Navigating the Major Rivers of Chile

Loa River

The Loa River is the longest river in Chile, with a length of 440 kilometers. It is the main watercourse in the very arid Atacama Desert. Its origins begin in the mountain slopes of the Andes, at the foot of Mino Volcano. It then flows from the mountains southward, on an elevated plateau into the oasis of Chiu Chiu. It then flows west and north through a great curve, from the city of Calama to Quillagua, where its channel goes dry and the water flows westward. The lower course of the river then goes through a 500 meter deep canyon through the Chilean Coastal Range. It then empties out at the Pacific Ocean.

The water is not used for drinking or many other purposes because it is very polluted from mining. Sometimes people use it in towns to farm shrimp.

Baker River

The Baker River is a very scenic body of water that is located in Chilean Patagonia, and is 170 kilometers in length. In terms of volume, it is Chile’s largest river. It flows out of Bertrand Lake, which is fed by General Carrerra Lake. The Baker River then flows through the Northern Patagonia Ice Field before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Its water is shaded turquoise-blue because it is fed by the surrounding glaciers and their sediments.

Bio-Bio River

The Bio-Bio River is the second longest Chilean River, with a length of 380 kilometers. Its origins are in the Andes Mountains, in the Icalma and Galletue lakes. From there, the lake turns northwestward and goes through many mountain valleys. Its water gets fed by some glaciers in the Sierra Nevada area. After that, it runs rapidly through a narrow canyon, then to an Intermediate Depression through a flat area. Several other rivers then meet up with it and flow onward. It eventually empties out into the Pacific Ocean.

Maule River

The Maule River is 240 kilometers in length; it used to be the southern limits of the Inca empire.. It plays an important role in Chilean history, like in Inca history, the Spanish conquest through the colonial period through the wars of independence up through modern history. The Maule is also is used for agriculture and the production of wine and other produce, as well as playing a role in the country’s folklore and overall heritage. Many people have been named after the river. The Maule River originates in the Andes, near the Argentine border. It then is used to form a dam in the central valley, and flows until it empties to the Pacific Ocean.

Exploring the Cities of Chile

Santiago

Santiago is the capital and largest city in Chile, with a population of 5.2 million. It is one of the most modern cities in Latin America. It is very developed, full of malls and high rise apartments. It has a good public transit system, with the extensive Santiago Metro and the Transantiago bus system. It is a regional headquarters for many multinationals, and an international financial center.

The city lies within the Santiago Basin, between the Andes Mountains and the Chilean Coastal Range. Because of its geographical position in a valley, it holds in air pollution, creating a smog problem. Because the city is often hit by earthquakes, few of the historical buildings have been preserved. There are many universities in Santiago, so it’s full of students. Santiago is a diverse city full of many different districts, such as the hip old district, Barrio Brasil, or the upscale, upper class area, Los Condes. There are various nature attractions outside of the city, including hiking, skiing and hot springs.

Viña del Mar

Viña del Mar means “Vineyard of the Sea” in Spanish, and this city has a population of 286,000. The city does have a local scene, but it is a huge tourist destination that is full of resorts and casinos. It is in the middle of Chile, on the coast. Several universities are situated in Viña del Mar, which range from architectural to Christian colleges. Viña del Mar also suffers from earthquakes, so it is hard to preserve any historic buildings. The city is full of lovely parks and gardens. It is most famous for holding the annual International Song Festival. It is a nice place to relocate if you like a beach town and do not mind lots of tourists.

Temuco

Temuco is located in central south Chile; about 245,000 inhabitants are stationed here. Two famous Spanish poets, Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda both lived in Temuco. The land around the city has many plantations of confierus forests, which are by the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Temuco has a temperate climate, and is on the Cautín River. The constant rain in the winter keeps Temuco from suffering from high air pollution. There is a bus system in Temuco, but no rail system. It is close to many resort centers, and it is a modern city with a shopping mall.

Learning the Social and Business Customs of Chile

Social

Religion is very important in Chile. Most Chileans are Roman Catholic, and the church is involved in social and political spheres of life. Schools instruct Roman Catholicism to students, and divorce was illegal until 2004 because of the Church. Most national holidays also have to due with religion.

The family is very important to Chileans. People are in contact with their extended families, and will join for major celebrations. Nepotism is common and not viewed negatively, and small businesses will often be 100% family-run.

When Chileans greet one another, it is custom for men to shake hands, and for women to pat one another on the right forearm or shoulder. They greet each other with “buenos dias” in the mornings, “buenas tardes” in the afternoons, and “buenas noches” in the evenings. Chileans use both their mother’s and father’s surnames, but list the father’s surname first. Do not use someone’s first name until invited to, as that is reserved for close friends.

Gifts are given for Christmas and birthdays. If you are invited to someone’s home, it is custom to bring chocolates or wine for the hostess. Do not give purple or black flowers, as they are meant for funerals.

When invited to dinner, keep in mind that manners are quite formal in Chile. Women sit before men, and the hostess must invite people to eat. While eating, keep your hands visible and your wrists resting against the edge of the table. Try not to speak when you have your eating utensils in your hands. The host will make the first toast, which is usually “salud,” meaning health. Pour wine with the right hand.

Business

The Chilean business world exhibits a degree of formality. When greeting someone, use a firm handshake and smile, and maintain eye contact. Traditionally, women would not shake hands with men, but this is becoming less common. Always use peoples’ surnames and titles. Exchange business cards at the beginning of a meeting, and try to get one side translated into Spanish. Make sure to have your business cards in good shape, as they reflect upon you.

While in a meeting, people try to get to know each other by talking about non-business topics. It is common for people to interrupt each other. Do not openly criticize anyone at these meetings. Chileans are known to be indirect while communicating, and confrontation is usually avoided.