English Opens Doors participants will be placed in one of the following fascinating regions of Chile.
Region X – Region de los Lagos
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Chile’s Region de los Lagos (Lakes Region) is known as the “green” region because of its lush vegetation, flourishing valleys and dazzling, glacially-formed lakes. Volcanoes and rivers shape the land, creating a steep but stunning drop to the Pacific Ocean. The lakes region is home to the Mapuches—an extraordinary group of indigenous people who defended their land for three centuries against the Spanish conquistadors. |
The port city of Puerto Montt was colonized by the Germans, whose influence is evident in the area’s architecture and cuisine. Twenty miles north lies the quaint, charming city of Puerto Varas. Characterized by wood-shingled houses and a rose-encircled plaza that gives it the nickname, “City of Roses,” Puerto Varas provides spectacular views of majestic, snow-capped volcanoes—including Volcan Osorno. A popular mountain to climb, this volcano’s perfect cone last spewed lava in 1869.
Region XI – Region de Aysen
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The Aysen Region is a transition between the exotic Chilean forest and breathtaking Patagonia, making it one of the country’s most enchanting areas. Here, visitors can gaze at floating ice-mountains, reflected in the shimmering waters of countless rivers and lakes. Aysen is Chile's third largest, but least populated region. About 70 percent of the region’s population lives in the capital city of Coyhaique and the town of Puerto Aysen. This has allowed the pristine ecosystems, clean air and uncontaminated waters to retain their grandeur. |
Nestled on the eastern edge of the Andes Mountains, the capital city of Coyhaique blends a metropolitan aura with diverse fauna and mystical forests. Puerto Aysen is known for its world-class fishing, serene atmosphere and welcoming locals. The town’s history and character is depicted in its antique buildings, ancient trees and aged rock faces.
Region XII – Region de Magallenes
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The Magallanes Region extends across two continents, America and Antarctica. With the nation’s coldest climate, this region contains the world’s only two natural sea routes between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans—the Magellan Straight and the Drake Passage. Continental ice fields and deep fjords separate this area from the rest of Chile. Visitors can watch Andean condors glide above birch tree forests, and guanacos (similar to llamas) wander around pristine lagoons.
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Torres del Paine National Park, considered the jewel of Patagonia and one of the world’s most stunning and untouched wonderlands, is located outside the city of Puerto Natales. The region’s capital, Punta Arenas, is one of the southernmost cities in the world. Built along a historic trade route, the city reflects a diversity of cultures—from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors. The southern part of this arctic region includes rugged but riveting glaciers—a playground for penguins, sea elephants, arctic wolves and exotic seabirds.
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