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North & Atacama Desert

La Tirana Chile

La Tirana

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La Tirana is a small town located in the Tarapacá Region of northern Chile. It is renowned for hosting one of the country’s most famous religious festivals, known as “La Fiesta de La Tirana“. This religious celebration takes place every year in July, attracting thousands of visitors from Chile and abroad. It’s one of the largest and most colourful folk festivals in the country. It revolves around the veneration of the Virgen del Carmen (Our Lady of Mount Carmel), who is considered the patron saint of Chile.

During the week-long festivities, the town transforms into a vibrant and colorful spectacle, with traditional music, dance, and religious ceremonies taking center stage. The main dance of the festival is called “La Diablada,” a lively and captivating performance where dancers wear intricate devil masks and ornate costumes, representing the eternal struggle between good and evil.

The roots of the festival lie in the indigenous traditions of the Atacameños, Aymaras and Quechuas, who lived here before the arrival of the Spanish. After colonisation, the religious component of the festival was supplemented by the Catholic faith, and a unique synthesis of indigenous and Christian elements developed. The Fiesta de La Tirana is a remarkable example of the appreciation and preservation of indigenous culture in Chile. It shows the deep connection between indigenous peoples and their religious heritage and has become an important cultural event that strengthens the identity of the region.

Visitors can also indulge in the local cuisine, handicrafts, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Andean region. La Tirana Festival is not only a religious event but also a cultural expression that showcases Chile’s diverse traditions and brings people together in a joyful celebration of faith and community.

If you want to join in this year, have in mind that the festival begins on July 10th, 2024. The best way to get to La Tirana is via Iquique.

Moon Valley

Antofagasta region – a perfect destination at any season

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The Antofagasta region in northern Chile is a captivating travel destination that enchants visitors with its stunning landscapes, historical significance, and vibrant cultural heritage.

 

The city of Antofagasta is located on the coast of Chile, inviting visitors with its pristine beaches, bustling port ambiance, impressive architectural landmarks, and a delightful blend of modern amenities and cultural attractions.

La Portada, located near Antofagasta, is a popular tourist attraction. The unique arch shape of this natural rock formation, sculpted by the forces of nature, creates a picturesque landmark against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

This region offers plenty of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts, including hiking through the stunning Atacama Desert, exploring national parks, stargazing in pristine skies, and enjoying water sports along the coast.

One of the most renowned destinations in the Antofagasta region is undoubtedly the Atacama Desert. This fascinating area is known for its spectacular landscapes, such as the Moon Valley, geysers, and salt flats. Visitors can also explore the unique wildlife and plant life, experiencing the impressive silence and beauty of the desert.

La Portada
Antofagasta
Moon Valley
Geyser El Tatio
Salar de Atacama
Con la Fuerza del Sol

Arica – Andean Carnival Con la Fuerza del Sol

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Arica, the so-called city of eternal spring, located on the pacific ocean, offers many attractions and historical-cultural heritage. The imposing 130-metre-high rock El Morro, which played an important role in Chile’s history of the Pacific War, becomes the backdrop for the largest multicultural event in northern Chile during the summer months.

The Andean Carnival Con la Fuerza del Sol Inti Ch’amampi (With the Strength of the Sun) has been celebrated annually on three days in January or February since 2002.

More than 16,000 dancers and musicians from different regions of the country and abroad take part. It is one of most important carnival festivals in South America. Andean dance corps participate in the festival and showcase the native dances of the highlands Altiplano, the afro-descendent communities and the regions of Arica and Parinacota.

This February more than 100.000 people enjoyed the Chile´s greatest carnival.

Arica Andean Carnival

For further information please contact your travel specialist or incoming@turavion.com

trekking Chile

Insider tips for little known trekking tours in Chile

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Chile is welcoming more and more international visitors to practice trekking. A long and narrow strip of land filled with mountain ranges, volcanoes, valleys, lakes, rivers and glaciers make Chile a perfect place to explore its thousands of hiking trails.

There are several trekking routes throughout the country with different levels of difficulty, aimed at experienced hikers but also families.

Navarino

THE SOUTHERNMOST TREKKING ROUTES IN THE WORLD

In the extreme south of Chile there are two routes that are not so well known and therefore not so crowded: Dientes de Navarino and Cruz de los Mares. They are aimed at more experienced hikers.

Dientes de Navarino: this multi-day trail is approximately 40-50 kilometres long and is located on the island of Navarino which is part of Tierra del Fuego. The trail is named after a small mountain range that resembles a tooth.

Cruz de los Mares: this trekking route starts in Puerto Bulnes, south of Punta Arenas and has a high degree of difficulty, since rivers must also be crossed.

TREKKING ROUTES FOR THE DAY IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

The Lake District covers two of Chile’s regions: the 9th region, more evocatively known as La Araucanía, and the 10th region, Los Lagos.

Paso Desolación: journey that runs through the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park from the north of the Osorno volcano to the southeast, to the Petrohué sector, following a path that was originally a cattle trail along which animals were moved between Todos los Santos lake and Llanquihue lake. The route, doable in a day, allows to go through dramatic changes in the landscape: from volcanic slag heaps to dense nothofagus forests, all of which is nuanced by excellent views of the Tronador and Osorno volcanoes.

Caldera de Sollipulli

Caldera de Sollipulli: In the south of the Conguillío National Park in Araucania, there is a very special trail where you climb up to a huge caldera and admire the largest crater in South America. Its summit hosts a huge glacier with a diameter of about 24 km2, offering beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views.

HIKING IN THE NORTH OF CHILE

Las Lomitas: Trail in the north of Chile, in the Pan de Azúcar National Park. It is a relaxed hike over small hills in the middle of the desert with breathtaking panoramic views in combination with a perfect opportunity to discover the flora and fauna until you reach a large coastal cliff at 820 m above sea level.

El Túnel: It was part of the old road connecting Calama with San Pedro de Atacama. This route takes you over the Cordillera de la Sal with majestic views of the valleys Valle de la Muerte and Catarpe with desert landscapes and stunning contrasts of colours..

Pan de azúcar

For more information about trekking tours in Chile contact your Travel Consultant or incoming@turavion.com

National Park Lauca

Lauca National Park

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Lauca National Park was founded in 1970 and covers an area of 137,883 hectares, protected by its status as a biosphere reserve.

In this area, the visitor discovers unique flora and fauna at 3200 to 3800 metres above sea level. Alpacas, llamas, guanacos, vizcachas (rodents), armadillos and numerous bird species are at home here.

Lauca National Park also has impressive volcanoes such as the Parinacota, Pomerape or Acotango volcanoes, all of which are about 6,000 metres above sea level.

The famous cobalt-blue Lake Chungará is located about 54 km east of Putre. Along the lake are the Cotacotani lagoons and a number of wetlands with a diverse wildlife of more than 130 native species, including flamingos and wild ducks. There is the option of driving to the lake by car rental or joining an excursion that usually starts in the city of Arica.

100k restaurants in Chile-

100K restaurants: Sustainable gastronomy in Chile

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An initiative launched in 2014 by the Chilean Association of Chefs (Acchef) created the 100k seal. The project aims to achieve sustainable gastronomy in three areas: Reduce the carbon footprint, create production chains and enhancing the value of traditional, local cuisine.

Recent developments in Chile and worldwide suggest that visitors are increasingly demanding a stronger commitment to sustainable tourism. This is also reflected in the 100k concept, which involves sourcing raw materials from local suppliers within a radius of 100 kilometres or less. This promotes the development of a local identity and efficient use of natural resources. Member restaurants source their ingredients from producers less than 100 kilometres away, which guarantees that 50 % of the ingredients on the menu come from the region.

Now there are already several 100k restaurants in the different regions of Chile, from the north to the south of the country. Especially in the regions of Tarapacá (Iquique), Maule, Santiago & Valparaíso as well as in the Lake District & Chiloé. Some of the restaurants offer accommodation and ecotourism activities at the same time.

hotel Parque Quilquico

6 sustainable hotels to discover in Chile

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Many tourists arriving in Chile are motivated by activities linked to nature and the outdoors. For this reason, a large segment of the tourism offer has specialised in providing services of the highest quality, while promoting respect for the environment and the communities that surround them.

Discover six hotels in different destinations in Chile that operate sustainably.

Tierra Chiloé
Located on the shores of the Rilán Peninsula, 18 km from the town of Castro in Chiloé. The hotel’s sustainable architecture reflects the traditional local houses built on stilts in the water. The all-inclusive programme means you can enjoy farm-fresh food, meet local artisans, discover remote islands by private boat and explore historic wooden churches, which are World Heritage Sites.

Hotel Tierra Chiloé
Hotel Nayara Alto Atacama

Nayara Alto Atacama
It is the only lodge in the San Pedro region that is totally enveloped by a natural environment. It is located in the lush Catarpe Valley of the Cordillera de la Sal. Its design was influenced by local village architecture and conceived to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, which include panoramic views, tranquillity and silence. Environmental sustainability and a strong connection to local culture have put Alto Atacama in a high category of sustainabilty.

Parque Quilquico
It provides a sustainable experience in the areas of environmental, economic and socio-cultural protection. Its ecological and low environmental impact project integrates the inhabitants of the area in its various phases, generating quality jobs and assuming a commitment to the community. In its location on the Rilán Peninsula, the architectural project values the heritage of Chiloé, where the beautiful hills of different heights and native trees, including Luma, Coigue, Olivillo, Arrayan, Canelo, Avellano and Tepu, have been integrated and maintained. From here you can enjoy an almost untouched view of the Dalcahue Channel.

Parque Quilquico Hotel
Cumbres Puerto Varas

Cumbres Puerto Varas
The hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas is an elegant lodge located in front of the Llanquihue Lake with a panoramic view of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. In addition to excellent service, it is a place highly connected to nature and local products. It has a shop offering quality products from the region, made by local artisans. In addition, the gastronomy of the hotel combines the most delicate essences of the authentic cuisine and culture of the south of Chile.

Tierra Patagonia
Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa is located on a cliff where the South American pampas meet Lake Sarmiento. The building is immersed in the landscape and emerges from the hillside. The award-winning architecture complements the flow of the geology in this privileged location and showcases the magnificent views of Torres del Paine National Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978.

Tierra Patagonia
Ocio Territorial

Ocio Territorial
It is located on the Rilan Peninsula, in the middle of the island of Chiloé: a unique place in the world for its cultural heritage, its local identity, its people, its architecture and its geographical beauty. The owners of the hotel have always had a sustainable vision of not intervening with nature and not competing with it, therefore, this place is characterised by a sustainable development, by the protection of the culture and its people and by the contact with nature.

couple in Atacama desert

5 reasons to put Chile on your travel bucket list

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1. A large majority of climates in one country

Chile is one of the countries with the most extraordinary landscapes in the world, surrounded by high rising Andes and volcanoes. A journey from north to south can take you to enjoy landscapes like from another planet in the Atacama Desert, small fishing villages in Chiloé or untouched wilderness inside the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, which is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful nature destinations in South America.

Did you know that Chile makes part of three continents? Indeed, not only does the Chilean territory extends down South America, but also in Oceania (Easter Island), and Antarctica.

Therefore, almost all climates that exist on earth can be found here. In the north is the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world, in the lake district there are ancient forests and in the south glaciers and huge areas of ice. The large number of national parks in the country invite you to go trekking, and there are many opportunities for interesting adventure trips.

2. Open nature & vast landscapes

Chile has been relatively isolated from the rest of the world due to its remote location. Therefore, the number of tourists is not as overwhelming as in many other places, and there are areas in the country where you can be the only visitor. It’s also easy to get around by air or car: adventurers can rent a car and explore the famous  and breathtaking Carretera Austral. 

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3. Perfect destination for wildlife watching

The flora and fauna are especially influenced by the varied climate in Chile. Since almost all climates of the earth are present here, vegetation and existing animal species are depending on the climate of the region. Therefore, you can see a wide variety of wildlife in Chile from flamingos in the north in the Atacama Desert, to penguins, sea lions, whales, guanacos and the rare endemic huemul (South Andean deer) in Patagonia.

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Also called the “guardian of the Andes”, the puma can be found throughout Chile, from the region of Arica and Parinacota, to Patagonia. With its mysterious charisma it is revered by native cultures all over America. In Mapudungun (Mapuche language) the puma is known as “pangui” or “trapial”, being one of the most sacred animals of the Mapuche along with the condor and the eagle.

The Andean Condor can also be found throughout Chile. Due to its geographical and climatic diversity and its almost 500 different species of birds, Chile is one of the ideal destinations for bird watching enthusiasts.

4. Wine country

Chile is a perfect destination for wine lovers. From the Atacama region in the north of the country to the beautiful valleys Casablanca, Maipo and Colchagua in central Chile near Santiago and the Bío Bío region in the south, Chile produces world-class wines.

The numerous vineyards along the wine routes can be visited and the wine cellars and production can be discovered. Of course, a wine tasting is not to be missed. Many of the wineries are specialized in tourism and offer various tourist attractions such as guided tours, gastronomic programs or even carriage rides and visits to museums.

Try one of the first-class red wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Carménère, which is exclusively produced in Chile. Or refresh yourself with a cool Sauvignon Blanc white wine

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5. Clearest starry sky in the world

It is well known that the Atacama Desert has the clearest and most beautiful skies in the world. And it’s true. Enjoying a night here is an unforgettable experience.

Chile enjoys more than 300 clear days per year and with little or no light pollution in the north, conditions are ideal for stargazing under open skies. For a truly close encounter with the planets, visit one of the many astronomical observatories open to visitors.

Observe constellations, planets, shooting stars, and all kinds of celestial bodies in the spectacular Chilean skies – the clearest in the entire southern hemisphere.

Atacama Desert

Atacama Desert named one of top regions by Lonely Planet

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The Atacama Desert in Chile ranks 7th on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 list. It has been named as one of the top regions in the world to visit.

The Atacama Desert is not only the driest desert in the world, it is also an area of oases with welcoming ancestral cultures. Here you can discover small villages that have preserved their customs in the midst of an extreme landscape.

 

Visiting the desert city of San Pedro de Atacama, you can explore the world’s unique landscapes. Salt flats, geysers, deep blue lagoons and desert with moon-like rock formations are just some of the impressive sights.

At night, the Atacama Desert will enchant you with a starry night sky. Lovers of stargazing can immerse themselves more deeply in astronomy at the region’s observatories.

Read more about the Atacama Desert here. 

San Pedro de Atacama
Chaxa Lagoon
Geyser El Tatio
Salar de Atacama
Viña Santa Romina

Viña Santa Romina, the 2nd highest vineyard on earth

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The second highest vineyard on earth is located in the middle of the driest desert in the world.

A few kilometres from San Pedro de Atacama in the Toconao sector is the Santa Romina vineyard, the highest vineyard in Chile at an altitude of 2350 metres above sea level. Nearby is the famous salt flat Salar de Atacama.

A visit to this exceptional vineyard not only gives you the opportunity to learn about the winemaking process, but also to taste this unique wine. The extreme climatic conditions and the volcanic soils give this wine very special characteristics.

Furthermore, this year, for the first time, the “Vino de Altura” (Wines of Altitude) festival was held in San Pedro Atacama on May 29, 2021, a grape harvest festival to celebrate the special wines of this high altitude – this time online.

For more information on wine tours in Atacama or other regions of Chile, please contact your Turavion Travel Consultant.

Santa Romina Vineyard
Wines of Santa Romina
Santa Romina Vineyard

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