Welcome to Chile Surf Adventures - 4x4 Chilean Surf Expeditions to the finest surfing zones in Chile
In the search for natural balance and harmony, one need not look further than Chile. The epitome of contrasts, Chile is perfectly balanced in many aspects. With the mountains and the sea, fiery volcanoes and giant ice fields, the most arid desert to the north where some parts have not seen rain since before the birth if Christ, and the lush rain forests to the south where some areas receive over 200 inches of rain per year. When one contemplates the meaning of yin and yang, and where examples of this famous struggle of contrasts can be found, Chile may have the answers.
Despite Chile's reputation as possibly the most European community in South America, the traditional way of life can still be found in the Andean Foothills and southern plains. In stark contrast, Chile's cities are modern often sprawling metropolises that despite their appearance remain quintessentially Chilean at heart. It doesn't take long to get away from civilization where you'll discover some of the best national parks on the continent - lush mountain forests, volcanoes, vast lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and breathtaking geological phenomena.
Amongst all these natural wonders lie small towns and villages embedded in the landscape, many proudly sporting their colonial colors for all to see, all of them unquestionably friendly and fascinating. The Chilean people are extremely resilient having survived a history of violent conflict and natural disasters with their intellect and zest for life firmly intact. Despite the influence of colonial Europe they still retain a distinct identity, embracing change while understanding the importance of traditional culture and the preservation of the natural surroundings. Chile is nothing if not impressive. The sheer diversity of things to see and do is almost beyond comprehension. From the rich wonders of it's countryside to the intriguing beauty of it's cities, towns and villages it has more to offer than many countries twice it's size. The rich culture, mouth-watering cuisine, fine wine and faultless hospitality is simply luxuries in addition to the entire splendor. A visit to Chile is not to be taken lightly it should be savored like a beautiful meal or a fine wine and treasured like a magnificent living, breathing, ever-changing work of art.
Due to the fact that the Pacific Ocean is at the doorstep of all Chileans; seafood is the breadbasket of Chilean cuisine. Delicacies such as conger eel, sea bass, king crab, and locos (Chilean abalone), are abundant. The Pacific isn't the only source of fine dining; many simple country dishes of European origin are among the best offerings of Chilean Cuisine. Typical plates like cazuela, a superb stew made of meat, potatoes, and corn on the cob in a thick broth, or porotos granados, a thick bean, corn, and squash stew, or humitas, a ground corn seasoned and steamed in its own husk, just to name a few, are extremely delicious. The central valley of Chile is one of the most fertile agricultural valleys in the world producing a large variety of fruits and vegetables. Every village, town and city has a version of the farmer's market, la feria, where delicious organically grown produce can be sampled and than bought for a very reasonable price.
The Chileans have a saying, "Wherever you go, the Andes will always accompany you."
The Andes Mountains form one of the longest continuous mountain ranges on Earth, extending from the shores of the Caribbean as far south as the Magellan Straits. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this range is how narrow it is over much of its length - the high part of the range is typically less than 150 kilometers (93 miles) broad. One example of this is the section of the Andes near Coquimbo, Chile, where the highest peaks are 6,300 meters (20,670 feet). The narrowness of the range forms a formidable natural obstacle, and explains how the improbably long and thin country of Chile acquired its identity. In the south, the Chilean side of the Andes tends to be well watered and fertile, while the pampas (Argentina side) are in rain shadow and tend to be very dry. Further north, the Chilean coast is exceptionally dry (and forms the Atacama Desert) while the eastern slopes are much wetter.
Chile has become world renowned as one of the best wine producing countries in the world. Many vineyards around Santiago have been producing wine for more than 100 years, and some with French vine stocks that date back to the middle 19th century. Some of the best wines are the reds like Cabernet's, and merlots.
The only way to fully appreciate the Chilean culture is to experience this culturally rich country in person.
Due to the fact that the Pacific Ocean is at the doorstep of all Chileans; seafood is the breadbasket of Chilean cuisine. Delicacies such as conger eel, sea bass, king crab, and locos (Chilean abalone), are abundant. The Pacific isn't the only source of fine dining; many simple country dishes of European origin are among the best offerings of Chilean Cuisine. Typical plates like cazuela, a superb stew made of meat, potatoes, and corn on the cob in a thick broth, or porotos granados, a thick bean, corn, and squash stew, or humitas, a ground corn seasoned and steamed in its own husk, just to name a few, are extremely delicious. The central valley of Chile is one of the most fertile agricultural valleys in the world producing a large variety of fruits and vegetables. Every village, town and city has a version of the farmer's market, la feria, where delicious organically grown produce can be sampled and than bought for a very reasonable price.
The Andes Mountains form one of the longest continuous mountain ranges on Earth, extending from the shores of the Caribbean as far south as the Magellan Straits. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this range is how narrow it is over much of its length - the high part of the range is typically less than 150 kilometers (93 miles) broad. One example of this is the section of the Andes near Coquimbo, Chile, where the highest peaks are 6,300 meters (20,670 feet). The narrowness of the range forms a formidable natural obstacle, and explains how the improbably long and thin country of Chile acquired its identity. In the south, the Chilean side of the Andes tends to be well watered and fertile, while the pampas (Argentina side) are in rain shadow and tend to be very dry. Further north, the Chilean coast is exceptionally dry (and forms the Atacama Desert) while the eastern slopes are much wetter.
