Chile Vacation

Your Chile trip will probably start in the capital of the country. If you are looking to get stunned by architecture and cultural contrast, Santiago is your call in this travel guide. The city is divided into two parts: an old one, with colonial architecture and historical attractions, and a modern one, known as Sanhattan, for its similar skyscrapers and top-class buildings and lifestyle, similar to Manhattan. The surroundings of Santiago include its wine route where you must try their world-known unique wine: Carmenere. Taste Carmenere and other red wines in one of the many vineyards and wineries located in Valle de Colchagua, Casa Blanca, or Valle de Rapel. For experiencing local culture, you may want to visit some ranches to learn more about the figure of the “huasos”, the local people who traditionally worked in these ranches.

This coastline city is known as the Garden City, and although is best known for its iconic Music Festival, Viña del Mar hosts high-level cuisine restaurants and dazzling sunsets views of the Pacific Ocean. Include Viña in your Chile vacation and discover the beautiful castles and old houses of the golden age of the city, now converted into museums and art galleries. All of these, are surrounded by the magic views of the Pacific Ocean!

Gastronomy, culture, and amazing views of the Pacific Ocean are guaranteed in Valparaíso.  This city cannot be missing from your Chile vacation because it is an important seaport. Its Historic Quarter was named World Heritage by UNESCO, as it represents an outstanding example of industrial heritage from the international sea trade of the late 19th and early 20th. Enjoy a ride in its historical funicular or the fresh seafood in one of the many delicious restaurants at the Jewel of the Pacific, as Valparaiso is called.

Did you know it is the driest nonpolar desert in the world? Meaning only exceptional things can be found. Add to your Chile trip a visit to San Pedro de Atacama, a small city with little adobe houses, the jumping-off point for all travelers who want to visit this area. For starters, this place is also cataloged as one the best places in the world for stargazing for its clear sky and lack of light pollution. You can also visit the Salts Flats and bathe in one of the many pristine water lagoons with stunning volcanoes as the backdrop, or visit Geysers del Tatio, the highest geothermal field in the world. Flamingoes, salt caves and salt gemstones, and Atacama’s traditional cuisine are also part of the one of a kind destination.

If within your Chile vacation, you are looking for an immersive experience of local cultures, in this region, especially in Chiloé, you will for sure learn and connect with the history and culture of Mapuches, the native inhabitants of this area. Great pristine lakes and millenary forests will also be part of your Lake District visit. Some of the villages you can include in your Chile trip to discover this area include Pucón, Villa Rica, Frutillar, and Puerto Varas.

Located in the south, Torres del Paine National Park is declared a Natural Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Puerto Natales, a small town but with great restaurants to try local cuisine, is the jumping-off point to start your adventure here in Torres del Paine. For true hiking lovers, this place might seem like a paradise: jagged snow capped mountains, turquoise water lakes, and majestic glaciers are going to be your hiking landscapes. The most famous circuit is known as the “W” circuit, wherein on a 5 day tour, you get to discover Torres del Paine’s highlights such as Paine Towers, Paine Horns Grey Glacier, and Lake Pehoé.

Ana Maria

Club Hipico 476

Regional Food 

This restaurant is known as one of the best ones in town if you are looking to try authentic Chilean food. From exquisite seafood and exotic meat cuts of quail, rabbit, and ostrich to traditional Cazuelas, similar to soup made of onion, corn, peppers with chicken or meat.

La Piojera

Aillavilú 1030

Restaurant / Bar

Enjoy traditional food in a chill environment. Try Chorillana (french fries with onion, fried eggs, and meat), Pichanga (mix of tunas, cheese, pickles) accompanied with La Piojera’s star cocktail: Terremoto (earthquakes).

Dominó

Paseo Ahumada 37

Restaurant 

A Completo is basically a hotdog covered in avocado, tomato, and mayonnaise but this could vary. Dominó is a family business restaurant that has been working in Santiago de Chile for almost 60 years and serves one of the best completos in the city.

Chilenazo

Libertad 37

Restaurant / Pub 

This restaurant offers all kinds of meat cuts. It is similar to a grill but cooked and served in a Chilean way to keep local culture alive.

Tierra de Fuego

8 norte Nº65, Playa Acapulco

Restaurant / Seafood

Located on the coast, Tierra de Fuego’s dazzling views of the Pacific Ocean will join the delicious seafood menu they offer. You should try “Machas a la Parmesana”, a traditional plate of the area!

El Asador Patagonico

Arturo Prat 158

Restaurant / Patagonic Lamb 

This restaurant will for sure delight yourself with the specialty of this region: Patagonic lamb. Enjoy the local cuisine and a local beer in a nice atmosphere.

La Disquería Restaurant

Hermann Eberhard 299

Restaurant / Plow Disc-made Food

La Disqueria specializes in their food made by using “Discos de Arado”. You’ll be tasting different kinds of meat, chicken, and fish in the most traditional Chilean way.

El Humedal, Casa Cocina

Turismo 145

Fusion / Vegan

A great restaurant with a spectacular view of Llanquihue Lake. Even though their menu is Fusion Food based, they always make sure to include vegetarian and vegan options.

Café Turri 

Templeman 147, Cerro Concepción

Local Food / Meals

Rumors say this restaurant has the best views of Valparaiso’s city on the coast of the chilean sea. You can enjoy traditional Chilean dishes for dinner, or visit this 19th-century building for tea time!