Just Back From Chile with Millie

Where did you go in Chile?
My group and I started off in the Chilean wine region around Santiago, then went up to the Atacama desert, down to Torres del Paine and finally to the Lake District region.

Had you been to Chile before?
I went backpacking in Chile about 15 years ago, which was definitely a contrast to the luxury lodges I stayed in on this trip. This was also my first time going further south than Santiago, and Chile almost feels like another country when you head in that direction!

What was your most memorable moment?
Hiking for about 3 hours through a canyon valley in the Atacama, taking in the beautiful landscapes. We then arrived at Puritama Hot Springs, one of the local area's attractions. As we were staying at Explora Lodge, we had exclusive access to the top thermal pool. We were quite sweaty after the hike so the dip was so refreshing, and we were pleasantly surprised with a spread of cold drinks, churros and chocolate dips!

Were there any surprises along the way?
The stargazing tour at Explora Atacama was amazing and I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so incredible. Being able to see Saturn in all her glory through a high-powered telescope was pretty special!

What tips do you have for travellers visiting these destinations?
Torres del Paine is an incredible destination and hiking in such stunning landscapes is something I won’t forget in a hurry. It is quite tiring though, with early starts and days packed with activities, so aim to stay four nights instead of three if you can.

We stayed a couple of nights in the Lake District and I highly recommend this region. There is soft adventure here with kayaking, e-biking and volcano excursions, but also plenty of time to relax over beautiful lake views and some good Chilean wine. Definitely what we needed before the long journey back home!

Is there anything indispensable to pack or prepare for?
The weather down in Torres del Paine is very unpredictable - it can be lashing with rain one day and a warm, sunny day the next. Bring a good windbreaker and layers to ensure you enjoy all the wild adventure this region has to offer!

Any local snacks, dishes or drinks that should be sampled?
The menu in Explora Atacama has been designed by famous Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez and it shows. The imagination and flavours are out of this world. They use local ingredients like chañar and cachiyuyo to explore the Andean region’s unique flavours and bring the dishes to life. Chupe de coliflor was my favourite food, washed down with a pisco sour for my tipple!

Any restaurant or bar recommendations?
All our meals were in the lodges' restaurants, as the trip was all-inclusive and we were out on so many excursions. Nonetheless, every meal in Explora Atacama was delicious, nutritious and colourful. Casa Real in the Maipo wine region was a wonderful place to enjoy some wine in their extensive grounds and terrace.

Sum up your trip in a sentence:
A Chilean adventure from north to south, exploring vibrant desert landscapes, star-filled skies, stunning mountain hikes and beautiful volcano-backed lakes, and plenty of wine along the way!