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Chile, a thin coastal moustache that lines the southwestern half of South America, is a 4000-mile long puzzle. Examine any one of its pieces individually — like the dry Atacama Desert in the Far North — and it is unlikely to provide a clear picture of Chile as a whole. But experience the dramatic hills of ValparaÍso in the Central Region, witness the canyons in the Maipo Valley, and explore the literal magnetic pull of the Elqui Valley and a more telling portrait begins to emerge.
What you discover is a country swirling in energy. Wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and traditional — it’s all here. Tidal energy moves up the coast as residents in the southern city of Puerto Montt weigh the pros and cons of harnessing it for future energy needs. Farther north, the sun beats down on the Elqui Valley and locals use it to create electricity. Plus, large scale wind farms on the north coast usher in a revolution with each spin of the turbine.
“We were impressed with the balance of physical and mental challenges, exploration of a beautiful country, and service work.” — Carol Hester, Sarasota, FL
It doesn’t stop there. Travel even higher to the Far Far North region and the Atacama Desert. Behold underground geothermal hot springs that are counter-intuitive with the dry surface above. From the streets of Valparaiso and Santiago to the Elqui and Maipo Valleys, Chile is the ultimate hotbed.
What are my next steps?
Chile
It’s hot in January and cold in July. It’s dry and wet. It dips and soars. It baffles and enlightens.
Contemplate global climate change and get firsthand view of the forces of nature at work — in the desert, the valley and everywhere in between.
Atacama Desert
The driest desert in the world. If water does manage to find its way here, it simply dries up and adds to the huge salt deposits.
Cajon del Maipo
Just an hour southeast of Santiago, this canyon region is the place to hike, ski and snowboard amid the soaring Andes.
Elqui Valley
Said to be the Earth’s magnetic center, this sunny valley bordering the Atacama is mountainous and breathtaking.
Valparaiso
Bohemian. Brightly colored. Hilly. Cosmopolitan. This World Heritage Site is Chile’s main commercial port.
Broadreach in action. Want a glimpse of the freedom of life on a yacht? Or the thrill of diving with sharks in Fiji, surfing in Baja or cresting the ridge above Machu Picchu? Watch our videos to see and hear our adventures firsthand, and start wishing you were there.