Why You Need to Travel to Chile Now

Chile is a country that has seen some great advances in its tourism industry, and this South American gem has really opened up to visitors over recent years, with a wonderful range of terrain from the Andes to the Pacific Coast, and great transport connections.

Much of the Spanish colonial heritage has also been retained in the country, so whether your passion is for historic sights and great architecture, or you prefer stunning natural beauty, Chile has something for you.

To top it off, Chile has an unique and mouth-watering cuisine that you just have to taste to understand! If you haven’t had the chance to travel Chile, or experience traditional Chilean meals, then you’re in luck. LAN Airlines is giving away a 9-day journey to experience the wonders of Chilean cuisine and culture!

Here’s how and why you need to travel to Chile now!

– The Amazing Sights of Chile –

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Chiloe Island

Separated from the Chilean mainland by the Chacao Channel, Chiloe is a wonderful destination that has some great activities to enjoy and some lovely natural scenery to explore.

Kayaking around the coast of the island reveals some wonderful sights, while you can also enjoy a relaxing horseback trek into the wilder areas of the island. For some rustic shopping, the market in the town of Dalcahue is another little gem worth enjoying.

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City Of Valparaiso

This coastal Chilean city developed around one of the most important harbors in South America, a lovely curving bay with steep hills around the shore, and it is on these hills that you will see the network of funicular railways that take people up and down the slopes from the suburban areas on top of the hills.

The UNESCO recognized city is also home to some wonderful colonial architecture, while the annual carnival and the regular craft and food markets are all worth exploring if you are looking for something special.

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The Cosmopolitan Capital – Santiago

Less than an hour from the coast in one direction, and the ski resorts of the Andes in the other, Santiago is a modern city that is often used as a stepping stone to reach other parts of the country, but has plenty to offer in its own right too.

Barrio Lastarria has some lovely parks and a stunning fountain at the Santa Lucia Park, while the bohemian district of Bellavista has a great range of bars and award winning restaurants along with some excellent night life, and the charming and quirky La Chascona property that was home to national icon Pablo Neruda.

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The Maipo Valley

This stunning valley is just a short drive from Santiago, and is home to some of the best wineries in the world, with hundreds of vineyards that produce great wine, with the Cabernet Sauvignon being the trademark tipple produced in this area.

Wine tours are very popular, and some fantastic restaurants have developed in these wineries that allow you to match great food with some of the wonderful local produce.

Casa Real is one of the most interesting estates in the valley and is located on the Santa Rita winery, one of the best and most frequently awarded wine producers in the valley.

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– Getting to Chile with LATAM Airlines –

This new airline group was created in 2012 with the merger of Chile’s LAN Airlines and the Brazilian TAM company to make one of the largest airline companies in South America.

LATAM Airline Group operates a modern and comfortable fleet of Boeing and Airbus airplanes, and has flights into airports across Chile, from destinations as far afield as Los Angeles, Miami, Madrid and Sydney.

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– Win a Mouth Watering Trip to Chile –

Thanks to LAN Airlines and other amazing trip sponsors, the spectacular surroundings and attractions of Chile could be yours to explore, as well as culinary experiences in Chiloe, Valparaiso, Santiago and at the Casa Real over a nine day journey.

Horseback riding, cooking classes, wine tasting, and a private yacht are all on the over-the-top itinerary, so you don’t want to miss this opportunity!

Win a 9-day culinary-focused trip for TWO to Chile!

Talk about the ultimate travel sweepstakes- here is the full list of prizes and experiences you can win:

1. Roundtrip flights for (2) from the United States, via LAN Airlines

2. Two days at an eco-lodge on Chiloé Island- kayaking, visiting the Dalcahue market and horseback riding!

3. A private cooking class and dinner with Carolina Bazán, master chef at Ambrosia in Santiago

4. Two nights at Casa Real, the former landowner’s estate at the Santa Rita winery, located in the Maipo Valley. Wine tasting tour included!

5. Two days at UNESCO port town of Valparaíso

6. Three travel outfits per person from Toad&Co

7. A mixed case of Santa Rita wine- YUM!

8. A $250 gift certificate from Wine.com

9. Travel gear for two from Eagle Creek

[button link=”http://www.lan.com/onlyinsouthamerica/chilealacarte/?utm_source=blondeabroadr&utm_medium=blogpost&utm_campaign=chilealacarte” color=”pink” size=”large” type=”flat” shape=”square” target=”_self” title=”” gradient_colors=”|” gradient_hover_colors=”|” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”1px” shadow=”{{shadow}}” icon=”” icon_divider=”yes” icon_position=”center” modal=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ alignment=”left” class=”” id=””]Enter To Win[/button]

Deadline to Enter: March 4, 2o16 at 11:59 EST

More details and the terms and conditions can also be found on the sweepstakes website!

What’s your dream Chile itinerary?!

This sweepstakes was put together in partnership with LATAM Airlines. As always, the content & opinions expressed here are entirely my own.