Stretching the distance from Norway to Nigeria creates a diverse array of contrasting places to visit in Chile: The only option here is north or south – east-west just doesn’t really happen in Chile. To reach its fjords and glaciers; fertile valleys and lakes; lush forests or spectacular desert, you’re likely to have to factor in a flight or two – though this will offer spectacular aerial views of snow-blanketed volcanoes and craggy, splintered coastline. Roads are in great condition in Chile though, and the scenery will make any long drives whizz by as you enjoy the panorama of gradients rising from surf-washed Pacific beaches to jagged 6,000m Andean peaks. And at the northern tip, a vast, dramatic plateau – the Altiplano – is a breathtaking step up to the clouds.