Why should you visit Chile with us? Here are 5 of our top reasons!
1. Patagonia: Torres del Paine National Park
A visit to Chile would not be complete without seeing the 8th wonder of the world and the center of Chile’s ecotourism efforts. We stay at the Las Torres reserve inside Torres del Paine National Park. There are endless opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, driving excursions, and boat excursions in the park.
Patagonia is a land shaped by glaciers. The towering granite peaks of Torres del Paine, seen in the picture to the right, were formed millennia ago.
Fauna such as guanacos (pictured to the right), grey foxes, Andean deer, and the elusive puma can all be spotted in the park, along with many bird species. The distinctive, rugged vistas of Chile’s Patagonia will stay with you for a lifetime.
2. Pucón and the Lake District
A lesser known destination than Chilean Patagonia, Pucon and Lake Villarrica are located in central Chile in what is known as the “Lake District.” Pucon sits at the foot of Villarrica Volcano and on the shores of the lake by the same name. Pucon has many optional activities including trekking, rafting, horseback riding, soaking in hot springs, or a visit to volcanic caves.
The caves, located in the slopes of the Villarrica Volcano, are one of the only two volcanic cave systems open to visitors in the world.
In Pucon we learn about the Mapuche people, the largest group of indigenous people in Chile. We have the opportunity to visit a Mapuche museum and cultural center to learn about their history and traditions. We also enjoy lunch in a Mapuche family’s home where we will get an personal perspective on their culture and customs.
3. Baqueanos
Chile’s cowboys and cowgirls, known as Baqueanos, are an integral part of rural culture in Patagonia. You can identify them by their tall riding boots, wide pants, a scarf tied around the neck, and their iconic beret.
Today’s baqueanos are the descendants of men and women who came to work on the remote ranches of Patagonia.
To this day, they are skilled horseback riders and wildlife guides. On our trip, you have the option for a horseback ride led by a baqueano with the chance to learn firsthand about their way of life.
4. Wine
Chile is known for its refined and robust wines, particularly reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Carménère, and Merlot. We visit the Emiliana Organic Vineyards in between Santiago and Valparaiso. The vineyard is located in the heart of the Chilean county-side, surrounded by hills of grapevines. Their mission is to make outstanding wine using sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Emiliana’s charm will capture you as soon as you arrive. Chickens run along the driveway with a line of chicks following close behind. Alpacas, horses, and cows live on the property along with bees that produce the local honey. The staff is warm and welcoming and excited to tell us about the process of making their delicious organic wine.
5. Valparaíso
This is a colorful coastal city and major port that has been nicknamed “The Jewel of the Pacific.” Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, it is a haven for artists and musicians. “If we walk up and down all the stairs of Valparaíso we’ll have walked all round the world” Pablo Neruda once said of the city. The buildings and houses are painted vibrantly in every color of the rainbow. Here, we will explore the cobbled streets, have lunch at a local café, tour one of Pablo Neruda’s houses, and ride the funicular up and down to take in the stunning panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Join us as we return this November 26 – December 11. Our trip now includes all domestic flights! Click below for more information.
Contact us to reserve your spot for our 2023 trip today!
By Alyssa Brown
