In March I traveled to Chile for a family wedding. It was the perfect season for the Central Valley: late summer, early fall in the Southern Cone. We didn't have time to embark on a big Patagonia or Atacama exploration, and decided to stick close to Santiago for this trip. I chose a sweet little gastronomy lodge called Mapuyampay in the foothills of the Andes on the Ruta del Vino, about 2.5 hours south of Santiago. We spent three nights here indulging in chef and owner Ruth's creations, hiking in nearby Parque Andina, and even stumbled upon a regional event "Festival de Mimbre", the annual wicker festival.
From the mountains, we drove to Concón on the coast, a small town just north of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. We ate fresh seafood and took breezy walks along the coastline. The ocean here is always cold, but those with the fortitude can take a quick dip or rent a wetsuit and paddleboard to spend the day on the water.
Finally we settled back in Santiago. On top of visiting with my husband's family, I always leave time to enjoy the city, revisit my favorite places, and explore new ones. My favorite thing about Santiago is that it does not exist for tourism. It doesn't carry the reputation of some of the flashier South American capital cities, and therefore is allowed to exist first and foremost for its citizens. This becomes evident when you spend time here; you stop searching for highlights, hot spots, and photo-worthy captures, and instead relish this stopping point and logistical pause before traveling onward.
I love Chile, and there are so many hidden gems outside of its geographic extremes. If you're interested in learning more about my favorite places, get in touch! |
|
|
|
New Blog: Why Should Travel Advisors Work with DMCs? |
|
|
|
We realized Patagonia has a problem last time we visited El Chaltén, in 2024. We finished a day hike in late March (shoulder season, theoretically) and ended up in a line of several dozen people shuffling down the mountain at the same time.
The post-pandemic travel boom has been good for business and hard on the destination. Every season brings more direct flights, luxury hotels, and paved roads. Once isolated trails are now lined with hikers inching toward TikTok-famous viewpoints. Lodges book out a year in advance.
There are still places that require effort to reach, and that effort keeps the crowds out. Isla Navarino, in the extreme south of Chile, is one of them. You get there by prop plane from Punta Arenas, or by crossing the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia. It's not difficult, but it takes intention, and a leap of faith to visit a place that hasn't gone viral.
Once travelers get there, the Patagonia they came for is intact: empty trails, glaciers all to themselves, kayaking in total silence. Olivia took a ten-hour hike and passed one other person.
Errante Ecolodge fits the place perfectly. Built by hand from local lenga wood, solar-powered, and run by Jorge — a dentist-turned-lodge-owner who still treats the island's patients out of a guest room. It's warm and unpretentious, as a Patagonian lodge should be. And because it's still under the radar, high-season availability holds long after everywhere else is sold out. |
|
Which Advisor Resource would you like to see next? |
|
|
|
✈️ Did you know? Copa Airlines offers a free stopover in Panama City ranging from 24 hours to 7 days. Combine two iconic Latin American destinations into one trip. Add just a night or two to explore Panama City, or longer to jet out to Panama's Caribbean or Pacific coasts.
🏕️ We've entered the low season in Argentina, which means intrepid travelers can find amazing winter deals for Patagonia, or start looking now to book travel in the upcoming high season (November-March).
🏔️ Explore beyond Galapagos with a journey through mainland Ecuador and its Route of Volcanoes, with Amazing Ecuador's Hidden Gems sample itinerary.
|
|
|
|
On June 18th, Olivia is hosting a guided tour of El Museo del Barrio in New York City — the oldest museum in the country dedicated to Latino art. Together, we'll explore Jangueando, the current exhibit at El Museo. Janguear has no direct translation, but means something like: to hang out, to relax, to party. The exhibit explores places of gathering, from the street to the club. It should be a great way to get inspired by the region.
Travel advisors and industry professionals are welcome to join. Details can be found here. Spot are limited, reply to this email to RSVP. |
|
|
|
Our curated portfolio of DMCs and lodges represent what we love about Latin America. They are owner-run, locally-owned, sustainability-minded, and fun to work with. |
|
|
|
Cabra Collection
4711 Spicewood Springs Rd.
Austin, TX 78759 |
|
| | |
|
|
|
