Chile Will Captivate Even the Most Experienced Travelers

Framed on one side by the Pacific Ocean and on the other by the Andes mountain range, Chile captivates even experienced travelers as the world’s southernmost country experiences significant climate variances and diverse natural wonders, One of the longest and narrowest countries in the world, Chile boasts a strikingly unique geography. and offers so many opportunities for all types of tourists.

If you have clients who are adventurers, luxury seekers, foodies, nature buffs, photographers, wine enthusiasts, wellness lovers or culture connoisseurs, Chile should be at the top of their travel list.

Here’s a look into some of the wonders the country offers travelers.

It Starts in Santiago

I led a group of eight on a six-day immersive itinerary that began in Chile’s bustling capital of Santiago. Depending on where you are coming from, getting to Chile typically requires an overnight flight to Santiago, which is a necessary stopover whether you are heading to Patagonia, the Atacama Desert or elsewhere. For our group, Mandarin Oriental Santiago was the perfect place to rest our heads. The 297 contemporary rooms are large, beautifully appointed and offer views of the mountains and city. Everyone in our group agreed: The service was impeccable, and Matsuri — the hotel’s Japanese Peruvian-inspired restaurant — delighted us with a delicious meal.

A highlight of our visit was an informative city tour that included the Santiago Cable Cars and Funicular to view the Virgin Mary statue on San Cristóbal Hill and sweeping views of the entire city and surrounding mountains.

Food and Wine

Set aside an extra day to explore Chile’s renowned wine country, just a short drive from Santiago. The vineyard tours are fascinating and rich with Chilean history, and the pours are far more generous than in the US. Our group enjoyed a delicious lunch and wine tasting at Santa Rita before being treated to a thoroughly entertaining tasting and tour at Concha Y Toro. 

Following our day at the wineries, we indulged in the most incredible culinary experience at Boragó back in Santiago. The multicourse food and wine pairing stunned our group with its complexity, wild imagination (who knew shells and plants could be used like that?) and remarkable flavor. Chef and owner Rodolfo Guzman even gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of the eatery’s test kitchen, which, quite frankly, resembles a mad scientist’s laboratory. This captivating experience is one I cannot recommend enough for clients who want to dive into Chile’s diverse food scene.

On to Patagonia

A short flight with LATAM Airlines brought our group to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, to begin our Patagonian adventure. Our home base was five-star property The Singular Patagonia. Converted from a century-old cold storage facility, the 57-room hotel is perhaps the most unique luxury property I have ever experienced. It sits in solitude on the shores of Señoret Channel with vast views of the Patagonian fjords. The Complete Experience package allowed us to enjoy the amazing gastronomical offerings at the resort, which were usually paired with the most creative cocktails – Chile Captivates Experienced Travelerse

We kicked off our Patagonian adventure with horseback riding — a highlight for even first-time riders — set against a backdrop of stunning scenery. We spent two full days in Torres del Paine National Park hiking, glacier-viewing on a catamaran and enjoying gourmet picnics provided by our incredibly knowledgeable guides. They knew all the best photo stops and made sure we were well-prepared for whatever weather we might encounter. (We lucked out with some of the best weather ever.)

To sum it up, Chile captivates even experienced travelers!

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

Contact My Journey Begins Travel to plan your captivating trip to Chile!