Just Back From: Patagonia with Juliet

How did you get there? 
We flew with LATAM to Santiago via São Paulo. 

How long was the trip? 
Our trip was two weeks long, with half dedicated to exploring Chile. 

Where did you go? 
We visited Santiago, Patagonia (specifically Torres del Paine), and the Lakes Region around Puerto Varas. 

What was your overall impression of the country? 
Chile is a beautiful and diverse country, and despite the vast distances involved, it was actually very straightforward to travel around. 

Have you been before? If so, any notable differences? 
This was my third time in Chile (the first trip being 21 years ago which I can’t quite believe!) and it was and remains one of my favourite places in Latin America. There’s been quite a lot of development in high-end accommodation options, with some fantastic lodges and luxury boutique hotels opening in the last 10-15 years. 

Which was your favourite…  

Place:  A location that stands out for me is Puerto Varas, I think because I didn’t really have any expectations of it. Of course, the iconic peaks of Torres del Paine are amazing but I already had a good idea of what they would be like. However, Puerto Varas’s lakeside charm and almost alpine style was extremely appealing and I could have happily spent longer there. 

Hotel: Estancia Cerro Guido. Although typically you’d think of Argentina when someone mentions estancias, all the quintessential gaucho experiences are on offer at Cerro Guido, where we rode horses, ate the most delicious barbecued lamb from an asado and tried drinking maté (I’ll admit I haven’t acquired the taste for it yet!) All of this in extremely comfortable surroundings with incredibly attentive service and a view of the towers in the distance to cap it all off! Overall, a great option for experiencing the Torres del Paine region as an alternative to staying at one of the lodges in or around the national park. 

Excursion: Our trek to the base of the towers, which we undertook from Patagonia Camp, was a very long and tiring day but we had a real sense of achievement when we arrived at what is one of the most iconic and recognisable views in Latin America, and we were incredibly lucky with the weather too! Also very welcome was the alfresco picnic and local beers that our guide and driver from Patagonia Camp laid on for us at the end of the day, before we drove back to the camp. 

What were your most memorable moments?  
See above for one of them! Also, we were lucky enough to have lunch at Awa Hotel on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, and the combination of expertly-prepared dishes, Chilean wine and an idyllic view of Osorno volcano’s perfect cone against a clear blue sky was pretty unbeatable! 

Were there any surprises along the way?  
Catching sight of a puma in Patagonia could never have been guaranteed, even though we were on a puma-spotting safari, which made it all the more satisfying when we encountered one! 

What tips do you have for travellers wanting to visit the same destinations?  
If you have flexibility with your travel dates, then I highly recommend travelling in the shoulder seasons of October to early November and April/May. You’ll avoid some of the crowds that the high season brings (especially in the most popular regions such as Torres del Paine) and may well be lucky with the fickle Patagonian weather, as we were! 

Is there anything indispensable to pack or prepare for?  
Lightweight layers and a windproof jacket! If you’re into photography, a decent long lens will give your photos the edge as well. 

Any local snacks, dishes or drinks that should be sampled? 
Lamb (preferably fresh from an asado) and local seafood, washed down with a calafate sour or two. 

Any restaurant or bar recommendations? 
We liked Taberna Nosé in Puerto Varas so much that we went there for both our evenings in the town. It has a wide selection of craft beers from their own microbrewery, some original cocktails, a great value dining menu and a very lively and friendly atmosphere. 

Sum up your trip in a sentence? 
A whirlwind tour through some of the standout destinations of southern Chile that has got me wondering how soon I can plan a return visit!  

• Browse Journey Latin America’s wide range of Patagonia holidays – from group tours and active treks to luxury tours.