Three Reasons Why Chile Needs to be Your Next Vacation Destination

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As home to Patagonia, a world-famous and iconic tourist attraction, Chile may seem like a well- established travel destination. In fact, that’s far from the case, according to Jenny Mikkelson, a Chile specialist at Travel Beyond, a luxury tour operator in Wayzata, Minn.
“Traditionally, travelers have to come to Chile to see Patagonia, but they miss the rest of the country,” she said.

In the past, they had good reason to: the tourism infrastructure in many parts of Chile, especially one that met the standards of luxury travelers, was weak at best. That’s fast-changing today with notable high-end properties opening from north to south that give tourists plenty of incentive to plan a visit.
Below, three regions in Chile poised to be South America’s next “it” hotspots.

The Atacama Desert


Located in northern Chile a few hours flight from Santiago, the Atacama Desert, set 7,000 feet above sea level, it is the highest altitude and driest desert in the world. It has a stark absence of light pollution, making it one of the best stargazing destinations globally. “The only real light would be from the town of Calama an hour away and the other resorts in the area,” Mikkelson said. “You’re so much closer to the stars than you would be normally. It’s incredible.”

Thanks to a handful of spectacular lodges, it is possible to experience this remote region in style. One, Explora Atacama, put the desert on the tourism map when it opened 26 years ago. It offers group-based guided explorations such as horseback riding, biking, hiking, flamingo watching, trips to Cactus Valley to see centuries old cacti and much more. The property has 50 rooms, a spa, a private observatory, a bar (the bartenders can make just about any cocktail) and tasty cuisine, much of it locally sourced. There’s even a barbecue area where the chefs roast lamb on special occasions 
Other resorts are now following in Explora’s footsteps. Tierra Atacama and Awasi Atacama are two newer entrants to the scene. Tierra’s spa has plenty of spaces for yoga and quiet meditation, along with Jacuzzis and baths. With only ten rooms, Awasi has more of an intimate feel and only offers private excursions.   

Starting Rates (prices are for two people and inclusive of accommodations, food and drinks, excursions and airport transfers): Tierra Atacama: $775 per person night; Awasi Atacama: from $2,700 per person for three nights; Explora Atacama: from $1,500 per person for three nights.

The Wine Country:


The area a few hours drive south Santiago is dotted with wineries, making it a good stop for any oenophile. “Chile has always had a lot of great wineries producing fantastic wines, but few had any real places to stay,” Mikkelson said. 

Similar to the Lakes District, that’s changing. Vik Retreatswhich already had the posh art and designed-centric Vik Chile, recently opened Puro Vik, situated on the same 11,000 acres of vineyards. The property consists of 19 houses constructed of glass, which give guests jaw dropping views of the landscape. Each home has balconies with tubs overlooking the panoramas and its own décor theme from Japanese art and 18th century France to the glass of Dale Chihuly Of course wine tasting is a highlight activity, but guests can also partake in cooking classes, horseback riding, archery, yoga, vineyard walks and more. And, unlike most wineries, kids are welcome and can enjoy swimming, cooking classes tailored to their palate and the entertainment lounge with movies, game consoles and other diversions. 

Starting Rates (prices are for two people and inclusive of accommodations, food and drinks and activities): $1,100 per night

Santiago:


Once considered only as a destination for a quick layover or a short visit, Chile’s capital is heating up with a flourishing art and food scene. “We want to start squashing the theory that Santiago isn’t a fun place to be,” Mikkelson said. “The city is very up and coming, there are a lot of really unique things going on there.” 

To start, tourists can see the colorful and flamboyant graffiti all over town, along with the older and storied architecture like the Plaza de Armas (Travel Beyond offers art tours). The National Museum of Fine Arts., with its impressive collection of Chilean and South American works, is also worth a stop.

On the culinary front, Santiago is exploding. Borago, which focuses on molecular gastronomy under Chef Rodolfo Guzman, is just one restaurant that’s a food lovers must. Accommodations-wise, luxury travelers will soon be able to look to the Hotel Santiago now under the banner of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. The property is undergoing a renovation that’s expected to be finished by 2020.
Starting Rates: $166 per night per person