Geography of Chile
Chile stretches for roughly 4,270 kilometres (2,653 miles) along the western edge of South America, between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. Mainland Chile extends from about 17°30′ south latitude in the north to 56°30′ south near Cape Horn. Its average width is around 180 kilometres (112 miles), although it varies considerably along its length.
This long, narrow country contains an extraordinary variety of physical landscapes, from the Atacama Desert and high Andean plateau to valleys, volcanoes, lakes, islands, fjords and the glaciers of Patagonia. Chile also includes Pacific islands such as Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and the Juan Fernández Archipelago.
Chile's Major Landforms
Three major north–south landforms shape much of mainland Chile:
- The Andes Mountains: This extensive mountain chain forms much of Chile's eastern boundary. It includes high peaks, volcanoes, plateaus, mountain passes, snowfields and glaciers.
- The Coastal Range: A lower mountain system follows much of the Pacific side of the country. Its height and form vary from north to south.
- The Central Depression and valleys: Basins, valleys and plains lie between the mountain systems. Their width and elevation change considerably along Chile, and in some areas the depression is interrupted or disappears.
Chile lies along an active tectonic boundary. The Nazca Plate moves beneath the South American Plate in a process called subduction. This process has helped build the Andes and is associated with earthquakes and volcanic activity.
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From the Pacific Trench to the Andes
One of the most striking features of Chile's physical geography is the enormous change in elevation across a relatively short distance. Offshore, the Peru–Chile Trench descends thousands of metres below sea level. Moving east, the ocean floor rises toward the continental margin, coastal terrain, interior valleys and the high Andes.
The relationship between the trench, coast, valleys and mountains changes with latitude. Northern Chile has some of the country's highest Andean elevations and a very dry landscape. Central Chile has broad valleys between mountain systems. Farther south, volcanoes, lakes and glacially shaped terrain become prominent. In Patagonia, steep mountains, icefields, fjords and channels create a complex landscape.
Rivers, Lakes and Glaciers
Many Chilean rivers begin in the Andes and flow west toward the Pacific. Some northern waterways depend heavily on snowmelt and limited seasonal precipitation. Farther south, rainfall, snowmelt and glaciers feed numerous rivers and lakes.
The Río Baker in the Aysén Region is one of Chile's major rivers by flow. Southern Chile includes large lakes such as Llanquihue, Todos los Santos and Ranco. Farther south, glaciers, icefields, fjords and channels shape extensive areas of the landscape.
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Volcanoes and Earthquakes
Chile has many volcanic systems along the Andes because of its tectonic setting. Volcanoes contribute to the country's rugged topography, and volcanic deposits have helped shape some valleys and plains. Earthquakes are also a major feature of Chile's physical geography.
Chile's National Geology and Mining Service, SERNAGEOMIN, publishes volcano-monitoring information, hazard maps and technical alert levels. See the official National Volcanic Surveillance Network and its volcano monitoring portal.
Islands, Fjords and Patagonia
South of Puerto Montt, the coastline becomes increasingly complex, with islands, channels, fjords and steep-sided mountains. Chiloé is a large inhabited island. Farther south, the Aysén and Magallanes areas contain extensive fjords and icefields, while Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn mark the far southern reaches of the continent.
Chile's southern coast is not a simple, continuous shoreline. It is a network of islands, channels and fjords shaped by tectonic forces, glaciation and the sea.
Exploring Chile's Geography
Chile's physical geography varies dramatically from north to south and from the Pacific coast to the Andes. Maps are a useful starting point, but local topography can change sharply over short distances. When exploring a specific area, look at elevation, terrain, drainage, road access and the relationship between mountains, valleys and coastlines.
For practical information about living in different parts of the country, visit our Living in Chile resource page.
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