LATAM Airlines Destination of the Month

Stargazing in the driest desert in the world, glacier trekking Millennial glaciers in the southernmost part of the planet, lakes at the foot of massive volcanoes, the archaic mystique of Easter Island…this is Chile. One of the longest countries in the world with one of the most diverse climates, Chile offers something for every type of traveler. The active & adventurous will find hiking, trekking, and wide-open natural landscapes. The foodie will find unique wine-making traditions and an underground, burgeoning food scene. City dwellers will revel at the lively culture, music and art that awaits around every corner in Santiago. Now more accessible than ever before, it is no secret as to why it’s LATAM Airline’s destination of the month. See South American airline deals here. 

Vast and unspoiled wilderness of mountains, fjords, glaciers, forests and steppes – this is Patagonia. Meant for the curious traveler,  this mysterious destination holds untamed beauty around every corner. To make a complete trip to the tip of the Americas, visit Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Both uniquely and exquisitely beautiful, each has their own iconic flare. Torres del Paine is filled with turquoise water & icebergs jutting from glaciers and golden grasslands. Llama-like Guanacos roam the terrain capped by the emblematic three granite towers from which the park takes its name. On the east side, Los Glaciares National Park offers breathtaking forests and glaciers. Visit Glaciar Perito Moreno, the most famous glacier, to get a glimpse of the edge of the world. The notable glacier gets it’s fame from it’s constant activity, allowing visitors to watch building-sized icebergs collapse from it’s face (from a safe distance of course). Patagonia is remarkable place unlike any other, and should be seen by every experienced traveler.

SANTA BARBARA TRAVEL HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: 
Tierra Patagonia
​
Benefits of booking through Santa Barbara Travel: 
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests (as well as all meals)
• $100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay 
• Wine & Cheese on arrival
• Early check-in/Late check-out
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

A city full of energy, charisma, and history, with each colorful neighborhood boasting it’s own flavor, Chile’s capital Santiago is an “old-guard city on the cusp of a modern day renaissance”. Explore museums , pedestrian malls, and historic architecture before an afternoon picnic in one of the city’s beautiful hillside parks. Santiago is well known for it’s nightlife consisting of sidewalk eateries, cafes and beer halls in the eccentric neighborhoods of Lastarria and Bellavista, Tony restaurants and world-class hotels in the upscale neighborhoods of Las Condes and Providencia.  For the skiers and beach lovers of the world, Santiago is 35 miles from ski resorts and a little over one hour from the beach. South of the city you will find Maipo Valley, a prominent wine producing region. Be sure to visit Concha y Toro Winery, Santa Rita Winery, & ​Undurraga Winery, three of Chile’s most famous wineries. 

SANTA BARBARA TRAVEL HOTEL RECOMMENDATION 
The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago

Benefits of booking through Santa Barbara Travel:
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability 
• Daily buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
• $100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay 
• In-room welcome amenity, Ritz-Lapostolle bottole of wine
• Early check-in/late check-out

With hills and architecture akin to San Francisco, color and history similar to Havana, and funicular elevators often seen in Lisbon, Valparaiso is an unusual, bohemian blend of antiquity and radiant culture. Often described as ‘Spontaneous Seaside Adventure’, this syncopated, vibrant town is home to many street artists that cover the city in funky murals. Poet Pablo Neruda fell in love with the city claiming, “Valparaiso, how absurd you are…you haven’t combed your hair, you’ve never had time to get dressed, life has always surprised you”.  

SANTA BARBARA TRAVEL HOTEL RECOMMENDATION
Hotel Palacio Astoreca

The Palacio Astoreca is built at the core of the historical city centre in Valparaiso, the most exlcusive point in the natural ampitheatre overlooking the magnificent bay. It is in “Cerro Alegre”, just steps from the famous “Paseo Yugoslavo”and the Fine Arts Museum, the Barburizza Palace.