Pebre sauce is a Chilean staple and can be used to spruce up any savory dish. It gives a kick of freshness to meat, goes perfectly with boiled or roasted veggies and is also a delicious dipping sauce for bread. The recipe is quick and easy so you should definitely give it a try! You can also whip up a bigger batch and store it in the fridge for a few days!

Here is what you need:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 5 chili peppers (e.g. aji amarillo, jalapeño or serrano)
- 1/2 medium-sized onion
- 1/4 cup scallions
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- salt and pepper to taste
Tip: If you don't have cup measures, you can also use a tea cup or small mug to make sure that the proportions are right!

Mix the oil, water, vinegar and garlic and whip until the liquid emulsifies and slightly thickens.
Finely chop the peppers, onion, scallions and cilantro. Mix the veggies into the vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Santiago de Chile is the dynamic and cosmopolitan capital of Chile. The city’s diversity shines through its contrasting neighborhoods. While exploring the city's streets, visitors will be delighted by original art galleries, design shops, handicraft markets, as well as a great selection of restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightlife. Colorful streetart like mosaics or graffiti can also be found here. A variety of museums provides insights into the history of Chile and San Cristobal Hill is the place to go for an amazing panoramic view of the city. Food is an important part of Chilean culture and the best way to explore it is a local market; La Vega Chica, Tirso de Molina and Central Market are just some examples.
Of course you can't visit Santiago without sampling the exquisite wines that the vineyards surrounding the city produce. The valleys Aconcagua, Maipo and Casablanca are located just a short drive from Santiago and are home to countless artisanal and industrial vineyards. There are also lovely wine hotels if you are interested in an extended stay.
If you leave Santiago towards the western coast, you reach the small cities Viña del Mar and Valparaiso which are great destinations for day tours or overnight stays. Valparaíso’s bohemian vibes and colorful maze of hills have long inspired poets and writers. Its colorful architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, endless staircases, and old cable cars have even made Valparaíso a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Viña del Mar on the other hand boasts white sandy beaches, green vibrant gardens, modern buildings, ancient castles and mansions, museums, and activities for everyone. The long promenade is perfect for extended walks and views of multicolored sunsets.

The Maipo Canyon is located about 1h from the city center of Santiago and the perfect place to go if you want beautiful nature, fresh air and adventure. In order to get around more easily and get the most out of your excursion, we suggest renting a car. The canyon is famous for its amazing trekking routes which include options for everybody from beginners to mountaineers and range from day hikes to multi-day treks. If you want to step it up a bit, visit one of the canopy parks to zip-line over the Maipo River. Don't mind getting wet? We suggest trying your hand at kayaking or rafting. Another great way to explore the canyon is on horseback, no matter if you are an experienced rider or a beginner. The only thing that is missing after a day of outdoor fun is some relaxation and what better way than a dip in the canyon's hot springs? There are several options to choose from, be it natural pools or spa facilities. To learn more about an outing to Maipo Canyon, please contact us!

The Atacama Desert of northern Chile is the world's second driest region (after icy Antarctica). Although the Tropic of Capricorn passes through the region, Atacama lies in the rain shadow of Chile's Coast Range, which squeezes out the moisture from the atmosphere. The desert is completely barren and while most areas only receive moisture from an occasional fog or a shower every few decades, the rain gauge at Calama has never recorded any measurable precipitation. Nevertheless, or maybe because of that, Atacama is a place of unimaginable beauty and wonder. There are salt flats stretching seemingly endless from north to south, natural hot springs, the surreal Moon Valley with its ragged rocks and breathtaking colors in the sunset, and the impressive El Tatio, a field of 70 active geysers that spurt vapor high into the sky. Small villages provide a unique insight into local culture and an expession of customs and traditions can be found in festivals, handicrafts, and folklore. The region also boasts some of the clearest night skies in the world, making Atacama a perfect destination for star gazing, be it with the naked eye or from South America’s largest public telescope observatory.
The gateway for excursions into the desert is San Pedro de Atacama. It is one of the oldest towns in the area and also known as Chile’s archaeological capital, specifically to learn about the Atacama and Licanantai cultures. The town is home to the stunning San Pedro Church built with adobe, cacti, “chañar”, and “algarrobo wood”.

Atacama boasts an impressive selection of hotel options for all budgets and tastes. A lot of them specialize on all-inclusive experiences so guests can make the most out of their stay and explore to their hearts' content. One of our favorites, Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama, will open its doors again on October 1st. 
The hotel is located around 2km outside of San Pedro de Atacama on an 8-hectare property with view of the Licancabur volcano and the La Sal mountain range. The architecture and design is inspired by the Ayllu, the native inhabitants of the area. The hotel's 60 rooms are accommodated in 20 single-story modules of three rooms each, all of them with a private terrace. A special feature is the stone-walled outdoor shower that each room is equipped with. The restaurant serves a signature cuisine with a blend of indigenous influences, local ingredients and haute cuisine techniques. The all-inclusive packages features excursions with specialist guides to explore all corners of the Atacama Desert. Please contact us for details and package rates at Cumbre San Pedro the Atacama!

Between Central Chile and the Lake Region lies the Araucanía Region, the land of the Mapuche, a native ethnic group that is recognized for its value and contribution to the life of the region. In addition to them, the heirs of the European settlers who arrived in the XIX century searching for new opportunities to prosper and grow have left an indelible mark that remains to this day.
The Arauco territory is the place to go to connect with nature and people. You can visit Mapuche villages to learn about their lifes and traditions as well as their role in today's society. The lush vegetation and stunning landscape will delight you with stunning shorelines along the many rivers and lakes surrounded by the Nahuelbuta mountain range.
A place that is particularly beautiful is Huilo Huilo which is located in the heart of the Patagonian Forest in the region of Los Rios ("The Rivers"). It is a reserve that contains 100,000 hectares of amazingly biodiverse temperate rainforest. The Biological Reserve Huilo Huilo is essentially Native Forest, the maximum expression of life on our planet. It represents a variety of tree species of different ages, such as coihue, rauli, mañío, lengas and arrayanes as well as the highest number of fern species in continental Chile. The reserve is also home to endangered species, majestic mountains, volcanoes, glacial lakes, and countless streams.
The operators of the reserve have made it their goal to protect and preserve the temperate rainforest while integrating local communities so as to improve both present and future generations’ quality of life. Special Interest Tourism plays an important part in reaching that goal since it rises awareness to the cause, educates visitors and financially supports conservation efforts as well as the local communities.
Picture credit: Lago Budi, Ruca - Courtesy of Sernatur 

Araucanía and specifically Huilo Huilo offer visitors spectacular accommodation options. We want to present you an all-time favourite which seems more like a fairy dwelling than a hotel: Montaña Mágica Lodge.
This totally unique and somewhat peculiar hotel is located inside the Huilo Huilo Reserve. Its 9 small but cozy rooms are located inside a mountain-shaped building that is decorated with locally sourced wood and stone. All rooms have a private bathroom. Due to the hotel's "bedroom disconnect policy", there are no TVs, phones or minibars in the rooms; Wi-Fi is only available in the common areas. The hotel features a comfortable living area, restaurant, bar and the Lawenko Spa with swimming pools and saunas.
The hotel offers access to a variety of self-guided activities, including various trails (e.g. Botanical Trail, Volcanic Cavern Trail) as well as a deer farm and a wild boar breeder.
If you would like to learn more about Montaña Mágica Lodge and other hotels in the area, please contact us!

Chile's Lake District is one of the most visually appealing landscapes you will ever see. Snow-capped volcanoes, lush green forests and glittering lakes create a sight that you will never tire from. It is also an area where ancient myths still live and hidden spots are waiting to be discovered.
Pucón is located at the heart of the Lake District. Nature lovers and adventure-seeking travelers will adore its impressive landscapes and thrilling activities. Hike up one of South America’s most active volcanoes, maneuver your way through rapids, ski, snowboard, and hike along the trails in the national parks and forests. During your visit, take the time to relax at the spa or soak in hot springs, browse through local handicraft markets, and enjoy gourmet dishes. Puerto Varas offers a combination of great outdoor adventures and a distinctive Chilean-German culture. The enchanting town is located by the peaceful Lake Llanquihue and offers magnificent views of the distant volcanoes. The town is characterized by traditional, unmistakably German architecture and its neighborhoods filled with well-tended gardens. Puerto Montt allows you to fully appreciate the expansiveness of the Pacific Ocean with the surrounding Tenglo Island and Calbuco Volcano. Feel the sea breeze on your skin and indulge in salmon and gourmet cuisine like “paila marina” (seafood stew), “cancato” (fish, chorizo, cheese, and tomato stew) and delectable sea urchins. Appreciate the typical wooden homes and learn about the German settlers that founded the city in 1852. Chiloe is a land of myths and legends, unique folklore and culinary traditions. From the moment you first set foot on this extraordinary island, its singular identity will take you by surprise. Discover its quaint palafitos, colorful houses built on stilts above the water, and enjoy the wit and warmth of the Chilote people whose traditions give this unique archipelago its inimitable character. Explore this mythical island with its colorful wooden churches, 16 of which have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

While the Lake District offers great options for a variety of outdoor activities, hiking is the best way to immerse yourself in the nature that surrounds you and really appreciate the biodiversity up close. 
One destination that is popular with both nature lovers and avid trekkers is Huerquehue National Park. Located around 20min from Pucón, the park covers an extensive area of 12,500ha (30,888ac) and is characterized by its mountains, slight slopes, and impressive beauty. The park's unique fauna and flora can be explored on a variety of trails that range from 1km (0.6mi) to 20km (12mi). You can marvel at a wide variety of trees like the Araucaria, Lenga, Mañio, Coigüe trees, and with a bit of luck you might spot the local wildlife such as the Pudu deer, Darwin fox, Puma, and many bird species. Stunning views of the Villarrica Volcano, the Tinquilco Lake, many beautiful waterfalls, and blue shimmering lagoons complete this lovely experience.
A destination not far from Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt is Alerce Andino National Park which is located at the foot of the Andean Mountains. The park is home to the giant Alerce trees, endemic to Southern Chile and almost extinct. The thousand-year-old trees are characterized by their branch-free trunk, a gray colored wood on the outside but a red hue on the inside, and beautiful flowing patterns on the bark. The park offers numerous trails from short 1km (0.6mi) routes to longer 9.5km (6mi) hikes. There are amazing views of the Chapo Lake and the valleys of the rivers Chaicas and Lenca and if you venture deep into the forest, you can even discover hidden mountain lagoons!
Please contact us for details about outdoor adventures in the Lake District and program suggestions!

Chile's Carretera Austral is a scenic route that connects the Lake District and Patagonia, running from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins for more than 1000km (over 621mi). It captures the hearts of visitors with its pristine landscapes and possibly the freshest air in the world. Home to a wide range of diverse landscapes, this is a perfect place to partake in adventure sports, like white-water rafting on one of the world’s most renowned river for rafting, the Futaleufú. There are also amazing spots for trekking, fishing and other activities. But the Carretera Austral is best-known as THE route for self-drivers, cyclists and anyone else who is looking to traverse Chile.
Carretera Austral is lined with national parks and a treasure trove of unique experiences. One of them is the Queulat National Park with its evergreen forest and the famous Hanging Glacier which is located between two mountains and feeds a high waterfall. Then there are the Marble Caves, an isolated collection of caves in the General Carrera Lake. They consist of three formations: the Cathedral, the Chapel and the Cave. Calcium carbonate has been formed into multi-colored columns that are reflected in the bright azure water of the lake to form a natural spectacle that will leave you speechless. There are also numerous picturesque towns, such as Caleta Tortel. In this little commune, roads have been replaced by a network of wooden walkways that connect the town's typical stilt houses. You can even embark on a flight over the North Patagonian Ice Field with 4,200 square kilometers of ice and the highest Patagonian peak, Mount San Valentin. From there you can see the several glaciers, as well as the full extent of Lake General Carrera from Chile to Argentina.
Not matter what kind of experience you are looking for, you can be sure to find it along the Carretera Austral!
Picture credit: Courtesy of Sernatur

If you plan to rent a car while travelling in Chile, the Carretera Austral should be on the top of your list for a self-drive experience. There are lots of possible routings and we want to present you a shorter 5-day itinerary that can be easily incorporated in a Chile roundtrip. 
The program starts with a morning flight to Balmaceda where you pick up your rental car at the airport. You drive down the Carretera Austral to Puerto Río Tranquilo (193km/119mi), located at the shore of Lake General Carrera. Along the route, you will pass the "Cuesta del Diablo" (Devil's Hill) with its deep slopes, from where you will have great panoramic views, and the village Cerro Castillo, a typical Patagonian small town located at the foot of a mountain range of the same name. From Puerto Río Tranquilo, you embark on a one-hour boat tour to the fantastical Marble Caves. Afterwards, you make your way along the shore of the lake to your lodge in Puerto Bertrand (67km/42mi). The next morning, you follow the road to the confluence where Baker River merges with its tributaries, a beautiful sight. You follow the road for another 50km/31mi until you reach the small town Cochrane, to replenish supplies before you make the longer drive to Villa O'Higgins (234km/146mi). This route takes you past waterfalls, cypress forests and the lakes Esmeralda, Brown, Chacabuco and Vargas on to Puerto Yungay. You will cross the Mitchell Fjord on a ferry before driving the last part of the road to Villa O'Higgins.
The next day, you give your rental car a rest and embark on a navigation to the South Patagonian Ice Field from Puerto Bahamondes Bay to marvel at the impressive icebergs and feel the freezing cold and strong wind in your face. After your second night in Villa O'Higgins, it is time to make your way back to Puerto Río Tranquilo. How about a stop on the sandbank of the Baker River, for a two-hour rafting tour (6km/3mi)? After breakfast on day 5, you prepare for your drive to Balmaceda Airport to return your rental car and venture to your next destination.
Curious for more self-drive packages on Carretera Austral or in other parts of Chile? Please contact us for details!

The rough landscape of Patagonia is one of the most popular destinations for Chile travelers - and for good reason! There is no other place that will fascinate and humble you more than the seemingly endless scenery of Patagonia.
Punta Arenas is not only the starting point for most Patagonia travelers but also the gateway to Antarctica. There is much to see and do. How about taking a boat or kayak along the Magellan Straits to see the penguin colonies? Or do you prefer to discover the region’s indigenous communities? One thing you shouldn't miss is a walk around the unique cemetery where historical personalities were buried. In the city's main square, a statue is waiting for you to kiss or touch its feet: locals say this means you will be back.
The second most important city in the region is Puerto Natales, the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park. But the town is also the starting point for navigations to the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, Chile’s biggest natural reserve. Boasting majestic mountain landscapes and breathtaking views of the Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers will be waiting for you there. You can even reach the foot of the Serrano Glacier to marvel at the bright blue ice surrounded by the beautiful Patagonian landscape.
Patagonia's undisputed highlight is the Torres del Paine National Park which boasts jaw-dropping landscapes filled with turquoise lagoons, glaciers, and towering granite peaks. Become one with nature as you immerse yourself completely into its beauty on a trekking adventure, the best way to explore the UNESCO Reserve. Sail on Grey Lake to admire the glaciers, or paddle a kayak around its colossal blue and white icebergs. Don’t miss the sunrise that paints the sky with purple and red, or the nights that fill the sky with bright shining stars.

The Singular Patagonia is located on the shore of the Señoret Channel at the end of the Strait of Última Esperanza, just a 5-minute drive from Puerto Natales. The hotel is situated in the old Bories cold warehouse and the building was declared a National Heritage in 1996. The original industrial machinery is exhibited in the hotel's museum.
The 54 rooms are spacious yet cozy and floor-to-ceiling windows provide an unobstructed view of the channel. The comfortable furniture invites guests to cuddle up and watch the Patagonian landscape. The private bathrooms feature a walk-in shower as well as a bathtub to relax after a long day of exploring. Wi-Fi is available in the rooms. The restaurant specializes in a fusion of French cuisine and local ingredients while "El Asador" serves a tasting menu prepared on the huge woodfire grill. The spa area features a heated in- and outdoor pool, a dry sauna as well as treatment rooms for massages and facials.
The hotel's all-inclusive program grants guests access to a variety of excursions to explore the spectacular surroundings, including hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding and kayaking.
Please contact us for packages at The Singular Patagonia or more hotel suggestions!

Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is a mystical hidden island far off Chile’s coast. It can be reached from only two airports: Santiago de Chile (4h 40min) and Papeete, French Polynesia (5h 35min). Both routes are operated exclusively by LATAM. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is part of the Polynesian triangle. It is a land filled with authentic local culture that is present in ancient relics, exotic dances, language, legends, and typical food. Put on your explorer hat and discover the many “moai” (stone statues) scattered across the island, hidden caverns, and unrestored sites that show the impressive masonry skills of the Rapa Nui.
One of the island's main highlights is the UNESCO World Heritage site Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater where almost 900 moais remain: some standing, lying, or buried. You can also visit Akahanga, the grave site of the legendary king Hotu Matua, the island's first settler and ancestor of the Rapa Nui. Don't miss a stop at Ahu Te Pito Kura, the largest moai to be erected which stands 10m (33ft) tall and weighs around 70 tonnes.
If you need some relax time to wind down, the white coral sand beach of Anakena is perfect enjoy the sun and the warm Pacific Ocean.
To learn more about the ancient ceremonies of the Rapa Nui, head to stone village Orongo on the island’s southwestern tip and marvel at the ancient petroglyphs that tell the mysteries of the birdmen culture. The rock paintings of the Ana Kai Tangata cave have even more stories to tell. But the island of Rapa Nui still has a lot more to offer and definitely deserves a spot on your travel bucket list!
Picture credit: Courtesy of Sernatur

Altiplanico Rapa Nui is located in the northern part of the main village Hanga Roa, 200m (656ft) away of the sea side. 
The hotel's 16 independent rooms resemble the ancient boat houses of the Rapa Nui and are distributed in three semi-circles. All cabins offer a beautiful panoramic view and are equipped with a private terrace and bathroom. There is no Wi-Fi or TV in the rooms but free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas. The hotel is set on a 1.5ha property with extensive gardens whose design was based on the local Manavai (a round volcanic stone structure typical of Rapanui). The gardens contain citrus trees and fruit plants such as banana and pineapple. Guests can relax at the outdoor swimming pool and enjoy local cuisine mixed with Peruvian and Chilean influences at the restaurant.
To learn about rates and availability at Altiplanico Rapa Nui or hotel alternatives, please contact us!