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Zoológico Nacional
The dinky Zoológico Nacional houses an aging bunch of neglected animals. It is, however, probably the only place in Chile where you are assured a glimpse of the dinky pudú deer, Chile’s national animal. Note that the funicular stops at the zoo on the way up, but not on the way down
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Termas de Puritama
These idyllic volcanic hot springs puddle together in a box canyon, en route to El Tatio. Their temperature is about 33°C (91°F), and there are several falls, pools and changing rooms on site. Few tours stop here because of the hefty admission charged, but taxis will take you.
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Resguardo Marítimo
This handsome chocolate-colored building with wooden balustrades, built in 1910 as the coast guard, sits at the entrance to the decrepit Muelle Salitrero (Nitrate Pier), where locals defy danger signs and fish for crabs. A wrought-iron passageway links it to the former Gobernación
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Orongo Ceremonial Village
On the edge of the Rano Kau crater wall on one side and abutting a vertical drop plunging down to the cobalt-blue ocean on the other side, the Orongo ceremonial village boasts a phenomenal setting. It overlooks several small motu (offshore islands), including Motu Nui, Motu Iti and
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Distileria Pisco Mistral
The star attraction is the Distileria Pisco Mistral, which produces the premium Mistral brand of pisco. The hour-long museum tour gives you glimpses of the distillation process and includes a free tasting of two piscos and a drink at the adjacent restaurant, which hosts occasional
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Crafts Fair
Youll find the islands most authentic arts and crafts here, dominated by sweaters, socks, and hats woven from oveja (wool) and dyed with natural pigments made from roots, leaves and iron-rich mud. Its open daily but at its best on Sundays, when all the surrounding islands participa
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Casa de la Cultura Gabriela Mistral
On the main road through town, its a cultural center and womens cooperative that conducts textile and art workshops with underemployed women from the area. Theres a library for children on-site, free internet (tip if you use it) and gorgeous handmade crafts on sale, made on-site by
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Ahu Vinapu
Beyond the eastern end of the airport runway, a road heads south past some large oil tanks to this ceremonial platform, with two major ahu . One of them features neatly hewn, mortarless blocks akin to those found in Inca ruins. Both once supported moai that are now broken and lying
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Museo a Cielo Abierto
Twenty classic, colorful murals are dotted through this cerros lower streets, forming the Museo a Cielo Abierto, created between 1969 and 1973 by students from the Universidad Católicas Instituto de Arte. The Ascensor Espíritu Santo takes you from behind Plaza Victoria to the heart
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Fuerte San Antonio
During the wars of independence, Fuerte San Antonio was Spains last Chilean outpost. At the northwest corner of town, late-colonial cannon emplacements look down on the harbor from the early-19th-century remains of the fortress. Theres a somewhat secluded beach, Playa Gruesa, behin
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Ahu Tautira
If youve just arrived and cant wait for your first encounter with the moai (statues), head straight to Ahu Tautira. This site overlooks Caleta Hanga Roa, the fishing port in Hanga Roa at the foot of Av Te Pito o Te Henua. Here youll find a single ahu (ceremonial platform) with two
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Centro Cultural Palacio Astoreca
Originally built for a nitrate tycoon, this 1904 Georgian-style mansion is now a cultural center, which exhibits contemporary work produced by local artists. It has a fantastic interior of opulent rooms with elaborate woodwork and high ceilings, massive chandeliers, a gigantic bill
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Museo Pioneros del Baker
In a pioneer house, this adorable new cultural museum packs in engaging details, from Patagonian sayings to pioneer relics and molds of animal tracks. Its all in Spanish. For the key, go to the caretakers house out back. Its located roadside between Puerto Bertrand and the entrance
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Museo Arqueológico San Miguel de Azapa
Museo Arqueológico San Miguel de Azapa, 12km east of Arica, is home to some of the worlds oldest mummies. There are superb local archaeological and cultural heritage displays and well- written guide booklets in English. Colectivos (CH$800) at the corner of Chacabuco and Patricio Ly
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Museo Regional
The former Aduana (customs house) now houses this two-floor museum, which contains well-presented displays on natural history, and prehistoric and cultural development. Artifacts include a deformed skull, early colonial tidbits and paraphernalia from the nitrate era, including toys
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Galería de la Historia
Political correctness is clearly not a priority at the Galería de la Historia , where small dioramas representing local history gleefully celebrate the massacre of the Mapuche at the hands of conquistadores and pioneers. If you’re able to overlook such ideological undertones, the m
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Congreso Nacional
One of Valpos only modern landmarks is the controversial Congreso Nacional, located in the east section of El Plan. Its roots lie in Pinochets presidency both literally and legislatively: it was built on one of his boyhood homes and mandated by his 1980 constitution (which moved th
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Catedral de Chillán
On the northeast corner of Chilláns main square stands the stark, modernist Catedral de Chillán. Built in 1941, its soaring semi-oval form is made of a series of earthquake-resistant giant arches. The 36m-high cross next to it commemorates the thousands of Chillán residents who die
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Ex
Eiffel designed this former customs house. Prefabricated in Paris, it was assembled on site in 1874, with walls made of blocks and bricks stacked between metallic supports. Restored as the citys cultural center, it hosts a smattering of exhibitions and has an impressive 32-step wro
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Jardín Botánico Nacional
There are over 3000 plant species in the 61 hectares of parkland that comprise Chiles Jardín Botánico Nacional. Its 8km southeast of the city center; take a taxi or catch bus 203 from Viña along Calle Alvarez to Puente El Olivar, then cross the bridge and walk about 500m north to t
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