EAT
Taste, ambiance and setting, even, nay, especially in the rain, are unmatched at the quaint little dining room of Senda Nativa Romahue. Nearly everything, from the beef and mutton to the vegetables and herbs, is raised and grown on the property just 14 kilometers from Puerto Varas in the Lakes District (Los Lagos). The experience starts around an outdoor covered fire pit with the signature Chilean drink, Pisco Sour. Behind the counter, Silvio, the owner and chef, hand carves the meat of the meal to put on the cooking fire. Once seated inside, appetizers, soup and each scrumptious course is served with locally made, seemingly bottomless, Chilean wine (hint: try the carmenere). Stay awhile because Senda Nativa Romahue offers accommodations as well as a number of eco-savvy activities including boating on the adjacent Maullín river, horseback riding, bird watching and trekking. Be sure to get a tour of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center where you’ll see cute pudues (the smallest deer in the world), shiny tricahue parrots, and elegant pumas. romahue.cl/en/
SLEEP
The Aysen District offers a raw and beautiful aspect of Patagonian Chile and right in the middle is the city of Coyhaique where the comfortable rooms of Cinco Rios Lodge are to be found. With a large fireplace surrounded by comfortable couches adjacent an intimate yet open dining area and large windows overlooking the mountains and river, Cinco Rios Lodge perfectly blends rustic homeliness with modern amenities. A warm, friendly and small staff (which includes the owners) are at the door to welcome your arrival and are ready to serve without hesitation throughout your stay. The lodge offers a number of activities including hiking, biking, city tours, sheep herding, national park visits and fishing with access to over a dozen rivers. Or, rent a car and follow your nose to your own adventures like rock climbing, mountaineering, skiing, or just seeing the countryside. cincorios.cl/english/
PLAY
While Santiago Adventures provides itineraries that range from thrilling to casual all across southern South America (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and even Antarctica), owner and American ex-pat Brian Pearson loves wine and mountain biking. Schedule some time after landing in Santiago to connect with Brian and his friendly team to crush your jet lag by ripping along the dozens of kilometers of single track and wooded roads accessible right from his headquarters in town. To get some exercise and satisfy your taste buds with a happy glow, let him take you to one of the many vineyards he works with like the Matetic Vineyards near Casablanca where the ride through the vineyards includes stops to see the ancient and massive wine barrels, the modern biodynamic wine making facility for a tasting and then the restaurant to savor classic Chilean cuisine. santiagoadventures.com
