Be surprised by these travel tips for Chile

The Aysén region lies between the Lake District and the Chilean part of Patagonia. Until 1976, this was still a completely unexplored and impenetrable area. In that year, dictator Pinochet decided to build Ruta 7, better known as the Carretera Austral, because he feared that the few Chileans living in this area might ally themselves with the Argentinians, as the Aysén region was more easily accessible from Argentina. The Carretera Austral is now over 1,200 kilometres long, and 60 per cent of it is still unpaved. Without a doubt, the Carretera Austral is one of the most beautiful driving routes in the world. Read more >

Valparaiso is a picturesque port city just over 100 kilometres from the Chilean capital, Santiago. The city is built on steep hills that seem to disappear into the Pacific Ocean. Its brightly coloured houses are a distinctive feature of the city. Before the opening of the Panama Canal, it was the most important maritime destination on the Pacific coast. Another special feature here are the 16 funicular railways that connect different parts of the city.

Futangue is a private nature reserve, featuring an impenetrable temperate rainforest comprising plant and tree species found nowhere else in the world. The nature reserve is situated in Chile’s Maure District. Tucked away within this nature reserve lies the beautiful Futangue Lodge. The accommodation blends perfectly into its surroundings, boasts an excellent spa and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls. Read more >

A delicious, tangy cocktail with a thick layer of foam. For years, there has been an ongoing debate between Chile and Peru over the origins of the Pisco Sour. Whether it comes from Chile or Peru, a Chilean Pisco Sour is not to be missed whilst sitting on a terrace in the sun. We’ll also be seeing the Pisco Sour more and more often in the Netherlands, as trend watchers say the drink is set to grow in popularity.

The best way to discover the mystical island of Chiloé is to stay at the stylish Tierra Chiloé lodge. During your stay here, you’ll want for nothing. The accommodation is beautifully designed, featuring plenty of wood and local elements. The lodge offers an ‘all-inclusive’ concept, which also covers all possible excursions. Chiloé is actually still hardly visited by tourists, which is completely unjustified. On Chiloé, it feels as though you’ve gone back 50 years in time. Life there flows at a more leisurely pace than on the mainland. The natural scenery is breathtakingly beautiful; the Chiloé and Tantauco National Parks, for example, are an absolute must-see.