South America

Easter Island | Atacama Desert | Santiago | Central Valley | Valparaiso | La Serena | Ski Resort | Lake District | Patagonia

CHILE

From salty-desert top to glacier-crowded bottom, Chile is an awesome reminder of nature's beauty and power. This narrow trickle of a country is jammed with enough geysers, mountains, beaches, forests and volcanos to keep adventure nuts slavering for a lifetime.

Clinging to the Pacific coast of South America over a north-south distance of over 4000 km, the fascinating narrow ribbon of land that is Chile is a culturally and geographically distinct country in spite of the diversity of its landscapes and climates.

It is the variety which makes this friendly republic so attractive to visitors. The far north of the country is within the tropics, while in the south, Chile reaches into Antarctica. You will also find the highest stretches of the Andean range, volcanoes, glaciers, fjords, the highest lake in Latin America and the driest desert on earth. You can conceivably swim or surf in the Pacific in the morning and in the afternoon ski down an Andean piste.

Chile is a peaceful and welcoming country with a good infrastructure and in spite of the distances involved, it is easy to get around. Excellent hotels, abundant fresh seafood and cheap, delicious wines are the ingredients for a superb, trouble-free holiday.

In common with many other countries on the Pacific rim, Chile sits on some large geological faults which, with their associated geothermal activity, means there are numerous thermal springs. There are around 244 registered springs spread throughout the length of the country that vary from jets of boiling water, like the geysers in the Norte Grande region, to warm water pools. Hot spring water has been proven to be an ideal treatment for a variety of ailments.

Easter Island

Easter Island has long been the subject of curiosity and speculation. How and why did its inhabitants carve and transport the massive statues which surround the island? What remains of this culture today, and what lessons can we learn from their legacy?  Admiral Roggeveen, who came upon the island on Easter Day in 1722, named it Easter Island. Today, the land, people and language are all referred to locally as "Rapa Nui."

There has been much controversy and confusion concerning the origins of the Easter Islanders. Thor Heyerdahl proposed that the people who built the statues were of Peruvian descent, due to a similarity between Rapa Nui and Incan stonework. Some have suggested that Easter Island is the remnant of a lost continent, or the result of an extra-terrestrial influence . Archaeological evidence, however, indicates discovery of the island by Polynesians at about 400 AD - led, according to legend, by Hotu Matua. Upon their arrival, an impressive and enigmatic culture began to develop. In addition to the statues, the islanders possessed the Rongorongo script; the only written language in Oceania. The island is also home to many petroglyphs (rock carvings), as well as traditional wood carvings, tapa (barkcloth) crafts, tattooing, string figures, dance and  music.  

Lying 3700km (2294mi) west of the Chilean mainland, enigmatic Easter Island is the world's most remote inhabited island. It is actually more Polynesian than Chilean, though the presence of Pacific Islanders in this isolated part of the world is as much a mystery as how their descendants managed to design and sculpt the hundreds of colossal statues (moai) from hard volcanic basalt - let alone transport them from the inland quarries to the coast. This really is off the beaten track: you can sail more than 1900km (1178mi) in any direction without sighting inhabited land. Chile officially annexed the island in 1888 during the period of expansion which followed the War of the Pacific. Only about 2000 people live on the island, and nearly all of them live in the town of Hanga Roa. The population is 70% Polynesian, with most of the remainder coming from the Chilean mainland. The island is virtually an open-air national park, and boasts 300 moais and related stonework.

Lan Chile flies to Easter Island, with flights operating between Santiago, Chile and Papeete. 

Cabanas Vai Moana - 2 Star

Location:

Vai Moana means "blue sea" in the Rapa Nui language, and is reference to the enormous ocean that surrounds the island, from which much of the Rapa Nui culture has evolved.

The facilities are set within extensive lush gardens and contain examples of traditional architecture as found at the site of Tahai, and is located five minutes from the center of Hanga Roa, likewise from the archaeological complex of Tahai.

Vai Moana is the first hotel on the island and in all of America to be certified amongst the network of biospheric hotels by the RTI (Responsible Tourism Institute, affiliated to UNESCO), in recognition of their efforts to carry out their development with responsibility towards the natural and cultural surroundings.

Accommodation:

The rooms are situated within separate bungalows, set all over the garden, and with ocean views.  They offer 15 generous and comfortable rooms, as either singles, twins, triples or suites.

Facilities:

• Guest laundry
• Room service
• Bike Hire
• Horse riding
• Guided tours
• Diving

Dining:

• Restaurant (Polynesian cuisine)
• Bar

Iorana Hotel - 3 Star

Location:

Located near Ana Kai Tangata, only a few minutes from Mataveri airport and two kilometres from 'downtown' Hanga Roa, Iorana Hotel's dreamy clifftop setting offers captivating views of the sea from virtually every room.

Accommodation:

All of the 22 modern standard rooms and ten superior category rooms are carpeted, accented by tasteful island decor and have private bathrooms.

Facilities:

• Room service
• Guest laundry
• Telephone & Fax service
• Fresh water swimming pool
• Sea water swimming pool
• Tennis court
• Jeep hire
• Horseback riding
• Gift shop
• Lounge with TV & video

Dining:

• Restaurant (Ocean views offering traditional & European food)
• Bar   

Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert of Chile is a sparsely populated virtually rainless plateau, running from the Pacific Ocean to the Andes Mountains. The average width is less than 100 miles but it extends 600 miles south from the Peruvian border. The mountains nearest the ocean are the Pacific coastal range, with an average elevation of 2500 feet. The Cordillera Domeyko, a range of foothills of the Andes Mountains, lies east. The Atacama is made up of salt basins (salars) sand and lava flows. The landscape is so desolate it is sometimes described as "moon like". In fact the Atacama has been chosen as a good site to test the prototype of a future lunar rover.

San Pedro, once a mining town, is now a lively travellers stop-off point, famous as a centre for excursions in this part of the Atacama Desert. Most of its buildings are built from mud-brick and are colourfully painted. The Church of San Pedro is one of the oldest in the country and has an impressive roof of cacti.  The town is a fifteen-minute walk from the hotel, and has a local archaeological museum, bars and restaurants and a few gift shops.

Hotel Explora Atacama San Pedro de Atacama - 4 Star

Location:

In the midst of the driest desert on earth, the Explora Atacama is situated within a stone’s throw of snow-capped volcanoes, shimmering salt plains, the Andes and some of the world’s most advanced astronomical research centres. With all this and more on its doorstep, the Explora has something for everyone. Atacama is the ultimate destination for those looking for both adventure and natural beauty.

Accommodation:

The hotel allows guests to explore the magnificent Atacama Desert and surrounding area, whilst enjoying the Explora experience with its low-key but luxurious accommodation.

Facilities:

• 4 Spectacular outdoor swimming pools
• Massage room
• Meeting room
• Video room
• Private hot springs for bathing (45 minutes by car)
• Trips to El tatio Geyser
• Horse riding in sand dunes
• Sunset hikes to Moon valley
• Archaeological tours

Dining:

• Restaurant (serving International cuisine)
• Bar & lounge area (with views) 

Santiago

Santiago de Chile is a modern metropolis with a shiny face and one of South America's most dynamic economies. At the same time, struggling street vendors board city buses to hawk everything from pins to ice cream, and housemaids ride for hours to scrub floors and change diapers in exclusive suburbs.

It's first and foremost a city of commerce, but visitors will find much to enjoy in the city and its surroundings. Less than an hour from the city centre are world-class ski resorts and white-water rafting opportunities, famous beaches and the colorful port city of Valparaíso.

Intercontinental Hotel - 5 Star

Location:

The InterContinental Santiago is located in the Las Condes district, El Golf, the most important new business and financial area of Santiago.

The hotel is also adjacent to the Isidora Goyenechea and Bosque Norte Street near upscale shops, exclusive restaurants and the American Embassy. Beautiful marble floors, fresh flowers, carefully chosen furnishings and an emphasis on light and space make every room relaxing and ultimately satisfying.

Accommodation:

The hotel features 296 rooms and 9 suites, with Remote control TV, Movie and satellite channels, Direct-dial telephone, Bathroom telephone, Voice mail, minibar, In-room safe, hair dryer, Stereo system with tape and CD player, Dual voltage power points, Data port, video and high speed internet access.

Facilities:

• 24 Hour rooms service
• Laundry/valet service
• Business centre
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Indoor swimming pool
• 6 Meeting rooms
• Shops
• Valet parking

Dining:

• La Terraza Restaurant
• Bice Restaurant
• Benatino Bar

Hyatt Regency - 5 Star Deluxe

Location:

Acknowledged as one of Santiago's finest hotels, Hyatt Regency Santiago is located in an exclusive residential neighbourhood, 20 minutes away from Santiago city centre and within easy access of Santiago's international and domestic airports. Hyatt Regency Santiago is just one hour's drive from the most important ski resorts or the coastline.

Widely regarded as one of the most exclusive hotels in Chile and Latin America, Hyatt Regency Santiago has received many awards from prestigious publications such as Condé Nast Traveler, Latin Finance, Latin Trade and Travel + Leisure.

Accommodation:

Hyatt Regency Santiago's accommodation comprises 310 guest rooms and suites all of which offer stunning views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains. All the hotel guest rooms are larger than average, and have a separate comfortable seating area and an executive desk.  Amenities include: Individually controlled air-conditioning, radio & stereo, hairdryer, Cable TV, minibar, direct dial telephone with dual lines, voicemail, Internet access and safety deposit box.

Facilities:

• 1000 SQ metre lagoon style swimming pool
• 2 Floodlit clay tennis courts
• Jogging track
• Business centre
• Health Club
• Gymnasium
• Massage
• Sauna
• Valet parking & car park
• Laundry service
• 24 Hour room service
• Meeting facilities

Dining:

• Anakena Restaurant (Thai cuisine)
• Crostinis (Italian food)
• Matsuri (Japanese)
• Atrium Lobby Lounge
• Duke's Bar

Central Valley & Wine Routes

The Central Valley stretches southwards from Santiago for over 400 km and is a series of lateral valleys running between the Andes to the east and the coastal range to the west. Its history as Chile's colonial hub is still evident with many haciendas and pretty colonial villages. Attractions for travellers include the wine routes along the Colchagua Valley and Maule Valley near Talca, thermal resorts, horseriding and nature reserves.

Located 130km south of Santiago, San Fernando is the gateway to the Colchagua valley. With its perfect weather the valley has attracted wineries to the area since the Colonial days. Today, the area's main attraction is the Ruta del Vino, (the Wine Route). A number of Haciendas and wineries (including the have grouped together to create a tour which includes visits to vineyards, with full explanations, demonstrations, wine tasting, lunch and visits to the Haciendas, many of which are now museums. It gives you a glimpse of how Chile used to be when it was dominated by rich powerful families, as well providing an overview of one of Chile's most important exports: wine. Look out for the highly regarded Viña Santa Laura, a boutique winery oriented to low-volume, high-priced wines mainly exported to Europe and North America.

Hacienda Los Lingues Country Estate

Location:

If you are looking for a taste of old-world charm and luxury, the Hacienda Los Lingues, located just south of Santiago, is the place to go. As well as being the only Chilean property featured by the exclusive Relais and Chateaux group, it is one of Chile's oldest and best-preserved landed estates. Dating back to 1599, the hacienda has remained in the same family hands to this day and continues to be run very much as a working ranch, complete with a world-renowned stable of horses and 9,000 acres of farmland, vineyards and rolling hills.

Accommodation:

As you walk along the house’s veranda, comprising the traditional three sides of a square around a central courtyard, it is difficult to distinguish between doors leading to a bedroom and those to one of the warren of sitting rooms and dining room. It is a refreshing anonymity; but once you locate your not so humble abode and step through the tall, narrow doorway, you know this is going to be an experience with a difference. A welcome bottle of champagne, fresh flowers and fruit set the scene. Taking in the soaring ceilings, complete with chandelier, the late 1800s/early 1900s-style wallpaper and the antique furniture, including iron bedsteads and an oversized wardrobe or dresser, you are immediately carried back to a different era.

Huge shutters can be thrown open to cast some light on the rather dark interior, and to look out onto the beautiful grounds or the hills rising behind the estate. This, however is where the generalisations end; the lovely thing about Hacienda Los Lingues is that every room is highly individual, both in size and decoration – this remains, after all, a home, just as it has always been.

Facilities:

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Two Tennis courts
• Gardens
• Wine Cellar with over 2,000 bottles
• Lagoon for fishing nearby
• Meeting facilities
• Rodeo facilities
• Laundry service
• Communal TV
• Hiking in Andean foothills
• Horseriding
• Games room
• Wine tasting
• Room service

Dining:

• Restaurant
• Bar

Valparaiso

Over 450 years ago, during the Spanish colonization, Valparaiso was born. But the city's boom only started on the Nineteenth's century, when Chile had already won its independence and it became the natural port for visitors and products demanded in Santiago. 

When all the flat spaces were fully used, they started moving to its hills and the colorful amphitheater looking over the sea was completed. Valparaiso is a pile, a heap of crazy houses, Neruda once wrote. He also decided to have one of his houses, La Sebastiana, at the top of one of its hills, shaped as a boat sailing into the ocean. It is open to visitors, that will love its extravagant decoration and get the chance to observe the amazing scenery from its huge windows.

A very active night life characterizes this port city: new restaurants, pubs and art galleries have revived the bohemia that has make Valparaiso famous around the world. Over the last years, an interesting project to develop Bed and Breakfast lodging in houses located at the highest parts of the hill has attracted many visitors. They are amazed with the spectacular views of the bay and enjoy this family setting, perfect to help them absorb the city spirit.  

Robinson Crusoe Inn - 3 Star

Location:

Centrally located, part of history and Valparaiso’s 'Open Sky Museum', blending perfectly with a city over 450 years old. Walking distance to Victoriás square, beach, pier, city hall, shopping, banks, stock exchange, museums and Neruda´s house. A real jewel of the Pacific.  This is an Exquisite boutique property. Unique site of multiple levels, interior patio, high ceilings, antique pine, oak, brass hardware, massive doors and windows, beveled and edged glass, antique furnishings, magnificent views of Port, city, bay, and hillsides. The piece de la resistance is a 2000 square feet viewing terrace with an impressive 360 degrees view.

Accommodation:

There are a total of 14 guest rooms over 3 floors, and there are two types of accommodation:
Deluxe - Deluxe guest room with 2 double beds. Room includes antique furnishings, high celiings, table and sitting area, balcony, alarm clock, radio, shower, coffee/tea maker, and individually controlled air conditioning.
Studio Suite - Deluxe studio suite with 2 double beds. Room includes sofa bed, antique furnishings, high celiings, table and sitting area, balcony, alarm clock, radio, shower, coffee/tea maker, individually controlled air conditioning, and microwave..hairdryer..and iron/ironing board by request.

Facilities:

• 24 Hour front desk
• Modem Jack
• Laundry/valet
• Free parking

Dining:

• Restaurant

Hotel O'Higgins - 4 Star

Location:

O'Higgins Hotel is located in the heart of Vina del Mar, the main tourist capital and one of the most popular vacation spots in Chile, surrounded by large gardens and very close to beautiful beaches. Because of its reputation, the hotel receives many national and international celebrities. Our services include classic and warm hospitality.

Vina del Mar is in the main tourist city of the country. Located one and a half hours from Santiago City. Surrounded by large gardens and beautiful beaches, and facing front to the main square in a secure area. Banks, public offices, and commerical area are within walking distance.

Accommodation:

There are 244 rooms over 5 floors, all with modern amenities, with private bathroom, cable TV, telephone, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities.

Facilities:

• Business centre
• Swimming pool
• Room service
• Free parking
• Laundry/valet services
• Meeting/banquet facilities
• Internet services

Dining

• Restaurant
• Bar

La Serena

Important both historically and economically, the beachside city of La Serena is one of Chile's oldest post-Columbian cities. The region's silver, copper and agriculture were so important that the city had its own mint. Today, La Serena maintains a colonial air, although it is threatening Viña del Mar's supremacy as the premier beach resort. Apart from a string of beautiful beaches, attractions include a handful of museums and a number of nearby quaint villages and vineyards.

Hotel y Cabanas Mar de Ensueno - 4 Star

Location:

Built in 1991, the rooms of this tourist resort have been fully and luxuriously decorated, keeping an original style of decoration and structure, that can be appreciated in the cottages and the hotel building. This tourist complex is located in the North entrance of the Avenida del Mar, not far away from the beach, just in front of the sea, and very close to the Faro Monumental (Monumental Lighthouse), a symbol of tourist attraction of La Serena.

Accommodation:

The resort has 50 rooms and suites available at the hotel and 12 cottages. All of them have been carefully designed and fully equipped, in order to offer the best service to guests: phone services for international and national calls, ambient music, and cable TV.
Most of the rooms of the hotel, excepting the double and triple rooms, are fully equipped, they have kitchenettes with a refrigerator and central heating. Our cottages have 2 bedrooms, 2 TVs, terrace, bathroom, living-room and a fully equipped kitchen.

Facilities:

• Swimming pool
• Meeting/banquet facilities
• Laundry
• Tour desk
• Bicycle rental
• Free parking
• Room service

Dining:

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace

La Serena Club resort - 4 Star

Location:

La Serena Resort is located in front of the beach in Avenina del Mar and only 5 minutes from the civic and commercial area of the city. An exellent starting point all the charm of the north in La Serena Resort, a great hotel complex by the sea shore.

Accommodation:

The guest rooms feature private bathroom with shower, cable TV, telephone, radio, seating area, minibar, and in-room safe.

Facilities:

• Swimming pool
• Tennis courts
• Business centre
• Laundry
• Internet services
• Bicycle rental
• Table tennis
• Room service

Dining:

• Restaurant

Hotel Portillo & Ski Resort - 4 Star

Location:

Portillo is unique because there is no town and there is only one hotel: the grand Hotel Portillo, which has 123 rooms. In this respect, the Portillo skiing and resort experience is unlike that of other commercial ski resorts. Portillo is 102 miles from Santiago or approximately a 2 hours drive. The drive from Santiago is very scenic.

Accommodation:

Portillo rooms are cozy and warm, and feature simple decoration. We offer a variety of rooms, including doubles, family apartments and suites, with a view of the valley or the lake. While the mountain view from the valley side is beautiful, the lake view is especially spectacular and is worth the slightly higher price. Portillo's rooms are simply decorated and comfortable. Our rooms do not have TV, however TV can be viewed in the cinema and disco at designated hours. We encourage our guests instead to take part in our many activities and facilities, and disconnect from the day-to-day routine. Rooms come with telephones and safes.

Facilities:

• Portillo Ski school
• Kids camp programme
• Equipment rental
• Chair lifts
• Library
• Cyber cafe
• Gymnasium
• Sauna
• Massage
• Yoga classes
• Games room
• TV/Cinema room
• Sun Deck
• Housekeeping service
• High ratio of staff to guests

Dining:

• Main Dining room
• Cafeteria
• Tio Bob's Restaurant (slopeside restaurant with Andean views)
• La Posada Restaurant
• The Bar (live music)

Parque Natcional Puyehue

Situated in the beautiful Lake District, this is Chile's most popular national park. It preserves 107,000ha (264,290ac) of verdant montane forest and starkly awesome volcanic scenery. Dense forest hides puma, the rare pudú (a miniature deer) and prolific bird life, including the Chilean torrent duck. Nature trails, lake views, ski resorts, thermal springs, waterfalls and examples of some of Chile's strange plant life, in particular the umbrella-leaved nalca and multi-trunked ulmo, are some of the many attractions which draw visitors.

Termas de Puyuhuapi Hotel & Spa - 5 Star

Location:

Termas de Puyuhuapi is an exclusive and tranquil wilderness hotel and spa situated in the Lake District of  Chilean Patagonia. Its secluded location facing Dorito Bay is breathtaking, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush pine forest, waterfalls and natural pools. With its tantalising natural thermal springs and spa, it is the perfect retreat to relax and enjoy the surrounding nature.

Accommodation:

Rooms are chalet-style and furnished in pine. All have en suite facilities and overlook the lake. There is a restaurant, a well-stocked bar, lounge, games room and small gift shop.

Facilities:

• Spa & Thalassotherapy center
• Thermal Pool
• 2 Swimming pools
• Steam bath
• Hydro Massage
• Jacuzzi
• Massages
• Gym
• 28 Metre catamaran
• Zodiac boats for excursions

Dining:

• Restaurant
• Bar

Chilean Patagonia

Punta Arenas, the southern most town of its size in the world, is the gateway to one of the remotest and beautiful areas of the world, with lush forests, deep fjords, spectacular shaped mountains and awe inspiring glaciers. Amongst the scenery is an abundance of wildlife including llama, guanaco, rhea, condors and Magellan penguins.
From Punta Arenas you can take a cruise to Ushuaia (Argentina) around the island of Tierra del Fuego which means land of fire, named after the fires lit by Onas Indians; the early explorers thought the land was literally on fire. This is where the sea and the mountains meet, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans merge and the roaring 40’s blow; it is a legendary passage of water.

Chilean Patagonia has a wide range of attractions, from Punta Arenas and its penguin colonies, a cruise through the Magellan Straits to the awe inspiring Torres del Paine National Park.

Torres del Paine National Park covers 181.000 hectares on the Seno de Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope Inlet). The park is located 150 kilometers from Puerto Natales.  There are many hiking paths that cross widely differing types of terrain, such as pampas and thick Magellanic forests, and run along lakes with huge glaciers and icebergs. The park is surrounded by huge, craggy mountains, including the famous Cuernos del Paine (Paine Horns).

There are seven guard stations in the park, the largest being the Administrative Center. Hikes, camping, mountain climbing, fishing and horseback riding excursiones can be arranged from these sites. There are refugios (simple wooden shelters) throughout the park for overnigh accomodations.

Hotel Salto Chico - 4 Star

Location:

The Explora Hotel Salto Chico in Patagonia has a magical location on Lake Pehoé surrounded by granite massifs. The lodge is a luxurious base from which to enjoy the scenery; mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and emerald lakes. You can explore the park on foot or horseback, or simply relax and enjoy the vistas from the hotel.

Accommodation:

The hotel has 38 rooms - 24 Cordillera Paine rooms and four Exploradores suites. Cordillera Paine rooms either have views of the Chico River and its waterfalls, or the classic vista of Lake Pehoé and the surrounding mountains of the Paine Massif. Some rooms, including all suites, have a Jacuzzi bath.

Facilities:

• Games Room with TV & DVD player
• Indoor swimming pool
• Massage room
• Sauna
• Outdoor jacuzzis
• Trekking
• Horseriding

Dining:

• Restaurant
• Bar & Lounge

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