Things to Do in Chile

Beloved Chilean poet and politician Neftalí Ricardo Reyes Basoalto – otherwise known as Pablo Neruda (1904–1973) – helped design this quirky, nautical-themed home for himself and his third wife, Matilde Urrutia, for whom La Chascona (“tangle-haired woman”) is named.

Bursting with Neruda´s odd collections and romantic personality, the house serves as unique insight into one of the most important figures in the country´s recent history. Music boxes, exotic artifacts, original chinaware, toys, antiques, and an overwhelming library with thousands of books are only part of the appeal; also on display are a replica of his Nobel Prize (presented in 1971 for literature) and a portrait of Urrutia by the famous artist Diego Rivera, which holds a secret of its own.

Though later vandalized by dictator Pinochet´s men, La Chascona has been restored and is now open to the public via tours (English included). La Sebastiana in Valparaiso and Casa de Isla Negra in Isla Negra, Neruda´s other two homes, are also preserved and maintained as museums revealing his life and obsessions. Although Pinochet outlawed the observance of Neruda´s funeral, thousands of loyal Chileans filled the streets in his honor nonetheless. After a walk through La Chascona´s bizarrely enchanting chambers, visitors will easily understand how the passionate writer and dedicated communist could continue to inspire people for generations.


Photo courtesy of Pekka Parhi via Wikimedia Commons.

Home to some of the last remaining forests of the endangered Chilean Wine Palm, La Campana became a national park in 1967 and contains over 17,000 acres of settlement ruins, hiking trails, and exotic wildlife.

Naturalist and explorer Charles Darwin himself paid the spot a visit in 1834, hiking to the top of the scenic hill that gave the park its name. With various types of hawks, alligators, eagles, snakes, owls, and giant frogs, it´s no wonder UNESCO has recognized the area as a Biosphere Reserve for its high number of unique species.

Those wanting to recreate Darwin's journey can take the El Andinista Trail (Sendero El Andinista), which lasts the average hiker around five hours and is quite a difficult climb. Enthusiasts will be rewarded at the summit by a plaque commemorating Darwin's accomplishment and, more importantly, a panoramic view of the Andes and surrounding coastal valleys – even a sliver of the Pacific Ocean, if the day is particularly clear. Just don´t forget to register at the checkpoint for more detailed advice and important guidelines to follow while trekking.