Tag: holidays to Chile

The Wonderful Wildlife of Chile: Feathered Friends

September 4, 2014
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All News, Chile

In the previous two parts of ‘The Wonderful Wildlife of Chile’ we looked at the country’s fascinating land mammals such as the elusive Puma as well as under water creatures such as whales and dolphins. That leaves us with another kind of animal that we haven’t yet covered. Up in Chile‘s vast skies, looking down over the longest stretching mountain range in the world and the deep blue waters of the Pacific coastline, the animals are as varied up here as they are on the ground or in the sea below. Now, when talking about Chile’s bird life, a special mention must be given to the Lauca National Park, located high up in the Andes and close to the border with Bolivia. The huge ecosystem that exists here in the Altiplano, the High Andean Plateau, has one of the highest altitudes in the world, but despite the plummeting night time…

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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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South American Easter Traditions

April 14, 2014
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Argentina, Chile, News

It’s that time of year again – eggs, extended family and enough chocolate to feed Luxembourg. It can only be Easter! We all have our idiosyncrasies when it comes to this festive time, but South America do it slightly differently to us… Argentina  Here in the UK, we tend to forget the religious aspect of Easter, but this a huge part of Argentinian life and culture. With a predominantly Catholic population (almost 75%), ‘Holy Week’ is a massive event featuring some spectacular outdoor services, attended by huge crowds. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday (yesterday, the 13th) and runs right through to Holy Saturday next week (the 19th) before Easter Sunday itself. Argentinians are, culturally, very family-orientated and Easter is no exception. Easter Sunday is characterised by a huge feast, the giving and receiving of gifts and exchanging of eggs. Traditionally, Argentinians will prepare a special dish – ‘Rosca de…

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Torres Del Paine: Where to Stay

April 10, 2014
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Chile, News

Visiting the incredible Torres Del Paine National Park is one of South America’s ultimate highlights, but its remote location means that accommodation can be limited. We’ve done the legwork for you and scoped out the best hotels already – here they are! Tierra Patagonia  If you want style, elegance and luxury along with one of the best locations in the area, then Tierra Patagonia is the one for you. Looking out over Lake Sarmiento to the peaks of the Torres Del Paine National Park, the building’s clever design gives it the impression of being immersed in the surrounding landscape. However, its proximity to nature does not leave you to compromise on the luxuriousness of your holiday to Chile. Rather, the use of natural woods and colours emanates safety and serenity. Relax and enjoy Tierra Patagonia’s fantastic facilities, including a fully functioning bar, library, living room with open fire, swimming pool and spa. Mingle with other like-minded guests or relax in…

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The Torres Del Paine, Chile

April 7, 2014
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Chile, News

While Chile has many spectacular natural wonders, the Torres Del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia is one of the most beautiful, serene and stunning places not just in Chile, but in all of South America. Here’s a rundown of the kind of show-stopping highlights you might expect to find in this remote area. The Area  Recognised as both a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Torres Del Paine National Park is located on the border between Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia. A mecca for walkers and hikers worldwide, the park is connected by a web of interlocking trails and tracks for both walking and mountain biking, affording you astonishing views of the ‘Torres’ themselves – three massive towers of rock jutting out of the Earth. The tallest of these extends over 3000m above sea level, making for an incredible vista. The park itself is stretched over approximately 250,000 hectares, ready for…

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Pumas in Patagonia

August 13, 2013
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Chile, News

Are you a keen wildlife photographer or just want to experience some outstanding natural beauty? Tierra Patagonia have the trip for you… Pumas are one of the more elusive creatures in the natural world – inherently solitary and reclusive, they are rarely spotted and mostly avoid human contact. However, there are an estimated 50-100 pumas in the Torres Del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, making it one of the best places to start if you’re trying to track these elusory beasts. Photographing these creatures can be an exceptionally rewarding experience – the difficulty of locating and tracking Pumas makes the excitement of actually finding one even more tangible. Furthermore, their beauty and effortless movement make for some truly stunning photos. The Tierra Patagonia offers a tour specifically focused on locating and tracking a variety of wildlife in the Torres Del Paine National Park, including the Puma. Guided by Pia…

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Restaurant Alegre, Valparaiso, Chile

August 5, 2013
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Chile, News

One night whilst staying at the brand new Palacio de Astoreca in Valparaiso, Chile we were feeling a bit lazy so for dinner booked into their restaurant which was simply called Alegre. We sat down at our table completely unaware of the culinary delight that we were about to receive. Our very nice waiter handed us our menus and in his best English said that he would recommend the chefs taster menu. 7 courses of whatever the chef feels like cooking, based on the ingredients that are fresh at the time and each menu is individual to the table. Rather mysterious but we thought we would give it a go. Before we even had the first course we were treated to 2 amuse bouches. We immediately realised this wasn’t going to be a normal dining experience! What followed were 7 of the best courses of food we had both ever…

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Matetic Guesthouse and Restaurant, Chile

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Chile, News

Many travel from Santiago to Valparaiso, and along the road between the two you will find a turn-off sign posted Vina Matetic in the Casablanca Wine Valley. Take the turn and in minutes you will arrive at a luxury, retreat where tranquility and wine await. The guesthouse is a beautiful 7 room boutique hotel in the heart of the vineyards, built in a traditional colonial style with galleried walkways and period touches, surrounded by extensive, perfectly-manicured gardens. Within minutes the hustle and bustle of the cities will be a distant memory. Find yourself at the end of the garden and you will find a lovely pool area complete with cabana style beds that are perfect for easing away a few hours in the sun. Of course all this relaxing is thirsty work, and the best thing about staying on a vineyard is refreshment is not far away. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc…

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