Resting in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean Coast Range, Chile’s vibrant, cosmopolitan, the capital city of Santiago is famous for its beautiful parks, a wealth of historical attractions, and exciting arts and music scenes. The Cerro San Cristobal Park, the largest green space in the city, lies on a hill and is reached by a funicular ride. It offers visitors stunning sweeping views of the city, as well as a picturesque botanical garden and two huge swimming pools. The colonial Plaza de Armas, in the old town centre, is a delight to explore with its numerous Neoclassical buildings and museums, most notably the home-turned-museum of renowned poet Pablo Neruda. Visitors can also look forward to wonderful live shows, concerts and exhibitions.
Situated within the Última Esperanza Province of Chile’s Magallanes Region, Torres del Paine is a rural commune to the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine National Park. The UNESCO-listed wonderland of towering peaks, rich valleys, and mighty glaciers belonging to the Southern Patagonia Ice Field is undoubtedly worth exploring for outdoor enthusiasts. This area is world-renowned for its hikes, with trails ranging up to around five days and traversing through an incredible diversity of landscapes, including lunar-like rocky plains, bright turquoise crater pools, and gorgeous fields inhabited by wild horses. Other animals to look out for include foxes, Andean deer, condors, and puma. The distinctive, jaw-dropping Paine Massif trio makes for an excellent view while relaxing and some spectacular photographic opportunities.
Situated deep in Patagonia’s snow-capped vistas, on the southern shore of Lake Argentino, El Calafate has become a key stopover for travellers headed to nearby Los Glaciares National Park. This icy wonderland is best known as the home of spectacular Perito Moreno glacier – a massive, shifting ice cap composed of dozens of smaller glaciers. Take a glacier tour, a helicopter ride, or a 4x4 excursion; hike and boat to your heart’s content; or visit one of the traditional ‘ranchos’ (estancias) to learn more about local culture (another great spot for this is the Centro de Interpretacíon Historico). A wonderful selection of restaurants and boutiques adds appeal; make sure to try the ‘alfajores’ cookies. Drink vodka, watch a movie, and learn all about ice at the impressive Glaciarium.
Gobernador Gregores in situated in the province of Santa Cruz in southwest Argentina. This charming small town is a popular stopover on the RN40 (Ruta 40), the epic cross-country highway that connects Gobernador Gregores to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, one of Patagonia’s premier tourist hubs. However, those who spend more time in town will rewarded with some interesting sights and activities. Iglesia Nuestra Senora de Fatima is a photogenic church, and the Canadon de los Muertos (Canyon of the Dead) is a deeply historical area of the Patagonian desert, where visitors can enjoy guided walking tours. Finally, Gobernador Gregores boasts a few nearby bodies of water - Lago Cardiel, Lago Strobel and Rio Chico - offering popular outdoor activities.
Situated in beautiful Patagonia - known as one of the last wild places on earth - Patagonia National Park lies in the spectacular Chacabuco Valley. Once an overgrazed sheep and cattle ranch, it has been transformed into a magnificent sanctuary protecting a biodiverse ecosystem. The breathtaking landscape is characterised by Patagonian steppe and majestic glaciated peaks, inhabited by rare and endangered endemic wildlife. The park offers ample accommodation for visitors in its lovely lodge and well-equipped campgrounds. Commonly spotted wildlife include guanacos (llama), huemul, pink Chilean flamingos and an array of other wildlife. Popular activities are hiking, scenic drives, boating, fly fishing, mountain biking, and excellent bird watching.
Situated on Argentina’s stunning Rio de la Plata coast, Buenos Aires is a thriving portside capital defined by a rich history, vibrant culture, and strong European influence - thus nicknamed the Paris of South America. Countless museums covering a cornucopia of subjects; an active theatre culture; carnivorous buffets second to none; sensuous tango performances; a mosaic of architecture; and shops to fit all fancies – all these facets and more make up the seductive blend that is Buenos Aires. Some of the city’s highlights include the buzz of the La Bombonera Stadium; tango and milonga venues like the Bohemian La Catedral; and heritage architecture such as that at the Cementerio de la Recoleta, where visitors can wander through a ‘city’ of massive statues and marble mausoleums. Don’t miss the International Festival of Independent Cinema and the vibrant annual Pride Parade.
