4 Destinations to Explore in Chilé
May 22, 2017
4 Destinations to Explore and Enjoy in Chilé
While our Wandering Wines expedition started in the Maule Valley region, Chile is a vast country with multiple regions, terrains and climates. From wine tasting, to desert exploration, to skiing the Andes, Chile truly has something to offer for everyone. Here are four of our favorite destination recommendations to keep in mind when you decide to visit this magical country.
1. The Atacama Desert
As the driest non-polar desert in the world, the Atacama feels like a different planet at times. El Valle de la Luna, or the Valley of the Moon, receives its name from the moonlike appearance of the huge, colorful sand and stone formations that have been shaped by years of rain and water erosion. Extreme sports enthusiasts get their kicks sand boarding the down the velvety dunes. Between the Lascar volcano, flamingo filled lagoons, and mind-blowing night sky, the Atacama Desert is one of the most beautiful and other-worldly environments on earth.
2. Valparaiso
This colorful port city is where each bottle of Wandering Wines begins its nautical trip to Miami, Florida. Declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, Valparaiso has a bohemian artistic vibe and is renowned for its culture of street art. The traditional colonial architecture and vibrant paint jobs fuse together to create a scene that looks straight out of a storybook. The city perfectly captures Chilean culture—it’s home to famous poet, Pablo Neruda, and its brilliant views, friendly locals and creative festivals are sure to inspire artists for generations to come.
3. Punta Arenas
At the very tip of South America sits the capital city of Chile’s southernmost region, Punta Arenas. Within its lively downtown area is duty-free shopping, remarkable restaurants and an abundance of historic European architecture. A prime destination for for nature-lovers, the Isla Magdalena right off the coast is home to over 150,000 penguins. Visitors can get up close and personal with the penguins in their natural, protected habitat. And for those who haven’t had enough adventure yet, Punta Arenas is a gateway to the magnificently icy continent of Antartica.
4. Pelluhue
The quintessential coastal town of the Maule Region, Pelluhue boasts elegant black sand beaches and delicious dining options. Between the vast fields of strawberries and unique seafood based cuisine, the region has something for every palate. The town is committed to offering visitors exciting ecotourism opportunities like kayaking and hiking. During the season, this village by the sea turns into a live music and nightlife destination. In addition, the local lighthouse is home to a colony of sea lions that visitors can watch laze on the beach.
