The Ultimate Honeymoon in Chile

Day notes

Upon arrival at Santiago’s International Airport you will be warmly welcomed by a member of the &Beyond team. Transfer to Colchagua Valley, in the heart of Chile’s main wine production area.

The Colchagua Valley is arguably Chile’s most outstanding wine area, particularly for Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère. The latter is a variety of wine grape that formed part of original six red grapes of Bordeaux, wiped out by the devastating phylloxera virus in Europe in the 19th Century, and presumed extinct for over a century before being rediscovered in Colchagua in 1994. It is now the most emblematic of Chilean varietals, flourishing in the ideal climate and terroir of Colchagua and other valleys. Colchagua however is not only home to dozens of fine boutique wineries, but also the seat of Chile’s rural culture and traditions, which gives the place a real identity.

Alex and Carrie Vik are the art-collecting couple behind Viña Vik, a one-of-a kind vineyard, nestled in the Millahue Valley (a sub-valley of Colchagua), two hours south of Santiago. Perched on a hilltop it is set amidst a beautiful area of rolling hills and the forested Andes mountains. Suites are modern and minimalist in their design, boasting large windows that offer sweeping views across the valleys. The cuisine is another highlight, and certainly a key component in the experience, with menus created for ideal wine pairings.

Day notes

Discover a unique and exceptional one-of-a kind vineyard, with a holistic concept that will leave you enthused. It is not in vain that the indigenous people call this area Millahue, the “Place of Gold”.

Wine Tasting: Enjoy a wine tasting in the exceptional tasting room, where one of VIK experts will guide you to discover the soul of their wines.

Guided Tours: through the vineyard and their facilities, discover the mystery that is locked inside each of the bottles, from the perspective of the winemaker and learn about the art of making a great wine.

Horseback Riding: Ride through VIK vineyard accompanied by a knowledgeable guide to discover the 11,000 acres of beautiful nature and vineyards. A relaxing experience across the landscape of the property, available in 4 different time slots (09 am, 11 am, 04 pm and 06 pm). Groups limited to a maximum of 5 people

Trekking: Viña VIK provides extensive trekking trails for you to enjoy the unique countryside with all its fascinating geographic diversity and flora and fauna.

Mountain Bike: Experience the hacienda from various perspectives on mountain bikes. Ride above the vineyard on mountain trails, as well as throughout the vines on valley trails.

Pool: Swim in the infinity marble pool overlooking the VIK vineyard. The swimming pool is available 24 hours all 7 days of the week. It is not heated but it is perfect for the long summer sunny days.

Day notes

After your breakfast and in due time you will be driven to Santiago airport for a flight to Punta Arenas in southern Patagonia. Upon your arrival you will be received by your local guide who will transferred you to The Singular Patagonia

From here you will embark on a drive to Puerto Natales. You will spend the night at the magnificent hotel, The Singular Patagonia. Restored and resurrected by fourth generation family members, of the original pioneers who settled the area and built the sheep farming industry more than 100 years ago, The Singular Patagonia pays homage to the building’s and founders’ rich historical importance in the development of the local culture, economy and heritage. Witness century-old machinery imported from England at the turn of the 20th Century; the hotel’s restored wood dock hovering over the Fjord of Last Hope leading out to the Pacific from which ships took wool to markets all over the world; and the local customs and traditions embraced by memorabilia throughout the property.

Day notes

You will have a full day to enjoy the excursions available at The Singular Patagonia, such as:

Full Day Trekking at Sierra Baguales: You will head out towards the mystical distant location called the Last Hope (Última Esperanza) and take in the gorgeous surroundings on your way to Cerro Guido Ranch, where you will learn about the activities in the zone. From there you will continue toward Sierra Baguales, a mountain chain that gets its name from the wild horses that used to roam there and where ancient fossils can still be found. This place is a privileged sanctuary. Upon reaching the 'Las Cumbres Ranch', you will eat a very special lunch in the midst of this breath-taking landscape.

Full Day Navigating around the Patagonian Fjords Serrano and Balmaceda Glaciers & Lunch at Estancia: You will set sail from the hotel towards the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. You will see the Balmaceda Glacier en route and then land at Port Toro, from where you will take a 45-minute walk to the Serrano Glacier. Upon returning to the boat, you will head towards the La Peninsula Ranch where a typical Patagonian lunch will be awaiting you. In the afternoon, you can go horseback riding or trekking along the marvellous paths in the area or just rest and relax at the manor home and visit the attractions there.

Half Day Kayaking at Eberhard Fjord to Villa Luisa: You will take a van to the Eberhard Fjord and then kayak through different historical sites such as Port Prat, founded in 1899; Krugger Island, known as the “Island of the Dead,” where early colonists were buried; and 'Consuelo Ranch', where the colonization of Last Hope began and where Captain Eberhard built his manor home in 1895. You will be able to watch different types of birds during the excursion, such as condors and black-necked swans.

Full Day Excursion Discovering Torres Del Paine National Park: Passing through several lookouts with breath-taking views of the Paine Massif. You will see fauna typical of this area: ñandús, or American ostriches, foxes and guanacos; and visit lakes such as the Nordenskjold, Sarmiento, Pehoé and Grey. You will take a short walk to the Big Falls (Salto Grande) where you can see the Horns ('los Cuernos'). At Grey Lake beach, you will have the chance to watch icebergs calving from the glacier.

Day notes

After breakfast, you will be driven to Punta Arenas Airport for your domestic flight to the Puerto Montt Airport. Upon arrival in Puerto Montt, you will be met by a representative from &Beyond Vira Vira and transferred to the lodge in Pucón. On your day of arrival,  in the afternoon, an activity will be provided by the hotel, giving you your first taste of the area.

Generally considered as the adventure capital of Chile, the area around Pucón offers a myriad of outdoor activities such as rafting, hiking, skiing, kayaking, and fly-fishing. There is however far much more to this multi-faceted destination. Among its many natural highlights, there are wonderful thermal springs and gorgeous national parks. Volcanoes, mountains, and lakes create one of the most beautiful natural sites Chile has to offer.

During your stay, you will have several full days of activities arranged by the hotel.

The area is a traveller’s dream when it comes to adventures and choice of activities. The many surrounding natural parks, the majestic volcano Villarrica with its unbelievable views, water sports, horseback riding, and trekking in the foothills of the Andes, are a vital part of the experience at Vira Vira. You are encouraged to explore a new adventure or experience every day, with the aim of understanding the mystic ambience of these ancient Mapuche territories. The guides at Vira Vira are passionate about their work, and about the excursions on offer. With some thirty options available, choosing what to do may seem daunting. That is where the role of your hosts and guides become of paramount importance. Each day they will make a series of options available, allowing you to pick and choose according to your personal preferences, their level of difficulty, or simply a natural or cultural focus.

Activities are centred on nature and adventure, with treks and horseback rides of various durations. There are also explorations of the nearby Villarrica volcano, visiting its labyrinth of tunnels, or even reaching the summit. There are also several cultural activities, aimed at revealing the secrets of the region. Vira Vira also offers some wonderful experiences at the hotel itself such as cooking, cheese-making, and even spending a day in the organic garden. There are also more relaxing activities. What better than sitting in a hot pool of thermal spring water, a glass of red wine in hand, and looking out across a backdrop of mountains, forests, and volcanoes?

Of course, cuisine plays an important role in the Vira Vira experience. Their menu veers away from the typical international offerings by blending Chilean and ancient indigenous recipes, all created with the freshest seasonal ingredients. Each day the chef prepares a selection of freshly prepared courses, carefully composed and lovingly arranged and paired with the perfect wine for each dish.

Day notes

At Vira Vira, we go above and beyond to ensure you receive exceptional attention and care.

With numerous captivating excursions and a wide range of activities available, your experience with us will be nothing short of extraordininary:

Trekking:
The region surrounding thelodge offers a vast selectionof hiking/trekking excursions,predominantly withinHuerquehue National Parkand Villarrica National Park.In the company of one of ourexperienced guides, explorethese parks which showcaseforests, shimmering lakes,waterfalls, hot springs andthe breathtaking terrain ofsnow-capped volcanoes.

Ascension of Villarrica Volcano:
Measuring an impressive 2847 m(9341 ft), the Villarrica Volcan ofeatures the perfect cone shapewith an open lava pool craterat the top. From the summit,view a textured landscape ofmountains, volcanoes andcountless lakes. Mountainboots, walking poles, ice axe,crampons, helmet and trekkingbackpack will be provided.

Mountain Biking:
Explore the rugged landscapesof Villarrica National Park, cyclearound the tranquil VillarricaLake, and climb craggy craters atthe foot of the Villarrica Volcanoon your bike. Choose betweeneasy going, non-technicaloff-road biking and smoothflowing single track or, fortechnically skilled riders,extreme downhill adventures.

Bird Watching:
Exciting excursions allow birdersto visit different habitats, suchas mountains, lakes, rivers andforests to search high and lowfor iconic species in the area.At times, bird calls might leadyou to sightings of the giantmagellanic woodpecker, ringedkingfisher, chucao tapaculo,snowy egret, black-crownednight heron, plumbeous railand Andean condor, to namea few.
A walk around the lodge estate is also a must forkeen birders.

Horsebak Riding:
After a short, scenic 4x4 drivefrom the lodge, arrive at HuepilMalal, a horse-riding centrebordering the Cañi NaturalReserve.
Here, you will meetan authentic Chilean huaso(cowboy). His horses are typicalChilean breeds with nameslike Merken, Calafate or Canela.
You will be guided on a scenic tour through open prairiesand forests. This excursion is for all abilities, from thosewho just wish to meander toadvanced riders.

White-Water Rafting:
Hold on tight as you race over rapids on a thrilling white-water rafting adventure. Before setting off, there will be a safety briefing and equipment testing. This experience is ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers. The Trancura River offers Class 3 and 4 rapids, zigzagging through valleys and gullies. You'll encounter various runs and rapids, including the Junction, the Lioness, the Wall, and the Footbridge.

Floating Raft:
Indulge in a scenic river excursion, gliding along clear waters towards Villarrica Lake. This experience is best enjoyed on the afternoon of your arrival, as it requires minimal physical effort and begins on the beautiful Liucura River right in front of the lodge. Immerse yourself in nature as you witness pristine landscapes of lush rolling mountains and native forests, observing water birds and the agile movements of trout and salmon in the river below. Conclude the experience with a delightful picnic snack before returning to the lodge.

Catch-and-Release Fishing:
Spend a day immersed in the spectacular surroundings of &Beyond Vira Vira, accompanied only by the soothing sounds of a streaming river or lapping lake. Enjoy fly-fishing or spinner fishing, where all the necessary equipment is provided. Cast your line in front of your villa to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, or Chinook salmon, or venture out in a boat for a wider fishing experience. Our knowledgeable guide will direct you to the best spots for river and lake fishing, offering expert tips along the way.

Stand-Up Paddle:
Have a fantastic day splashing in the pristine waters around &Beyond Vira Vira. Begin at the lodge and paddle down the Liucura River, taking in the awe-inspiring natural surroundings of volcanoes, vibrant birds soaring through the air, and lush forests. Additionally, we can arrange stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Tinquilco for a refreshing change of scenery.

Kayaking:
Located at Lake Tinquilco in Huerquehue National Park, embark on an hour-long adventure around the lake. Surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests, reach the opposite shore and take a walk along a trail to discover cascading waterfalls. For more adventurous and experienced paddlers, there are numerous options in the Pucón and Villarrica area to challenge their skills.

Mapuche Ruka and Weaving Tours:
Immerse yourself in another culture with a fascinating visit to Doña Rosario's ruka (house) in the local Mapuche community. Experience the embrace of traditional ways as you observe her roasting organic wheat using age-old methods and savor her delicious home-cooked dishes. Engage in a game of Palin, a traditional Mapuche stick and ball game that originated in southern Chile. Guests also have the opportunity to meet Sandra Rojos, visit her factory, and witness her skillfully working the loom.

Community Visit:
Explore the charming town of Curarrehue and visit a Mapuche weaver to view her traditional skills and techniques as she works with the loom. Afterwards, continue up into the Andes to the Quillelhue Lagoon, located at the foot of Lanin Volcano. Here, you will have the opportunity to see the majestic Araucaria trees (known as monkey puzzle trees), followed by lunch at a traditional Mapuche ruka (house). During your visit, learn about their unique ways of life firsthand.

Cheese Factory Tour:
Located on the &Beyond Vira Vira property is a cheese factory (quesería). Local cheese maker, Marisol Martinez, is renowned for her wholesome, authentic, and flavorful cheeses for the exclusive delight of our guests. The ultimate foodie delight, enjoy a tour of this delicious quesería and gain insight into the specific ways different cheeses, including Parmesan, Gruyère, Blue cheese, and Camembert, are produced.

Skiing & Snowboarding:
Exciting adventures await with our snowboarding and skiing activities down the active Villarrica Volcano. A variety of slopes are on offer, from beginner to more advanced ski runs. In a spectacular environment of volcanic peaks and shimmering lakes, the flowing lava has created an incredible terrain of natural half pipes, cornices, and wind lips. 

Snowshoeing:
Embark on a snowshoe trekking expedition through puffy snow as you carve trails around Villarrica National Park. This is an excellent way to explore untouched landscapes, with absolute silence dominating the vast expanse surrounding you. The Andes are a magical winter space between June and September, and snowshoeing is an exceptional experience created for all levels of fitness. This exciting adventure begins and ends with steaming mugs of hot chocolate. 

Snowmobiling:
Skiing on the active Villarrica Volcano is spectacular, but racing on a snowmobile becomes a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Together with your driver/guide, circle the volcano, finding a virgin track on every run. This activity is designed for adventure lovers, and as the snowmobiles function similarly to motorbikes, you will have to hang on and lean in according to your driver's instructions. 

Wellness Treatments:
Sink into serenity in beautifully decorated massage rooms tucked away within a small forest of native trees. The harmonic sounds of endemic birds around will ensure you connect with nature and unwind into a state of deep relaxation. We invite you to treat yourself to a personalized massage.
Our receptionists will be happy to arrange a booking at your preferred time. Available at an additional cost. 

Yoga:
Balance your chakras and enjoy yoga sessions that harmonize body, mind, and spirit. Find your inner peace and enjoy the silence, nature, and serenity the area has to offer. The yoga instructor will come by special arrangement from Pucón, 10 km (6 mi.) away, and sessions will take place at the lodge. Please notify us if you are interested in this activity.

Organic Vegetable Garden Tour:
Discover the flourishing organic vegetable garden and relish sublime farm-to-table dining with fresh produce and ingredients. Walk around the colorful organic vegetable garden with a chef and pick and choose fresh produce for your next meal.

Forest Therapy:
Forest Therapy, or Shinrin Yoku, is the soulful practice of being in nature, which allows us to awaken our senses and reconnect with others, our natural surroundings, and ourselves. Guided by Giovanna Raineri Blanco, the session follows a standard series of "invitations" (opportunities) that bring about all elements of self-discovery.

Day notes

Today, our wonderful journey comes to an end and, after your breakfast, you will be driven to Temuco Airport for your flight to Santiago. In Santiago, we wave a warm farewell as you board your international flight onwards.