Learn Spanish in Chile - enjoy everything from trekking

Why go to Chile to learn Spanish?

Chile's distinctive culture has survived the violence and repression of its recent history and is thriving once again thanks to a people noted for their warmth and resilience. Despite having the most European community in South America, indigenous traditions persist in the Andean foothills and in the southern plains, while some of South America's finest national parks draw trekkers and guanaco spotters alike.

Santiago, capital city, boasts a population of 5,000,000. About 95% of the people are of European descent and mestizo, the remainder are Indian.

So you think you know Spanish? Well how well do you know Chilean?

Even though all of the millions worldwide who speak Spanish share a common language, there are of course, regional variations, as with English. On this web site you can find common expressions and sayings -dichos - that are unique to Chile. There is also a section on food that describes Chile's tasty food - ¡Qué rico! -and will help you tell apart a Barros Jarpa from a Barros Luco. Get on the inside track with Chileans by taking a look at this website!

Explore a list of words you may hear only in Chile

Facts for the visitor thinking of coming to Chile

Because of its unique geographical variety, a visit to learn Spanish in Chile is a delight at any time of the year but, probably, popular natural attractions like Parque Nacional del Paine in Magallanes and the lakes region are best in summer (December through March).

As well as learning Spanish in Chile - and ski from June through August

Chilean ski resorts draw many visitors during the northern summer (June through August). March, perhaps, is an ideal time for a visit.

Fiestas and events while you learn Spanish in Chile

Holidays and festivals abound but of all the many local cultural festivals, the mid-north town of Andacollo's Fiesta de la Virgin del Rosario is perhaps the weirdest. Each December, pilgrims come from as far afield as Bolivia. Graceful dancers fringe a procession of the Virgin's image to a her shrine.

Horse racing and cock fighting provide ancillary entertainment for the crowds camped on surrounding hillsides.

Learn Spanish in Chile and enjoy the many attractions

• Trekking: Chile's many natural parks offer great trekking opportunities, particularly the Parque Nacional La Campana .
• The Parque Nacional Torres del Paine is a hiker's paradise, with a well-developed trail network and opportunities for cross-country trekking.
• Pucón in the Lake District attracts adventurous travelers who enjoy climbing, river rafting, mountain biking and horseback riding.
• Climbing trips to Volcán Osorno are also popular.
• Just outside Santiago, the resorts of Valle Nevado and Portillo provide excellent skiing.
• The Maipo, Claro and Biobío rivers are popular for white-water rafting.

  Learn Spanish in chile and dip into its rich cultural heritage

  Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral are the major literary figures in Chile. If you don not feel up to reading the original Spanish just yet, why not pick up English translations of Neruda's The Heights of Macchu Picchu, Canto General, Passions and Memoirs? Mistral, too, has been translated by the US poet Langston Hughes. Isabel Allende (niece of the late president) has made a name for herself both at home and overseas with House of the Spirits, Of Love and Shadows and Eva Luna.