According to hyperrestaurant, Chile extends about 4,500 km along the west coast of the South American continent, whereas the east-west extent is not nearly a tenth of that. Topographically, the country is mainly determined by the Andes, which run through mountain peaks and volcanoes up to 7,000 meters high. The still active volcano Villarrica is one of the most famous Chilean tourist attractions.
A large part of the almost 16 million residents live in the capital Santiago and the port city of Valparaiso.
Due to its extreme extent, Chile has a wide variety of landscapes, flora and fauna : for example, the Atacama Desert can be found in the northern part of the country. The eastern region of Chile is shaped by the Andes. In the interior of the country, in central Chile, you can find Mediterranean influences and the typical climatic zones. The south of Chile is comparatively small, but here you will find large forests and varied landscapes with hills. That is why this part is often called Chilean Switzerland. In addition, there are fertile plateaus, fish-rich coasts and large rainforests in Chile up to the steppe and glacier landscape of Patagonia and the moors on the island of Tierra del Fuego.
The world-famous Chilean wine is grown in the central north on the banks of the 170 km long Río Elquí.
Tourist attractions include the national parks and numerous museums, buildings from the Spanish colonial era and the cultural heritage of the Incas.
When traveling to Chile you will find fascinating landscapes and it is a matter of course for the population and the government to protect nature. In Chile there are a large number of national parks for the conservation of flora and fauna. The Torres del Paine and Lauca National Park are particularly popular with visitors. The Rapa Nui National Park is located on Easter Island, which belongs to Chile, and impresses with its beautiful nature.
Vaccination protection
When entering the Easter Islands from a yellow fever area, a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. The health service of the Federal Foreign Office also recommends vaccination against tetanus, Hepatitis A and diphtheria, for longer stays (more than 4 weeks) and / or special exposure also vaccinations against hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies. The standard vaccinations for adults and children should be up to date.
There is currently no malaria in Chile.
HIV / AIDS
The risk of a life-threatening infection with HIV / AIDS always arises from sexual contact and drug use (for example unclean cannulas or syringes or cannulas). The use of condoms is therefore always recommended, especially with casual acquaintances.
Diarrhea and cholera
Most diarrheal illnesses can be prevented with proper drinking water and food hygiene.
Some basic rules
Never drink tap water but, for example, bottled water. If bottled water is not available, filter and disinfect or boil water. Also use drinking water to brush your teeth or wash the dishes. Peel, boil or disinfect food. Make sure that no flies get to your food. Hands should be washed often with soap, always after a bowel movement, before preparing food and before eating. If appropriate, disinfect your hands as well, use disposable towels.
When traveling in Chile, illnesses occur again and again after eating seafood. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid eating raw seafood whenever possible.
Other infectious diseases that can occur while traveling in Chile are dengue fever (on Easter Island), trichinellosis, Chagas disease, Hanta virus infections and echinococcosis.
Through the consistent use of mosquito repellants such as mosquito nets, repellants, covering (stab-proof) clothing, many diseases that are transmitted by insects can be completely prevented. In northern and central Chile you should not stay in simple huts, as there is a risk of Chagas disease through bug transmission.
Only in major cities in Chile is medical care comparable to European standards. Problems can arise in terms of technology, equipment and hygiene. Often there is also a shortage of doctors trained in Europe and speaking English or French. A sufficient and worldwide valid health insurance as well as a reliable travel repatriation insurance are strongly recommended.
Before leaving for Chile, you should seek advice from a tropical or travel doctor.
Clinic addresses in Chile (without guarantee): Santiago : Av. Vitacura 5951, phone 212 97 00 or 210 11 11, fax 212 43 80 Concepción : Pedro de Valdivia 801, phone 041/79 60 00, fax 041/79 62 44 Valparaíso : Cerro Alegre, Calle Guillermo Munich, phone / fax 032 / 21 79 51 Temuco : Senador Estebanez 645, phone 045/20 12 01, fax 045/20 10 16 Valdivia : Beauchef 765, phone 063/24 61 00, fax 063/24 62 51 Puerto Varas : Otto Bader 810, phone 065 / 23 23 36, Fax 065/23 26 90 Osorno : Av. Zenteno 1530, phone 064/26 26 26, fax 064/26 26 27
In addition to my general disclaimer, please note the following important note:
A guarantee for the correctness and completeness of the medical information and liability for any damage that may occur cannot be assumed. You stay responsible for your healthy.