Southern Glacial Sojourn

Nearby lies flower-bedecked Viña del Mar, where the wealthy and powerful come to play in the sun and at the casino. And just 20 minutes from Valparaíso, this beach resort city, also popularly known as the “Garden City,” boasts white-sand beaches, notable museums and a variety of carefully designed parks and beautiful public spaces.

Farther afield, the churches, colonial grandeur and sophistication of Santiago beckon for exploration and discovery.

A wonderland of scenic splendor awaits – the towering volcano of Mount Osorno, the tranquil Lake Llanquihue, the rushing rapids of Petrohue and the serenity of Lake Todos los Santos.

Keen shoppers won’t want to miss the great buys at the Angelmó-Handicraft Market, adjacent to the main port gate.

Situated on the island of Chiloé, Castro is Chile’s third oldest city in continued existence. Castro’s history is tangible and resplendent in the Plaza de Armas, where you will discover the magnificent yellow-hued Catholic church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An array of shops and restaurants, along with parks lined by decorative lampposts and shaded by large trees, also suggest a bygone time. What the city is most known for, however, is on the water, or more specifically, over the water. The palafitos, or traditional wooden houses built on stilts, are modest in size and construction yet bold in number and color. Deep reds, bright blues and eye-catching turquoises create a collage ready to be captured by camera and enjoyed with a stroll. Other attractions include the Regional Museum with ethnographical and archaeological exhibits, the Museum of Modern Art showcasing contemporary art, and a small park called Plazuela del Tren, or Plaza of the Train. As the name suggests, the park features a train exhibit, including a locomotive and machinery related to the rail line that operated in the Chiloé Archipelago between 1912 and 1960.

There are few places left on earth as remote and untouched as Chacabuco, situated along the coast of Chile. Hidden away where the Andes Mountains meet the Pacific, Chacabuco is miles from civilization, which only adds to its allure. With no town center to speak of, the main attraction of this port is simply the pristine beauty of nature. Here, the northern Patagonian ice sheets plunge into the sea, creating ripples of neon blue brilliance, while in the distance, dramatic cliffs and waterfalls pierce the foggy mist.