Chi, chi, chi, le, le, le, viva Chile! Chile really has a lot to root for, from its cosmopolitan capital in Santiago to its emerging wine regions. Its unique ribbon shape stretches along the western coast of South America passing through many different climates. Of course, Patagonia’s magnificent landscapes top the list. During Magellan’s circumnavigation, he named Patagonia after a race of giants after encountering tall local natives, the Tehuelche people. It’s a fitting myth for a land of epic natural beauty. Patagonia’s legendary W Trek crosses breathtaking grasslands, stunning mountains, and gorgeous blue lakes.
Adventures | Must Sees | Food
ADVENTURES
Hike Patagonia
Hop from one refugio to another along the famed ‘W’ trek of Torres del Paine in the pristine wilderness of Patagonia
Kayak Patagonia
Kayak in choppy waters by Glaciar Grey in Torres del Paine
Glacier Hike Patagonia
Go on an ice hike on Glaciar Grey’s crevasses, streams, and hills. Explore deep blue ice caves
MUST SEES
Santiago
Take a funicular to the top of San Cristóbal Hill. Next to the white statue of the Virgin Mary, admire the view of Santiago. The Andes Mountains have encircled sprawling Santiago with its white peaks. The city is flat and vast.
Torres del Paine
At the southern tip of South America, Patagonia is a wonderland of sensational mountains, fjords, and old-growth forests. At Chile’s premier Patagonian park, Torres del Paine, trek through forests, lakes, and ancient blue glaciers.
Puerto Natales
After a bus ride from Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales is the gateway to Torres del Paine.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is one of Chile’s southernmost cities, located on the Brunswick Peninsula. It serves as a jumping off point for exploring Chilean Patagonia. As a port city next to the Strait of Magellan, it is an Antarctic gateway city.
Maipo Valley
Outside of Santiago, the Maipo Valley produces rich Cabernet Sauvignon wines. At the Huelquén Vineyard, they also excel at Carmenère wines. Learn how the mix of bright sunshine and cool evenings from the Andes creates ideal conditions for the grape.
FOOD
Empanadas
The thin, crispy crescents of dough are filled with ground beef, onions, pieces of hard-boiled egg, raisins, and olives.
Patagonian Toothfish
In the US, Patagonian Toothfish is cleverly marketed as Chilean Sea Bass. Whatever you call it, the filet is firm, flaky, and buttery.
Lomito
The lomito is a sandwich with thinly sliced roasted pork soaking in its own juices. Inside the fluffy bread is avocado, tomatoes, onions, and mayonnaise. Try the lomito at Fuente Alemania in Santiago.
Pisco Sour
The drink contains pisco brandy, lime juice, simple syrup, ice, egg white, and Angostura bitters.Easter Island
After trekking through Patagonia in Chile, why not add a visit to Easter Island? It is a five-hour flight from Santiago to Hanga Roa. You can explore the mysterious moai statues with an SUV.
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