Chile is a slender ribbon of land flanked by the South Pacific Ocean to the west, and surrounded by Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. The country is a mystifying amalgam of extraordinarily diverse scenery, vibrant cultures, and exciting cities. From the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia and Antarctica to the driest desert in the world at Atacama, volcanoes to tropical islands, Chile boasts nearly every landscape imaginable. One of the country’s defining characteristics is its warm culture, summarised in its motto of ‘buena onda’ (‘good vibes’). Rituals surrounding relaxation and connection - such as the ‘mate’ tea custom - are integral to Chilean culture, as well as a strong connection with food, music and dance. World-class cities like Santiago weave together 21st century global culture and time-honoured traditions, and provide everything from phenomenal restaurants and buzzing nightlife to gorgeous, trendy beaches. Wine lovers will also find worlds of taste to explore in the lush valleys of vineyards offering some of the best wine on earth.
This remote valley flanks the Apalta Valley and its celebrated wineries and is located just two hours south of the capital city of Santiago. Dubbed the ‘Place of Gold’ by the area’s native inhabitants, this exquisite and largely untamed valley features endless undulating hills, gorgeous sparkling mountain lakes, and the magnificent backdrop of the lush, forested Andes Mountain Range. Famed for its impressive vineyards and its fascinating ancient water mills, Millahue Valley produces some of the area’s most sought-after wine as well as some delicious authentic Chilean food. Aside from wine tasting, indulging in the sumptuous cuisine, and marvelling at the unforgettable natural scenery, popular activities include horseback riding, trekking, and mountain biking.
This former fishing port, situated in the Patagonian region of southern Chile, has blossomed into a tourist haven. This trendy town offers boutique beers, wine tastings and famous brand shops catering to the international set, but it has lost nothing of its relaxed pace in the process. From Puerto Natales, visitors can take a trip to the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine with its impressive rock formations and ice field (the third largest in the world); travel by ferry through the Chilean fjords; or visit the prehistoric caves at the Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument (where the remains of the giant ground sloth were found in 1895).
Idyllically sandwiched between the massive Lake Villarica and the active Villarica Volcano in Chile’s scenic Lake District, the little town of Pucon is a popular destination for travellers looking for an authentic Chilean adventure. Pucon is a mecca for adventure sports enthusiasts and boasts the best small-town tourism setup south of Costa Rica, offering visitors well-organised excursions and activities, comfortable accommodations, a wide selection of restaurants, cafes and bars. Popular activities include: water sports such as kayaking on the beautiful lake, hiking through the spectacular Villarica National Park, whitewater rafting down the Trancura River, as well as snowboarding and skiing on the magnificent slopes of the snow-capped Villarica Volcano.
