Chile

Chilean Grapes. Photo by Freyja Ellis

V!VA User‘s Description

Wedged between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, the best known fact about Chile is its wholly improbable shape. Stretching 4,000 km (2,500 mi) south from the base of Peru right to the tip of the continent, it has almost three times as much coastline as its neighbour, yet only half the total landmass. As you might expect of such a country, Chile features huge extremes in its landscape. The very north of the country is occupied by the world’s driest desert, some parts of which have never felt a drop of rain, while deep in the south, the famous ice fields of Tierra del Fuego stretch out into the distance like giant floating boulders. In between, more hospitable terrain greets visitors; palm-fringed sandy beaches and well-developed ski-resorts can be reached in a couple of hours from Santiago and further south, the Lake District and Patagonia both feature world-class hiking. On your way down, you can stay in a comfortable hacienda in the midst of Wine Country.

By Noleen Turner

Cachagua

Cachagua is an exclusive beach resort located about 180km northwest of Santiago and about 10km from Maitencillo. It’s one of the nicest beaches in the area and the playground of Chiles elite. The small town is set back from the beach and is characterized by its beautiful houses and gardens and quaint streets. The surrounding area is filled with hills and forests.

Most people come here for the beach, which is less packed than in Zapallar. Playa Grande is a white sand beach and nearly 5km long. Activities include surfing, water sports, playing football or volleyball and horse riding. It’s also possible to paraglide from the cliffs.

To the north is Playa Cujas, where you can buy fresh fish and seafood from the caleta de pescadores. Further north of Playa Cujas, is a perfect spot for diving and fishing. Opposite Playa Cujas is the Isla de Cachagua o de los Pinguinos (Cachagua Island or Island of Penguins). This nature sanctuary is home to thousands of protected Humboldt and Magellanic penguins as well as an endangered species of sea otter. The island is a protected areas and visitors are not allowed. Do not try to bribe a fisherman to take you on his boat, as some tourist do, remember it is a wildlife sanctuary.

There isn’t much by way of cheap accommodation and there are only a couple of restaurants.

For lodgings try Motel Aguas Claras on Avenida Zapallar 125 (Tel: +56 2 69 66 1 36). Zentro Cachagua on Avenida Cachagua 324 (Tel: +56 33 77 1313 www.zentrocachagua.cl) has a range of apartments for rent. A much cheaper option is to stay at Laguna de Zapallar, about 5km to the south. Here you can camp or rent a cabana (Tel: 56-32-2 772 156 www.campinglaguna.cl/).

For food try Restaurante Isla Golf in Club de Golf de Cachagua (Tel: 09-108 8864) or try L’Ermitage on Calle de L’Ermitage 11 (Tel: +56 33 771 1000).

If you have a car, try Cantagua on Route F.30E halfway between Maitencillo and Cachugua (Tel: (32) 2 771 414).

Getting there:

Driving from Santiago: take route 5 Norte until Nogales. Then take route F-20 until you come to routes F-30-E and F-210. You need to head north at this junction.

Bus from Santiago: take a bus from Estacion Central.

Driving from Viña del Mar or Valpariaso: head north for routes F-30-E and F-210.

Bus from Viña del Mar: buses depart from Plaza Sucre (just off Avenida Valparaíso ) and Plaza Parroquia (close to the entrance of Quinta Vergera) every 30 – 40 minutes. In summer departures are up to 9pm. In winter, last departures are at around 7pm.

Bus from Valparaíso: from Avenida Errázuriz take any bus going to Cachagua.

Driving from Mendoza: take routes 60, 5 Norte, F-30-E and F-210.

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