It's the only S. American country I've spent any time in.
You're right, the current socialist regime has harmed the country. The people seemed to have recognized it though, with most of the local elections going to more classically liberal candidates. So there seems to be a change coming, swaying more in favor of the capitalistic tendencies Pinochet helped usher in (not that he was a hero, but he believed in a free market). The old marxists certainly make themselves heard there still though.
yeah it's so strange that leftism still appeals so broadly anywhere, but esp in Latin America after half a century of destroying economies and making slaves out of people like in Cuba.
Chile is an interesting story, but i have yet to experience it first hand. I'm planning a trip this coming year, so i'd be happy to hear recommendations :)
Depends on what you like. Mountains, ocean, farmland, city, dry, wet, hot, cold, forest, desert.
This site is just housing a bunch of articles I've written, so isn't set up. But it has some good info - http://escapeartistchile.com/. Happy to share more. @piedpiper is there in Valdivia now, so you might get together with him.
I like all of the above :)
This trip is our first experience in Chile, and we're going to couple it with a Patagonia hike and then venture into Argentina, end off for some fun in Buenos Aires. I'd love to make it out to Valdivia and meet up with @piedpiper if possible...what they're doing at Fort Galt is awesome!