Santiago
Carnival in Rio
Carnival in Rio is arguably one of the biggest and most famous parties in the world. This year I let a friend talk me into experiencing it, but to be honest, it took some convincing. Before experiencing it for myself, the images I had in my head were less than positive. I had the impression… Read Full Post
Exploring Chile’s Wine Region in a Day Trip from Santiago
Chile is known internationally for the quality of its wine, and a visit to wine country is a great addition to a visit. There are extensive wine regions throughout the central part of the country. Many visitors have heard of the famed Colchagua Valley, but while Colchagua is an excellent place to spend a couple… Read Full Post
Esteros del Iberá, Argentina’s Wildlife Secret
Many travelers, when considering the best place to view wildlife in South America, immediately think of the Amazon. It is true that the Amazon basin is one of the most bio-diverse places on earth, with a high concentration of diverse species. However, one aspect of visiting the Amazon is that the animals are well camouflaged… Read Full Post
Experience Buenos Aires Like a Porteño: 5 Tips for Enjoying the City
So that we can offer the best possible experience to our clients, the team here at Vaya spends large periods of time researching and exploring the destinations we put together. Buenos Aires is one of my favorite places in all of South America and the place I currently call home. Sure, the economy has more… Read Full Post
Ecuador is the New Name in Artisan Chocolate
When I think about really good chocolate (a not infrequent occurrence), my thoughts tend to drift toward Europe. Belgian chocolate, German chocolate, Italian chocolate: these are the gold standards of fine gourmet confectionery. These countries don’t actually produce the cocoa used in their products, however. Theobroma cacao, the cocoa tree, grows best in very particular… Read Full Post
Zen Birding in Santiago and Central Chile
Keeping a lookout for different bird species where you are traveling can be a good way to stay in the moment, remain conscious of your surroundings and notice nature’s subtle reminders that you are far from home. While Chile doesn’t have as many bird species as some other countries in South America, there are interesting… Read Full Post
Ski Day at Valle Nevado
Although the past few winters have been a bit shaky with low accumulations of snowfall in the mountains surrounding Santiago, Chile, the Andes Mountains generally boast some great ski seasons. This past winter I was able to head up to Valle Nevado Ski resort (less than an hour drive from Santiago) on two separate occasions…. Read Full Post
A guide to shopping in Santiago
Downtown Santiago is about as globalized as it comes in South America, and international brand names abound. Scratch the surface, however, and you’ll also find that there is plenty to buy that is distinctly Chilean. Shopping in Santiago is a very rewarding experience. Lapis lazuli Chile and Afghanistan are only countries in the world with… Read Full Post