Chile is positioned in both the western and southern hemispheres. It's located on the western and southwestern coast of South America, and bordered by Argentina, Bolivia and Peru, and by the Pacific Ocean.

From desert top to glacier bottom, Chile’s landscape is an everpresent reminder of nature’s beauty and power. This narrow trickle of a country is jammed with enough geysers, mountains, beaches, forests and volcanos to keep adventure nuts entertained for a lifetime. Chile is known for its wines, skiing and beaches.

Chile is quite simply a land of incomparable scenery, and worldwide travelers frequently rave about their individual journeys into its unparelled landscapes and fascinating history.

For starters, Chile has more than its share of beaches, coves and inlets for exploring and swimming; uncounted skiing, scuba diving and surfing venues, and some of the planet's most spectacular deep-sea fishing. In addition, Chile's yearly calendar is crammed with cultural events and colorful festivals.

In the north, major attractions include the Spanish colonial architecture and history of Arica, Antofagasta and Coquimbo; topography of the Altiplano (plateau), the home of high-allitude alpacas, llamas and the ancestral heritage of the Aymara Indians; the lunar-landscape of the Atacama Desert, and the volcanic-in-origin national parks and nature preserves.

With incredible climate variations, north to south, Chile's weather is most difficult to summarize, so we will focus on Santiago, and then refer you to the individual conditions and forecasts shown below.

As for Santiago, the spring months (September - November) are mild and the perfect time to visit, while summers (December - February) are generally dry and hot, with cool evenings, and daily high temperatures often reaching 85º F.

You can learn Spanish in Chile in the capital (Santiago de Chile):

• Spanish Courses in Santiago de Chile

• EcuadorEcuador arguably has the most intensely varied landscape in South America. You get it all here: the collosal Andes, the Amazon, Pacific beaches, and of course the naturalist's paradise of the Galapagos Islands.
• BoliviaBolivia may be one of the poorest countries in South America, but its cultural wealth, the Andean landscapes and the remnants of mysterious ancient civilizations make it a rich and exciting destination for those looking for more than postcards.
• PeruThe landscape of Peru is as epic as its history. The shadows, canyons, and plateaus of the vertiginous Andes hide the remains of one of the world's most extraordinary empires - the Inca - while their eastern slopes are the cradle of the Amazon River itself.
• ChileIn Chile, nature runs the gamut of its most dramatic forms - enormous glaciers, craggy granite spires, and towering volcanic cones dominate the landscape. Torres del Paine National Park is widely held to be the finest park in the Americas.
• ArgentinaA country of wide-open pampas and ancient forests, Argentina is as wild as its capital city, Buenos Aires, is sophisticated.
• CubaCuba is a beautiful country, it also has a population that is very hospitable in spite of the economic difficulties in the last few years. It is a country of music, poetry, dancing, singing and chatting. People have time for each other and for their guests. Cuba is like going back in time to the 50´s: old cars, a relaxed atmosphere, no hurry.
• Costa RicaIn recent years, Costa Rica has nearly become synonymous with the term "ecotourism." Its pristine rainforests are painstakingly protected, and an ever-increasing tide of people comes to witness the astounding abundance of plant and animal species each year.
• Dominican Rep.The white sand beaches, impressive mountain ranges veined with spectacular rivers and waterfalls, and saltwater lakes teeming with exotic wildlife are just part of the Dominican Republic’s appeal. Whether you’re looking to party, relax or explore, the Dominican Republic has a lot to offer.
• GuatemalaA colorful and hospitable country. As the origin of the mysterious Mayas, the country offers some of the continent’s richest folklore. The cultural blend of Spanish and Indigenous people is still seen in daily life. Ancient rituals are intertwined with the modern. You will find an abundance of high quality, low-priced handicrafts.
• MexicoWith both the most populous city in the world, and some of the most beautiful beaches, Mexico is a lively destination. A variety of natural wonders from lush tropical rainforests to mountains and deserts make Mexico a gem for the adventurer, but its real treasure is in the spirit of its people.