a hot dog topped generously with ingredients such as chopped tomato, avocado and mayonnaise. One of the most famous versions is the completo italiano, whose green avocado, white mayonnaise and red tomato resemble the colours of the Italian flag.

10. Chile’s Biggest Shake and a Drink to Match

The 1960 Valdivia earthquake reached magnitude 9.5, making it the strongest ever recorded. But if someone offers you a Terremoto, don’t worry: they mean one of Chile’s most famous cocktails, made with sweet pipeño wine, pineapple ice cream and a splash of grenadine. Its name, meaning “earthquake,” is said to come from the drink’s powerful effect, which can leave you feeling a little unsteady on your feet.