Chile

From Vineyards to Mountains

If the beach is not a requirement, Chile could be an excellent choice. While this country has eons of coastline, it is more well known for its dramatic scenery: rocky seacliffs, snow-capped volcanoes, moon-like deserts, mystical Easter Island, lush river valleys, dense forests, and the desolate Patagonian steppe. With so many ecosystems and climates, how does one choose to spend time in such a diverse country? If you've never been to Chile, our itinerary is a brilliant introduction, combining some of its most quintessential regions – wine country outside Santiago and Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia – into one comfortably paced yet exciting voyage.

Upon your arrival, you'll have a private driver...

waiting to take you to Chile's Colchagua Valley. This beautiful area is located 2.5 hours south of Santiago, and is a perfect way to unwind, relax, and enjoy the good life – Chilean style – in the heart of one of the country's up and coming wine regions.

An important part of your experience is...

where you've elected to stay – the Lapostolle Residence, an intimate boutique inn which is co-located with Lapostolle's world class Clos Alpata Winery. European winemaking traditions combine with the warmth of Chilean hospitality to create a perfect few days. There is plenty of time to enjoy the gorgeous grounds, swimming pool, spa and Relais and Chateaux cuisine. Your meals and quite a lot of wine are included here, so indulge! You'll be treated to a VIP tour and tasting experience at Clos Alpata, and you'll also have a chance to visit other vineyards to compare and contrast the Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenère, and Syrahs from the region. If you feel like being more active, you might also enjoy horseback riding with local Chilean huasos (cowboys), or a day whitewater rafting.

After a few days in this Andean paradise...

cosmopolitan Santiago beckons. Two nights here gives you a feel for the city, its history and its future, not to mention its food! Your first afternoon, you'll be paired with a terrific guide who can not only share the best of the historical city center, but will give you the low-down on nightlife and places to hang out to feel like a local. Your address in Santiago gives you a head start – you'll be staying at the W Hotel, the epitome of the energy the city holds as well as Chile's bright future.

Your next day is all about culinary exploration. You'll be paired with one of Chile's top food and wine experts, a local chef and food writer whose passion for Chilean cuisine is unmatched. Set off first to explore the labyrinth of stands and stalls at Santiago's sprawling yet picturesque wholesale market. Vendors hawk the freshest seasonal fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, various meats, and mountains of spices. You'll sample some of these ingredients put into action at a local food stall serving Chilean classics. Next it's on to the fish market where you'll snack on fresh-as-can-be oysters, followed by a couple stops to purchase local cheese. Fortunately for you, the day isn't over; you'll go with your guide to her private apartment, where she'll prepare a lovely lunch. You'll relax with a glass of wine, learn as you go, dine well, and enjoy the company of a terrific local food and wine personality.

From Santiago, it's an early start to a ...

far away place – almost the end of the earth, to be exact! No doubt you've heard many tales about Patagonia or the "Land of Fire", but now it's your turn to experience it first-hand. You'll fly south to the city of Punta Arenas, passing snow-capped volcanoes that rise above the clouds en route. From Punta Arenas, you'll be met by a representative of Explora en Patagonia, for the longish (5 hours) ride to Torres del Paine National Park. It's a full day of travel, but remember, while distances are great in Chile, tenacity is rewarded.

Your reward is...

Explora en Patagonia's Hotel Salto Chico, situated in one of the planet's most scenic and revered destinations, Torres del Paine National Park. Explora has created the perfect environment from which to uncover the park's bounty. You'll challenge yourselves with vigorous hikes, kayaking and boating, excursions to glaciers and horseback rides. Yet by night, you'll come back to a warm fire, the best Chilean wines and stunning meals. Feeling adventured out? It's perfectly fine to take an afternoon off – there is a lovely spa, a hot tub overlooking the park's central massif, and many comfy corners to curl up with a good book. The lodge itself is a haven that will enhance your experience in Torres del Paine, adding a touch of luxury to an otherwise completely adventurous itinerary.

After four amazing days in Patagonia, it's time to return home, which given the location of Torres del Paine is far away, no matter where you live! But having visited such gorgeous scenes and partaken in so many once-in-a-lifetime activities, you'll relish the opportunity to review both your photographs and memories as you make your way back.

Who will enjoy this trip:

Food and wine lovers. Those who appreciate mountains and wild coastal scenery. Soft and more hard-core adventure travelers. People who value traveling in a well-organized country.

Who should avoid this trip:

For those who might like to add more time in Chile, Easter Island and the Atacama Desert are excellent extensions to this itinerary. Chile, particularly Patagonia, requires a lot of travel time to reach. While the luxury hotel scene is slowly developing and there are options, it comes at a high price.