An interview with our local experts in Chile

Explore everything that Chile as to offer. Remote islands, rugged mountain highlands and bustling cities are a welcome invitation to anyone with a sense of adventure. We caught up with George, Elisa, and Eduardo, our local experts in Chile, to discuss authentic Chilean food, boat deck dancing, and what you might find on a journey to one of South America’s greatest treasures.

What is life like in Chile?

With a length of 4300 km, life in Chile can vary depending on where you’re based. The country’s capital, Santiago, has a bustling, fast-paced lifestyle with a lot of different activities to do. Many regions of Chile have a totally different, more relaxed pace of life. San Pedro de Atacama, nestled in Chile’s stunning mountainous highlands, is much quieter than Santiago. Less noise, fewer people, less stress.

What is your favorite place in Chile and why?

My favorite place in Chile is definitely Torres del Paine. It has beautiful landscapes and the best sunrise and sunset I’ve ever seen.

What three words most represent Chile for you?

Diversity, landscapes and discovery – Chile is home to mountains, deserts, forests, grasslands, glaciers, islands, and big cities. Much of its landscape is unlike anywhere else on Earth and there are so many opportunities for exploration.

What is your favorite Chilean food?

My favorite Chilean food is “Empanada de pino”. A pastry filled with ground beef, finely chopped onion, cumin, chili pepper, black olive, a quarter of a hard boiled egg, and optionally one or two raisins. You can find it in most places, and it is our traditional food during the September independence holidays.

Do you know any cool facts about Chile that most people wouldn’t know?

Definitely! First of all, Chile has the largest annual fireworks show in all of South America. The city of Valparaiso is famed for its New Year’s Pyrotechnic Festival. Chile is also the 5th largest wine exporter in the world and has over 100 wineries. In terms of wildlife, penguins can be found in several areas along Chile’s coastline, including the Seno Otway Penguin Colony near Punta Arenas. You can also find Humboldt penguins on the north coast of Chile

Finally, and perhaps most interesting of all, there’s the Atacama desert. Atacama is the driest desert in the world – parts of it haven’t seen a drop of rain since records began!

What are the experiences people traveling to Chile definitely shouldn’t miss?

When visiting Chile you should definitely taste the food. The seafood at Mercado Central is especially good when washed down with a bottle of Chilean wine.

There is also so much natural beauty to discover: forgotten civilizations in Orongo village on Easter Island, majestic waterfalls on the Petrohué River and stargazing in the high deserts near San Pedro de Atacama.

What is the story behind your company? What inspired you to start the business?

It began with three college classmates walking, kayaking or cycling to discover unknown corners of Chile. We wanted to nurture that same hunger for discovery in those that traveled to Chile. That passion has stayed with us over the years and has driven us to be a company that offers the best and most authentic experiences of Chile.

What have been your favorite and most memorable experiences as a tour operator?

A memorable experience was taking a group of 140 people on a 5-day trip to Puerto Natales. I remember eating lunch, drinking fine wine, and tablecloths fluttering in the Patagonian wind. It was so picturesque! As we navigated our boat to the glaciers, we played music and people of all ages began dancing on the deck. I’ll never forget it. We still reminisce about that journey years later!

As local experts in Chile, what’s next for you guys?

We are completely focused on innovation: new destinations, new services, and new products. In 2016 we also increased our focus on outdoor education and event management, and we’re hoping to carry that forwards.

And we’ve got ask – do you have a dream holiday destination that you want to visit?

Definitely Thailand. The country is so rich in history, full of places to discover and beautiful landscapes to admire.

Make it happen

Fancy getting to know Chile for yourself? Fill out an enquiry form or check out our destination pages for more information. Our local experts in Chile have the inside knowledge to make your custom-made trip an unforgettable adventure you’ll be raving about for years to come.