Things to See in Chile and Easter Island

This tiny colonial village has excellent access to the spectacular geysers, volcanoes, salt flats and lakes of the northern altiplano, and is one of Chile's most popular destinations. The town itself has an excellent archaeological museum and pretty 16th-century adobe buildings. Locals still farm terraces that are over a thousand years old.

Chile has acquired an international reputation among skiers, and the country's best downhill skiing is to be found in Middle Chile's high cordillera. Within this region are the El Colorado and Farellones ski resorts, close enough together to be considered a single resort, with a total of 18 lifts and 22 runs from 2430m (7972ft) to 3333m (10935m).

Lauca is northern Chile's treasure. Within the huge park are herds of llama and alpaca, groups of vizcachas (related to the chinchilla) and over 100 bird species, including flamingos and Andean gulls, plus archaeological landmarks. An especially spectacular feature is Lago Chungará, one of the world's highest lakes, at the foot of the dormant twin Payachata volcanos.