Tag: Chile

The Five Best Views in Latin America

Patagonia
February 18, 2021
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Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Latin America

This post could also be called ‘the five must-see places in Latin America’ as they should be on every traveller’s wishlist not least because they offer up some of the most tremendous vistas in the region. Which of these stunning destinations will you be adding to your bucket list? The Atacama Desert – Chile The sheer size of the Atacama Desert, meteorologically the driest (hot) desert on earth, is astonishing. With miles and miles of salt flats extending in front of you, it’s not hard to believe that some areas of the Atacama have had no recorded instances of rainfall ever. If nothing else, this view will make you appreciate how vast the earth as a whole is – for some, it can be a life-changing experience. Christ the Redeemer – Brazil Arguably one of the most recognisable pieces of architecture in the world, the huge statue of Christ the…

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The Best Things to See in Valparaiso

November 5, 2020
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Chile

Valparaiso is a beautiful, colourful city that will capture your heart. The best description for this bohemian port city came from the poet Pablo Neruda, who had a particularly beautiful view – “Valparaiso, how absurd you are… you haven’t combed your hair, you’ve never had time to get dressed, life has always surprised you.” There is indeed a certain chaotic beauty to Valparaiso, one that you will quickly discover on this journey through a few of the best things to see when in Valparaiso. La Sebastiana La Sebastiana was Pablo Neruda’s former residence and is now a house-museum that you can stop by when visiting Valparaiso. Getting there involves a lot of climbing but it is completely worth it, as you explore each floor of the house you’ll see why. – the most heart-stopping views of the harbour. Here you will also be able to see Neruda’s collection of ships…

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Top 5 activities in the Atacama Desert

May 4, 2020
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Chile

In the Atacama Desert, it’s not hard to imagine that you’re on another planet.  With the flat, crystal whiteness of the salt flats stretching into the distance, and bizarre, rocky outcrops towering overhead, this is Planet Earth like you’ve never seen it before.  But what is there to do in this other-worldly landscape? Here are our top 5 activities in the Atacama Desert… Stargazing Few of us have seen a night sky untouched by light pollution, and yet in the Atacama Desert in Chile, it’s as simple as stepping outside and looking up.  A deep, velvety blackness stretches and rolls around you, heavy on the horizon but lifting into miles of brilliant, bright shards.  The stars here aren’t just dim lights, but stud out shapes and constellations for you to admire. We recommend taking a night-time walk when the moon is full, to enjoy ghostly views of the incredible landscape…

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5 facts about Easter Island

April 27, 2020
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Chile

The isolated Rapa Nui – or Easter Island, as it is perhaps better known – is an island located deep in the South Pacific, and one that is simply teeming with outstanding nature, surprising secrets and a remarkable history that make it oh so worth a visit. Here are 5 interesting facts about this mystifying corner of the world. It was the first Pacific island to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.. The enormous stone statues that call Easter Island home remain – to this day – as one of the world’s greatest mysteries. Estimated to have been built somewhere between the 10th and 16th centuries, no-one knows exactly why, when or how these incredible statues were built, nor the details behind the mysterious rise and fall of a clearly advanced and prosperous civilization. The entire island was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995. It is home to…

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Let Chile come to you…

April 21, 2020
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Chile

Although we are unable to travel at the moment, you can still discover the joys of Latin America from the comfort of your home. Each week we’ll be posting inspiration from a different destination in Latin America, sharing movies, music, books and recipes to pique your interest, and, this weeks destination is the vast, varied and utterly stunning – Chile. Stretching almost half the length of South America, Chile is home to both the driest desert in the world and to endless, spectacular glacier fields. A land of diverse landscapes, its a country framed by the epic Andes mountain range and the dramatic Pacific coastline, and it has something to offer every taste and budget. Delve deeper into Chile’s wonders with our favourite inspiring read, film and recipe below.  Watch:#IDreamOfChile video from Chile Tourist Board Now is a time to pause, but those landscapes you’ve been longing to visit will still be here, more beautiful than ever, waiting…

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Latin America for the food and wine lovers

February 10, 2020
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Food and Wine

For a fusion of flavours, Latin America is the destination that dreams are made of! From capital cities bursting with gastronomic gems to world-renowned coffee plantations and vineyards, there is no end to the dazzling delights ready to tantalise your taste buds. From ceviche in Peru to steak in Argentina and salteñas in Bolivia, Latin America’s ancient traditions, indigenous communities and a vast array of homegrown ingredients have shaped the region into one of the most interesting destinations for food and wine lovers the world over. Here’s just a few of some of the tastiest foods to sample when visiting Latin America… Ceviche in Peru This delicious dish formed of fresh fish in lime juice with peppers is famous throughout Peru, with some of the best found in Lima, which is fast becoming a centre of gastronomy. In Peru, there is even a National Ceviche Day to celebrate this dish which is a huge part of the country’s heritage. Cazuela in Chile The Chilean equivalent to a hearty soup to…

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Caroline’s Cookbook: Empanadas

August 15, 2014
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All News, Argentina, Brazil, Chile

It’s that time again! Who else is hungry? This week I will be teaching you about the good old South American empanada (and its closest relatives). The Lowdown In Argentina the empanada is a firm favourite for filling a rumbling belly, adults and kids alike. The typically savoury snack (if you need a visual, it resembles a small Cornish pasty) dates back centuries and was originally brought over from Galicia, Northwest Spain where it was invented as a portable lunch for workmen. I have to say that a visit to Argentina is not complete until you have tried a locally baked (or deep fried) empanada with any of the various fillings. The flavoursome pastries are most commonly stuffed with either ham and cheese, spinach and ricotta, minced beef or shredded chicken and accompanied by chopped onion and a mixture of spices. A plate of warm empanadas is ideal shared as…

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The Wonderful Wildlife of Chile: Land Animals

August 12, 2014
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All News, Chile

After Brazil, Chile has the largest area of protected conservation land in South America. Most of this protected land falls in the rugged and highly untouched expanse of Patagonia. From top to bottom there are a total of 36 National Parks in Chile, all with something a little different to the other, from magnificent volcanic landscapes of Hornopiren to the temperate ‘enchanted’ rainforests and hanging glaciers further South in Queulat. Once inside these parks you can’t help but marvel at the never-ending mountain ranges and beautiful natural wonders that nature has created. It is here that nature has the power to make you feel tiny and insignificant. An important place for wildlife in Chile is the recently rehabilitated Valle Chacabuco, part of which was once a working sheep farm or estancia. Today Chacabuco’s much greener pastures are home to many of the animals that you will find described below. Interestingly,…

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The Wonderful Wildlife of Chile: Oceans and Rivers

July 31, 2014
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All News, Chile

Welcome to the wonderful world of Chilean wildlife; a huge, magnificent and surprising collection of animals inhabiting one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world. Chile is a land of extremes; from the driest desert in the world to the cold archipelago at ‘the end of the earth’ and even an isolated pacific island in between. With so much bio-diversity, it’s easy to see how Chile became the place where Charles Darwin made some of his most vital observations, those that would influence his theories on natural selection. Volcanoes and mountains line the interior border with neighbouring Argentina and are home to some very resilient and well adapted land mammals, while birds of all shapes, colours and sizes fill the skies thrilling any visiting bird-watcher. Chile is, in short, a nature lover’s paradise. Today the focus is on fish, mammals and amphibians that exist in the fresh water…

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Starry Eyed in Chile’s Atacama Desert

July 22, 2014
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All News, Chile

What’s happening? It’s eyes to the skies in the Atacama Desert, located in the North of Chile, because this place just got even more exciting. It has long been a world renowned hotspot for star gazing but now, thanks to a 1.1 billion euro investment, the desert will be home to the world’s biggest telescope and therefore become the most important site in ground-based astronomy. The new model will fittingly be known as the “European Extremely Large Telescope” or “E-ELT” and will contain a 39 meter mirror that will allow astronomers to look deeper into space than ever before. The entire project will span a decade, with the telescope estimated to be completed in 2024. Stargazing is a popular activity among holiday-makers in the Atacama due its clear skies, high altitude, lack of light pollution or radio interference. The night skies are truly a sight to behold and an evening spent…

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