Chile, the longest and narrowest country in the world, stretches an impressive 4,270 kilometers from north to south, with an average width of just 180 kilometers. At its slimmest point, it narrows down to a mere 90 kilometers. Shaped like a long, slender chili pepper, it is squeezed between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, which inspired its name—“chile” means chili pepper in Spanish.
The natural barriers of the terrain prevent Chile from expanding east or west, so it extends north and south, spanning from 17 degrees south latitude to 56 degrees south latitude, covering 39 degrees and encompassing five distinct climate types: desert, high mountains, glaciers, ocean, and tundra. This unique geography makes Chile a land of incredible diversity.
With Santiago as its bustling capital, Chile’s highways run primarily north to south, totaling about 100,000 kilometers in length. This places Chile 62nd among 219 countries and regions, comparable to Cameroon and Lithuania, and 6th in Latin America. These roads are the lifelines that connect the nation, facilitating travel and commerce across its vast expanse.
Among these highways, Route 5 stands out as the most crucial. Starting from the border with Peru in the north, it reaches Puerto Montt, the capital of the 10th region in the south. This 3,300-kilometer-long highway serves as the main artery for transportation between the northern and southern parts of Chile. It is also a segment of the world’s longest road, the Pan-American Highway, making it a vital link in the global network of transportation.
Further south, the Southern Highway, also known as Route 7, extends for 1,240 kilometers, passing through the capital of the 11th region, Coyhaique, and finally reaching Villa O’Higgins. There are plans to extend this route even further to Punta Arenas, the capital of the 12th region. Route 7 is a scenic marvel, winding through the picturesque Patagonia region, offering breathtaking views of fjords, glaciers, volcanoes, and lakes.
It is considered the ideal road for self-driving tours, providing travelers with an unforgettable journey through some of Chile’s most stunning landscapes.
In contrast to its extensive road network, Chile’s railway system is less developed, with a total railway network of only 7,282 kilometers, ranking fifth in Latin America. Over the past 20 years, the amount of goods transported by rail each year has accounted for less than 10% of the total. In 2019, the World Economic Forum ranked the quality of railways in 144 countries and regions, placing Chile 57th, on par with Tanzania.
Despite this, the railways play a crucial role in connecting key economic hubs and supporting the country’s industrial and agricultural sectors.
Chile is one of the most dependent countries on maritime transport globally. As the largest exporter of copper, blueberries, cherries, grapes, salmon fillets, mussels, and lithium, Chile holds 30% of the world’s known copper reserves and 52% of lithium reserves. Nearly 95% of its export trade is conducted by sea, highlighting the critical importance of its ports.
The Port of San Antonio, located in the 5th region, is Chile’s largest port, boasting a marine area of 189 hectares and a land area of 82 hectares, with a maximum draft of 12.42 meters. Nearly 50% of the country’s cargo is shipped from this port, placing it among the top ten ports in Latin America and the Caribbean in terms of cargo volume. This port is a vital gateway for Chile’s exports, ensuring that the country’s rich resources reach markets around the world.
Most of Chile’s cherries, a significant export, are transported by sea. Only 4% of cherries are transported by air each year, while 85% are shipped by sea, and about 10% are transported by rail and road to other South American countries. This efficient logistics network ensures that Chile’s fresh produce reaches consumers in peak condition, maintaining the country’s reputation as a leading exporter of high-quality fruits and other goods.
Chile boasts an impressive network of 101 public airports, including 8 international gateways, and a total of 344 general aviation facilities, such as heliports, that span the entire country. Among these, the Mataveri International Airport on Easter Island stands out as the world’s most remote airport, with the nearest airfield located a staggering 2,600 kilometers away.
Traveling from the bustling capital, Santiago, to Puerto Montt, the vibrant heart of the 10th region in the south, is a breeze, taking less than 2 hours by air. With ticket prices hovering around 500 RMB, it’s an affordable and convenient way to explore the country. The aviation sector plays a significant role in Chile’s economy, generating an annual revenue of $7 billion, which represents about 2.8% of the nation’s GDP.
