chile

Just Got Back ... Chile

Chiloé

Note's from the Road ... Chile style

Trip type: Outdoor adventure and research (the best part of the job)

Destination: Chile

Number of Days: 15

Best place to act like a local
Wander the Sunday morning at Bío Bío flea market in Santiago. Navigate the maze of antiques, look for rare books and eat empanadas. Need a wrench? You can get one of those, too. If it exists, you can buy it at Bío Bío.

Most other-worldly experience: Stargazing at 4am from the terrace of Tierra Atacama.  It's absolutely stunning.

Favourite hotel: Tierra Chiloé, a seaside hideaway among the picturesque fishing villages.

Best meal: Curanto, a traditional Chilean clambake where seafood, chicken, sausages, pork, vegetables and potato bread are layered over hot stones and covered with nalca leaves to trap steam.

Architectural fantasy: Tierra Patagonia, designed by Chilean architect Cazú Zegers to incorporate rather than fight against the strongest natural element of Torres del Paine National Park--wind.

Recommended hike: Cornesus Condoreras, a 6km hike up, across and down a prominent rock buttress. The reward?  Stunning views and, because of the high winds, the chance to see condors float up beside you.

Most other-worldly experience: Stargazing at 4am from the terrace of Tierra Atacama.  It's absolutely stunning.

What to pack:
For the desert: your hiking boots and sunglasses
For Chiloé: an appetite for unique indigenous culture, and seafood.  
For Patagonia: serious wind gear and a sense of adventure.

Want to go to Chile, email Jackie, she would love to elaborate on her trip.