One of the longest and narrowest countries in the world, Chile boasts a
strikingly unique geography. Framed on one side by the Pacific Ocean and on the other by
the Andes mountain range, the world’s most southernmost country experiences significant climate
variances and diverse natural wonders, offering 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 luxury travel advisors on a six-day immersive
itinerary that began in Chile’s bustling capital of Santiago. Depending on where clients are coming from, getting to Chile typically
requires an overnight flight to Santiago, which is a necessary stopover whether
they 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.
Santiago cable cars. (Photo Credit: Jacqueline Hurst)
Food and Wine
Encourage clients to 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.
Sunset in Patagonia. (Photo Credit: Jacqueline Hurst)
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.
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.)
Singular Patagonia Hotel. (Photo Credit: Jacqueline Hurst)
“The trip truly transformed my perception of Chile in a positive way,” said
Melissa Parrish, owner of Real World Travel. “I knew Chile as a nature lover’s paradise, but I hadn’t fully
appreciated its luxury offerings, such as world-class hotels and gourmet
culinary experiences. This journey introduced me to a wealth of exciting new
possibilities to offer my travel clients, opening my eyes to the diverse and refined side of the country.”
By
the journey's end, each advisor had fallen in love with Chile — its landscapes,
its people and its boundless experiences for travelers of every kind.
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