Visitor arrivals to Chile are on the rise, with 16 percent growth from the U.S. market in December, year-on-year, as North American travelers escape the cold with a warm South American summer. Here is some of the latest travel and tourism news from Chile.
Viña Vik Debuts in Millahue Valley
Vik Retreats has just debuted Viña Vik, a retreat and wine spa at VIK vineyard in Chile’s Millahue Valley. Viña Vik is the latest in Vik Retreats’ portfolio of upscale properties, offering guests immersion into Chilean culture and nature as well as vineyard life. Viña Vik has 22 suites, each with floor-to-ceiling glass windows with expansive views across the vineyard, and an extensive collection of artwork by Chilean and international artists. Visitors can indulge in a wine and culinary experience, with private tastings led by VIK wine experts, guided tours through the winery at VIK, and horseback excursions through the vineyard. Guests are also invited to book services in Viña Vik’s wine spa, with offerings inspired by the land and incorporating VIK grapes into massage, facial and body-scrub treatments.
••••••
DON’T MISS: “My Santiago” — Chile Travel Tips from Pilar Hoffman
••••••
Tierra Hotels Opens New Tierra Chiloé
Tierra Hotels introduced the new Tierra Chiloé in September 2014. Tierra Chiloé offers guests a variety of adventurous excursions including trekking, horseback riding, and kayaking. Exploring Chiloé’s culture is also a big part of the hotels offerings; guests can explore the local markets, meet with the islanders, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage churches.
••••••
DON’T MISS: Enjoying a Slow, Tasty Tour of Santiago
••••••
Vira Vira Hacienda Hotel Debuts in Chile’s Lake District
The Vira Vira Hacienda Hotel, a new luxury lodge in Chile’s Lake District region, opened in November 2014. Located about 10 minutes from the picturesque mountain village Pucón, the Vira Vira is the first all-inclusive deluxe lodge in the region, where the main draws for tourists include adventure travel, fly fishing, culinary travel and wellness. The lodge also operates as a small-scale farm and dairy that provides guests with a connection to pastoral life as well as fresh, farm-to-table cuisine.
••••••
DON’T MISS: No More Visa Needed for U.S. Travelers to Chile: 5 Ways to Celebrate
••••••
Singular Santiago Hotel Opens Its Doors
Located in the artsy Lastarria neighborhood of Chile’s capital, Singular Santiago debuted in December 2014. The property combines the style of early 20th-century buildings with neoclassical French architectural influences, resulting in a striking new addition to the Santiago cityscape. The hotel also features a gorgeous rooftop bar/restaurant and pool, open to the public and available for private events.
••••••
DON’T MISS: How to Enjoy Theater in Latin America (Even if You Don’t Speak Spanish)
••••••
Hilton Debuts in Iquique in March
The Hilton Garden Inn Iquique is debuting in northern Chile in March 2015, with 136 rooms. Hilton Worldwide recently announced plans to open nearly 40 hotels and resorts in Latin America by the end of 2016, increasing its portfolio by approximately 60 percent.
In Iquique, visitors will find summer by the sea all year round in one of Chile’s premier beach resorts. Whether you would prefer to enjoy glitzy casinos, a variety of beach activities, or inexhaustible shopping opportunities in Iquique’s bustling duty-free shopping zone, there are a number of options available for every type of traveler.
••••••
DON’T MISS: ¡Delicioso! Mexican Cuisine & Puerto Vallarta Food Tours (PHOTOS)
••••••
New Excursions at Tierra Atacama and Tierra Patagonia Hotels
Tierra Atacama and Tierra Patagonia have expanded their adventure excursion selections. At Tierra Atacama, guests may visit the secluded lagoons of Aguas Calientes and salt flats of Tuyajto at an altitude of about 13,000 feet, or experience the magic of the Altiplano under a full moon with a moonlight excursion. Tierra Atacama also provides a list of “insider tips” for guests to explore the local town of San Pedro. At Tierra Patagonia, guests can head out on a glacier walk, traveling through frozen caverns and peeking into bottomless crevasses with expert guides from Bigfoot Patagonia. Or you might opt to spend a day following in the footsteps of the indigenous waterborne nomads and kayak among the ice floes on Grey Lake.
••••••
DON’T MISS: Accidental Traveler: My Vacation During a Coup Attempt in Venezuela
••••••
Ski Portillo Freezes Prices for 2015
One of South America’s most renowned ski resorts, Ski Portillo has announced a freeze on prices. All Ski Week prices for the 2015 ski season, from June 20 through Oct. 3, 2015, will remain the same as 2014 rates. Prices begin at US $2,100 for a ski week at Hotel Portillo or US $1,390 at the Octagon Lodge, located steps from Hotel Portillo; or US $990 at the hostel-style Inca Lodge.
••••••
DON’T MISS: Hit the Road: 5 Great Car Rental Road Trips in Mexico
••••••
Santiago Restaurant Scene Expands
Santiago’s culinary offerings continue to expand with the debut of El Barrio and Brasserie Petanque in mid-2014:
• El Barrio: A charming corner house, El Barrio is the new meeting place for those who want to enjoy a gourmet, simple and well-presented gastronomic offer. With an emphasis on fish, pasta and original small plates, renowned chef Chris Carpentier and his wife give life to this restaurant, offering rich cuisine, excellent service and reasonable prices. Don’t miss the crispy polenta pork, gnocchi al pesto with smoked salmon and, if you are lucky to find it as the dish of the day, fricassee! Open for lunch and dinner. Alonso de Cordova 4263, Vitacura.
• Brasserie Petanque: A new concept of traditional French cuisine has reached the capital; Brasserie Petanque serves “simple but iconic” dishes with good value for your money, in a cozy and elegant atmosphere with classic French decor. On the menu, visitors will find traditional dishes like boeuf bourguignon, steak tartare or parisienne ossobuco with white wine and mushrooms. The finishing touch come from classic French desserts such as crème brûlée in different varieties (vanilla, orange and pistachio), or the tarte Tatin. Open Tuesday through Sunday, for lunch and dinner. Constitution 187, Barrio Bellavista, Providencia.